I hate a television in the salon because talk shows or soaps become more important than the client/nail tech relationship. However, a TV set showing fall runway looks and promotional videos is a great idea. It’s a good learning tool and a way to introduce retail product and motivate both your staff and your clientele.
Awesome Nails (Grayslake, Ill.)
Under no circumstances should a television be allowed in any professional salon! We are trying to create a warm, restful atmosphere for our clientele without the distractions of the outside world. Years ago, as a young manicurist, I worked in a salon that had a television. Many of my fellow nail techs barely glanced at their clients during the four or so hours that the soaps were on. In this age of cut-rate salons, some of us must strive to keep our profession just that – professional.
JoAnn Andrews
Nail Boutique (Rolling Hills, Calif.)
We have a television in our waiting room, but we do not provide our clients with their favorite soaps. We purchase training videos and videos from shows our artists have participated in. We also have videos that show clients different hairstyles and nail designs. This provides a more professional atmosphere and helps increase the confidence our clients have in our salon artists.
C. Dosch
Jagged Edge Day Spa & Salon (Las Vegas)
I think having a television in the waiting area is a great idea, especially for running infomercials on products used by the salon. This creates interest and gets the clients asking for certain products the salon carries. Most manufacturers have videos on new products and a salon can utilize them to introduce new services and merchandise. It’s a good way to increase services and retail sales.
Kim Tanner
Professional Nail Manufacturers (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada)
A salon I worked in had the television on from the time it opened until 6 p.m. To top it off, it only had one viewing option – talk shows. I thought it highly unprofessional to have such controversial subjects available to our clients, especially when some of them brought their children them. It seemed too hectic with a television blaring in what is supposed to be a relaxing atmosphere. In my opinion, salons should turn the radio on.
Sue Fabian
Nails by Sue (Clinton Township, Mich.)
A television in the waiting area of a salon is a no-no. A client may become enthralled in a program and cause you to fall behind with other appointments. I tab pages of NAILS that show products I carry or am thinking of purchasing for retail. I get good feedback from my clients this way.
Darlene Johnston
Pampered & Polished Spa (Hagersville, Ontario, Canada)