Sharrona Pearl, Andrews Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies in the John V. Roach Honors College, explored the growing cultural significance of press-on nails in an article published by Marie Claire and syndicated by Yahoo. As the sale of artificial nails continues to surpass that of traditional polish, Pearl examined how manicures carry social meaning, often tied to wealth, status and beauty standards.
“Beauty standards have functioned as gatekeeping mechanisms, both in terms of access
to styles, technologies and techniques, and in terms of having the leisure and privilege
to maintain those standards,” she said.
Pearl says press-on nails reflect a broader shift toward modular beauty shaped by internet culture. Through her expertise, Pearl highlights how press-ons are reshaping ideas of accessibility, self-expression and what it means to look “put together” in modern beauty.