Meet the microchip mani: beauty tech that turns nails into business cards

You may have seen articles about microchip or NFC nails and wondered what in the Black Mirror is going on.

Let’s go back to basics – what is NFC? This is an acronym for near-field communication: a technology that allows the exchange of small amounts of data between two electronic devices, such as mobile phones, over a distance of 4cm or less. What does this have to do with nails? Well, nail enthusiasts are encapsulating NFC chips within nail overlays, enhancements and press-ons – linking these to digital destinations of their choice.

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The benefits

“I believe that NFC nails have become popular due to advancements in technology,” explains session nail artist, Lori Howe of @formerbabynails. “NFC chips are so tiny now, that it’s easy to apply them.” The tech uses two types of chip: one that can be encrypted with data, such as an online link, and the other is a light that turns on when Lori’s phone is unlocked.

“In my opinion, the main benefit of NFC nails is their networking opportunities,” Lori continues. “Paper business cards are no longer needed, as you can simply tap nails on a phone and share information. I also love when people compliment my nails and I can show them that they light up. It’s a fun conversation starter.”

So, what does the future hold for this nail niche? “I think that as technology advances, NFC tags will be able to hold more data,” Lori shares.

Top tip: “Be careful when detaching NFC chips during the nail removal process,” says Lori Howe. “The chips can be very delicate, so be cautious to not file too aggressively.”

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Tech tale

Hannah Turbine of Brighton salon, Gellraiser, has experimented with NFC nails, crafting a 3D, silver chrome style (shown at the top of this article) and encapsulating a chip that took smartphone users to the pro’s Instagram page. “I was inspired by my desire to merge digital interactivity with nail design,” she shares. “To complete the futuristic feel, I created a metallic, almost armoured finish. The result was a striking, high-tech manicure that not only showcased my art, but acted as a digital business card.”

Hannah believes that nail techs could greatly benefit from incorporating NFC chips into nail looks, and found her own NFC nail experience fun and straightforward, explaining:

“Many clients receive compliments about their nails, so having an NFC chip embedded allows them to instantly share their technicians’ online profiles.”

She continues: “This makes it easy for potential clients to connect with nail artists, avoiding the hassle of remembering details or keeping business cards.”

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Brand spotlight

Leah Winberg (known pseudonymously as Winny.eth) saw NFC nails on TikTok a few years ago, and was inspired to use her education in fashion and computer science to experiment with the beauty tech. She has found success with her NFC-embedded press-on nail brand, Chipped.

“The nails connect to an app, which is essentially a profile card – featuring a bio and links to social pages for each user and allowing them to save connections,” she reveals. Both thumbnails in Chipped’s press-on sets feature NFC chips.

“We live dual lives between online and real life, and NFC nails embody this connection,” notes Leah. “I think nails are the point of contact for being able to do insanely cool things, and we’re just at the beginning.”

Leah details that NFC technology shouldn’t be something that worries people: “It is known and so much less scary than technology such as AI, as we use it every day for contactless payments.”

Find out more via www.chippedsocial.com. The Chipped Social app is available on the App Store.

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Lead imagery courtesy of @gellraiser