MENU
SEARCHBecome a color expert for your clients.
As a consumer, I’m always slightly on edge when I’m “accosted” at a store by an overly friendly salesperson. You know the type — they’re on you the second you set foot in the store. Sure, I want to be acknowledged and it’s nice to know someone is available should I need help (how many times have I wished for a salesgirl when I needed to get into the locked dressing room?), but unless I ask for something specific, I’m usually just interested in browsing — on my own.
That is, unless it’s something that I actually need an expert’s opinion on. Like makeup. When I’m buying new makeup I need help because I honestly don’t know what eye shadow colors look best with my eyes or what shade of powder is best for my skin tone. But the girl at the MAC counter is a trained makeup artist and understands warm and cool skin tones (I still don’t know which I am…although I’d lean toward cool since I’m pale and freckly). And her trained eye knows what colors will look good on me way better than I do.
It’s the same at the nail salon. You, the trained professional, are the expert. And over the last several years, I’ve seen nail techs embrace this fact as more and more of you offer custom-made pink-and-whites for your clients. Gone are the days of old when one pink and one white would suffice for every client. Now you’re blending colors together to create the perfect pink and the ideal white for each and every client. It takes nail enhancements to another level — making what used to be a one-white-fits-all to a custom-mixed and more natural-looking nail. And the possibilities are endless. You can fix problem nails with camouflaged colors.
So why not take it one step further and help your clients pick out nail color? Sure, some of them come in knowing exactly what they like, but why not recommend something for her to try? You don’t have to be pushy, and it’s just a recommendation so she doesn’t have to take your advice if she doesn’t want to. But at least you offered your expert opinion. And there are plenty of clients who come in to the salon who have no idea what color they’re going to try next.
Sometimes it’s overwhelming looking through shelves of color. I mean how many possibilities are there for a sheer, pale nude or pink? And don’t even get me started on reds — you’ve got red with blue undertones, orangey-reds, pinkish reds — how is your client supposed to know which one works best for her? You’re the nail care expert and you can be the color expert too. Don’t ever forget that the most exclusive service offered at your salon is your professional expertise.
We’ve got a great color story all about understanding the color wheel and how it relates to skin tones. And since it’s September, we’re also featuring the new fall polish colors. I urge you to read both and then try your hand at recommending colors. It’s just one more tool in your arsenal for becoming indispensable to your clients.
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.
