

Why No Wi-Fi?
It’s easier and less costly than you think to offer clients Internet access at your salon.

On the Road: The Nail Bar, Hermosa Beach, Calif.
I knew I’d fallen hopelessly down the wondrous nail-salon-industry rabbit hole when my friend Claire’s birthday was approaching and my first suggestion was to throw her a pedicure party. Claire fell in love with the idea too, and, after confirming a date with one of my favorite salons, The Nail Bar in Hermosa Beach, Calif., the invitations quickly went out.

15 Minutes of Frame
Clients of Illusions Nail Salon in Johnson City, Tenn., get an eyeful when they walk into the salon. Owners Thomasina Alexander and Wendy Allen have decorated the space with a Nail Art Wall of Fame, a framed, regularly updated assortment of 12 of their artistic creations.

Putting on a Smile
The first kids’ spa has arrived in New York, and owner and former model Daria Einhorn is using it to teach wee ones about caring for themselves.

Take My Polish Bottles, Please
At Recess in Los Angeles, owner Nidhi Lal pays more than just lip service to the salon’s eco-conscious reputation. She’s made an offer to clients who might otherwise dispose of their half-empty polish bottles improperly: Bring them into the salon and for every 10 bottles, they will receive a free manicure. For every 15 bottles, they earn a free pedicure.

What’s in a [Salon] Name?
A likeable salon name can make a powerful emotional connection with your clientele, which makes it easy to remember and generates buzz, says Alexandra Watkins, chief innovation officer of Eat My Words. “The more memorable your name and the more people talk about it, the less advertising you have to do,” she says.
On My Mind: What Is Your Stimulus Package?
It might be time to offer a short term "stimulus package" to keep your clients' business in this uncertain economy.

Hot Stuff
Nail-focused salons share their secrets on selling waxing services -- the perfect addition to your summer menu.

Write This Down: Pens!
"I live 30 miles from anything and my book stays full." Her secret: Pens!

Royal Precision Brush
NSI’s Royal Precision Brush is ergonomically designed for balance and comfort.

The Place to Be
In the glitzy entertainment destination of South Beach, Fla., a former model’s salons — Lace Nail Lab and Lace Beauty Lab — become high-end neighborhood hangouts.

Clearing Out the Clutter ... From Your Books
Clean up the book? Update client files? Isn’t that like cleaning out the attic — a good idea, but not something you actually get around to? It’s a matter of setting aside the time — your clients will notice and your retention rate might improve.

Clearing Out the Clutter ... From Your Salon
Having problems getting that bottom drawer shut all the way? Do you have boxes, plastic bins, and show bags filled with unused goodies sitting in odd corners? Do you have a cupboard filled to overflowing with nail products and supplies? If so, it’s time to reorganize.

Clearing Out the Clutter ... From Your Life
Learn to say “no thank you” to things that don’t match your goals or you just don’t enjoy. And start saying “yes” to things that are more fun, rewarding, and interesting.
Removing Acrylic Nails: A D-I-Y Checklist
For those rare occasions when one of your clients has to remove her acrylics on her own, outside of the salon, make sure she is prepared and does it correctly so she does not damage her nails. Here’s a tear-out do-it-yourself sheet for your clients and some tips from fellow nail techs on how to handle this subject with your clients.

Take a Tip From ... Bio Creative Laboratories' Frania Garcia
Personal and systemic treatment can make for a better connection with customers.

In Their Sites
You’ve got your place on the web. Now… how do you get people to go there? Using smart search-engine optimization (SEO) techniques, such as using common keywords, and updating your site are two good places to start.



