Learn what a nail printing machine is, how it works, and why it’s a fast and easy way to get beautiful nail art.
A few months ago, I was scrolling through TikTok, just relaxing. I wasn’t really looking for anything — just enjoying funny videos, makeup tips, and food tricks. Then something caught my attention.
It was a short video of a girl in a salon. She placed her hand under a small machine, and in just a few seconds, her nails came out with beautiful designs. There were flowers, stars, even little faces printed on them. I paused the video and watched it again. Could this be real?
Honestly, I thought it wasn’t.
The design looked too perfect. I told myself it must be edited or fake. But I kept seeing more videos. People were using the same kind of machine at home and in salons. Some even printed pictures from their phones onto their nails.
I wanted to see it for myself.
So one weekend, I went to a salon near me. I asked the lady, “Do you have that nail printer?” She smiled and showed me a small white box on the table. It looked simple, like a small speaker. She said I could try it.
She gave me a tablet to choose a design. I picked a rose. Then she placed my finger inside the machine and tapped the screen. The machine moved over my nail. In seconds, the rose appeared — neat, colourful, and clear.
I was surprised.
It looked just like the picture. No smudge, no mistake. It didn’t feel like a sticker. It was printed directly on my nail.
That was the moment I believed it.
Now, let me explain what a nail printing machine is, how it works, and why people are talking about it.
What Is a Nail Printing Machine?
A nail printing machine is a small device that prints pictures, patterns, or designs directly onto your nails. It works just like a regular printer, but instead of paper, it prints on fingernails.
These machines are becoming more popular in salons and even for home use. Some are large and used by professionals. Others are small and can fit on a table at home.
The best part? You don’t need to be good at drawing or painting. The machine does everything for you. You simply pick a design, place your finger inside, and it prints the art on your nail — fast and neatly.
How Does a Nail Printer Work?
Here’s how it usually works:
Pick a Design
Most nail printers come with a screen or are connected to a mobile app. You can choose from hundreds of designs — flowers, cartoons, text, photos, or custom art.Place Your Finger in the Machine
Once your nail is ready (usually with a base coat), you place your finger inside the printer. It’s just like placing paper inside a printer.The Machine Scans Your Nail
The machine checks the size and shape of your nail to make sure the design fits properly.It Starts Printing
In just a few seconds, the design is printed right on your nail. The colors are bright, and the lines are sharp.Dry and Finish
After printing, the nail may need a top coat to seal the design and make it last longer.
And that’s it. You walk out with nails that look like they were done by a top artist — but the machine did all the work.
Why Do People Love Nail Printing Machines?
People love these machines because they save time, look amazing, and offer more choices than regular nail art. Here are a few reasons:
Fast: It takes only seconds to print a nail.
Neat: No smudges, no shaky hands.
Creative: You can use your own pictures or custom text.
Fun: Great for parties, salons, or just trying new styles.
Even kids and teenagers are using them at home with the help of apps.
Types of Nail Printing Machines
Not all nail printers are the same. Some are made for salons, while others are made for people to use at home. Let’s look at the most common types:
1. Professional Nail Printers
These are big machines that you will often see in nail salons. They have more features, more design choices, and they print faster. Some also come with their own screen and tablet.
Used by: Salons or nail technicians
Price: More expensive
Good for: People who want high-quality results and many styles
2. Home Nail Printers
These are smaller and cheaper machines that anyone can use at home. Most of them connect to your phone using an app.
Used by: Regular users at home
Price: More affordable
Good for: DIY nail lovers, teenagers, and beginners
3. Phone-Connected Printers
These are newer and very popular. You just download an app, choose your design on your phone, and the printer does the rest.
Used by: Anyone with a smartphone
Price: Mid-range
Good for: People who like custom designs and easy setup
Nail Printing Machine Prices (Including in Nigeria)
How much does a nail printing machine cost?
The price depends on the brand, size, and features of the machine. Below is a simple guide:
| Type | Price (USD / ₦) |
|---|
| Home Use Nail Printer | $100 – $300 / ₦150,000 – ₦450,000 |
| Phone-App Nail Printer | $200 – $400 / ₦300,000 – ₦600,000 |
| Professional Nail Printer | $500 – $2,000+ / ₦750,000 – ₦3,000,000+ |
Things to consider:
Some machines come with free designs
You may need ink cartridges or special nail polish
Some prices include a full kit, others don’t
You can buy a nail printing machine from online shops or beauty stores. In Nigeria, many people use websites like Jumia and Konga, or visit beauty equipment shops in cities like Lagos and Abuja.
If you’re also interested in fashion and printing designs on clothes, you should read about Sublimation Printing — it’s becoming popular in Nigeria’s fashion world. Here’s why it might be perfect for you.
How to Use a Nail Printing Machine (Step-by-Step)
Using a nail printing machine is easier than you think. You don’t need to be a nail expert or artist. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Get Your Nails Ready
Wash your hands and trim your nails. You can also push back your cuticles. If needed, file your nails to the shape you like.
Step 2: Apply Base Coat
Before printing, you need to apply a base coat. This helps the design stick well to your nail. Some machines work better when you use a white or light-colored base.
Let it dry for a few minutes.
Step 3: Turn On the Machine
Plug in the machine or turn it on if it uses batteries. Some machines need to be connected to a phone or tablet.
Step 4: Pick Your Design
Choose the design you like. This can be from the machine’s screen or from a mobile app. Some apps even let you upload your own photo.
You can choose flowers, cartoons, patterns, text, or anything you want.
Step 5: Put Your Finger in the Printer
Carefully place your finger into the machine. Make sure your nail is in the right spot. The machine may scan your nail size first.
Step 6: Start Printing
Press the print button. The machine will move back and forth over your nail and print the design. It takes just a few seconds.
Step 7: Apply Top Coat
After printing, apply a top coat to protect the design and make it last longer. This also gives your nail a shiny finish.
Let it dry fully.
And that’s it! Your nails are now done with a cool printed design — clean, fast, and beautiful.
Benefits of Using a Nail Printing Machine
Many people are now using nail printing machines at home and in salons. Here are some of the top reasons why people love them:
1. Saves Time
Printing a design on your nail takes just a few seconds. You don’t need to sit for hours like with traditional nail art.
2. Easy to Use
You don’t need any special skill. Anyone can use it — just pick a design and press print.
3. So Many Designs
Nail printers give you hundreds of styles to choose from. Flowers, cartoons, photos, or even your name — the choices are endless.
4. Looks Professional
The final look is neat, clean, and professional. It looks like you went to a top salon, even if you did it at home.
5. Great for Business
Salons that use nail printers can serve more customers quickly and offer more design options. It can help them make more money.
6. Less Messy
There’s no paint spill, no shaky hand mistakes, and no smudges. The machine does all the work.
7. Custom Nail Art
You can print your own photos or designs on your nails — even selfies or logos.
8. Good for Special Events
Need your nails to match your dress for a party or wedding? Just print the same color or design. It’s simple and smart.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some simple answers to questions many people ask about nail printing machines.
Can I use a nail printer at home?
Yes. Many nail printers are made for home use. They are small and easy to use with your phone.
Is a nail printing machine safe?
Yes, it is safe. It does not hurt your nails. Just follow the instructions and use the right base and top coat.
How long does printed nail art last?
With a good top coat, printed nail art can last up to 7–10 days without fading. It also depends on how you care for your nails.
Can I print photos on my nails?
Yes. Many machines let you upload your own pictures and print them on your nails. It’s fun and personal.
Do I need special polish for the machine?
Some machines need a special base coat or top coat. Others work with regular polish. Check the machine’s manual before use.
Where can I buy a nail printing machine?
You can buy it online from:
Before You Go…
When I first saw a nail printing machine on TikTok, I thought it was fake. But after trying it myself, I saw how easy, fast, and fun it was. It gave me perfect nails in just seconds, and I didn’t even need to draw anything.
Now, I tell everyone — from my friends to salon owners — that nail printers are the future of nail art.
You don’t need to be a nail expert. You don’t need to spend hours doing designs by hand. The machine does it all for you.
Try It Yourself Today
If you’ve never tried a nail printing machine, now is a great time to start.
You can buy one online or find a salon near you that has it.
Try printing your favorite photo, cartoon, or flower.
See how easy it is to get perfect nails in minutes.
If you found this article helpful, share it with your friends or someone who loves nail art. You never know — they might thank you later.