Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

What low-cost extras do you provide that clients perceive as having a high value?

December 30, 2013

I always provide a complimentary UV-cured top coat for my clients. This keeps their nails shining until they see me for their next appointment.

Rachael Waggoner
Dazzlin Digits 3D Nails, Lakewood, Colo.


When I do pedicures, I keep a pack of disposable razors handy. That way, when I get a client who has a lot of hair on that big toe, I can just gently shave it off. And believe me, that little finishing touch makes a world of difference on their pretty new pedi.

Amy Payne
Cutting Corner Salon, Tecumseh, Mich.


If time permits I may do free nail art. The clients get a little treat and I get to introduce different art to them. I also treat them to paraffin, warm towels, warm lotions, and extra-long massages — just little things to let them know they are special and appreciated. But the number-one extra that every client receives: going above and beyond the sanitation requirements. I think this is what my clients perceive as the highest value.

Lydian Flash 
Austin, Texas

We offer complimentary coffee, tea, and lattés from our Keurig and a biscotti treat on the side. We also rarely charge for repairs and we always have hand lotion on hand for after a nail service. For birthdays, we surprise the clients with either a complimentary Cotton Candy Hand Treatment, a detox foot soak and massage, or a mini facial cleanse.

Teresa Heppenheimer
Tee’s Nail NV, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada


I clean my clients’ gorgeous rings, earrings, and necklaces. When I’m finished making their hands awesome, it’s a nice touch for their jewelry to sparkle!

Shannon Bess
Shear Style, Beckley, W.Va.

I give a free small bottle of Solar Oil and paraffin dips.

Wendy McCall Bailey
Nails by Wendy, Huntersville, N.C.

More FAQ

What’s the best way to recruit techs for a new salon?

I’m opening a new nail salon and am having a hard time finding nail techs besides myself. How did you find yours? I’ve tried Craigslist, cosmetology schools, and beauty supply stores. Any suggestions? — Jen McClain, owner, Completely Polished (www.completelypolished.com), Cranberry Township, Pa.... read more

Should the salon owner do nails herself?

Should the salon owner do nails herself ?... read more

Services For Teenagers

I’ve gotten requests from a few moms to add services for teenagers to our menu. I don’t mean the “little princess” 12 and-under service, but the 14 to 18 set. Their input has been that they will get their nails done more often, but can’t justify the full, luxury spa experience. I’ve been thinking about doing a “teen night” each week with really basic mani/pedi options (no massage, no callus care, etc. — just shaping, light cuticle work, polish and lotion application) that focus on trendy colors and options for spirit manis in school colors, etc. What do you think is the best way to address this demographic?... read more

How do you react to negative feedback?

Reader to Reader: How do you react to negative feedback about your business on social sites like Yelp and Facebook? Do you respond publicly or privately?... read more

Starting a Salon

I’m just about to graduate from esthetics school in Canada. I would like to open a small salon that focuses mainly on pedicures. I’m at a loss as to where to start, beginning with what products to use. I would like to offer at least two different product lines. I would like my pedicures to make a difference (detox, make feet feel relaxed and smooth and happy). Any suggestions?... read more

Is it Better to Buy?

Is it better to buy?... read more

Will gel-polish cause traditional polish to become obsolete?

Will gel-polish cause traditional polish to become obsolete?... read more

Do Nail Techs Really Need Resumes?

Do Nail Techs Really Need Resumes?... read more

What’s the most unusual place you did nails?

From funeral homes to a Swedish castle to the great outdoors — those are just some of the places you’ve done nails for your clients. We asked readers to tell us the most unusual place they did nails.... read more

I’m an employee on commission and I’m paying for product. Is this fair?

I’m an employee working on commission. My salon has us pay for the product that we use. If, say, we charge $25 for a fill, they deduct $3. Then we get 50% commission on $22 instead of $25. So pretty much we only get 40% in total since 10% is taken off the top to begin with. On a busy day my product costs can be more than $25, so basically I am not getting paid for an hour I worked and one service I did. Is this a common practice and do you think it’s fair?... read more

Do I have to have a website in addition to my Facebook page?

I’ve got a Facebook page that I’m pretty active on, but I don’t have a website for my nail business. Do I really need a website?... read more

As an independent contractor, do I have to stay in the salon for five to six hours when there are no walk-ins or appointments?

As an independent contractor getting a 1099, do I have to stay in the salon for five to six hours when there are no walk-ins or appointments and I’m not getting a salary? I work on a 50/50 commission split.... read more