CND | Global Leader in Professional Nail Care

Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Vista, California, CND (Creative Nail Design, Inc.) is the world leader in professional nail, hand, and foot beauty. The brand is especially recognized for its iconic innovations, such as CND Shellac 14+ Day Wear and CND Vinylux Long Wear Polish.

Deeply committed to advancing the nail industry, CND invests significant resources in research and development, professional education, and customer support.

A Decisive Discovery

Who would have thought that the most innovative company in the nail industry would begin with a chance discovery in a dental office? CND was founded by Dr. Stuart Nordstrom, a practicing dentist, who developed the idea for a new nail enhancement product after a patient observed the similarity between dental materials and those used to sculpt porcelain nails.

From this inspiration came SolarNail Liquid, the industry’s first monomer formulation, delivering length, strength, and flexibility to nails without yellowing. This innovation transformed not only the Nordstrom family’s future but also the entire nail care industry.

Growth and Groundbreaking Innovations

During the 1980s, CND doubled its revenue year after year, driven by a combination of creativity, hard work, and scientific expertise. The company quickly realized that long-term leadership required both scientific innovation and marketing excellence, supported by education.

CND invested in a multi-million-dollar research and development facility, ensuring proven, high-performance results. Over the years, the company has introduced revolutionary products, including:

• SolarNail Sculpting Liquid

• SolarOil

• Retention+ Sculpting Liquid

• SpaPedicure & SpaManicure

• Scentsations

• CND Shellac 14+ Day Wear Polish

• CND Vinylux Long Wear Polish

CND and the Spa Universe

In 2000, CND once again reshaped the industry by launching SpaPedicure and SpaManicure, systems designed specifically for nail professionals. Before this, technicians often repurposed facial and body products for hands and feet. CND set new standards for professional spa services in the nail industry.

To this day, CND has fostered a strong culture of honesty, integrity, trust, respect, communication, and accountability. This foundation enabled the company to thrive and gain respect, first under Revlon’s portfolio, and later as part of the Barcelona-based Colomer Group.

A Fashion and Beauty Brand

In 2013, CND adopted the slogan “Nails. Fashion. Beauty.” By forging partnerships with top designers and collaborating in countless runway shows during New York Fashion Week and beyond, the brand redefined the role of nails in the world of beauty and fashion.

In August 2013, Revlon announced its acquisition of the Colomer Group, aiming to expand its professional brand portfolio, including CND. The acquisition was finalized in October 2013, officially making CND part of one of the world’s strongest consumer beauty franchises.

Today, CND continues to expand its vision of nails as part of a more inclusive beauty concept, fueled by ongoing innovation and advocacy for beauty professionals. Around the world, CND facilitates a vibrant exchange of ideas and practices across borders and continents. Back in Southern California, one of the most inspired teams in the beauty industry continues to push boundaries and unlock new potential for the future of nail care.