The American Journal of Engineering and Technology
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TYPE
Original Research
PAGE NO.
49-56
10.37547/tajet/Volume07Issue04-07
OPEN ACCESS
SUBMITED
26 February 2025
ACCEPTED
22 March 2025
PUBLISHED
08 April 2025
VOLUME
Vol.07 Issue04 2025
CITATION
Yana Pidhorna. (2025). The Evolution of The Manicure Business: From
Traditional Methods to The Use of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. The
American Journal of Engineering and Technology, 7(04), 49
–
56.
https://doi.org/10.37547/tajet/Volume07Issue04-07
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
The Evolution of The
Manicure Business: From
Traditional Methods to
The Use of Artificial
Intelligence and Robotics
Yana Pidhorna
Easy Beauty Space,
Bachelor’s degree in Manager of Socio
-Cultural
Activities and Show Business, CEO,
San Diego, CA, USA
Abstract:
The paper gives a profound evolution of the
business of Manicure Development. It started from the
transformation of the manual traditional techniques to
the use of technological solutions in the present day.
The paper also depicts the original historical background
from the civilization of ancient Egyptian and Chinese,
manicure popularization in the twentieth century up to
the current time of copious use of automation, artificial
intelligence, and robotics within the industry. It centers
the discussion on the change that technology is bringing
into the beauty industry with promises to make services
more efficient, accessible, and personalized to redefine
the customer experience. The paper basically
summarizes the main stages in the development of
classical methods through electric tools, software for
salon management, and the most recent state-of-the-
art innovation.
The study aims to explore the influences of up-to-date
technologies on the business of manicure, tracking
changes that occur due to automation and artificial
intelligence, compare them with traditional methods,
and put forward, if it is possible, the improved quality
and works due to better productivity of services. The
relevance comes from the breathtaking speed that
changes the beauty business with technology use to
optimize processes and satisfy increased demands from
customers for more individual experiences. What is new
in this article is an extended comparative presentation
of historical references with a contemporary view of
technological trends, which enables one to spotlight the
main driving forces of movement in the sphere of
beauty and make reasoned forecasts.
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Beauty industry specialists and manicurists would find
the article quite practical since it gives practical ideas
on how to apply technologies that would leverage
competitiveness
and
the
level
of
service.
Entrepreneurs would find the work capable of
shedding light on market trends and innovation
incentives in the manicure business. The examples of
the use of AI and robotics will inspire technologists and
developers to create new solutions.
Keywords:
manicure,
automation,
artificial
intelligence, robotics, personalization of services, salon
management, social networks, history of manicure,
nail art.
Introduction:
It had a rich history dating back to places
like Egypt, Babylonia, and India where nail art was
initially considered a symbol of wealth and higher
status. Egyptian mummies found with gilded nails are
a testimony of this or the earliest known Chinese nail
varnish back in 3000 bc e. Further democratization
occurred with modern manicure, introduced by Revlon
in 1932 and quite rough at that [1]. The revenue in the
Nails market worldwide for now amounts to
US$12.99bn, while in average, each person worldwide
generates US$1.66 in revenue in the Nails market in
2025 [9]. In it, there would be leading nail artists and
salons defining creativity over the can of worms known
as self-expression through codes, identity, and
whatnot.
The place of studying dynamics of the nail business
transformation influenced by technology relates to
enormous changes that modern innovations render in
the beauty industry as a whole. Technological
innovations like process automation, and AI vastly
change service delivery, making it more efficient,
accessible, and customizable than was previously
imaginable. Changes don't only relate to the
operational side of the business as well as customer
interaction
—
that's why the topic is so relevant for
understanding how the industry changes through
innovation.
In a broad conception of the beauty industry,
technology contributes to rationalizing processes and
enhancing the quality of services. For instance,
automated processes imply the application of robotic
systems in conducting procedures such as that of a
manicure. Clockwork, one of the robotic manicure
systems, performs a manicure in ten minutes,
compared to a manual process that might typically
take up to thirty or even sixty minutes [2]. This greatly
enhances productivity, reduces operating costs, and
broadens the possibility of service availability among a
larger group of people, maintaining consistency of
quality by virtually eliminating human error.
Artificial intelligence is also at the forefront of
transforming the beauty industry
—
nail business
included
—
through data analytics and service
personalization. With AI, such vast details pertain to
customer preferences, purchases, and market trends,
predicting the need for specific services and products is
placed at an easy disposal. For instance, companies like
NARS Cosmetics develop products based on AI analytics
of customer data. Therefore, in the nail sector, this
becomes possible to forecast which colors of polish or
design styles are in demand, thus benefiting the salons
by optimizing their inventories and offering current
solutions.
This, in turn, translates to higher convenience and ease
of reaching the service, with the offering being newly
facilitated by home devices like the Nimble robot, which
can serve professional manicures at home [4]. Very
typical of the modern pace of life, in which consumers
realize the value of their time. Therefore, in the long
run, because business processes are redefined under
the modern beauty industry concept, the very same
customer experience helps bring into sharp focus this
need to study its impact on the segment of nails as a part
of the general trend.
MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY
Research methodology is an in-depth approach to
studying manicure from the past to the present high-
tech industry based on history, culture, technology, and
market with All sources in historical transformation
were prerequisites from the time of henna application
in Ancient Egypt as a status symbol. to nail art
popularized by pop culture (Cardi B) and social networks
[1, 6] Technological roboticization cases are Nimble
robot for home manicure [4]; AI starts in the beauty
industry with virtual testing of designs and trend
forecasting [3]. Market data [6, 8] supplement product
safety analysis [7]. The methods are the Comparative
analysis, critical assessment of media information [2, 4],
and Scientific information [7] and consideration Ethical
repercussions due to automation [2].
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Techniques of a classical manicure based on the manual
method of nail preparation and the use of simple tools
emdiv the principles of a traditional approach to nail
care, which are in demand to this day [5]. This set of
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procedures is a complex performed manually by a
master without the use of complicated electrical
devices. It is the process of preparing the nail plate and
cuticle with simple tools like metal files, scissors,
tweezers, and wooden sticks. It begins with the
preparation of the nail and includes cleaning and
removal of the old coat if any. The cuticle is processed
next; back cutting or trimming should be done very
precisely to avoid any skin injury. The last stages
involve working with the nail plate; filing it and making
it shiny plus applying lacquer if needed [5]. This is an
approach through which the master can pay attention
to the respective peculiar features of the nail condition
of the client, and give a personal result.
The outcome is mainly dependent on the skill and
experience of the manicurist. Such quality fluctuation
may occur particularly
when working
with
inexperienced manpower. Notwithstanding this,
manual nail procedures are continuously updating by
incorporating such items as safe nail polish and
antiseptic coatings on tools that take the comfort and
hygiene of the procedure to a point higher than before.
Manicurists facilitate the service process as chief
executors
—
their professionalism and experience
influence the quality and end result of the manicure.
They engage in all procedures, like preparing the nails,
coating, and creative design
—
steps that require not
only technical skills but also the ability to fulfill the
individual requirements of customers. The aesthetic
result and customer satisfaction directly depend on the
quality of the master’s work.
A great advantage that the manicurists have is that
they deliver their services based on the desire of the
clientele in order to make sure that the services are
custom-made to fit their needs. This is true even more
today with the rising demand for personal services. As
evidenced by [6]: An influx of services on-demand has
entered the nail salon industry for last-mile delivery,
with customers ordering through an app and having
nail technicians come to them. The creativity of the
practitioners also has created opportunities for them
to develop special designs that meet the aesthetic
expectations of the clientele and clearly differentiate
manual
labor
from
automated
technologies.
Nonetheless, the advantages are joined by downsides
regarding the consumption of time and involving the
human factor.
A new technology to emerge into the business of
modern nail styling will constitute a reactionary leap in
innovation, substantiating or contradicting olden
manual ways possibly articulated some sections back
throughout the piece discussing manual approaches
and masters. Automated implements have stamped
alterations into the manicure practice hike up its
efficacy and quality. The e-file starts offering impeccable
or much quicker nail treatment, presenting an evolving
time to work with, and reduces the danger for the
vectors of very different stimuli for some harm to the
surface of the nail plate. Said ultraviolet lamp, also
supposed to dry out the varnish and more particularly
the gel-varnish quicker, reduces customer waiting time.
Indeed, the application of the latter enumerated tools
shortens the duration of the service as determined by
the above-mentioned authors [7].
The development of software for salon management,
online scheduling, and CRM systems can also be noted
among the key factors behind the modernization of the
industry. Booking online makes it easier to book
appointments and will enable customers to choose
convenient slots without involving the staff which
decreases the work reference of staff and optimizes
work schedules. CRM systems collect and analyze
customer data, including information about their
browsing history and preferences; it opens an
opportunity to provide personalized services and
improve quality as well.
The next promising area of manicure business
development is through social networks and online
platforms. Instagram and Facebook indeed give space
for visualization of works, reviews posting, or
implementation, for example, of targeted advertising
campaigns to draw in new clients and, simultaneously,
to maintain footfall. In shaping the reputation of the
salon, the internet reviews become a major brand.
Beauty parlors use the most active social channel [6]
—
Instagram: 68% for an account. This is visible in Figure 1.
This unquestionably draws attention to digital
instruments in the escalating competitive competition
of the beauty business, where effectiveness in customer
relations stands at a high premium.
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Fig. 1. Statistics on the use of Instagram and Facebook as a social channel [6]
The introduction of artificial intelligence to the nail
business is a leap forward in the evolution of the
industry based on previously set technological
milestones. Having transcended the transition from
traditional to data-driven methodologies, AI has
increasingly become an ally in the quest to optimize
processes and make enterprises more customer-
centric while balancing that ambition with a pledge to
remain competitive amidst market dynamism. This
part discusses the three major thematic areas of AI
application in the nail sector: data analysis for demand
prediction, customization of proposals to customers,
and automation of monotonous operations, each
contributing to effectiveness and representing typical
tendencies of personalization and automation in the
contemporary beauty industry at large.
Demand forecasting is one of the principal boons of AI
in nails. Companies will be able to predict the popularity
of some particular nail polish color, nail design, or
services based on sales history, seasonality, and present
social media trends; with the help of machine learning
algorithms, this feature will be easily available to them.
More specifically, AI can offer specific insights into
which shades are popular at specific periods, say
seasons or major holidays or events such as fashion
weeks. Such information can influence inventory since
market revenues are depicted to increase (Figure 2) and
salons and stores would then prefer to purchase
suitable products and
quantities to minimize costs and avoid overproduction.
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Fig. 2. Dynamics of revenue growth in the manicure industry market [3]
The other major use of AI is in the personalization of
offers for customers, which will be more and more
important in the beauty industry. Analyzing the
customer data
—
browsing history plus the condition of
the nails, skin tone, or preferences in the individual
style
—
helps AI systems take up personalized design,
care, or product recommendations. This way, the
customers will be more satisfied and loyal since they
get services that fit them best. For example, artificial
intelligence will see to it that the customer is given a
choice of designs that match the skin tone or
recommends skincare treatment based on the nail
plate condition.
It simplifies a lot of work automation of routine tasks
available in the operation of a nail salon. It manages
schedules assists with customer queries and even
processes payments, allowing the craftsmen to be
apparently involved in more creative work. For
instance, an automated answering bot will promptly
respond with the current pricing, availability, or types
of service while there is the optimization of peak hours
and technician capturing typical scheduling systems in
place to ensure minimized waiting duration.
Robotics in the nail industry is one more giant stride in
the beauty technology development ladder following
the applications of artificial intelligence reviewed
above. The introduction of robots automates
processes that have always been done manually, such
as applying polish and nail polish. An instance is the
Clockwork robot that was created in San Francisco [2].
This device applies artificial intelligence algorithms and
3D scanning to evaluate the shape and size of the nails
to facilitate accurate polish application. The whole
process consumes less than 10 minutes, far much
quicker than the traditional period of manicure, which
lies between 30 and 60 minutes. Another example is for
the Nimble robot, which is assigned for home use [4].
The machine can also apply professional nail polish and
treatment. This gives more and more people ever-
stronger abilities to do their own manicures, all without
ever setting foot in a salon. These devices really help to
show just what a future wearable machine for the nail
hostelry can do, coming with an automated solution for
fundamental procedures.
Robots enable one to speed up the process and make it
more precise and less dependent on the human factor
than before. For instance, a manicure performed by a
Clockwork robot lasts for only 10 minutes, which is 3
–
6
times faster than the time taken for a master with high
skills performing the same task depending on the
complexity of the task [2]. The 3D scanners and artificial
intelligence algorithms make the system almost error-
proof in applying varnish and nail processing. The client
has a special requirement of nail shape and size, or
demands intricate designs with a high level of detail,
which make accuracy extremely authoritative. As for the
human factor, quality variability
—
something typical for
manual labor and dependent on the worker's
experience, fatigue, or subjective qualities
—
will
disappear.
Quality and accessibility of the manicure services
through the use of robotics are varied. Robots help to
raise the quality by making it more standardized and
therefore more predictable to customers who expect
predictable results, for example, through making it fully
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possible to avoid common pitfalls, such as problems
with polish application and differences in the
treatment of nails between appointments. The
accessible option presumes that spread and brought
closer service possibilities can be made available for an
introduction of robots. Nimble will be able to make the
professional manicure at home; installation of
Clockwork, a compact robot, in public places such as
shopping malls, airports, and offices brings accessibility
to the time-poor user. And this will happen especially
if there has not been the use of salons by their using
public on account of their very busy schedules.
However, the robots are still not able to perform well
in complex creative assignments like providing
individual nail art, which still need human input in
some parts of the sector.
Another direction of the development of nail service is
the manicure business connected which involves
further robotization and integration of AI and VR into
the process. Robotics has already introduced massive
changes in the industry by automating the process of
nail polish application and even processing nails. This
will help to do the process faster and with higher
accuracy. With the AI system in place, it will be easier
to evaluate data about the customer to respond to
personalize treatment and predict the required design
or nail polish color. Meanwhile, consumption of such
services on an increasing interest in personalized nail
solutions makes higher demands on the quality of the
customer experience so innovations in nail design can
now be pre-visualized. The technologies exist and create
synergy by changing the approach to service delivery in
the beauty industry.
A really potential area for the development of new
things in the nail industry would be 3D printing of nail
designs. This technology allows for the creation of
design elements that low-skilled nail professionals were
never able to produce, either because there were no
ready-to-use appropriate materials or because highly
skilled design artists were required. One of the
possibilities is the ability to make artificial nails with
individual patterns, textures, or even three-dimensional
surface details-imprint designs or miniature statuettes.
It opens up completely unthought-of before creative
horizons, which appeals to clientele that much more
craves individual solutions. Also, this can be preceded by
the implementation of 3D printing with virtual reality to
view and change designs first in virtual space, which will
be more pleasing to the clients and streamlined in the
consulting system.
In the next few years, manicure will grow dynamically
due to the full-fledged use of technological solutions,
which, in turn, will make sustainable development and
diversification within the industry possible. The global
market volume of Nail Care Products is estimated at
$25.76 billion in 2025, and $36.27 billion in 2032 (Figure
3). The data gives market growth.
Fig. 3. Growth dynamics of the nail care products market [8]
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Such is the acceleration of the rise by a buildup of the
increase in demand for traditional services and
incoming innovations, robotic and of AI. An ultimate
salon, where both robots will carry out simple
processes and challenging designs and the AI shall
manage the business processes, marketing campaigns,
and logistics instantiations. Thus, the future of the nail
industry involves an unceasing series of technological
improvements, preferences for customization and
increased efficiency to make it possible to reshape it
and adjust to the changing dynamics in the demand
and supply conditions; also the future of the nail
industry will better adapt to customer preferences.
CONCLUSION
Evolution of the nail business
–
from traditional craft to
modern, high-tech industry
At one time, manicure depended on human skill and
simple tools. Over time, electric devices crept into nail
services, including nail files and drying lamps, which
made the process more accurate and faster. Much
later, salons transitioned into using software for
recording clients as well as other modalities of
business, which they found very useful. As for the
present moment, we already know that robots and
artificial intelligence are heavily used in the manicure
industry; machines apply varnish and designs in a
consistent manner, which is fast.
Such innovations have a direct impact on services and
customer convenience: imperfections of humans are
erased by robots through an error-free procedure that
is far more predictable. AI helps determine
personalized services for each customer based on his
tastes, and VR shows what the final outcome of a nail
paint would look like. This makes the process
convenient and interesting for the people themselves
and more operational for the businesses.
The future of the nail business is the constant change
that new technologies bring. Robots may be given even
more tasks, and maybe there could be salons where
machines do everything. Design selection through
virtual reality or remote consultation with an artist
through it will be some of the common services. 3D
printing and similar technologies will open new gates
to limitless creativity in creating unconventional
decorations on nails. With time, it may develop into a
system where customers, artists and technology are
closely related without unnecessary hassles, which will
in turn further enhance the nail business.
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