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I know you read my notes here religiously, so in case you missed our trend watch report in the 1999-2000 Fact Book (which is bagged with this issue for most of our subscribers). I wanted to review some of our forecasts for business trends in the coming years. Here are five trends nail techs and salon owners should observe and heed.
Online and in the Loop. With the Internet, nail techs have a forum to exchange information very candidly about what they like and don’t like about the nail business. More and more techs are going online to learn about products, get education, network with their peers, and solve problems. Whether you’re a salon owner or manufacturer you should have some sort of presence on the net.
Plain Wrap Education. Nail techs say they don’t sales pitch with their education. They’ll try products, but they want the classes they take to be applied to all similar systems. Observe the emergence of trainers who specialize in generic education and the techs who are willing to spend a few hundred dollars a pop for personalized technical education that cannot be found elsewhere on the market.
Good, Clean marketing. Today good salon sanitation means more than just a clean salon. It also involves good marketing. Salons are seeing that promoting their disinfection policies is a winning marketing strategy and a competitive advantage salons can use.
Feet Treats to Beat. Pedicures, a long-dormant service, got a boots a couple years ago, aided by key product introductions, but this year, they’ve soared (up 6.3% in service dollar volume) and technicians are even starting to specialize in them. Many techs have found that pedicures offer multiple rewards: a high ticket price, an extremely satisfied customer, and a pleasant service for the nail tech. Salons are doing all sorts of extras to make the service the ultimate in pampering, from offering private pedicure rooms to doing the service while the client reclines.
The Never-Ending Extra Mile. Salons have to go not one extra mile, but an extra marathon. And they’re doing it ingeniously. Innovative salons are knocking their clients out with customer service ideas that are clever and build real loyalty.
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.
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
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
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.
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
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' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.
This list of watch-outs from @jodydoesjels prompted us to reach out to her and learn more. We had already fallen for her hand-painted designs and now we wanted to know more about this list she created to help clients decide if she was the nail tech for them.
Education is necessary for beauty professionals to maintain their cosmetology licenses, and paying for that education can be burdensome, but it doesn't have to be. Understand which education tax credits can help you offset those costs.
