Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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

What’s the best way to recruit techs for a new salon?

I’m opening a new nail salon and am having a hard time finding nail techs besides myself. How did you find yours? I’ve tried Craigslist, cosmetology schools, and beauty supply stores. Any suggestions? — Jen McClain, owner, Completely Polished (www.completelypolished.com), Cranberry Township, Pa.... read more

What low-cost extras do you provide that clients perceive as having a high value?

A complimentary glass of wine, an extra-long foot massage … these are the small gestures that keep clients coming back — and sending their friends to your salon. We asked techs: What low-cost extras do you provide that clients perceive as having a high value?... read more

Should the salon owner do nails herself?

Should the salon owner do nails herself ?... read more

Services For Teenagers

I’ve gotten requests from a few moms to add services for teenagers to our menu. I don’t mean the “little princess” 12 and-under service, but the 14 to 18 set. Their input has been that they will get their nails done more often, but can’t justify the full, luxury spa experience. I’ve been thinking about doing a “teen night” each week with really basic mani/pedi options (no massage, no callus care, etc. — just shaping, light cuticle work, polish and lotion application) that focus on trendy colors and options for spirit manis in school colors, etc. What do you think is the best way to address this demographic?... read more

How do you react to negative feedback?

Reader to Reader: How do you react to negative feedback about your business on social sites like Yelp and Facebook? Do you respond publicly or privately?... read more

Starting a Salon

I’m just about to graduate from esthetics school in Canada. I would like to open a small salon that focuses mainly on pedicures. I’m at a loss as to where to start, beginning with what products to use. I would like to offer at least two different product lines. I would like my pedicures to make a difference (detox, make feet feel relaxed and smooth and happy). Any suggestions?... read more

Is it Better to Buy?

Is it better to buy?... read more

Will gel-polish cause traditional polish to become obsolete?

Will gel-polish cause traditional polish to become obsolete?... read more

Do Nail Techs Really Need Resumes?

Do Nail Techs Really Need Resumes?... read more

What’s the most unusual place you did nails?

From funeral homes to a Swedish castle to the great outdoors — those are just some of the places you’ve done nails for your clients. We asked readers to tell us the most unusual place they did nails.... read more

I’m an employee on commission and I’m paying for product. Is this fair?

I’m an employee working on commission. My salon has us pay for the product that we use. If, say, we charge $25 for a fill, they deduct $3. Then we get 50% commission on $22 instead of $25. So pretty much we only get 40% in total since 10% is taken off the top to begin with. On a busy day my product costs can be more than $25, so basically I am not getting paid for an hour I worked and one service I did. Is this a common practice and do you think it’s fair?... read more

Do I have to have a website in addition to my Facebook page?

I’ve got a Facebook page that I’m pretty active on, but I don’t have a website for my nail business. Do I really need a website?... read more