Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

Reader to Reader: What issue scares or concerns you the most about the future of the nail industry?

December 26, 2010

I worry about information out there! We are in such an age of information, and with that comes misinformation. For consumers and professionals alike it is hard to know what is truth and what is just myth. Then we as professionals have to know the truth and convince our clients that a news report was wrong or an article/blog didn’t tell the whole truth. - HEIDI FLORES, La Bella Salon, Lindale, Texas

Supply costs! Especially with everything else going up, supplies are sort of expensive now. What’s the price going to be like in the future? - HANNA MOULDER, Beauty and the Beast Hairstyles, Pensacola, Fla.

My concern is the lack of education — when I got my license I was thrown into the real world with very little knowledge or experience. - LORI YBARRA, Corpus Christi, Texas

My fear is the continuing decline of the economy, and losing clients because my service is a luxury not a necessity. After 28 years in this profession, I have weathered the discount salons, and I refuse to lower my prices to compete with these salons. I am worth my price and I use only top-quality products (whose costs are rising). I want to continue to be successful. - LEISA DAVIS, Reflections Salon, Fresno, Calif.

My fear is that techs hang on to the old and need to step up and embrace new technology. There are now colored gels, gel polishes, colored acrylics, and more; the new technologies are endless. If you distinguish yourself your clients will pay what you are worth. That is the fun of a business based on clientele — you know from your interactions with your clients how you do. - JENNIFER WIRTH, NailpopitUSA, Mount Horeb, Wis.

I worry about my future (as in retirement). I’ve been a nail tech for 15 years and not being married, I don’t have anyone else to support me. I worry about how I will support myself when I’m in my 60s. - CHANTEL ESTRADA, NailZ & Co., Cotati, Calif.

In the future the prices will inflate, products will change, but I expect that. What I’m scared of is that those clients who still insist on going to the “back door salons” will not have a natural nail to work with anymore because it will be so destroyed as to be hopeless. What I mean by “back door salons” is the state board walks in the front door and the so-called nail techs run out the back door. - DIANNA MEDEIROS, The Make-up Bar, Cherry Hill, N.J.

More FAQ

What can I do if I have too many clients?

I’ve got a full book of regulars and more people wanting occasional services than I can accommodate. I’ve already added some evening hours and don’t want to add more, but I don’t want to turn people away either. What can I do?... read more

Do you bargain when it comes to your prices?

We’ve all known clients who mention pointedly that the salon down the street charges less. And these days, we may even encounter longtime clients who simply can’t afford the services they did in the past. So how do you respond? We asked techs: Do you bargain when it comes to your prices?  ... read more

Is a booth renter ok without a signed contract from the salon owner?

I’m a booth renter, but the salon owner did not give me a contract to sign. Am I OK without one?... read more

Am I entitled to a key as a booth renter in the salon where I work?

I am a booth renter in the salon where I work. The owner said she does not have to give me a key. Can she do that as I own my own business?... read more

Reader to Reader: What is your best salon-related organizational tip?

What is your best salon-related organizational tip?... read more

I’m a booth renter, but the salon owner did not give me a contract to sign. Am I OK without one?

I’m a booth renter, but the salon owner did not give me a contract to sign. Am I OK without one?... read more

Does the salon owner have to give booth renters a key to the salon?

I am a booth renter in the salon where I work. The owner said she does not have to give me a key. Can she do that as I own my own business?... read more

Reader to Reader: Do you loan products to other techs?

Do you loan products to other techs?... read more

How do I promote myself within a full-service salon when I am the only manicurist?

I’m the only manicurist in a full-service salon and I’m wondering how to promote myself within the salon. What’s a good conversation starter when you first greet a client who’s sitting in the salon? I’m a shy person and I have a big problem talking about my business with clients.... read more

How do I determine my fee for party packages?

I would like to offer packages such as little girls party packages and bridal party packages. Now how do I determine how to base my fee? I would like to have one flat rate.... read more

Should we have clients sign a consent form prior to receiving nail services?

Do you think we should have clients sign a consent form prior to receiving nail services?... read more

What’s the maximum amount of jewelry that’s appropriate to wear as a nail tech in a salon?

What’s the maximum amount of jewelry that’s appropriate to wear as a nail tech in a salon?... read more