I’m one of those women who never visits a nail salon (an oddball, I know). Booking appointments feels like a chore, and I don’t always trust those tools to be clean. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want my nails to look nice. That’s why smart nails caught my eye at CES 2026. iPolish unveiled press-on acrylics that change color on command. And, guys, I couldn’t stop staring at the demo!
What are Smart Nails?
A new kind of beauty product, iPolish smart nails work via an electronic wand and smartphone app. To change colors, users pair the wand with a phone, pick a color in the app, and then touch the tip of each nail to the wand. A tiny electric pulse flows through the acrylic, and in about five seconds, the nail transforms into your preferred color. There are 400 shades, so your nails can match your mood or outfit instantly.
Watching it happen is cool. Once the nails start changing, it’s hard to look away; like something out of a sci-fi movie. And the results actually look polished. No chemical smell, no drying time, and no smudges. Ten nails in under a minute beats my usual 30-minute DIY sessions, hands down.
Press-on Smart Nails: Price and Practicality
The $95 starter kit comes with the wand and two full nail sets: Ballerina (short) and Squoval (long). Replacement color-chaning nails are $6.50 each, which feels reasonable compared with regular salon trips. The catch? You can’t file or reshape the nails, or you risk breaking the tech. So if you’re picky about shapes, you’re limited for now—but I think the trade-off is worth it for the instant color changes.
Why I’m Excited
What I love most is the freedom these nails give you. I’m someone who changes outfits (and moods) constantly, and now my nails can keep up. Want neon pink for brunch and glitter purple for date night? Done. You can reinvent your look in seconds, and it’s way more satisfying than painting over the same color, week after week.
The Verdict: Worth the Hype?
Of course, we won’t know about the durability or long-term performance until shipping starts in June 2026. Will the nails hold up under everyday wear? Will the color-changing tech last through months of use? Those are questions only real-world testing will answer. But the concept feels thoughtfully executed.
All in all, iPolish smart nails are futuristic and practical. They won’t replace traditional manicures for everyone, but for busy people, parents, or anyone who loves a little tech in their routine, they’re a glimpse at the future of personal beauty.
Lauren has been writing and editing since 2008. She loves working with text and helping writers find their voice. When she’s not typing away at her computer, she cooks and travels with her husband and two daughters.