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The Right Time, the Right Product

The original goal of NAILS is still true today. 

by Staff
February 1, 2003
The Right Time, the Right Product

Our very first cover, February 1983

2 min to read


Cover tech Danny Haile does the nails for this cover, which was designed to emulate our very first cover from 1983.


When the first issue of NAILS Magazine was handled out at the Long Beach Hairdressers Show 20 years ago, a letter from the publisher stated, “The purpose of NAILS Magazine is to strengthen those involved with the industry by providing decision-making information on current industry issues, economic trends, management styles, sales and marketing techniques, and coverage of any and all development of the nails industry. We think that you will agree that NAILS Magazine is the right product for the right time.”

The first cover of NAILS pictured a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The cover description stated, “The pot of gold the young lady is holding symbolizes the dramatic steps forward accomplished by manicurists.”

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Our very first cover, February 1983

For this month’s cover, our 20th Anniversary issue, we decided to take same idea and put a modern spin on it. (It’s sort of like asking Wolfgang Puck to put his own spin on classic macaroni and cheese.) Instead of the pot of gold, our model is putting her gold card back in her little black wallet. We still believe that nail techs (you’re more than just manicurists) are accomplishing dramatic steps forward, and the pot of gold is waiting for you at the end of the rainbow.

NAILS’ current mission statement says, “Our goal is to educate, inform, inspire, and enhance the professional image of nail technicians by offering features on key industry, business and health issues, as well as providing vital information on products, techniques, marketing, nail fashion, salon sanitation, and continuing education.”


So even though we have come a long way since that first issue - and many of the industry issues and trends have evolved - we are still here with one purpose to serve you, the nail tech.

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