While 2017 was a revolutionary year in the comeback of dipping powders and the introduction of a new form of sculpting gels packaged in tubes, 2018 seems to be rather quiet in terms of innovation. Some marketers are waiting to capitalize on their profits with their newly introduced product lines across these two product forms, while others are still evaluating their success.
The dipping powder trend picked up toward the end of 2016 and continues to be a mainstay in 2018, with most established and smaller brands now including it in their portfolio. However, major stalwarts, such as Orly and CND, still do not offer dipping powders but rather focus on new, improved gel and long-wear nail polish lines introductions.
Orly, which is well known for its nail lacquers with easy availability in the retail channel, focuses on strengthening and expanding its gels portfolio with the introduction of the GELFX Builder In A Bottle, an all-in-one product that allows nail technicians of all skill levels to sculpt and extend nails. The soak-off sculpting gel is a self-leveling formula that allows for effortless application with easy control to deliver lightweight yet flexible extensions with a balance of soft and hard gels.
CND begins 2018 with the newly reinvented Vinylux line, having undergone a reformulation with the inclusion of the Caring Complex — an infusion of keratin, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. The revamped Vinylux line also features a new, Italian-designed ergonomic brush for smooth and easy application.
CND also introduces Shellac Luxe, a two-step gel polish system that claims 14+ days of wear and high-gloss shine and a 60-second removal process that causes no damage to the nails. The new product line is available in 65 shades, with 15 new hues that are exclusive to the Shellac Luxe product line.
Sculpting tubular gels is another trend that is gaining attention. Such products began to erupt at the close of 2017 with Gelish pioneering the way via the Gelish Polygel, which was followed by other launches in the form of IBD Control Gel, Artistic Putty, and Gel II 4D Gel. These high-viscosity gels packaged in tubes are a blend of technology from oligomers and polymers called tri-polymer and require lesser filing than traditional acrylics and provide a quicker sculpted or overlay nail. Other new brands to join the bandwagon in 2018 include Joya Mia Onyx Acrylic Gel, Entity Studio One Contouring Gel, Christrio Sculpture Gel, Luxa Matrix Sculpting Gel, Tammy Taylor Sculpt, and Artisan Professional FlexGel.
Established marketers are still patiently measuring the success of dipping powder systems, waiting to ascertain if they’re just a fad or a long-lasting trend – and if it’s worth investing in the introduction of a sculpting tubular gel.
The 2018 edition of our annual Professional Nail Care: Global Market Brief study will shine a spotlight on the latest developments, key trends, and new product introductions, helping marketers to assess new business opportunities and make more informed business decisions. The analysis will cover nail polishes, gels, care products, and nail enhancements sold and used in nail salons and will feature country snapshots of key markets such as the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, China, and Japan.
