MENU
SEARCHThe decision to add a substantial new service to your salon is not one to take lightly. Tanning requires a financial investment that requires careful consideration.
The decision to add a substantial new service to your salon is not one to take lightly. Tanning requires a financial investment that requires careful consideration. Betty Hernandez, owner of Exposé in Visalia, Calif., decided to add tanning services after studying the tanning industry and tanning product manufacturers, surveying her clients, and talking to other local salon owners who offer tanning.
Hernandez was offering nail services, hair care, and makeup at her first location, but was dismayed to hear from her clients that they went to other salons for tanning. She moved to a new location last October and planned to add tanning with the move. “I wanted to meet all my clients’ beauty needs, so when I moved, I knew the first thing I was going to do was add tanning beds,” Hernandez says.
Her second move was to interview other salon owners to get a feel for how much demand there was in her community for more tanning. Hernandez got information that turned out to be good, and says, “One salon owner told me his tanning business does well. I told him that I initially thought of adding only one bed, but he talked me into two.”
Hernandez then attended a tradeshow, where tanning equipment manufacturers supplied her with information on profitability. “The companies gave me worksheets with projected earnings from offering tanning services, which were helpful, but I think the real numbers are different regionally,” she says. Then she selected her beds. “I picked a brand of bed that I thought was reputable. The company is California-based; having service nearby is important to me. They delivered the beds quickly and had a lot of suggestions as to how I can make them profitable, such as how to sell retail and run successful promotions,” Hernandez says.
To price her tanning services, Hernandez checked the prices at the other salons in her area. “I surveyed nearby salons and kept my prices right around theirs. Because all my equipment is new, I think it would have been a mistake to undercut the other salons,” she comments.
As for the ease of tanning bed installation, the situation at Exposé was unique. Hernandez was moving to a new location, so it was difficult for her to isolate the renovation and installation time to estimate how long it might take for an otherwise complete salon. However, Hernandez says, “The time it took us to put the beds into the finished rooms was only a couple of hours.”
Along with the tanning beds, Hernandez also offers two full retail lines of tanning products. “They are doing better than I expected,” she notes; at press time, Expose was just getting into its tanning season, which is January to August.
Exposé had been a pizza parlor before Hernandez got her way with it, and today, it’s still making a lot of dough.
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.
