Zaza Nail and Wine Lounge invited these two men to cheers to their first-ever nail salon service.
These guys had never stepped foot in a salon until we invited them to share their first nail service — on us. Then we got them to fess up — did they enjoy the experience or not?
Vasquez is a lover of food and creates and serves sushi rolls at a local Japanese restaurant.
Mario Vasquez
Age: 26
Occupation: Sushi Chef
Salon: Zaza Nail and Wine Lounge, San Francisco
Service received: Mani/Pedi
Connection to salon: Owner’s boyfriend
Why hadn’t you ever gone into the salon?
It never really crossed my mind. When I’d walk by a nail salon and I’d look inside, I’d typically only see women, so I’ve always considered it feminine.
Why hadn’t you ever gone into the salon?
It never really crossed my mind. When I’d walk by a nail salon and I’d look inside, I’d typically only see women, so I’ve always considered it feminine.
Vasquez loved the relaxation aspect of the service.
What were your expectations?
I honestly expected it to be awkward and uncomfortable. I’ve always been self-conscious about my feet and never really had anyone touch them other than myself. But I ended up being really pleased with everything. I could see myself coming back for sure.
What was your favorite part of the service? Least favorite?
The service was amazing and so relaxing. The technicians were very professional, clean, and careful when they worked on me. I couldn’t even say I had a least favorite part.
How likely are you to come back and why?
I could see myself making time to get a pedicure at least once a month. I’ll probably try to convince my buddies to do it with me.
When not being persuaded to visit a salon by friends, Mallon spends most of his days working in construction.
Patrick Mallon
Age: 27
Occupation: Construction Worker
Salon: Zaza Nail and Wine Lounge, San Francisco
Service Received: Mani/Pedi
Connection to salon: Dragged along by Mario
Mallon said his favorite part of the service was the foot massage.
Why hadn’t you ever gone into the salon?
I always thought about it, but the opportunity never presented itself until this story came along and I was invited by Mario, who dates Zaza tech Samantha Ramirez.
What were your expectations?
It was what I imagined and more. It really was a great experience all around.
What was your favorite part of the service?
Everything was great. I definitely enjoyed the foot massage more than anything.
How likely are you to come back and why?
I’m very likely to come back to the salon. It was a great experience and great therapy for me to mentally relax along with the physical benefits.
Nail tech Kelly Prettyman and Schuman, who considers himself a “roughneck” but was willing to give the pampering a try!
His son came along for the service!
Nicholas Schuman & son, Hanjin
Age: 36
Occupation: Auto body business owner
Salon: Guys Do Nails, Wilmington, N.C.
Services received: Pedicure
Connection to salon: Friend of a tech’s husband
Why hadn’t you ever gone into the salon?
I just was always one of those roughneck guys. I work hard and my hands are callused up. But I was open to coming because I just recently split from my wife. I guess I’m trying to pretty myself up as I get back into dating!
In their spare time, the two like to spend time at the local rock climbing gym.
What were your expectations?
I honestly don’t know what my expectations were. I didn’t really have any. But all the people were really cool. I’d hung out with some of them afterhours, so it made it less uncomfortable for me that way.
What were your expectations?
I honestly don’t know what my expectations were. I didn’t really have any. But all the people were really cool. I’d hung out with some of them afterhours, so it made it less uncomfortable for me that way.
What was your favorite part of the service? Least favorite?
The foot massage was definitely my favorite part. At 36 years old, I’ve never had my feet rubbed like that! My least favorite part might have been the filing, just because it tickled, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it felt kind of strange.
How likely are you to come back and why?
Now that I’ve done it, I’d probably go back monthly. I’ve already made an appointment to get a manicure! The techs convinced me during my pedicure appointment. My son and I actually both enjoyed being in there, so it was a surprisingly fun bonding activity.
Salon management software helps strengthen your relationship with clients by raising the bar on customer service at appointment time, as well as helping you stay connected between visits.
This month we asked nail techs: If you could say “thank you” to one person in the nail industry, who would it be and what would you be thanking them for?
I recently took my first MasterClass. I signed up when I saw that Vogue’s legendary editor-in-chief Anna Wintour would be talking about creativity and leadership. Here are some of the takeaways from the class that resonated with me the most — and that I think can be applied to doing nails as well.
Are beauty pros really making money on Instagram? Yes, yes and YES. Get the inside scoop and learn the top ten tips on what you have to do to make the platform work for you.
How will hiding likes impact the professional beauty industry? We polled influencers and Instagram power users to see how they feel about the pending US changes that began rolling out in other countries earlier this year.
Salon point-of-sale systems do a lot more than take payments and schedule appointments. Salon management software automates marketing, inventory, reporting, and staff management, freeing up owners to focus on the work they enjoy.
For the fifth anniversary of owner Nadiya Nadmid’s takeover of Pure Rain Salon, she decided to show her staff appreciation by taking them to see the acclaimed play “Hamilton.”
In MANI/PEDI: A True-Life Rags to Riches Story from Boat to Beauty Salon, author Krista Driver weaves together the compelling story of the evolution of the $8-billion modern nail care industry alongside the personal narrative of Vietnamese refugee Hieu “Charlie” Vo.
When Kate Kirkman of South Canterbury, New Zealand, isn’t at the salon, she might be wearing steel-capped boots and a high-visibility vest on a construction site.
Welcome to Holly’s Hair Salon where “I literally giggle to myself some mornings and think how blessed I am that this is my work life now. It’s an amazing feeling.”
Videos
In our video section, watch salon professionals in action, listen to the advice of salon business experts, and tour inside the world’s top salons.
CBD products have become popular as a natural way to relieve pain, increase wellness, and promote relaxation. These products have many health benefits and are ideal for a salon or spa setting, but it’s important to understand the product before you begin offering it in your salon.
By opening their hearts and minds, owners are creating cultures that embrace diversity. They're creating safe spaces that welcome transgender clients, building private rooms that protect a religious client's need for modesty, and hiring team members that can speak the languages reflected in their clientele. In turn, they're discovering their judgement-free attitude is a solid business strategy.
