African nail tech shows off acrylic nails on a budget

Updated March 5, 2025, 8:49 a.m. | By The Workzone with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp/Udesha Moodley-Judhoo

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Innovation comes in all forms, shapes and sizes – you just have to open your mind to it.

Do you remember as a child, looking up to the women with long, polished nails, thinking they had the secret to success?

There’s something about a woman with manicured nails that exudes confidence and makes her appear more put together.

While regular manicures and pedicures have become a must for many, they’re often a luxury that doesn’t fit everyone’s budget.

You might feel tempted to stretch your finances to get those perfectly polished nails to feel like you’re part of the "have-it-all-together" crowd, but that’s not always the smartest choice.

READ MORE: Back-to-school nails that you cannot wear to school

Rean, a nail technician from Benin, West Africa, recently shared a video demonstrating how beautiful nails don’t always have to be expensive.

She shared how she repurposed a used Coca-Cola bottle to create acrylic nails, proving that innovation can arise from the most unexpected places.

By cutting and shaping the plastic bottles to fit a woman's nails, Rean offers a budget-friendly alternative that also helps reduce waste.

While it may not be the preferred option for all clients, it's a creative solution for those looking to save money and make an eco-friendly choice.

READ MORE: Ariana Grande lookalike nails 'Wicked' impression

Check out how the finished product looked after using the Coca-Cola bottle – courtesy of Instagram.

A post shared by YabaLeftOnline Media (@yabaleftonline247)

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Image courtesy of Instagram