In the summer, I usually wear long, slim skirts and tunic tips. I can dress them up or down with jewelry or shoes, and they’re comfortable to work in. In winter, I wear stirrups or leggings (not tight) and a long top. I want to look professional so I always wear tops with sleeves and a modest neckline. I usually wear a black smock over my clothes.
Cathy Reynolds
Impressions (Summerville, S.C.)
Thinking back over 20 years in the industry, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t get dressed up for work. I take this business seriously and want to portray a head-to-toe professional image. I’m not talking suits every day and trendy fashions are fun, but you can’t go wrong with classic elegance. I feel that when you dress professionally, your clients will appreciate the fact that you got dressed up for them.
Linda Champion
Golden Shears: Hair, Nails & More (Runnemede, N.J.)
I dress according to the clientele I wish to attract and the salon’s atmosphere. If you want to attract professionals, then casual business attire is warranted. Workers at a discount salon may wear casual clothing based on the no frills image the salon is presenting. A full-service day spa may opt for a uniformed attire to enhance the image of a professional, above-standard service.
Alicia Bryant-Mayes
Elegent Nails by Alicia (Denver, Colo.)
This has always been a problem for me since I work in a glamorous day spa where appearance is important to the quality of work. In beauty school we wore smocks, but in the real world, I think they look tacky and clinical. I have tried dressing nicely in silk tops and slacks then changing or covering up if I have to, but this is time-consuming and cumbersome.
Donna Bachmann
Paul Strom for Your Hair, Skin & Body (Pacifica, Calif.)
Most of the time I wear jeans or cotton pants with T-shirts promoting beauty products or a dressy short-sleeved shirt. I dress for comfort and always wear a lab coat for protection.
Amy McCoy
Amy’s Exotic Look (Barnwell, S.C.
I have always worn a dressy/casual wardrobe. I feel we get a lot more respect as professionals when we’re not wearing a set uniform. I only wear a smock over my clothes when I’m cold.
Jill Hackbarth
Park Avenue Salon (Mequon, Wis.)
I believe that first impressions are everything. I always dress in skirts, dress pants, and other nice clothing. The neater your appearance, the more comfortable your client will feel.
Jennifer Smith
J & D Nail Studio (Thompson Ridge, N.Y.)