In What Salon Environment Can a Nail Technician Be Most Successful?

Whether it’s working in a home-based salon, a nails-only or full service salon, or a day spa, every nail technician has a definite opinion on where a nail professional can be most successful.

We asked three nail professionals – a salon booth renter, and an employee – to tell us where they think a nail technician can find success..

This is the first of a new monthly column, called Point of View. Each month, we’ll have three distinctive voices comment on a single issue relative to the nail industry – issues that matter to you. 

Salon Owner: Millie Haynam, Natural Beauty Salon, Twinsburg, Ohio

“A nail tech can be successful in any salon environment given the right tools to succeed. Nail techs just starting out would definitely benefit from working in a larger environment such as full-service salon with more experienced nail techs to mentor, train, and support them.

These larger environments have more opportunities for building a client base. It is much easier to get clients in your chair who are already in the salon for other services.

Most full-service salons have manicures in their packages, so these client are built in. with the right training and tools these client can be converted into regular nail clients. Many larger salons have training program in place to help new techs through the newbie period. Once a tech has built a clientele she can choose to booth rent of open her own home-based salon.”

Employee: Angela Saul, Design 1 Salon & Day Spa, Grand Rapids, Mich.

“The best way to be successful in the nail industry is by working in a full-service day spa as an employee. I say this from experience

A large upscale day spa that has been in business for some time will have clients by name alone. When I went for my interview at my current job the owner said, “I can fill your chair, but it is your job to keep those clients.” Half battle is getting clients in the door and a well-known establishment is perfect for that.

Most full-service day spas purchase all the products you need to do your job. The day spa I work in is top of the line. We have employees who make six figures. We also get a profit-sharing bonus and have insurance and a 401(k), as well as education-matching programs. For me, it’s obvious why being an employee at a day spa is the best option for a nail technician.”

Booth Renter: Mary Seitzinger, Nail Sensation, Columbus, Ohio

“I work in a nails-only salon and I think it offers a nail tech the best income and growth potential if is in a good location. Clients coming in already want some type of nail service done. But I would only go this route if there were only one nail tech building her book at a time. It is much harder to build your clientele other techs are trying to also.

Natural nail care is really making a comeback so for someone who wants to go more natural in her services a spa is the way to go. However, it’s important to work in a busy spa to keep those books full.

I think a home salon has the least income coming in is yours to keep. But if your book isn’t already full it’ll be harder to fill it since there is no real high traffic area to get your salon noticed.”