Fingernails, especially those of ladies – whether natural or artificial – can now have logos and any other kind of images printed on them. This innovation, which is first-of-its-kind in Africa, was launched, last weekend in Lagos, by Maison de Beauté, a contemporary and digital beauty spa, a division of Pumoh Exclusive Online Services.

Pumoh has exclusive franchise for this service, which is also known as O’2 Nails, in the entire Africa. This was disclosed by Barr. (Mrs.) Umoh Adingwupu, the company’s Managing Director. According to her, the machines are of two models: the V9, which is for professional use and for use in big salons and spas; and the V11, which is smaller and can be used by smaller salons as well as individuals at home. Barr. (Mrs.) Adingwupu, whose name was already printed on her finger nails, informed that the Artpro nail machines can print logos, pictures of people, pictures of pets, and all other kinds of images on both natural and artificial finger nails. “We also have over a thousand beautiful and colourful designs that people can choose from and the machines would print it on the nails,” she said.

While speaking at the event, Barr. (Mrs) Adingwupu said the journey that has now established Maison de Beauté began when the management of Pumoh discovered a unique technology that enables images to be printed on both natural and artificial finger nails. While noting that such development was non-existent in the entire African continent, she said the management of Pumoh went into discussions and partnership with the manufacturing Chinese company resulting to Pumoh’s emergence as the franchise owner for the exclusive products in Africa.

Although the Artpro nail printing technology is expected to excite the marketing industry as it offers a new way of illustrative expression, the Managing Director informed that Maison de Beauté is a one-stop-shop where anyone can have a complete beauty care; from nails to hair, facials, massages, Moroccan hammam, teeth whitening, microdermabrasion, all non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as tightening of post pregnancy sagging, dark circles, eye bags, wrinkles, facial lifts, stretch marks, skin discolouration treatment and many more.”

Award-winning Nollywood actress Kehinde Bankole was unveiled as the Brand Ambassador for the beauty company and its products. Bankole, who described herself as a tech and innovative idea lover, said she is very excited to be involved with this beauty phenomenon at this time. She said Nigerians and Africans are family-oriented and love-oriented. According to her, people will embrace stuff like this that will allow them to put the faces of their loved ones on their finger nails. “Brides can have their grooms’ faces on their mails on their wedding day, for instance. This is fresh and it is going to be a great way for Africans to celebrate themselves,” she said, adding that “Nigerians are fashion-savvy and this is something that hasn’t been done before in Africa, which will create much excitement.” Bankole said pictures of people have been designed on cakes, but never on finger nails. “It is a very different technology and Nigerians, as fashion-conscious people, will love it,” she enthused.

From an empowerment point of view, Bankole also stressed on the fact that women can create jobs and small businesses and provide services even from their homes. While noting that the common pattern of beauty services is to go to a beauty centre, she said with Maison de Beauté, there are opportunities for do-it-yourself services, which enables people to buy a nail printing machine or a teeth whitening device and offer those services from their home under the Maison de Beauté franchise. “You can be a house wife and do these from home, be it teeth whitening venture or nail photograph venture. This is not just for beauty alone but an idea that can equip people to be financially independent, self-employed, and innovative,” she said.

•Photo shows Artpro Nail machine with an operator.

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