Back Where I Belong
What happens when techs leave the business only to realize they miss their first love? Meet some techs who re-entered the nail industry after a long absence and see how they rebuilt their business and dealt with changes in the industry.
Employee, Booth Renter, or Independent Contractor?
Spin the Wheel: Playing the Classification Game — In the salon industry, workers most often operate in one of three ways: as employees, booth renters, or independent contractors. But for years many salons have incorrectly labeled their independent contractors and may have put themselves at risk of having the IRS reclassify their workers. Find out if you're doing things correctly or if you're just spinning the wheel and seeing where it lands.
by Tim Crowley
On My Mind: Can We Change the Stereotype?
I’m looking for a place I like to call a nail boutique. It would be focused primarily on natural nails, and it would have interesting and unique services (where they’d serve drinks to match the services).
by Hannah Lee
Promotions With Pop
NAILS readers share the salon promotions that got new and existing clients clamoring for their services.
12 Things You Can Do to Attract the Manly Market
Bringing more men into your salon can be easier than you think. With a few small tweaks to your existing salon space and service menu, a male-friendly environment could be just a beer away.
by Tim Crowley
Bad Press? Who Cares?
Has the hubbub surrounding salon sanitation had a measurable effect on your business?
Health Tip: Use Smaller Portions
Scooping your products into smaller containers helps avoid waste and prevents cross contamination.
Take Control of Your Appointment Schedule
Everyone wants to be the master of her own time, but with clients, friends, and family all pulling in different directions, how can we? This is a call to all nail professionals to snatch your appointment book from the hands of your well-meaning (but clueless) clients, and take control.
Small Town Shop, Big Town Flair
Word of mouth in Leola, Pa., has transformed Artistry Nail & Skincare Studio into the small town’s local beauty parlor hangout.
Your Name Here: Private Labeling
Your manufacturer can be your greatest ally when starting your salon’s own private label product line. Learn how to make the most of this important relationship, ensuring you get products that you’re proud to put your name on.
by Sree Roy
On My Mind: Invest in Yourself
Hannah Lee's letter from the editor.
by Hannah Lee
On the Road: Sun/Spa/Tan/Body, Evans, Ga.
Sree Roy visits an Evans, Ga. spa.
by Sree Roy
Style: What’s in a Name?
A name is the first impression a salon makes on a client, and every name (no matter how clever or generic) says something about that salon. Some names are spontaneous acts of inspiration, while others are mulled over for months on end between family and friends. But every owner feels some sort of bond with her own salon’s name, and each has a story about how it came about.
What's New on Retail Shelves
We asked NAILS readers what new retail products they’ve recently introduced. Far and away the most popular move was to add a new polish line from the top professional brands. Cuticle care products and lotions were also popular choices. Foot care follows in fourth place, then skin care, with Entity’s Nanovive Skin Revival System a particular favorite.
Take a tip from…NSI’s Risé Carter
NSI's Risé Carter offers some tips on saving money in the salon.
Callus Remover & Smoother
Water-resistant disks topped with a 60-grit working surface adhere to the bottom of the tub or shower.
The Coaching Chronicles: Installment #1, Rebuilding a Business
Heather, meet Adrienne, a mother of two who just moved with her husband to North Carolina, where she must rebuild her nail business from scratch. Adrienne, meet Heather, a certified salon success coach whose job is to help you succeed.