Nail polish and nail art: the market grows and dictates trends 2025
With a value in excess of 137 million euros, nail varnish is confirmed as the main category within the hand product sector, accounting for about 63% of the total (Cosmetica Italia data). Hand products as a whole are worth almost 220 million euros, with a positive dynamic of +4%. Distribution is strongly oriented towards large-scale distribution, which absorbs about 73% of sales (up +5.3%), pharmacy is growing by +2.8%, while there is a slight drop in perfumery. These numbers tell us about a dynamic sector, driven not only by seasonal fashions but also by a cultural change. Today, manicure has become an integral part of self-care, a style language that accompanies daily choices, from the most minimalist look to the most daring nail art.
Shapes and styles, the made-to-measure manicure
The nail shape is never a random choice. The rule is always to start from the hand, the fingers and the lifestyle. "Almond and oval remain the most elegant and slender shapes, perfect for those who want a touch of everyday femininity", says Daniela Pianese, nail technician and owner of "A Casa della Dani". "The short squoval is instead practical and resistant, suitable for those who like a clean and tidy look. Princess nails, with their short almond with a soft apex and milky finish, have a romantic appeal: they are ideal for events, weddings or when a more dreamy mood is desired".
Colours and seasonality
Se la forma racconta la personalità, il colore è il dettaglio che definisce l’identità di una manicure. Nel 2025 la palette si muove tra estremi: nuance leggere e fresche come butter yellow, uno smalto giallo burro, delicato ma energico e baby blue, un azzurro etereo ma luminoso. I toni più intensi sono: il burgundy, un rosso profondo e vellutato che richiama il colore del vino maturo, e il mocha mousse, il Pantone di quest’anno, una nuance calda e avvolgente ispirata al caffè con note di cioccolato. «Il colore lo scelgo incrociando il sottotono della pelle, il guardaroba e il carattere della cliente – continua Pianese - I pastelli illuminano le basi lattiginose, mentre i toni scuri donano profondità nei mesi freddi. Valuto la coprenza, sheer vs pieno: il finish, cremoso, jelly, shimmer) e faccio sempre una “prova pollice” per vedere se il risultato convince davvero.

