TECH FOR Techs

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

NailBuff founders, Kam & Harpreet.

Do you wish that the decision-making process for nail colour at each appointment was quicker and easier? Indecisive clients and those requesting a specific shade can prove time-consuming, and the NailBuff app seeks to change that – via digital nail hue inventories for businesses and a tool that matches nail colours to images. Conceptualised by Harpreet Birdi, the app has had over 7,500 downloads since 2019 and found popularity in the USA, UK and beyond.

When Harpreet undertook training to qualify as a nail tech, her friend had recently set up a company helping entrepreneurs to build and grow apps. While discussing their work, Harpreet came up with the idea for NailBuff, and launched the app with support from her sister, Kam. Their team now includes developers, a marketing expert and a technical advisor. “I wanted to create something revolutionary that seamlessly merges beauty and technology,” Harpreet tells Scratch. “The difficulty of finding nail shades showcased in magazines and editorial shoots was frustrating to me. Nail technicians weren’t getting the same credit as other beauty professionals, so often nail shades went unmentioned and were hard to find.”

Designed to solve this issue, NailBuff benefits both nail enthusiasts and techs. Pros can create a free account on the app, with no hidden costs, and list their services, location, contact details and nail colour inventory. “This allows clients to see what a tech has in stock before appointments, saving time and streamlining their experiences,” Harpreet continues. “NailBuff offers nail businesses visibility, with potential clients able to search for pros based on their services and products. Techs can also stay ahead of trends with access to shades from editorials and social media, via in-app adverts.”

She adds: “NailBuff is a discovery platform, giving exposure to a wide range of nail brands.” Its focus is on nail polishes, from brands such as CNDTM , OPI, Essie, Bio Sculpture, Jessica and Kure Bazaar, and the CND ShellacTM gel polish range is also included. Nail brands are encouraged to make contact, with available collaborations including promotions and giveaways. There is also an opportunity for content co-creation, in forms such as inspirational nail art looks, tutorials, user-generated content and interviews with brand ambassadors. Harpreet continues: “Our most recent partnership is with Kinetics Nail Systems, and allows users to purchase its nail polishes directly through the app. We’re looking to implement this for more brands.”

Nail enthusiasts who create a NailBuff account can curate a wishlist and catalogue of their favourite nail brands and products. “With the app’s colour selection tool, users can simply swipe across their screens to see nail colours change in real time, which is a fun and effortless way to pick shades,” Harpreet details. “Additionally, they can upload an image, for example of an outfit, shoes or even a car, and the app will suggest matching nail colours.”

The entrepreneur opens up about the process of building NailBuff, describing it as challenging without a technology background. However, it was a learning experience for her and the app’s initial developers, who didn’t know much about the nail industry. “They became impressively knowledgeable about nail polishes,” Harpreet smiles. “In the beginning, most nail brands didn’t have digital swatches, so we encouraged them to create them. Technology moves fast, and we have had to pivot to ensure the app is relevant and refined.”

“Users can upload an image, for example of an outfit, shoes or even a car, and the app will suggest matching nail colours.”

The NailBuff team has plans to expand the app’s offerings and enhance the shopping experience. “We are also looking to build our community through events, and are preparing to launch the Android version of the app this summer, along with some cool augmented reality (AR) features,” Harpreet reveals. Is this the future of nail shade selection? NailBuff’s extremely positive feedback from nail enthusiasts and pros might just prove that it is.