Amid fierce competition in first-tier cities, lower-tier markets are driving nail industry growth. Data shows salon numbers in third-tier cities and below are growing at 14.6% annually, outpacing the 8.2% rate in major cities. County-level online orders have surged by 47.6% year-over-year, fueled by improved logistics and short-video content penetration. Cost-effective, minimalist styles dominate these markets. Leading chains are expanding with lightweight store models and standardized services, while local studios leverage private domain operations to achieve over 50% conversion rates. Industry forecasts predict lower-tier markets will contribute 60% of industry revenue growth over the next three years.

3D printing is transforming nail customization, enabling precision fitting within 0.1mm for perfect alignment with individual hand shapes. The technology supports intricate patterns and 3D embossing, boosting production efficiency by 5x compared to traditional hand-painting. Premium brands now offer “1:1 3D printed nail” services priced over ¥1,000, which remain in high demand. 3D printing also reduces material waste, aligning with sustainability goals and offering a “personalization + efficiency + eco-friendliness” value proposition. As costs decline, 3D printed nails are expected to become mainstream, redefining the custom nail ecosystem.