Experiment with the 8 best virtual nail try-on SDKs in 2025

Virtual nail try-ons allow consumers to interact with nail polish and nail art products. They can see how different shades and finishes would look on their nails without tripping to a physical nail salon. But there is more to nail try-on SDKs than just a realistic preview. Shoppers can find the perfect nail color that suits their nail shape and skin tone. 

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The market size of virtual try-on technology is expected to grow from $9.59 billion in 2024 to $12.17 billion in 2025, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.9%. Brands aim to use the success of augmented reality in their online business. So, they add nail try-ons to the AR makeup segment.

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If you want to free your customers from hygiene concerns with shared testers or the hassle of offline store visits, virtual nail try-on SDKs will help you focus on offering confident shopping experiences to your customers. To help beauty brands, I have tested and tried many virtual nail try-on SDKs and narrowed them down to the eight best. 

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8 Best virtual nail try-on SDKs

1. GlamAR (Best for compatibility and inclusivity)
2. MakeupAR by Perfect Corp (Best for diversified nail try-ons)
3. TINT by Banuba (Best for easy integration)
4. Modiface (Best for nail tracking)
5. PulpoAR (Best for compatibility & dashboard assistance)
6. Facetune (Best for nail editing in photos)
7. GlamScan (Best for in-store kiosks)
8. Artifutech (Best for hand gesture recognition & multi-hand tracking)

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What is a virtual nail try-on SDK?

Virtual nail try-on SDKs transform the way people experiment with nail colors and designs in real time. After scanning the hand of your customer with a camera, it captures the shape, size, and movement of the nails and fingers. Then, the technology overlays the virtual nail polish or nail art onto their nails so that it can align perfectly with the virtual nails’ edges. 

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A nail try-on SDK lets customers see how different nail colors and styles would look on their hands, right from their devices. They can try out things like base coats, top coats, gel, and matte finishes in real time. 

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This makes it easier for them to choose their favorite products without going to a physical store. Beauty brands and retailers can give their customers an engaging and fun shopping experience, using nail try-on software.

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8 Best virtual nail try-on SDKs

I spent a few days researching virtual nail try-on SDKs and tested dozens of options. For the most part, I only considered the SDKs that were primarily focused on nail try-ons. To review, I evaluated their user interface for businesses and AR try-on features. 

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I experimented with their try-on tools and compared them with each other. If I faced any issue during the trials, I read the help docs, watched tutorials, and contacted their customer care team. With that, here are my picks of the eight best virtual nail try-on SDKs:

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1. GlamAR

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GlamAR offers a virtual nail try-on for your customers to experience different nail polishes and styles. You can enrich your virtual nail store and let your customers experience nail products in real-time, with its AR try-on features. It works on web, Android, and iOS versions. 

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With GlamAR’s inclusive features, your customers, irrespective of their skin tones, nail and hand shapes, and sizes, can experiment with different nail colors. There are two finishes available for nail polishes: matte and glossy. They can even try out nail polishes on their already painted nails, with no need for bare fingers. I tried GlamAR’s virtual nail try-on and found it easy to use. 

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Maintaining hand position and distance, I applied virtual nail colors on my nails, using live camera mode. With the slider, I compared the appearance of my nails after trying on my favorite nail polish. Interestingly, after selecting every shade, I can increase and decrease its color intensity, using the ‘opacity’ tool. 

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Features: 

• Nail try-on: Add GlamAR's virtual nail try-on SDK to your online nail store, and your shoppers can experience real-time nail colors with customized options. They can try using one of the three modes: live camera, photo, or a model. Plus, they can change nail colors and increase or decrease the color intensity with the help of the manual adjustment tool. 

• Versatile solution: Customers will get three types of nail categories for trying on: nail-polish shades, press-on nails, and nail art looks. Follow three easy steps to integrate the SDK into your business website or app. Thus, you can give your shoppers an interactive shopping experience. 

• Hand tracking technology: It ensures accurate simulations with the hand-tracking technology. As a result, consumers can view real-time textures and finishes through virtual nail try-on solutions.  

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2. MakeupAR by Perfect Corp

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MakeupAR offers a real-time AR nail try-on experience for your customers. They can try on diverse solutions, such as artificial nails with a natural look, acrylic nails, fake nails, etc. AR nails let you showcase different styles and colors on your real nails, including gel nail designs, French tips, press-ons ons and shapes, etc.

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If you integrate this SDK into your business website, app, or any other channel, your shoppers can get an instant live preview of nail products and press-on nails on their hands. The AI-powered virtual try-on technology allows your customers to experiment with 100+ nail colors, textures, and designs. They can get a fully compiled look. 

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MakeupAR is the only one I found that lets you display every feature of a virtual nail try-on. Using the live camera mode, I explored all of its nail try-on features, such as various nail colors, press-on nails, and nail designs. To my surprise, single and multi-color nail try-ons are also available. I can increase or decrease the smoothness of nail shades with the manual adjustment tool. 

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Features: 

• Nail try-on solution: MakeupAR provides a highly customizable live camera engine. It can showcase different nail arts and nail polish products on the nails of your shoppers accurately. They can try out multiple shades, colors, textures, and designs of nail polish on their real or acrylic nails. 

• Realistic AR nails: The PBR technology can enhance AR nails. It offers real-time textures, reflections, finishes, and lighting simulations, using PBR technology. As a result, your shoppers will get a top-notch AR effect for virtual nail try-on.

• Personalized experience: Consumers can choose between styles and view nails in split-screen mode. Thus, they can compare their before and after looks and achieve a completely customized nail try-on experience. 

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Drawbacks: 

• Live nail try-on mode has limited accuracy, compared to using a model’s hand. The technology can not capture the nail edges and curvature properly, due to inappropriate hand positions, varied lighting conditions, and camera quality. 

• Photo mode is unavailable for the try-on experience. 

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3. TINT by Banuba

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If you are looking for a virtual nail-polish try-on solution for your e-commerce, TINT is the right platform with AR nail try-on. It offers an SDK for mobile, web, and desktop applications. Apart from online stores, retailers can also use it as a nail color tester, on in-store smart mirrors. In-browser accessibility enables you to reach a wider audience. 

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The AI-powered nail try-on supports nail polishes and extensions. It allows customers to make a confident purchase with real-time experiences of nail try-ons. They can see nail colors from different angles and lighting conditions. Plus, you can add a new collection of digital nails in days without any physical samples, using the software. 

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I selected my favorite nail product and used TINT’s virtual try-on. Neural networks detected my nails, and the software applied AR nails. Then, I added the product to my cart and checked out in one click. I experienced accurate nail texture and lighting simulations under different angles. Unlike other platforms, the nail filter stays in real-time regardless of hand movements.  

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Features: 

• Virtual nail salon: It offers accurate fit and real-time textures for nail polishes, with the help of hand recognition technology and a rendering engine. Also, it supports any nail colors, drawings, and stickers. Consumers can try different shades, matte and glossy textures, and various designs with fun, using this virtual nail color tester. 

• Inclusive solution: Banuba nail polish try-on can provide a realistic preview for people of all skin tones and varying nail shapes. Using it, beauty brands can reach global consumers. 

• Easy to integrate: Brand owners can easily integrate it into their e-commerce platform without any technical assistance. If your platform already has an AR virtual try-on plugin, it would be easier for them. Babuba’s developers will help you with software integration. 

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Drawbacks: 

• You need to submit your business email and requirements to get a free trial. 

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4. Modiface

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Modiface offers try-on solutions for the beauty industry. As a beauty brand owner, you can use this technology for your customers, allowing them to try on their favorite nail shades. Apart from single and multi-color nail try-ons, it offers different nail arts for trying out and delivers personalized experiences to consumers with just a click.

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The technology enables shoppers to experiment with nail colors and nail art looks without a final commitment. The nail renderings can adapt to the pose of your customer’s hand and generate highly realistic nail art looks. Beauty brands like Essie have partnered with Modiface to provide their customers a realistic try-on experience. 

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Getting started with setting products for nail virtual try-on:  You need to upload your SKU, product name, shade name, and an optional photo. Then, you can use simple sliders to set up a rendering in minutes. I have found that there are other options to configure your products. If you want to add the technology of Modiface to your e-commerce platform, visit their tech documentation page to learn the process. 

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Features: 

• Nail Tracker: Modiface has an advanced nail tracking solution. It can track each nail individually. Now, consumers can try on different nail art for every nail. Most importantly, the technology follows hand orientation and pose while delivering real-time results. 

• Multi-platform compatibility: The SDK is compatible with Android, web, and iOS versions. Your customers can experience the nail try-ons from the comfort of their home, using any of their devices. 

• Nail try-on: Your shoppers can try on multiple nail polishes and nail arts, using a live camera or photo mode. The hand-tracking technology provides accurate and realistic textures and finishes. After trying on, consumers can save the final nail looks and share them with their friends and family. 

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Drawbacks: 

• No free demo try-on is available on Modiface’s platform. You need to pay an annual license fee for AR try-on features. You can use their free CMS to see your products’ try-on experiences. 

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5. PulpoAR

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It provides a web-based nail try-on solution. Consumers can experience colorful nails within seconds when you add this SDK to your e-commerce platform. Your customers can experiment with virtual nail polishes on desktop and mobile web. PulpoAR is an omnichannel platform and offers AR shopping solutions for beauty retail.  

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I found it a convenient and easy try-on solution for the shoppers from anywhere, anytime. Unlike Banuba and Modiface, PulpoAR allows consumers to try on different nail polishes directly from their website. They can choose a variety of nail product families and nail colors for trying out before making a final purchase. 

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I selected a model’s hand to try on nail shades and played around with multiple colors and textures like matte, glitter, and metallic. The virtual try-on technology eliminates the struggle of cleaning and the application process of nail polishes. Apart from online assistance, you can use the technology in-store and ensure hygiene and safety. This way, you can reduce the cost of physical testers and elevate profitability.

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Features: 

• Nail Segmentation: With nail segmentation and AR color-changing technology, it can transform nail colors from the real world into the digital world. It delivers accurate results in a real-time try-on experience. 

• User-friendly dashboard: It allows brands to get actionable insights and monitor statistics for future business activities. You can track user behavior, traffic analytics, and customize the dashboard according to the most impactful metrics. 

• Social media try-on: You can make your products available for trying on to a wide range of people on social media. It will increase your brand awareness among the audience. Before launching new products, you can get an idea if potential customers will like them. 

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Drawbacks:

• Live camera mode is unavailable for PulpoAR’s nail try-on. 

• PulpoAR's model hand selection may have limited skin tone diversity for nail try-on. 

• PulpoAR offers basic nail color and texture options for try-on, in comparison with other platforms.  

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6. Facetune

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Facetune can transform nails with the help of AI. Consumers can apply virtual nail polishes on photos and experience unlimited manicure styles, straight from their home. Using a phone's camera, they can try on multiple nail styles and designs and get a similar experience to a nail salon. 

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The advanced technology of Facetune can edit the messy nails of consumers on photos and make the shot perfect with instant touch-up. They won’t have to spoil their picture due to chipped or grown-out nails. Facetune lets them try on trendy and seasonal nail designs. As a result, they can preview the shades before final application. 

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Consumers need to follow the easy steps to edit nails in pictures: Take a snap>pick a color or type in a custom prompt> choose ideal nail shape and length> save and share the photo with friends. Nail artists can create their digital lookbook of different nail styles. Then, they will save inspirations for future appointments and showcase their customers trendy nail shapes and designs. 

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Features: 

• Nail try-on: Consumers can edit nails and change nail colors on photos with Facetune’s AI nail simulator. From Christmas nails to summer hot pink designs, they can try different nail polishes and nail shapes without visiting a nail salon. Thus, they will find the perfect nail style for special occasions. 

• Nail detection: The AI-driven nail detection technology will detect the nails in photos automatically. Then, the nail photo editor will do its work and let consumers experiment with various nail colors and shapes. They can save the photo of the best nail look and show their nail artists how to apply the same. 

• Nail simulator: If you have a nail salon or you are a nail artist, you can take help from Facetune’s AI nail simulator. It allows you to show your customers different nail designs and trendy styles with a seasonal touch, before touching their nails. Your clients can choose their favorite manicure. 

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Drawbacks: 

• No direct nail try-on option straight from Facetune's website. You need to log in for a 7-day free trial and can advance with subscription plans. 

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7. GlamScan

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Add GlamScan to your online store or mobile app and allow your customers to try on nail polish colors. The virtual technology helps your shoppers select their ideal nail color, shape, and nail art looks. With GlamScan, you can upgrade your e-commerce strategy and make a confident and interactive shopping experience for your customers. 

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Trained AR models of GlamScan can represent a variety of nail polish colors, nail lengths, and shapes with accuracy. Using web analytics tools, you can get valuable insights into brand engagement. Plus, you will get app development and upgrades support from GlamScan’s tech experts. 

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Now, consumers can try bold designs. They can match your nail colors with their favorite nail art and buy their dream shade straight from the app. Otherwise, they can save it for future purchase. I found it user-friendly for trying on multiple shades and shapes through any of your e-commerce platforms. Consumers can use the GlamScan app through their iOS and Android devices. 

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Features: 

• Web try-on: Consumers can try on every nail color of your catalog, no matter the nail length and current nail colors on their hands. Unlike other apps, GlamScan’s AR model does not require bare nails for trying on. Your shoppers can use different nail shapes, such as square, almond, or round, to represent a complete look to the nail colors. 

• In-store try-on: Let your shoppers try on your nail polish colors in a fast, hygienic, and intuitive way with GlamScan’s in-store solution for kiosks. It will reduce return rates and enhance customer engagement.

• Gallery creation: Consumers can save their nail designs in different albums following specific themes or organize them as they select. They can use it for future purchases or share it with their friends online. Thus, you can build a brand community. 

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Drawbacks: 

• The GlamScan app is not available for Android 6.0 and earlier versions. 

• It doesn’t offer manual adjustment tools for virtual nail try-on. 

• It lacks photo modes and the capability of the model’s hands for nail try-ons. 

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8. Artifutech

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It offers nails and gestures AI. With the nail polish try-on technology, you can let your customers experiment with unlimited shades, patterns, and designs on their nails. You can add this technology to your application and allow shoppers to try your products before they buy. They can find their dream shade through the try-on experience. 

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Artifutech provides you with finger tracking technology for your e-commerce so that your customers can talk through gestures without touching the physical screen. The hand gesture technology can easily be integrated into any of your platforms and make them smarter. For your hygiene-concerned shoppers, this is an ideal solution that enables touch-free try-ons. 

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Most importantly, you can add the technology to your in-store smart mirrors and allow your customers to get a touch-free shopping experience. Its gesture tracking technology enables you to reach the customers who have speech disabilities. Since they can communicate via gestures, you will get them interactively engaged with your products. 

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Features: 

• Tracking technology: You can apply the live finger and hand tracking technology to any of your products, such as nail polishes. It can track every finger, finger joints, and multiple hands in real-time. 

• Hand-gesture recognition: Artifutech’s AI technology can detect and recognise easy and complex hand gestures. You can add the technology to your nail products and let your customers communicate with the products via hand gestures. Any of your sales platforms can support it with ease. 

• All-in-one SDK: It is easy to integrate. Plus, you can import all customized features with just a line of code and save your integration time. You will get maintenance support around the clock. Also, auto software updates are available. 

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Drawbacks: 

• You need to submit your queries to get a trial. 

• No direct nail try-on experience is available straight from the website.  

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Other platforms for the best virtual nail try-on

Apart from these 8 virtual nail try-ons, you might have noticed a few big players in the AR try-on field, missing from my list. Here are some of them that didn’t cut:

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1. Wanna Nail: It is a virtual nail manicure app, available only for iOS versions. With AR, you can let the consumers try on different nail polish colors through their phone’s camera. They can find their best nail color according to their skin tones, mood, and occasion, and share their experiments with others. In my experience, it is a fast and straightforward app from which consumers can directly shop for nail polishes.
   
   
2. Nailstry:  It offers accurate fingernail measurements in a snap. Now, shoppers can order their press-on nails with Nailstry’s virtual measurement tool. With it, they can quickly size their nails and buy directly the ideal ones. Consumers can explore the wide collections of nail art from global designers and select their custom-fit press-on nails. The AI-driven measurement tool will scan their nails and get the size for a perfect fit. I found it to be one of the best customizable software programs for nail try-on. 

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Popular brands that are using virtual nail try-on

Beauty tech industries are now evolving with AR try-ons and transforming the outdated shopping standard for customers. Using virtual try-on solutions, beauty and cosmetic brands can increase customer engagement, minimise return rates, and improve sales.

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Embracing the trend, reputed brands are presenting a new benchmark in the personalized shopping sector. Let’s discuss some of them who have adopted virtual nail try-ons:

1. Essie

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L’Oréal launched a virtual try-on tool for its Essie brand, partnering with Modiface, in 2021. As a leading nail salon expert, Essie offers a virtual try-on tool, ‘Essie on hand’, to apply nail colors on real hands.

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Using mobile devices, customers can experience nail color try-on with custom benefits, straight from the brand’s website. It shows them shade depth, color intensity, opaque vs sheer, shimmer factor, and so on. The tool features the gel polishes of the brand. 

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Carolyn Holba, GM, Essie Worldwide, said, “Essie designs and creates all of our products with impeccable, nuanced color and precise and easy application. Our new Essie On Hand virtual try-on salon is no different! It’s the highest standard in nail try-on services to make discovering Essie colors fun, easy, and accessible.”

2. Sally Hansen

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Sally Hansen has used Perfect Corp’s technology to offer virtual nail try-ons. It allows consumers to try on multiple nail colors before making a final purchase. They can view nail colors in real-time on their moving hand image.

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The use of AR try-on has enhanced their customer engagement and conversion rates. Customers can now play around with above 200 nail colors and find their best ones. Interestingly, the brand has implemented the technology online and in-store to improve the shopping experience. 

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3. OPI

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OPI is rolling on with the ‘Try It On Color Studio’. It lets customers try on different nail polish colors on virtual hands with accuracy. They can adjust skin tone and nail length to match their own. Also, they can search by colors or collections, then try on and save for future purchases. Now, customers can play with trendy and bold colors in real-time. 

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How to select the best virtual nail try-on?

Virtual nail try-on technology works with hand-tracking algorithms and AR technology. These technologies enable customizable and interactive experiences. But the problem is the selection of the right solution provider among different market players. Here, I have mentioned some strategic and informed approaches through which I have selected the best virtual nail try-on SDKs. I always opt for such apps that provide accurate color representation and customization of nail color. 

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Also, I consider whether it supports a wide range of nail designs, trending shades, and patterns. I have listed such SDKs that provide ease of navigation, quick try-on of designs, and experience creation with different skin tones. Besides that, the availability of tutorials, beauty tips, and content generation features enhances trending nail art ideas. Therefore, select such solutions that provide some additional nail care tips. Features like trending color collections, seasonal preference, and integration with international brands can enhance customer visibility. 

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On the other hand, you will need a complete customization feature enabled by UI, in-app UI, and design layout. AI-generated, highly realistic try-ons help you visualize nail beds and nail structure and render different color effects on nails. High-quality rendering also boosts your customers' experience. If you want to grow your nail art business or nail polish brand and stay competitive in the market, then keep in mind the following factors when it comes to choosing AR nail try-on SDKs.     

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Conclusion

Virtual try-on technology has reshaped the beauty and cosmetics industry. Consumers can try on beauty products like nail colors, nail art, etc., right from any place they want. They won’t need to visit a nail salon or book an appointment with a manicurist. They just open the camera and apply nail colors and trendy designs on virtual nails, and can check if it suits them. 

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Nowadays, shoppers are looking for convenient but accurate solutions for their shopping experiences. If you want to elevate your brand’s presence online or in-store, it is the right moment to adopt GlamAR’s virtual nail try-on technology. It will help you give your customers an engaging and intuitive shopping journey. Talk to us directly.