Business

How do you feel about having to use a particular product?

November 1, 1997

I strongly feel that I know what works best on each client. I do not and will not limit myself to one product or to a product that I have found to be inferior. I guarantee my work and put out quality, not quantity, so I want to use the best products on the market. My clients and I know that you get what you pay for.

Carmella Brown

Shear Precision (Eagle River, Wis.)

If the product wasn’t working for me, I’d think I might be using it incorrectly, so I would take a class on it.

Theresa Comstock

Finger’s Nail Studios (W. Dundee, Ill.)

I think if you’re confident about a product, you’ll do a better set of nails. At my previous salon, the owner asked for our opinions about a product and made sure we liked it. When we did switch products once, she had an educator come in and train us on the new product.

Charisse Prescott

Bren’s Nails (Conroe, Texas)

I knew I would be working at an upscale salon that carries high-quality, professional products. You can’t be afraid of trying a new product. It takes time to get used to it. You need to work with the product and practice your technique.

Cindy Grazioli

Salon Escada (Marlton, N.J.)

I would never want to be told what product to use. It’s a personal choice, like picking out a toothbrush or shampoo. You’re more likely to be proficient with a product you feel comfortable working with rather than one you are forced to use.

Aimee Ginsberg

Salon 544 (San Luis Obispo, Calif.)

If our salon carries the product and clients like it, I don’t mind sticking with it. But if the client brings in a product and I know it’s not good, I’ll tell her our salon uses professional products only.

Carmen Torres

Carmen’s Hair Fashions Salon (Lorain, Ohio)

I wouldn’t object to using a particular product unless it didn’t work. For the most part, you have to use different products depending on each client and the climate.

Judy Jensen

Studio 302 (Las Vegas, Nev.)

If I was handed a product and told to use it without having any training, that would be difficult. Our salon owner trained us on how to use the product we carry and I was already familiar with the product from school.

Allison Lowe

Nail Designs (Medford, Ore.)

More FAQ

Dear Shari: How do I build my nail business in a full-service salon that is made up of booth renters?

I am a booth renter in a full-service salon with no receptionist. We are all responsible for our own appointments. With so many hairstylists renting in the same salon you’d think my book would be full but it’s not. I get very few client recommendations from the stylists and they are usually one-shot deals. I understand they have no obligation to talk up my services with their clients, but you’d think that as part of a team they’d want to do so. The salon owner has brought up the subject at almost every quarterly meeting but it has made no difference. I don’t service the stylists’ nails because they do their own or have acrylics done by techs they’ve been going to for years. Any suggestions? Sincerely, Baffled... read more

Reader to Reader: Should a salon keep its menu basic or include multiple lists of service options?

Should a salon keep its menu basic or include multiple lists of service options?... read more

How do you make your clients feel comfortable after they’ve cheated on you with another tech?

How do you make your clients feel comfortable after they’ve cheated on you with another tech?... read more

Reader to Reader: Has your salon employment ever been terminated against your will (like a firing or salon closing)? How did you handle it?

Has your salon employment ever been terminated against your will (like a firing or salon closing)? How did you handle it?... read more

How can I get clients to buy retail items?

I don’t know if people’s budgets are to blame but they don’t want to buy products for at-home use. They want you to give it away to them for free. I do have promotions and giveaways from time to time, but I can not afford to constantly give away products. How can I get them to pay for these items?... read more

Why won't people buy products for at-home use, but instead seek freebies?

How do I stay within my clients’ budgets while my costs keep going up?

How do I stay within my clients’ budgets while my costs keep going up?... read more

How do I find a manicurist [employee] who cares about building a business?

I’m tired of nail techs who make only a minimal effort and expect me (the salon owner) to do everything for them. How can I find a manicurist who cares about building a business?... read more

Dear Shari: What can we do about those returning clients who tip $1 for a manicure and pedicure service?

What can we do about those returning clients who tip $1 for a manicure and pedicure service? Is there a standard percentage — like at least 15% is a standard gratuity for dining out? Sincerely, Tipped Off... read more

Dear Shari: What can I do when a salon owner randomly charges me for expenses in addition to my booth rent?

I just began work as a booth renter. It’s my understanding I am responsible to pay only the amount I contracted to pay monthly. However, the salon owner is asking for money here and there to pay for things like beverages, clothing, advertising, etc. None of these things were ever discussed or agreed on previously. Shouldn’t the monthly rent cover the things she wants to have at her salon? Sincerely, Disgruntled Booth Renter... read more

Reader to Reader: Is it wise to create a social, stay-and-chat type of environment for clients in the salon?

Is it wise to create a social, stay-and-chat type of environment for clients in the salon?... read more

What Would You Do if Business at Your Salon Slowed Down?

Although it’s not something most nail techs or salons owners ever want to think about, there may come a time when business may slow down. This may be due to a bad economy or other reasons. Have you ever stopped to think what you would do if this ever happened to you? We posed that question to a salon owner, a booth renter, and an employee. Here’s what they had to say.... read more

Prev Next