

Hippies, Hibernation, and Hellish Weather — Oh My!
Location breeds a handful of challenges and rewards for Island Girl Nails in Clinton, Wash.

Graphic Design 101
Graphic design can make or break the image of a nail salon. Whether or not you have a consciously crafted image, your nail salon’s brand is expressed through the look of your salon materials.

On the Road: Krème de la Krème, Belmont Heights, Calif.
Managing Editor Sree Roy says, " As a new resident of Long Beach’s Belmont Shore neighborhood, I’m frequently asked for my nail salon recommendation. I'm happy to say I finally have an answer."

SkyCeilings
The Sky Factory uses thin, edge-lit panels to create compelling illusions of blue skies and other serene landscapes.

What Is Your Dream Station?
Your nail station is one of your most valuable business tools. It is your office, your conference room, your classroom, your showroom, and sometimes even your lunchroom. It is where you do your work and spend much of your day — and you deserve to be comfortable. So what would you change about it if you could? From self-sanitizing stations to elaborately themed decor, techs defy the laws of physics, finances, and convention to come up with some innovative solutions for their individual needs.

DIY Manicure Table
Custom-made design doesn’t have to cost a fortune. On the contrary, with a little DIY ingenuity and a knack for bargain shopping, these techs created unique manicure tables that cost a fraction of traditional custom-designed options.
Save Money by Remodeling Your Salon in 2008
If you were thinking about remodeling the salon, this might be the time to fasttrack your plans. Earlier this year, Congress approved the Economic Stimulus Act in the hopes of aiding a sputtering economy. In addition to the individual tax rebates, the Economic Stimulus Act contains a provision that offers businesses increased tax deductions on purchases they make before the end of the year.

On the Road: Mani Pedi Cutie!, Hermosa Beach, Calif.
Mani Pedi Cutie! caters to moms and daughters - providing them with their own individual space and needs.

Mohair, Martinis, and Manicures
Fleur de Lys in Portland keeps it simple, cozy, and consistent.

On the Road: SugarBubble, Miami Shores, Fla.
Light blue walls, natural bamboo elements, and a crystal chandelier give off a fresh feeling in this cute shabby chic salon.

Explore Earthly Delights in Mississippi
When life gets complicated or stressful, Earthly Delights Day Spa proves that a little pampering can go a long way, especially when using the earth’s natural ingredients for ultimate relaxation.

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.

Just Say "WOW"
A good manicure or pedicure should make clients feel special and pampered. Some services push the boundaries in terms of techniques, ingredients, and price to make them exceptional. Take a look at these services that go above and beyond.

Hawaiian Pampering, Japanese Style
A one-stop shop for luxury, the Japanese-inspired Ville de Coco nail salon is nestled on the ground floor of one of Waikiki’s most popular hotels, bringing in guests from around the world.

Sole Soothing
Create a soothing salon environment with a subdued color palette.

Salon Swap
Two brave techs traded spaces — and clients and product lines — for one day. Here’s their account of what happened…

At Your Service: It's in the Way You Display It
Presentation is key to any salon service, and it starts the instant your client sits down. Small details in how you display your products show clients they are getting a more complete service, and you may be able to increase your prices as a result. Here are some clever ways salons are displaying their service products to their guests



