TECH FOR Techs

REBECCA HITCHON gets the scoop on high-tech launches, decodes hot topics & sources tech-savvy tips for your business

The microchip mani

You may have seen articles about microchip or NFC nails and wondered what in the Black Mirror is going on. This dystopian-sounding innovation isn’t new: a quick Reddit search brings up a channel from 10 years ago, where a user showcases an ‘NFC nail sticker’ that flashes when they receive a call.

But first, 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, just like the Reddit user did a decade ago, nail enthusiasts are encapsulating NFC chips within nail overlays, enhancements and press-ons – linking these to digital destinations of their choice.

Lori Howe

Photographed by Sean Behr

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.”

Lori believes that NFC nails are a natural market progression. “Nail design and technology are well matched, because nail art is pushing limits now more than ever. It makes sense that microchips would be incorporated,” she comments.

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. I’m also hoping a simpler way will become available to transmit signals,” Lori shares. “I’m excited to see the NFC creations of other nail artists!”

Ruby Hammer MBE

2025 TECH TREND

“AI will continue to have a future [in 2025], whether to show shade choices through real-time visualisation, giving identity in the metaverse or advanced social media filtering,” shares Ruby Hammer MBE, make-up artist, beauty expert & founder of Ruby Hammer Beauty in The Tape Agency 2025 Trend Forecast. “The digital aesthetic allows people to be seen how they want to be seen, whether that is with smoother skin, edgier styling or as a younger version of themselves.”

NFC-embedded nails by Lori Howe.

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

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. With encouragement from friends, she began exploring how press-ons could harness NFC technology.

Leah Winberg

Fast forward to today, and Leah has found success with her NFC-embeddedd 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. “User experience and safety are prioritised. Next, we’re seeing how we can foster these connections further through group chats, messaging and collaborative rewards.”

Both thumbnails in Chipped’s press-on sets feature NFC chips, and the brand offers four fun nail designs. “I often think about how I wasn’t allowed to wear nail polish at school, but nail design is such a valuable part of an identity,” notes Leah. “We live dual lives between online and real life. NFC nails embody this connection and align with the future of fashion and technology. I think nails are the point of contact for being able to do insanely cool things, and we’re just at the beginning.

“Chipped opens the door for getting comfortable with technology and using it for fun,” Leah adds. “Also, the tech industry is centred around men, but via Chipped, we’ve built an incredible community of passionate women.”

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. NFCs can be hard to source, annoying to encode and confusing to install, but Chipped handles all of that.”

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

“NFC technology is known and so much less scary than technology such as AI, as we use it every day for contactless payments.”

Hannah Turbine

Tech tale

Hannah Turbine of Brighton salon, Gellraiser, experimented with NFC nails in April, crafting a 3D, silver chrome style and encapsulating a chip that took smartphone users to the pro’s Instagram page. “I was inspired by my love for modern technology and desire to merge digital interactivity with nail design,” she shares. “To complete the futuristic feel, I created a metallic, almost armoured finish using jewellery, chrome powder and 3D gel. 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. “Many clients receive compliments about their nails, so having an NFC chip embedded allows them to instantly share their technicians’ online profiles,” she explains. “This makes it easy for potential clients to connect with nail artists, avoiding the hassle of remembering details or keeping business cards. It is a seamless way for techs to grow their client bases.”

Images courtesy of Instagram.com/gellraiser