Top 8 Best Nail Printers for Your Small Salon Business in 2023

Published Sept. 21, 2023

We have been painting our nails with different colors ever since the time of the Pharaohs. And in today’s modern world, it comes as no surprise that nail painting has evolved. It became a distinct art, making way for a booming nail business and industry. In recent years, another invention has come to revolutionize it. It is a nail printer. 

Many nail art enthusiasts adore nail printers. These devices are an answered prayer for them because they can harness their artistic powers. Not to mention in unlimited ways. On the flip side, nail salon owners have also been loving them. A nail art machine offers a wide range of nail art designs. It allows them to cater to every artistic needs of their customers. 

If you own a small salon business or are a nail art lover, keep reading. We will tackle the top 10 best nail printers worth your money. We’ve rounded them up to the best quality in the market and their affordability. We’ll also discuss their benefits, how they work, how to choose one for yourself, and the do’s and don’ts you should know. Let’s get started. 

Freedom and flexibility are the reasons you decide to be your own boss. Salon Suites For Rent allows you to keep that ambition alive. We guarantee a flawless experience for you and your clients with carefully chosen amenities and beautiful interior design work.

What Is a Nail Printer?

A nail printer is a digital device that prints on nails. It is mainly used to print designs that are too detailed or complicated to do by hand. 

Like most specialized printers, it uses a special kind of ink. They usually come in cartridges. You can buy them only from the company that makes the nail printer. These inks work the same as nail polish. They stay on the nail surface for an extended period of time. Artistic, fashionable, and long-lasting, what’s not to like? 

Aside from fingernails, it also works on toenails. Furthermore, it can also be used to print designs on objects with slightly curved surfaces. Those that are small enough to be placed on the machine. 

Nail printers come in various forms. There are commercial ones that are specially built for salon use. These usually print on five fingers at once. They are indeed convenient. Due to the features, they are more expensive. 

If a commercial nail printer is out of your budget range, portable ones are also fit for home use. But they can only do one nail at a time and are less accurate. They also tend to have lower-quality prints than commercial ones.

Benefits of Having a Nail Printer Machine on Your Salon Business

Having a nail printer machine in your salon business is a smart move. It offers several benefits that can aid in making your franchise a very successful one. 

1. Time efficiency 

Fingernail printers are known for their speed and efficiency. Any intricate nail art designs are done on these devices quickly. As a result, your clients’ valuable time is saved. You’re also able to serve more in a day. 

2. Limitless design options 

Nail printer machines offer a variety of pre-designed patterns and images. All are beautifully crafted. They work to impress your clientele. Moreover, they can also print custom designs. They allow for endless creativity and personalization.

3. Increased productivity 

Having a nail printer means you can serve more clients in a shorter amount of time. It increases your salon’s productivity. It lessens stress, too. What’s greater? It boosts revenue potential. 

4. Consistency and precision 

A nail art printer will ensure consistent and precise application of nail designs. You can say goodbye to human errors with this one. It makes way for professional-looking nail art. One that meets and exceeds client expectations.

5. Cost savings 

A nail printer may cost you an expensive initial investment. Yet, it can save you money in the long run. You won’t need to buy costly nail art supplies by having one in your salon. You won’t need to pay additional staff to make intricate designs. 

6. Enhanced customer experience 

By offering personalized and unique nail designs, it can provide an exceptional customer experience. Clients will appreciate the convenience, quality, and innovation that comes with your nail art service. 

7. Social media marketing potential 

Nail art is famous on social media platforms. It is due to many beauty and art enthusiasts worldwide. You can attract more attention online by offering innovative and eye-catching designs on your nail printer. Your salon can gain supporters and new customers. 

How Do Nail Printers Work?

A nail printer’s working mechanism can vary widely. It is due to the unique strategies of companies that make them. In general, it relies on sensor cameras. They accurately determine the size and shape of nails. 

When using a nail printer, you must first paint your nail with a white base coat. It helps the camera to distinguish your nails from the rest of your fingers. Moreover, it helps the printed designs to stand out. 

Some machines may even demand wearing a particular device on the finger. It is usually applied to render a more accurate print. Others may need a special base gel for the gel color. It is done to bond better with the nail. It also protects the nails from damage. 

Once the base coat has dried, all that is left is to put your fingers inside the printer. The fingers must stay still during the entire printing process. Otherwise, the design can get warped or smudged. Most nail printers also have recessed finger joints for this matter. 

The printing process itself usually just takes a few seconds per fingernail. After the design process, you might need to clean the edges and grooves of your finger. It helps to remove any smudges and excess nail polish. 

The final step would be applying the topcoat and letting the nails dry. Nail printing is easy. Enhancing your technical and nail care knowledge to support you further would also be best. 

2023 Best Nail Printers for Salons

1. O2 Nail Art Printers 

First on the list of best nail printers for salons is 02 Nail Art Printers. These printers yield the finest quality nail art images. 

They print at a range of 2400 (DPI). It is the gold standard in the nail art industry. Your nail art will look sharp and clear. Also, without the grainy look. The O2 also employs advanced and sophisticated software. Once you insert your finger, it automatically recognizes your nails. It adjusts the image to fit them accurately. Moreover, the camera lets you see your nails when inserted into the printer. 

It also prints one nail art in 30 seconds. It is regardless of how intricate and complex the design is. Finally, it uses a special print gel and ink to prevent smudging. It calls for durable nail art. Wow is an understatement.

2. Tuoshi Nail Printer Machine 

Toushi Nail Printer Machine is more suited for commercial purposes such as a nail salon. Still, you can employ the O2 for commercial use, too. The Tuoshi is large and comes with its own built-in 7-inch touchscreen interface. 

This nail printer machine comes with its own internal computer and external interface. You won’t need a phone to operate it. It can print one nail art at a rate of 20 seconds per image. The ink is more affordable, too. It means you can increase your profit for each nail art design you do. 

3. Kunhewuhua Nail Printer 

Next is more of an industrial nail art printing machine. Kunhewuhua nail printer can print nail art on all five nails at once. It dramatically speeds up the time for finishing a creation. In 35 seconds, you can have five nails with stunning nail art. 

It is excellent, especially if you are working with clients. In a salon, time is crucial for both you and your customers. It also has its own internal computer and a touchscreen display. It doesn’t need a phone or computer to operate.

4. TZ 3D Nail Printer Machine 

TZ 3D nail printer machine can also print up to five fingers as one. As its name suggests, it can also perform 3D nail art designs. It comes with its own array of pre-loaded nail art creations. 

This printer has an LCD screen. It allows you to see the printing process in real-time. It can also link with your devices to upload your nail art design. 

5. ACCDUER Intelligent 3D Nail Printing Machine 

A portable nail printer with an LCD touchscreen interface. The ACCDUER  nail printing machine is perfect for small salons.

Like most commercial nil printers, the LCD screen lets you quickly choose or adjust your design. It also enables you to see the printing process in real-time.

This printer is also wifi enabled and can be controlled through a mobile app. So, you can upload your designs directly on their app. You can start printing in just a few clicks.

Since it’s a portable printer, it can only print on a single fingernail at a time.

6. TUOSHI NP10 3D Intelligent Nail Printer Machine 

Boasting over a thousand pre-loaded nail art patterns. Tuoshi is another nail art printer perfect for small salons or home use.

It’s wifi enabled and can print at up to 1200 dpi. The printing process also takes only about 20 seconds per fingernail.

Though the manufacturer claims it’s portable, it weighs about 8 kg. So you may have a hard time moving it about. Over $900 per unit is also considerably more expensive. It is than most portable nail art printers.

7. 12W Led Manicure Lamp & Nail Art Machine 

Next is a made-in-China product for nail art. It is easy to use, and designs of your choice can be printed swiftly on your nails. Its added advantage is that it dries up the art in 1/4th of the time. You can expect that all nails are printed together beautifully. You can rely on it for a perfect outcome. 

The 12W refers to the power outfit of the lamp. It helps cure gel nail polish efficiently. It is terrific for professional nail salons. Moreover, for personal use at home. 

8. DEG 3D Digital Nail Art Machine 

DEG 3D printer is a friendly medium size printer. It has a highly convenient touchscreen interface. You can upload your images to it. It comes with accessories, and it prints quickly. It works for one finger at a time. You have to watch out as it can be fiddly to operate. 

How to Choose a Nail Art Painter for Your Salon 

1. Function and features 

Look for a printer that renders the functions and features you need. As a small salon owner, you may want a printer that can print intricate designs. It is to impress your clients. You may also want to scan and reproduce the customer’s design. Look also for one that has built-in design libraries.

2. Print Quality 

Always check the print quality of the printer. Look for high-resolution printers to provide clear, vibrant, and detailed prints. All will impact to ensure professional-looking nail art that satisfies the customers. 

3. Ease of Use 

Choose a nail printer that is user-friendly. One that is easy to operate. Running a salon is no joke. Consider the ease of setup, navigation, and loading of designs. It will save you from inconveniences and issues. More importantly, it allow for smooth business operation.

4. Compatibility 

Ensure the printer is compatible with the softwares and apps you plan to use. It will aid seamless integration. Also, efficient workflow.

5. Price 

Set a budget for the printer. Compare prices for different models. Account for the value of money. Also, the overall cost of ownership. Consider the ink and other consumables that come with it.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nail Painting Machine

1. Do follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Adhere to your nail printing machine’s proper setup, operation, and maintenance. 

2. Do clean and prep the nails before printing. Remove old polish, shape the nails, and apply a base coat.

3. Do use high-quality nail polishes, gels, and inks. 

4. Do explore various design options. Attempt with patterns, colors, and textures to create unique, eye-catching designs. 

5. Do practice and improve. Take your time to learn how to position the nails, adjust settings, and troubleshoot any issues. 

6. Don’t overload the machine with excessive ink or polish. 

7. Don’t rush the process. Rushing will lead to misaligned prints and messy designs. 

8. Don’t neglect maintenance. It can influence the performance and lifespan of the machine. 

9. Don’t use incompatible products. 

10. Don’t ignore safety precautions.