Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

Reader to Reader

July 1, 2000

Absolutely not. This is one subject I feel strongly about. A salon is not a place for children. We have a sign posted next to the reception desk that says: “Attention clients! We cannot babysit while you tan or get your nails done. Please make other arrangements.” It works out great for us.

Michelle McKinn-Iriart

Tanicure Salon (Bakersfield, Calif.)

Only if they are having a service done. Younger children especially cannot sit without touching everything in sight and there are dangerous chemicals, sharp implements, and hot paraffin around the salon. Besides, this is a time for the client to get away from the husband and kids.

Jo Laki

Jo’s Naughty Nails (Hamlin, Pa.)

We don’t invite parents to bring their children into the shop. We have a logo on the wall and in the restrooms, saying: “We love children, we have some of our own, but if you have an appointment, please leave them at home.” Customers respect our little logo.

Tracey Stadamire

Un-4-Gettable Nails (Portland, Ore.)

While we don’t recommend that a client bring an infant or toddler to the salon because of the distractions, we do allow older children who can encertain themselves. We recommend that they bring their favorite video and have them sit in our technician’s office where we have a TV and VCR. We also offer to polish a young girl’s nails for free if she has been well behaved.

Annette Sather

Just Nails (Madison, Wis.)

We created a child’s area with toys, but found that the children didn’t stay in there. They seem to prefer the lobby, so we got rid of the area and still invite our clients to bring in their kids. The children are well behaved. They even bring us presents.

Cheryl Haita

Breezes Day Spa & Tanning (West Allis, Wis.)

I allow children in my salon as long as the mother can control them. If they come in and they are too young to sit by themselves, I tell her it’s best to reschedule due to all the chemicals that are in the child’s reach. Children get bored fast and want to roam. I believe a salon is not an appropriate place for a child.

Sheila Snyder

Sunshine Nails & Tanning (Radcliff, Ky.)

More FAQ

How do I announce to my clients that I will be moving to a new salon?

I  just gave my two weeks’ notice at the salon where I work. How do I announce to my clients that I will be moving locations?... read more

The new products I’m using are adding time to each appointment. How do I adjust my schedule?

I have been doing wraps for over 20 years. The products I used to use have changed and the new ones are adding about 10 minutes to my appointment time. I used to be able to get a rebase done in an hour — complicated client or not. Now almost everyone is taking 10-15 minutes longer, so by the end of the day, I am really behind. More clients are asking for nail art now, too. I do my scheduling at the beginning of the year for the whole year. All my clients have standing appointments, so making adjustments in my schedule is next to impossible. How do I fix this? Should I do 1-1/2 hour appointments just in case someone wants nail art or the application requires extra time? Obviously, that would cost time and money. Also, I’m not comfortable with charging someone extra because it takes me longer to do her nails because she is harder on them than others. I am a one-person salon and I don’t take walk-ins, so there isn’t anyone to cover for me.... read more

How do I get conversation going and not sit in awkward silence?

I am naturally a pretty quiet person who doesn’t like to talk much. But after doing nails for a year, I realize that talking to clients is a must during services if you want them to come back. I don’t know what to say besides asking questions basic questions like, “How are you?” and “Do you have any children?” How do I get conversation going and not sit in awkward silence?... read more

What’s the best way to handle friends and relatives who expect free nail services?

What’s the best way to handle friends and relatives who expect free nail services — especially now that I’m working out of my home? I don’t want any hurt feelings, but that’s not something I can afford to do.... read more

Should I take it personally when a client doesn’t tip?

Should I take it personally when a client doesn’t tip?... read more

What should I do when clients have their check prepared for one service, but the price ends up higher?

I have been a nail tech for many years and I’ve never been good at standing my ground with clients. What should I do when they come in with their money (cash or check) already prepared for one service, but actually get a higher-priced service? For example, they need a repair on top of their fill, or if it’s been longer than three weeks since their last fill (which I charge more for). I’ve tried putting up signs but that hasn’t made any difference.... read more

Should I have a TV in my salon?

My question is about TVs in the salon. How do I know what kind of programming to show? In talking to customers, some like it when the salon shows a new movie, others prefer a music channel, and some others just don’t want a TV at all. What’s your advice?... read more

I’m thinking about not doing pedicures anymore and just specializing in traditional and gel-polish manicures. Any advice?

I’m thinking about not doing pedicures anymore and just specializing in traditional and gel-polish manicures. Most of my clients only get their hands done and honestly that’s what I love doing. I’ve never really enjoyed giving pedicures nor do I think I’m very good at them. A friend of mine is looking to make a change in salons so I thought about renting my room to her and I would move my manicure table into a smaller room in the building. My husband is worried that I’ll lose business to my friend, but I think that I’ll get more business from her and business from being more specialized in one area. Any advice?... read more

Are Facebook contests a good way to get my name out there?

I’m a new tech trying to get my name out there. I have seen a couple of nail techs offer contests on Facebook, such as “like and share and you could win a free manicure.” What do you think?... read more

Is perfectionism on the job a blessing or a curse?

To Be or Not to Be … A Perfectionist: Do you lose all sense of time and place as you do and redo in an effort to create the perfect nail? Or do you regard good enough as good enough? Some nail techs view their perfectionism as a plus, whereas others find it a curse. We asked readers to weigh in.... read more

As a new booth renter, I’d like to know how I should pay myself.

As a new booth renter, I’d like to know how I should pay myself. I have a separate business account. Do I give myself a salary?... read more

At what age do you think it’s OK to use gel-polish on kids or teens?

I’m reluctant to apply gels or acrylics to girls younger than 16 because they pick and can’t maintain the nails. At what age do you think it’s OK to use gel-polish on kids or teens?... read more