Young Nails
Young Nails is a privately held, family-owned professional nail care products manufacturer founded in 1969 and based in Anaheim, California. It sells gel polish, traditional polish, acrylic systems, dip powders, press-on nails, and accessories via DTC e-commerce, wholesale dealers, and Zoom-based education, serving both licensed nail technicians and at-home DIY enthusiasts.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1969
- HeadquartersAnaheim, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Young Nails does
Young Nails, Inc. is a privately held, family-owned professional nail care products company founded in 1969 by Young Salo and headquartered at 1149 N. Patt St. in Anaheim, California. The company manufactures and sells a comprehensive portfolio of nail enhancement products including gel polish (56+ colors at $14.95/15ml), traditional 16-free vegan nail polish, acrylic systems (Core and Speed setting), dip powders under the SlickPour brand, press-on nail tips, fiber-infused Mani-Q gel, nail care essentials (strengtheners, cuticle oils, repair patches), and implements/accessories such as curing lamps, files, and buffers. Its products serve two primary segments — licensed nail technicians and salon owners seeking professional-grade inputs, and at-home nail enthusiasts seeking salon-quality DIY results — with a secondary wholesale/dealer channel distributing Pro Products through authorized distributors.
The business model is anchored in direct-to-consumer e-commerce through the company's own website, supplemented by toll-free phone ordering, an authorized dealer/distributor wholesale network, and limited international shipping to Canada. Pricing is positioned as 'professional-grade at discount prices,' with bundles such as the Nail Repair Bundle offering 40%+ savings versus component SKUs and an account-login tier granting 'insider pricing.' A points-based Loyalty/Rewards Program supports repeat purchasing, while education services — including paid Zoom classes (e.g., the 3-Day Online Gel Foundations course at $300), the CEO-hosted YN Biz Talk business podcast distributed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeart Radio, and the Nail Bites educational blog — function as both community-building assets and ancillary revenue streams. Notable technical differentiators include proprietary 16-free and HEMA/TPO-free formulations, a cuticle-friendly round brush design, and a registered trademark on the Reverse Application acrylic smile-line technique.
Young Nails is incorporated in California with no disclosed external investors, no institutional or PE/VC funding, no M&A activity, no public listing, and no disclosed headcount. The company is led by second-generation CEO Habib Salo (son of founder Young Salo) and General Manager Tracey Reierson, with Tracey Reierson co-hosting the YN Biz Talk podcast alongside the CEO. Operating geographies are restricted to the United States (full e-commerce and wholesale) and Canada (international shipping only). The company is actively operating with current e-commerce, blog content, and loyalty program activity as of 2025-2026.
Young Nails firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Young Nails
- Legal name
- Young Nails, Inc.
- Website
- https://youngnails.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1969
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Young Nails is a privately held, family-owned professional nail care products manufacturer founded in 1969 and based in Anaheim, California. It sells gel polish, traditional polish, acrylic systems, dip powders, press-on nails, and accessories via DTC e-commerce, wholesale dealers, and Zoom-based education, serving both licensed nail technicians and at-home DIY enthusiasts.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Young Nails industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Nail Products
- NAICS
- Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (456120)
- SIC
- Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Nail Salon Products (Polish, Gel, Acrylic, Supplies) (CRABALAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Nail Color & Nail Art (Polish, Gel, Dip, Press-ons, Nail Art Color) (CRABACAD), Nail Technology (EDAOALAG)
Keywords
Where Young Nails is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Anaheim
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Young Nails business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Product Sales: Direct-to-consumer sales of nail polish, gel polish, press-on nails, acrylic supplies, nail care, and accessories through e-commerce platform
- Education Services: Online nail education classes via Zoom including 3-Day Online Gel Foundations course at $300
- YN Biz Talk Podcast: Business podcast for nail professionals hosted by CEO Habib Salo covering salon business strategies
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Gel Polish - $14.95 per 15ml bottle |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Press-On Nail Tips - $15.00 to $20.00 per set |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Nail Repair Bundle - $40.00 (reg. $70) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 3-Day Online Gel Foundations Class - $300.00 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Accessories and Tools - Various price points |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Young Nails product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Young Nails manufactures and sells professional-grade nail care products including gel polish (56+ colors), 16-free regular nail polish, acrylic systems, dip powders, and press-on nail tips. The company serves both licensed nail professionals and at-home nail enthusiasts through direct e-commerce and an authorized dealer network, supplemented by online education classes via Zoom.
Product overview
Young Nails is a professional nail care products company offering a comprehensive portfolio centered around gel polish (56+ colors), nail polish (16-free formulas), acrylic systems, dip powders, and press-on nail tips. The product ecosystem includes nail care essentials (strengtheners, cuticle oils, repair patches), implements and accessories (files, buffers, curing lights), and educational services (Zoom classes, the YN Biz Talk podcast). Products are positioned for both professional nail technicians and at-home consumers, with a loyalty rewards program and wholesale distribution channel for salon partners.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Press-On Nail Tips Pre-designed artificial nail tips available in various shapes (Medium Coffin, Short Oval, Medium Almond, Medium Squoval) and designs that can be applied at home using adhesive tabs or nail glue for temporary or semi-permanent wear; priced at $15-$20 per set.
- Gel Polish Professional-grade gel nail polish formulated as HEMA/TPO free with a cuticle-friendly round brush. Available in 15ml bottles across 56+ colors including cream, metallic, glitter, sheer, Cat Eye Magnetic, and holo finishes; priced at $14.95 per 15ml bottle.
- Nail Polish 16-free, vegan, breathable, chip-resistant nail polish that dries fast and lasts longer, formulated without harmful chemicals and meeting worldwide compliance standards.
- Acrylic System Professional acrylic nail enhancement system using monomer liquid and polymer powder combinations to create moldable nail extensions. Includes Core (Medium to Fast) and Speed (Fast) setting systems with 12-month shelf life.
- Dip Powders (SlickPour) Dip powder nail system allowing application without UV light, easily removable through soaking, designed for both professional and at-home use.
- Nail Care Nail strengthening and repair products including Nail Strengthener, Cuticle Oil, and Nail Rescue Patches for maintaining nail health.
- Nail Repair Bundle $70 value bundle priced at $40 containing Nail Repair Patches, 15ml Nail Strengthener, 15ml Cuticle Oil, 4ml Remover Pen, Glass Nail File, and Pink Carrying Bag, including 40%+ savings.
- Zoom Classes / Online Nail Education Virtual nail education classes via Zoom taught by Young Nails instructors. Includes the 3-Day Online Gel Foundations course ($300) covering builder gels, backfills, overlays, sculpting, and fills, as well as other technique-building programs.
- E-Gift Cards Digital gift cards redeemable for Young Nails products and services through the e-commerce website.
Companies that use Young Nails
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Young Nails technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Young Nails partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Young Nails competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Static Nails: Reusable press-on nail brand selling direct-to-consumer. Direct competitor in the press-on segment, with similar price points ($15-$20) and a focus on at-home manicure convenience.
- Gelish: Gel polish pioneer sold through professional beauty supply channels. Competes head-to-head with Young Nails in gel polish for salon professionals, with similar SKU breadth in gel color and supporting top/base products.
- CND (Creative Nail Design): Professional nail brand offering Shellac gel, Brisa gel, and acrylic systems to licensed nail technicians. Comparable to Young Nails in professional salon product positioning, education programs, and dealer distribution model.
- Olive & June: DTC nail care brand offering gel, polish, and press-on nails targeted at at-home consumers. Competes with Young Nails on the 'For Everyone' side of the catalog, with strong digital marketing and a similar press-on offering.
- OPI: Professional nail lacquer, gel, and acrylic brand serving both salons and consumers. OPI is the most direct competitor in gel polish and professional nail color globally, with similar salon-distribution and education-flywheel business model.
- SNS (Signature Nail Systems): Dip powder nail system sold through professional salons and consumer channels. Directly competes with Young Nails' SlickPour dip powder line on application method, finish, and salon distribution.
Broad incumbents
- Dashing Diva: Nail care brand with proprietary gel polish strips and press-on nails sold at mass retail. Competes with Young Nails in the press-on and DIY gel categories through drugstore and big-box distribution.
- Kiss Products: Mass-market nail and beauty products company offering press-on nails, glue-on nails, and nail care at lower price points. Shares the press-on category but competes primarily on volume and price rather than professional-grade quality.
Emerging players
- Bio Seaweed Gel: Non-toxic, 10-free gel polish brand emphasizing clean ingredients. Comparable to Young Nails' HEMA/TPO-free positioning and serves professional salons with clean beauty narrative.
- Le Mini Macaron: DTC gel manicure kit brand targeting tweens and at-home consumers. Competes with Young Nails' at-home gel education and beginner-friendly positioning, with overlap in the HEMA-conscious consumer segment.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Young Nails social profiles
Digital presenceYoung Nails financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Young Nails leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Young Nails funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Young Nails M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Young Nails
What does Young Nails do?
Young Nails manufactures and sells professional-grade nail care products including gel polish (56+ colors), 16-free regular nail polish, acrylic systems, dip powders, and press-on nail tips. The company serves both licensed nail professionals and at-home nail enthusiasts through direct e-commerce and an authorized dealer network, supplemented by online education classes via Zoom.
Is Young Nails a public or private company?
Young Nails is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Young Nails founded?
Young Nails was founded in 1969. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Young Nails based?
Young Nails is headquartered in Anaheim, United States, in the North America region.
How does Young Nails make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are education Services and YN Biz Talk Podcast.
Who are Young Nails's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Static Nails, Gelish, CND (Creative Nail Design), Olive & June, OPI and SNS (Signature Nail Systems). Broad incumbents are Dashing Diva and Kiss Products. Emerging players are Bio Seaweed Gel and Le Mini Macaron.
Does Young Nails have an API?
No public API is recorded for Young Nails.
What industry is Young Nails in?
Young Nails's product category is Professional Nail Products. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRABALAE, Nail Salon Products (Polish, Gel, Acrylic, Supplies), with a secondary code of CRABACAD, Nail Color & Nail Art (Polish, Gel, Dip, Press-ons, Nail Art Color). Its NAICS code is 456120 and its SIC code is 2844.