Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

Reader to Reader: If your salon was on fire and you had time to grab three things, what would they be and why?

July 18, 2011

My acrylic brush, nippers, and my basket of nail art pens. My brush because I have grown accustomed to it and there’s no other like it. My nippers seem like a given because I need a good pair, which is hard to find, and, well, who can live without nail art pens!
Yanin Moreno
Ocean Nails & Spa, Bradenton, Fla.

My money bag (for obvious reasons), my electric file (because it is my best friend), and my iPad because all my client records are on there.
Rhonda Kibuk
The Purple Pinkie, Ford City, Pa.

My rolling makeup case, my microderm machine, and my International Nail Art Award — I could totally grab it all in one minute or less. I just hope no one gets in my way!
Rachel Fillpot
Dewaines Salon and Spa, Magnolia, Texas

That’s a tough one! I’d take nothing: All is replaceable and materialistic. All I’d grab would be my salon clients and all my staff. They can’t be replaced.
Lisa Anderson
Avanti Salon, Sparks, Nev.

We received more than 100 responses to this question. Read more of them at http://tinyurl.com/3hcwva5.The first and most important thing I would grab is my tip jar. I work hard to earn that money. Second, I wouldn’t forget my scissors because those are the only ones that I can cut hair with. And the last thing I would absolutely grab would be all my NAILS Magazine issues. Your magazine is so addictive. I love reading all the tricks and tips for our beauty industry.
Imra Jauhar
Eclips Kids Salon and Spa, McLean, Va.

My table is on wheels and holds most everything I have, so I’d throw my box of glitters on top of that, grab my stand with the rest of my stuff, and I’d be out that door!
Vanessa Petroff
Elite Hair Design, Clio, Mich.

My Shellac collection because that’s my specialty and most of my business. My Mehaz nippers because they are the best and worth every dime I spent on them. Lastly, I would grab the bag where I keep my schedule, phone, and bank information for obvious reasons.
Sara Cole
Parisian Nails of Sequim, Sequim, Wash.

My purse (which has the money, iPod Touch for client scheduling, and my cell), my e-file, and my rolling cart that has a lot of products in it!
Pati Schembari
Pampered Nails, Montrose, N.Y.

My purse, the “Loving Hands” sculpture my mother gave me, and my appointment book. The license can easily be replaced with one phone call and insurance will cover the rest.
Karyn Lenhart
Body, Skin and Nails by Karyn, Roseville, Calif.

Towel warmer (it’s one of my more expensive items), acrylic brush (I love it), my first-place Fantasy Nail Art trophy (I worked hard for it).
Julie Perry
Strands Hair and Nail Salon, Brookhaven, Miss.

The three things I would grab are my e-file, Bertha (acrylic brush), and my Young Nails glitter.
Carmen Jimenez
Nails by Carmen, Charlotte, N.C.

Illustration by Ajay Peckham

More FAQ

Do you have a description of an independent contractor?

Do you have a description of an independent contractor?... read more

How do you deal with loud-talking coworkers?

I’m in a booth rental salon with five other techs. One of the techs talks so much and so loudly that I can’t concentrate on my work or on what my own clients have to say. When she’s not talking to her clients, she’s talking on the phone. She’s actually very sweet and I don’t want to hurt her feelings. What can I do?... read more

I'm feeling left out of salon socializing because I'm a nail tech. How do I get in with the "in crowd?"

I am the only nail tech in a small salon that has six hairstylists. The salon is in a remodeled house, so I am in my own room. Last Christmas, all the hairstylists dressed up and went out to a two-hour lunch and gift exchange and I was not invited. I found out about it only by accident. I was pretty upset and am wondering how I should handle the situation this year. Thank you for any advice you can give me.... read more

How do I get salon clients to leave their hands off my stuff?

I often come into work to find my thing spread all over my desk. It’s not the other techs. My table is near the hair area and when I’m not there, clients will sit and do their own nails while they wait for their color to process. They don’t just file, they put on tips and mess with my expensive brushes. The owner doesn’t think it’s a big deal, but I do. How do I get them to keep their hands off my stuff?... read more

A new client is unhappy about her service and is screaming at me! How do I handle that?

I had a call from a new client who was unhappy with her service. She complained that her manicure and pedicure took forever, that the price was too high, and that the polish was coming off.... read more

How do I handle a client who refuses to wash her hands before a service?

I have a client who has always given me grief because I make her wash her hands before beginning her service. She insists that every other salon she has ever been to (a lot) has told her NOT to wash her hands before her fill because the water will make her nails lift or give her fungus. She’s big gardener (no gloves) and now she has some lifting and embedded dirt. She’s had a few minor bacterial infections, which she thinks are fungus, and she insinuates that it’s she hand washing that’s the problem. How should I handle her? She drives me nuts.... read more

Why do all the misbehaved children seem to end up at my salon?

Why do all the misbehaved children seem to end up at my salon? Although I try to discourage parents from bringing their kids, I don’t have an outright rule against It. I have a sign that all children must remain with the parent at all times but they usually get loose and tough everything and leave their snacks and toys all over the place. I have no backbone so parents walk all over me. I don’t want kids in my salon, but I don’t want to be the bad guy. Plus I know some of my clients have no alternative. What should I do?... read more

How young is too young to get acrylics?

Sometimes parents bring 11- to 15- year-old kids into the salon to get a full set of acrylics. I really hate to put acrylics on them because they are so young. I refuse the service, but then my boss says to do it because they have the parents’ permission. Are three rules as to an age limit by the state boards? I fear the girls ripping one off while playing and then the parents coming back on me. Can I be held responsible for any damage that happens when they rip one off? Also how can I refuse the service in a nice way without upsetting my boss or the parent? Please help.... read more

How do I handle a tech who calls in sick all the time –and usually when I need her the most?

How do I handle a tech who calls in sick all the time –and usually when I need her the most?... read more

What are your best time-saving tips?

Readers share their great ideas, including having client do her own polish removal to simple ways to get polish bottles unstuck. ... read more

Reader to Reader: How do you keep yourself, you employees, and you salon safe?

How do you keep yourself, you employees, and you salon safe?... read more

Reader to reader: Do you guarantee your work?

NAILS readers share advice on guaranteeing their work, everything from time limits to client education. ... read more