We generally usher in the New Year with hopes and resolutions for ourselves. But what do you want for your industry?

We called nail techs and salon owners around the country to find out what’s on their wish list for the nail industry. From better education to an improved economy, here is what some nail technicians are hoping to see in 2004.

My hope is for the state of Connecticut to get licensed. We are the only state in the country that does not license nail techs. We need some major industry groups to join this fight. Pressure on the state may help, public knowledge will too.

Wendy C. Updegrave

First Class Nails

East Lyme, Conn.

What I’d like to see in our country is more professionalism. I’d like to see classes taught at every show on this subject. The only way nail techs are going to see our profession elevated in status is if we change our image by becoming more professional,

much like hairstylists have.

Jill Wright

Angel’s Salon

Bowling Green, Ky.

I would love to see the powers that be come across with an industry standard for salons, not just nail techs. I would like to see this standard bombarded into the public spectrum. The licensing boards need to take responsibility for this billiondollar industry and address the issues of MMA and non-standard salons.

Karol Singleton

Lori’s Hair Design

Pinellas Park, Fla.

I’d like to see more nail techs educating clients on the health and care of their nails. As a black salon owner, I’d like to see more African-American women owning salons and being successful in the beauty industry.

Helen McCray

Nails by Faith

Birmingham, Ala.

There needs to be more state regulation. I would like to see the nail industry separate itself more from the world of cosmetology — specifically hair. We are not currently recognized as a profession separate from hair, and I think we should be.

Kitty Cartwright

Ten Points of Interest

Loveland, Colo.

I’d like to see more professionalism and nailoriented education at shows. Also, there needs to be a service price increase across the entire nail industry. There is too much price-undercutting and it is harming the mid-level salon. I like the trend of salons moving toward a ‘spa’ atmosphere and I’d like to see that continue in 2004. Also, the general perception of the industry has declined and I’d like to see that revitalized.

Katherine Heimbach

Kathy’s Nailery

Ocala, Fla.

I wish to see nail techs take an active and real interest in sanitation and client protection.

Ruthie Osorio

Nail Boutique

Merced, Calif.

I wish classes were less crowded. Forty people to a class is too many. Smaller, more hands-on classes would be beneficial whether run by manufacturers or independent educators. I’d be happy to see better business practices and customer services from all salons.

Grace Maiwandi

TJ & Co.

Wilmington, N.C.

I wish somehow we could educate more people in our industry to do simple things — like stop using the word ‘mold,’ stop using the word ‘sterile’ if you don’t use an autoclave, have techs stop blaming their clients for their lifting problems, and have techs realize if they are not busy it is not other techs’ fault. Diana Bonn

Salon Eclipxe

Muncie, Ind.

Licensing requirements vary drastically from state to state and should be standardized. With the constantly changing information available on safety and sanitation issues and new products that appear, continuing education — especially for school instructors — needs to be a priority. Students should leave school with proper up-to-date information.

Ellen Torchia

Beauty Airbrushing

North Bend,Wash.

More positive media attention would help the industry. We need better education of the public, focusing on getting safe nails and the benefits of a clean, professional salon. I think more thorough inspections of salons by inspectors and more readily available education are good goals for the new year.

Kathleen Sather

Kathleen’s Day Spa

Monroe,Wash.

I like what I see with the trend toward gel nails and glitter — fashionable nails. I’d like that to continue in 2004. I’ve been seeing a lot of pre-teen and teen girls with enhancements — and they’re not doing a good job of caring for them. I’d like to see mothers taking a more active interest in their daughters’ nail care and perhaps bringing them into the salon where we can educate them on natural nail care and move them away from wearing enhancements at a young age.

Molly Hoffman

Good Golly Miss Molly Hair Design and Nails

Maui, Hawaii

I think we need stricter state boards, focusing on sanitation especially. Recently I’ve seen more salons become more service-oriented and I hope that continues.

Paula Webb

Linda’s Hair Design

Garrett, Fla.

I’d like to see more salons focus on sanitation and cleanliness. More readily available and easily accessible nail education would be helpful.

Tracy Gainer

Le Salon

Fresno, Calif.

Personally, I’m hoping for a better odorless acrylic system. I work in a small space and the fumes create a problem.

Dyann M. Carter

Perfectly Nailed by Dyann

Funston, Ga.

I would like to see stricter MMA regulations. I have seen a lot of problems with it. Clients come in with damaged nails and don’t know anything about the dangers of MMA. We need greater public awareness as well.

Dina Cimarusti

Avalon

Folsom, Calif.

I think we need a change in the economy. Ohio has been very slow in 2003 and the beauty industry as a whole in the state has suffered. I’m thinking about relocating out of state.

Shelley Chaney

Salon 254

Lorain, Ohio

I want to be able to get all the products I need from a single distributor, not order from 10 different companies. It is particularly bad during the holiday season.

Julie Overman

Nail Designs on Main

Sauk Centre,Minn.

In the states that require continuing education hours, I’d like to see more useful nail-related classes — particularly for seasoned nail techs. Because of a lack of available nail classes I’ve had to take hair classes to complete my required hours — and I don’t do hair!

Barbara Clay

Tips to Toes

Indianapolis, Ind.

I want to see nail techs and the general public all get a better understanding of nail health. Nail techs need to better educate themselves and pass that information onto their clients.

Linda Lederhose

The Bamboo Room Day Spa

Bonners Ferry, Idaho