MENU
SEARCHEveryone in the nail industry knows how important covers are on our printed issues. You might say they are the swoosh, the golden arches, the apple with a bite in it.
Everyone in the nail industry knows how important covers are on our printed issues. You might say they are the swoosh, the golden arches, the apple with a bite in it. They instantly identify NAILS. But you want to know what we really think about when we plan covers? You. And after 33+ years of creating NAILS covers, we know you want larger-than-life, drop-dead gorgeous nails front and center on each issue. You might like to see the nails as an essential part of an overall look, but you don’t want nails to get short shrift on the cover of NAILS Magazine, YOUR magazine.
We actually have a “cover philosophy” at NAILS and it’s simple: We want to inspire you. We want the props, the hands, the design elements, the typography all to showcase and draw attention to the nails themselves. Our models are beautiful of course, and they have long, slim fingers and nail beds a competitor would die for. We like getting clever with our concepts and showing products being used in interesting ways. And we really spend a lot of time writing the phrases for the cover to get you interested in reading the issue. But it’s the nails, always about the nails. We want you to stare at those incredible nails and get inspired. We want you to be able to replicate the design or come up with a salon-worthy interpretation of your own.
Every NAILS cover has to have these elements:
> Nails done to perfection by a professional nail technician. This is non-negotiable. We don’t use amateurs or anyone not engaged in the business of nail care.
> The hands on the cover must be at least life-size so they’re normal looking and so that the nails are easy to see.
> The nails must be the focus of the image and most of the nails should be visible. It’s not always possible to get all 10 nails in focus and head-on (it’s not possible without asking the model to do something unnatural, that is) but we get as close as we can.
> We don’t do much retouching because we want real nails, not PhotoShop nails.
> If we use a model’s face or props, they are never the focus of the image. We leave the high-end makeup and fancy hairstyles to our sister magazine, Modern Salon. We do nails and we don’t want our nails taking a backseat to anything.
> The model’s own hands have to be slim, clean, and blemish-free so nothing detracts from the nails.
This month’s cover features NTNA finalist Celina Rydén’s incredible artistry. We shot this cover on location in Chicago a few days before America’s Beauty Show. We used natural light spilling into McCormick Place, which made the image appear lifelike even with the design’s elements of fantasy.
If you have an opinion of what you like about NAILS covers or a concept recommendation, we would love to hear. Our covers are YOUR covers.
— Erika
Erika.Kotite@bobit.com
Save
Save
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.
