I got a chance in the early afternoon this past Saturday to sit in on a couple classes at IBS Las Vegas, 2011. Stephanie Jennings of MindBody Universal Business Management gave a great class called “Is There An App for that?” that talked about how salons can use new technology like mobile apps, social media, and various other communication tools to stay in touch and connected with their clients. The focus was to encourage salon owners to stay on the cutting edge of technology to keep their businesses competitive.

She gave great examples of how tools like Facebook and Youtube can help salons with client retention and with marketing as well by sending out promos and pictures and videos of clients enjoying services like bridal packages and other special events.

And Jennings finished by saying that as much as technology has changed business and life already, it will only continue to do so at a rapid rate, and informed attendees of a new technology still under development called “augmented reality,” where internet information is rapidly relayed to smart phones as they scan real world events.  

Greg Salon of Young Nails also led an enthusiastic demonstration on how to use the new ManiQ Color Gels with glitter to create interesting looking designs. The glitter is pressed onto the nail with fingers after it has cured. The technique is done at intervals where color is applied, cured, and then glitter pressed, and then repeated to create a layered glitter look on the nails.

These nails were done using the same technique by Young Nails educator Amanda Dodge.

—    Tim