The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
by Anne Moratto
Behind the Scenes: Tom Holcomb
by Staff
August 1, 19973 min to read
Tom Holcomb, a full-time educator for EZ Flow Nail Products, did pink-and-white sculptured nails on this month's cover model. Photography by Caesar Lima; makeup and hairstyling: Helen Cepeda; models: Michelle Thomas, Chic Models; Chris Lohr.
It's hard to imagine that the first male to gain notoriety on the U.S. nail competition circuit could have been someone other than 'Tom Holcomb, which would have been the case if he hadn't followed his mother's advice to give cosmetology school a try.
"I was the lost, wild child in high school. I was always very artistic with my hands and I had a lot of funky hairstyles growing up," says the full-time educator for EZ Flow Nail Products.
"In cosmetology school, I fought doing nails because it wasn't my bag. One day a manufacturer's educator was giving a demonstration. She saw my work, liked what she saw, and talked me into competing in a student sculptured nail competition and I won."
Needless to say, Holcomb, who lives in Riverside, Calif., got hit by the competition bug. That was 12 years ago. "At the time, no men were competing. I started winning right away and I got a lot of flack from the other competitors who had been competing for a while. I had to prove myself," he says.
He proved himself all right, and in the process, he ended up as co-owner of a nail company. After two years, Holcomb hit burnout and left the company. "I was working full-time in a salon, competing, and traveling to plug our products. I became totally strung out," he says.
At one point, he even threw in the competition towel. "Competing became monotonous. I was doing the same technique over and over again," he says. Eventually, he started competing again, and practiced doing softer-looking nails by sculpting the moons.
"There are many great competitors right now," says Holcomb. "I love it when a competitor who asks for my advice goes and beats me. It makes me work harder during the competition, which keeps me motivated."
Three years ago, to break up the day-to-day routine of salon life, Holcomb became an educator for EZ Flow Nail Products. He is constantly on the move teaching across the U.S., Japan, and Europe.
Believe it or not, Holcomb's unrealistic goal for the future is to be a dentist. "I'm a tooth freak," he admits. But luckily, his hand and foot fetish will keep him in the nail industry. His realistic goal? "I'd like to work full time in a salon again and be able to come home at a decent hour and make dinner. I'm looking forward to settling down and leading a normal life." In the next millennium?
After 12 years in the nail industry, Tom Holcomb has no regrets about anything he's ever done. "I always learn from my mistakes," he says.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Business
Create a Salon Suite That Reflects Your Brand and Delights Your Clients
The most successful salon suites balance personality, function, and comfort. Megan Communale of My Salon Suite shares her best advice for designing a space that supports your business goals and leaves a lasting impression on every guest.
by Anne Moratto
Square's 2026 Local Economy Report Reveals the Neighborhood Network Effect
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
Precision, Passion, and the Business of Beauty
When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex
The Golden Touch: Luxury Service Helps Drive Loyalty at J Gold Salon
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
How to Build Career Connections in Beauty: Expert Networking Advice from K18’s Sabrina Sanborn
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
How Can I Minimize Cancellations and No-Shows?
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Nailtorious Iconz Beauty Academy Announces the Rollout of its Professional Product Line
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
Stylists Share Their Advice for the Post-Holiday Quiet Period
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
10 Housing and Interior Design Trends for 2025
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
Prepare for Small Business Saturday® with American Express
The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex
6 Quick Tips for Building Financial Mastery
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
Success at the Top: Thriving on Madison Ave.
Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
Sponsored by Amex
The Salon Today 2024 Technology Solutions Guide
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Where Should My Money Live: An Account Breakdown
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro’s New AI Features and Communication Tool Pave the Way for a More Efficient, Profitable Business
Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro
Young Nails Biz Talk: Are You Getting Too Close to Clients?
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.