MENU
SEARCHCan nail salons remain successful if they only offer nails?
Can nail salons remain successful if they only offer nails? Do nails-only salons have to diversify their services to survive in today’s full-service salon/spa mindset? Will customers remain willing to patronize one salon to get their nails, another for their hair, and yet another salon for skin or body service? Has the concept of a nails-only salon become quaint and outdated?
I think there’s a bright future for nails-only salons if, and only if, they take advantage of the fact that they are a specialty business. If you’re going to be only nails, then be only nails with a vengeance.
If you’re a nails-only salon, you should be able to offer customers the entire gamut of nail services, from acrylics (including flawless pink-and-whites) to gels to nail art to a whole range of pedicure options. You should have a variety of products to try and use on clients (both in service and in retail) that it’s like Beauty Product Disneyland. You should be such an expert in the diseases and disorders of the nails and skin that customers think you’ve got a dermatology degree.
You should have all sorts of programs to deal with every conceivable nail-related issue a customer could have, whether it’s nail biting, bad lifting, or chronic green nails. You should have fast services for the lunchtime executive as well as luxuriously slow services for the pampered matron.
When you reach into your supply drawer to pull out a tip to fit a nail misshapen by a lifetime of biting, your customer’s jaw should drop because she’s never seen so many sizes, shapes, or colors of tips!
You should be the first salon on the block with a new colored powder or low-odor product, the first to try a new brush or cuticle implement. There should be son many hand creams and cool polish colors lining your shelves that your customer’s head will spin. You should stock every hard-to-find nail charm, every high-priced moisturizer, every grit file that you can fit in the salon.
Is the nails-only salon dead? No! In fact, we may soon see its renaissance.
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.
