The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
by Anne Moratto
Stay Ahead of the Pack With Outstanding Customer Service
As a nail tech it is tempting to specialize in one area, but limiting yourself will result in lost clients, especially in today's recession.
by Ana K. Morgan
December 1, 19903 min to read
A woman walks into your salon and approaches the reception desk. She’s never been in the salon before—in fact she’s never had her nails done before—but she just broke a nail and wants to have it repaired.
You examine the break and offer to remove the broken free edge and replace if with a tip and acrylic overlay. The client recoils. She doesn’t want a tip, and she doesn’t want acrylic. Can’t you just fix it? she asks.
She may want a wrap, which is a perfectly good way of mending a broken nail. But the question is, can you provide the service the client wants?
No matter what your job, there will always be aspects of it you like better than others. Some nail technicians would rather do sculptured nails than anything else. Others prefer wraps, while still others could devote their entire careers to natural nail care. Some see gels as the most promising service, while others would be perfectly happy limiting their service menus to tips and overlay.
The point is, you cannot limit your field of expertise to one area and remain successful. As an editor, I have to plan the contents of each moth’s magazine and assign, research, write, and edit articles. My favorite part is writing. However, if I neglected the other aspects of my job, the magazine would not make it to your mailbox every month. Likewise, a nail technician may prefer doing tips with acrylic overlay to wraps, but if she refuses to learn how to do wraps, she’ll miss servicing a lot of clients.
This flexibility may be particularly important now. Economic indicators point to a recession in the next couple of years. Some economists claim we’re already in one. We’ve all heard that the beauty industry is somewhat recession-proof, but that doesn’t mean individual salons won’t be affected.
When consumers have less disposable income, they are more selective about where they spend it. Add that to the fact that today’s consumers are more educated about the products and services they purchase—from home appliances to medical care to nail services—and you’ll see that the technician who specializes in one service to the exclusion of others limits her chances of success.
There are many nail salons out there, and the main thing that separates yours from yours from your competitor’s is the variety and quality of service you offer. So go ahead, specialize in tips and overlay if that’s your preference. But be proficient in other aspects of nail care as well so the next time a client comes to you and asks, “Can you fix my broken nail?” you don’t have to send her to your competitor. You can say, “Sure, have a seat.” Next thing you know, you’ll have her on the books as a regular client.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Business
Create a Salon Suite That Reflects Your Brand and Delights Your Clients
The most successful salon suites balance personality, function, and comfort. Megan Communale of My Salon Suite shares her best advice for designing a space that supports your business goals and leaves a lasting impression on every guest.
by Anne Moratto
Square's 2026 Local Economy Report Reveals the Neighborhood Network Effect
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.
Precision, Passion, and the Business of Beauty
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
The Golden Touch: Luxury Service Helps Drive Loyalty at J Gold Salon
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
How to Build Career Connections in Beauty: Expert Networking Advice from K18’s Sabrina Sanborn
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.
How Can I Minimize Cancellations and No-Shows?
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Nailtorious Iconz Beauty Academy Announces the Rollout of its Professional Product Line
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
Stylists Share Their Advice for the Post-Holiday Quiet Period
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.
10 Housing and Interior Design Trends for 2025
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.
Prepare for Small Business Saturday® with American Express
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
6 Quick Tips for Building Financial Mastery
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.
Success at the Top: Thriving on Madison Ave.
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
The Salon Today 2024 Technology Solutions Guide
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Where Should My Money Live: An Account Breakdown
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro’s New AI Features and Communication Tool Pave the Way for a More Efficient, Profitable Business
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 Biz Talk: Are You Getting Too Close to Clients?
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.