Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) and formulations for nail coating are disclosed. By including a POSS in the nail coating topcoat formulation, gloss and hardness of the cured nail coating are improved without compromising removability. If included in the color layer formulation, the POSS provides improved adhesion to the nail such that a base layer is not needed. Incorporating a fatty alcohol methacrylate in the topcoat formulation also improves gloss and hardness. Polyurethane copolymers can provide the cured nail coating with good solvent removability without compromising adhesion to the nail, gloss or hardness.