Business

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.

On My Mind: Why I'm Your Least-Favorite Client

I’m the perfect example of do as I say, not as I do. So as such a lackadaisical client, what does it take for me to come back for repeat visits?

The Right Brush

When it comes to nail art, it isn’t a one-brush-will-do kind of situation. With the proper brush, a tech can create everything from thin detailed lines, to color-blended shadows, and even elaborate flowers.

My Other Life: Brenda Gibson, amateur genealogist

Brenda Gibson, salon owner. In her other life: amateur genealogist.

On the Road: A Totally Unique Nail Boutique

We first met salon owner Heather Goodwin in 2007 when she entered (and won 1st runner-up in) our Nail Tech of the Year program. She didn’t have her own salon yet, but the plans were in motion. The next time I was in Orlando for the Premiere Show was 2008 and Heather was moving into her salon that very weekend. I promised her next time I was in central Florida, I would visit her salon. In June, publisher Cyndy Drummey and I made the visit.

Nail Passions Fulfilled: Becoming an Educator

Nail companies are always on the lookout for new educators. They are looking for enthusiastic and motivated techs to show other nail techs how they too can make fantastic nails using that specific brand.

Weathering the Storm: Where Do We Go From Here?

The worst of circumstances — the combination of a Nor’easter and a tropical storm — brought out the best in people. When the final coat of paint covers the last bit of evidence, it’s the kindness that I want to remember.

Perfect Palette

Don your berets, because Orly’s new Instant Artist Collection promises to help you achieve clean, precise, and colorful nail art designs at every skill level. The collection features 24 water-based shades that each come with a tapered brush for exact placement. The collection also includes four tools: a detailer brush, striper brush, dotter duo, and design tear-off cards that offer suggested step-by-steps.

What Sells (Besides Polish)

If our admittedly unscientific poll of NAILS Facebook fans tells us anything, it’s that cuticle oil — and CND’s SolarOil in particular — is flying off your retail shelves. Strengtheners and antifungals made a good showing as well. But those are not the only home-care products that have the cash registers ringing. We asked techs to show us their biggest selling retail

Just My Type

Get the down low for how to cater to four common client types — the glamour girl, control freak, escapist, and eco-conscious client — with nail styles, colors, services, and more that are fine-tuned to the needs of each.

My Other Life: Elizabeth Seaman, hunter

Elizabeth Seaman, nail tech. In her other life: hunter.

On My Mind: I'm So Excited

I always love getting out of the office and seeing what’s going on firsthand. And after the year we had last year, it’s refreshing to see the shape of things turning around.

Beauty for a Good Cause

Retail Boutique: Hair Smoothers and Serums

Argan oil is the big buzzword in the beauty industry, and clients will appreciate a chance to try these argan oil-based treatments. Argan oil hair treatments are usually applied to damp hair to leave it silky, soft, and shiny.

How to Start Going Green

The Green Spa Network offers these easy-to-implement tips that can help reduce the environmental footprint of your salon.

Salon Profile: Nowhere to Go But Up

Orchard Nails opened in Corona, Calif., when the economy was at its worst, but co-owner Thomas Irwin says this meant the salon had “nowhere to go but up.”

Striping Brush with Cleaner

Star Nail's new 1/2-oz. Striping Brush with Cleaner is a long thin brush that soaks in a cleaning solution.