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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 should I do to get the paying, loyal clients I need?

I am a seasoned nail tech and have just opened a nail salon. I need help sustaining new and regular clients in this economy. I have done many coupon sites (Groupon, Living Social, etc.) to build business and it has been a pain — plus my price point is higher than neighborhood discount salons. I’m not sure what to do to get the paying, loyal clients I need.... read more

Reader to Reader: What's better in the salon: small private rooms or a room with multiple stations?

What’s better in the salon: small private rooms that are one-on-one or a room with multiple stations so people can interact with each other?... read more

Reader to Reader: Should the salon be closed on holidays?

Should the salon be closed on holidays (days when most clients have the day off work) and why?... read more

Any suggestions on how to avoid theft without keeping everything behind bars?

I’m opening a salon and plan on having retail. However I live in a city and have to be mindful of security. Any suggestions on how to avoid theft without keeping everything behind bars?... read more

I’m very concerned about the other nail salons that follow the rules; it makes us all look bad. How can we stop them?

I’m so tired of all of these cheap nail salons popping up all over the place. They are so disgusting inside. The tools and mani/pedi stations are never clean. How does one report them? I’m from Michigan and the state board doesn’t reply back to me. I’m very concerned about the other nail salons that follow the rules; it makes us all look bad. How can we stop them?... read more

Reader to Reader: Who is your best "nail friend"?

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Reader to Reader: What's the nicest thing a client has ever said to you?

What's the nicest thing a client has ever said to you?... read more

How do you charge your coworkers for services?

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Reader to Reader: If you could open a salon anywhere in the world, where would you open it?

If a genie told you that you could open a nail salon in any city anywhere in the world (ignoring money and other practical considerations), in what city would you open your salon and why?... read more

Reader to Reader: Other than money, what would motivate you to work harder at your current salon?

Other than money, what would motivate you to work harder at your current salon?... read more

Should I advertise in the Yellow Pages?

Does anybody use the Yellow Pages anymore? What about the online Yellow Pages? Should I consider paying for advertising in the online Yellow Pages or is my money better spent elsewhere?... read more

What is the best place to recruit nail techs?

I own a salon and spa in Maryland. I have been looking for a nail technician and it has been impossible for me to find one. I have put out ads but I don’t seem to get anywhere. What is the best place to find one?... read more