Looking Fit 08/2004: Nailing Nail Services

“Incorporating nail services into tanning salons is a brilliant idea,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, executive vice president and artistic director at OPI. “Offering a healthy glow and great-looking nails in the same venue creates one-stop shopping for clients.”

Nail salons and services seem to be everywhere; the idea of introducing nail services to an established tanning business could be a perfect fit. The nail industry is growing at a tremendous rate, and nail, hand and foot care is being incorporated into many areas of the beauty industry, says Tony Cuccio, president and CEO of Star Nail International. “One example of this is tanning salons,” he says. “Clients are looking for the convenience of receiving multiple services in one location. This is great news for tanning salons to balance the year’s revenues.”

The cost of setting up nail services in a tanning salon depends on many factors including the number of technicians and their qualifications. “Tanning salons will need to purchase a nail station, hire a technician and purchase the products needed for the determined services offered by the salon,” Weiss-Fischmann says.

Salon owners also should make sure the technician who is hired has the correct licensing. State and/or local board rules that govern nail technicians will need to be considered.

Owners may want to think about the best way to utilize their space. “The cost of adding nail services into tanning salons varies; however, tanning salons will experience greater profits when utilizing approximately 100 square feet of a salon with a nail technician and nail station,” Weiss-Fischmann says.

Some of the cost of getting nail services off the ground goes hand in hand with how many different types of treatments are offered. The individual costs of products are considerably inexpensive compared to the profitable returns, Weiss-Fischmann says.

Starting out with manicure and pedicure services may be a great way to get nail services off the ground at a tanning salon, she says.

It’s important to provide odor-free nail-, hand- and foot-care services, Cuccio says. Incorporating acrylic nails into a tanning-salon environment may not be prudent. The odor from acrylic nails can be overwhelming in salons that do not offer tanning services; when combined with the heat from tanning beds, the smell may make some clients uncomfortable.

“Creating a relaxing and inviting area with enticing services is key to success,” Cuccio says. “You want to create an environment where clients feel very comfortable and pampered.”

There are wonderful new technologies on the market for salon owners who would like to incorporate nail enhancements, he says. “New hybrid UV technology allows the nail technician to offer a nail enhancement with strength and clarity with no odor,” he adds. “It’s the best of both worlds.”

Salon owners also may need to consider how much traffic the salon has each day. “On average, a technician will see eight clients per day, and a majority of the clients will request both a manicure and pedicure,” Weiss-Fischmann says. “In order to maximize clients’ time, salons may need to incorporate a second nail technician to keep up with the demands of the clients.”

Once a salon owner has decided to incorporate nail services, setting up with furniture and products should be a fairly easy task. There are many places available to salon owners to purchase nail-technician furniture, Weiss-Fischmann says. They can ask their distributor representative or search the Yellow Pages or Internet to find local venues.

After a salon owner has decided which products and services to offer, the next step should be showcasing nailmaintenance services at the reception desk or near the front of the salon. Having staff mention the nail services to clients and point out the nail-services menu will provide that personal attention clients may need to consider purchasing additional services at the salon.

One way to encourage established tanning clientele to branch out and use the salon’s nail services may be to simply introduce nail technicians to clients. “A nail technician can offer a free consultation to the tanning clients,” Weiss-Fischmann says. “This may include maintenance tips and suggestions on how nail care can be maintained at home.”

New business in the salon likely will create energy among clients. People may be drawn to the salon by friends who tan and end up becoming nail clients. “Tanning salons can offer mani/pedi parties at a special rate, encouraging salon users to bring their friends with them,” Weiss-Fischmann says. Offering nail services also should create return business—clients will want to maintain their nails every two to three weeks, Cuccio says.

Planning special events during the slower season may spark new interest among clientele. “To promote a healthy look with a golden tan and beautiful nails, salons can offer a package consisting of a tanning treatment and a nail service,” Weiss-Fischmann says.

Creating an environment that promotes a healthy-looking tan and well-maintained nails can boost the bottom line and quite possibly change the face of a tanning salon owner’s business.