A startup called iPolish is aiming to shake up the beauty tech space with press-on acrylic nails that can change colour using a small burst of electricity. Revealed at CES 2026, the concept feels futuristic but the process is surprisingly straightforward, turning a manicure into something that can be altered in seconds rather than hours.
As a woman who spends hours in the nail salon, religiously getting gel manicures every 2-3 weeks, this is something that really piqued my interest. I’m wondering if the executives at JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys found it interesting enough to bring to Australian stores when it starts shipping.
To switch nail shades, users first charge a small wand that pairs with a smartphone. After choosing a colour in the companion app, the tip of each nail is briefly placed into the wand. A short electrical charge is then sent through the nail, triggering a colour change. The company has been tight-lipped about the exact science behind the transformation, though it appears to rely on an electrochemical reaction embedded within the nail itself. In practice, changing a single nail takes roughly five seconds, making a full set quick enough for everyday use.
According to iPolish, each nail supports up to 400 different colours and can be reprogrammed as often as the wearer likes. This means users can match their nails to different outfits or occasions without committing to one look between salon appointments. The flexibility could appeal to anyone tired of frequent re-dos or the ongoing cost of traditional manicures.
The entry price is relatively accessible for a tech-driven beauty product. A starter kit is priced at approximately $A145 and includes two full sets of nails, one in a shorter Ballerina shape and another in a longer Squoval design. The shapes are fixed because altering them would damage the internal components, so anyone who dislikes those styles will need to look elsewhere.
Replacement nails are expected to be sold individually for approximately $A10 each, handy for the inevitable breakage or lost nail. Compared with the ongoing expense of regular salon visits, the ability to refresh a manicure on demand could work out cheaper over time. That said, the true test will be durability and reliability, which will only become clear once iPolish begins shipping its products, currently planned for June 2026.
