Nail industry expert: here’s the problem with AI-generated nail designs

We’ve all seen them: every nail shaped like it was designed in a factory with no cuts, dry skin or missing bits of sidewalls. We’re seeing a wave of AI-generated nail designs across social media, and it makes me feel so uncomfortable.

That set you were proud of yesterday doesn’t feel good enough anymore, so you decide not to post it, even though it is fantastic. These false images get saved and shared, and because they’re so smooth and perfect, they do well on social media. But remember, they are NOT created with clients in mind; they aren’t real!

They haven’t been applied on a client who is messing on their phone, or a client who’s 15 minutes late, or whose nails haven’t survived three weeks of school runs, gym sessions and more.

They’re computer-made images – not a reflection of your skill, training or growth.

I’m seeing more and more nail techs, especially newer ones, panicking about falling behind and thinking they’re not as skilled as what they’re seeing online. Feedback I get from my mentees is that they feel like their content isn’t getting traction unless it’s filtered or ‘perfect’, and it’s causing a confidence crisis in a world already full of comparison. Even experienced techs are feeling it.

Here’s what AI can’t do:

AI is clever – but it’s not you.

How can we eliminate these feelings?

We can educate each other, talk about it and share real nails. We can make sure that newer techs know that their worth isn’t tied to a trending image online. We can remind our audience (and ourselves) that perfection isn’t the goal. Real life and client satisfaction is! That is our bread and butter. We can remember that a robot cannot replace the energy and effort we bring to every single appointment.

If you’re feeling like you need some reassurance, please reach out. There’s a range of different ways to connect with me: from my monthly membership to 1-1 workshops and mentoring. You are not alone, always remember that.

See you next month!