Manucurist secures private equity investment

French nailcare brand Manucurist has secured an investment from European private equity firm Inflexion. The funding is intended to accelerate the brand's international growth, with a specific focus on the United States market.

Founded in 2016, Manucurist is known for its plant-based and vegan product formulations. The brand states its products provide targeted care for all nail types. It is currently sold in more than 40 countries and is seeing strong growth in the US, UK, and Europe.

Inflexion's investment will support Manucurist's continued expansion in digital and marketplace sales channels. The funds are also earmarked for team growth, system upgrades, and new product development. The private equity firm aims to help build Manucurist into a global leader across all nail categories.

Tom Pemberton, a partner at Inflexion, called Manucurist a brilliant founder-led brand that has disrupted the market. We are extremely excited to support the team to accelerate its international growth story, particularly in the US, and to help build it into a global leader in clean nailcare, Pemberton said.

Founder's Vision and Next Steps

Gaëlle Lebrat Personnaz, co-CEO and founder of Manucurist, stated that her core conviction has always been that beauty and nail integrity should not involve compromise. She said the brand has shaped its products and identity around caring for consumers' nails.

Personnaz noted the brand has a community of over one million followers. This growing community, she explained, requires more innovation and retail investment to meet its needs. The founder expressed confidence in Inflexion as a partner, citing the firm's proven record of helping founder-led brands grow internationally.

Inflexion has a history of investing in beauty businesses, including British skincare company Medik8. The firm stated that all its investments receive access to support for international expansion, digital transformation, talent enhancement, and sustainability.

MANACARE Launches Men's Professional Nail System

A new brand called MANACARE has launched the first professional nail and hand care system designed specifically for male clients. The USA-made, five-step system aims to help salons and nail technicians better serve the growing male grooming clientele.

MANACARE was created to address a gap in the market, where many salons still use products and service experiences designed for a female audience. The system is built to help professionals attract male clients, elevate the service experience, and encourage repeat business.

MANACARE started with a straightforward request from nail techs: we need products for male clients that feel purposeful, perform at a professional level and don't smell like flowers, said Nestor Villalobos, the brand's co-founder. He described the line as a clear growth opportunity for the professional nail industry.

The MANACARE Product Collection

The debut collection includes several items, available individually or as a complete system. The products are designed with a masculine aesthetic and draw on over 15 years of experience serving professional nail salons.

Villalobos added that men are already visiting salons, and the opportunity lies in providing an experience that feels made for them. MANACARE officially launched on October 15, 2026, and will be exhibited at the San Juan Beauty Show in November.