Business
Iowa Requires Sterilization for Cuticle Nippers
Earlier this year, Iowa mandated the autoclaving of certain implements in the salon. As of March, cuticle nippers (along with tweezers and comedone extractors) must be sterilized by steam, dry heat, or other sterilization equipment.
Making the Grade
State inspectors have the ability to strike fear into salon owners, but listen closely and you will find opportunity ... even in a less-than-perfect rating. How states handle inspections (or a lack of them) is as varied as the colors clients choose.
My B.I.F. (Best Implement Friend)
What implement can you not live without? Nail techs answer this question by describing the tools that get them through the workday. Plus, be sure to save the experts’ advice for implement purchasing, and the convenient buyers’ guide for the next time you’re shopping for new implements.
Building a Sense of Community
By intentionally cultivating a sense of connection among clients, techs and salon owners can extend their sphere of influence beyond the walls of the salon and establish their place in the community.
Play Me a Mood
You’ve just thought of an awesome new signature service you want to add to your spa menu. So why not go that little extra mile and make a nice music playlist to go along with it?
On My Mind: Grades Are Important
Some states, like North Carolina, require salons to post their inspection scores where consumers can see them. While I’m not necessarily a proponent of more rules and regulations for the nail industry, I do believe that since most salons are already being inspected, why not post the grade?
by Hannah Lee
My Other Life: Laura Merzetti, scuba diver
Laura Merzetti, salon owner. In her other life: scuba diver.
by Judy Lessin
Dotting-Marbelizer
Princess Nails’ Marbleizing/Dotting tool functions in many ways to help you create and enhance nail art.
Get, Give, Help Through PBA | NCA Disaster Relief Fund
Salon professionals who have been affected by the recent flooding in Tennessee or tornados in Mississippi can apply for assistance from the PBA | NCA Disaster Relief Fund by filling out the Application for Aid available at www.ncacares.org in the Resources section.
Retail Boutique: Personal Facial Cleansing System
Kiss clogged pores, oily patches, and uneven skin goodbye. Handheld facial cleansing systems allow the modern woman a quick and convenient way to get in-home skin rejuvenating treatments.
Ditch Your Appointment Book for Good
Salon owners love online booking because it cuts down on no shows, increases revenue, and eliminates phone tag. Clients love it because it makes the salon seem more professional and it accommodates their busy lifestyles. "And don’t worry, with MindBody you decide what appointments can be booked online. You can even use overlapping and double-booking features to maximize your efficiency," says Meg McCall, director of marketing for MindBody Salon Management Software.
Client Appreciation
"It’s a small price to pay to help set myself apart from the rest of the salons in my area," says Melodie Hand of Nail Designs by Mel in Clayton, N.C. She’s talking about her new client gift packs, a special gesture to welcome new clients to her salon.
The Salon Owner as Brand
Prompted by the advice of a beauty business consultant, nail tech and wellness expert Maisie Dunbar moved from her old salon to the new branded Maisie Dunbar Spa Lounge.
by Thi Dao
Catch the Momentum
With social networking, manufacturers’ advertising, and insider support, techs can be in the perfect position to catch the momentum when a wave of national attention sweeps over our industry. Are you poised to harness the power of the consumer press the next time there’s big news in our industry?
On the Road: Southcentral Alaska
The noteworthy salons and spas in Southcentral Alaska are proof that top-notch services aren't always hard to find.
by Sree Roy
Get a Doctor in Your Corner
Medical and beauty professionals need not be at odds with each other. Instead, techs can help create a bridge between professions, with multiple benefits to both tech and doctor.
A Video Can Make Your Salon a Star
For many potential clients, the Internet is their first stop in the search for salons. While a salon menu, contact information, and great pictures of your salon (and even your nails) are a necessity, a snazzy, snappy promo-video can really help set your salon apart from the rest.
by Tim Crowley