The Basics Of Offering Nail Services

The benefits a tanning salon can reap by offering nail services to its customers can enhance a business greatly. However, knowing the nail business basics is a must in order to be successful in the world of nails.

More salon owners are realizing the importance of diversification in order to stay competitive. Adding nail services is one way tanning salons can stay competitive for a minimum investment of money and staff. Nail services not only will interest your current clientele, but they have the potential to bring in new clients. Initially, your established client base will make up the majority of business you will pick up from nail services. New customers eventually will follow based on recommendations of your existing clients.

When thinking about advertising, it may not be a wise investment to advertise outside of your store. However, if you already are advertising, be sure to mention the addition of nail services to your salon’s offerings. According to industry experts, there are several reasons why nail services are so appealing to consumers: They are relatively affordable; they provide a relaxing form of therapy; and people are becoming much more conscious of the appearance of their hands and nails.

What are the basics for setting up nail services in your facility? Incorporating a nail service station into your salon is extremely easy and affordable. First, you need to determine the amount of space you can allocate without taking away from your tanning business. Nail services do not require much space, usually just enough room for a manicure table with a seat on each side.

A nail bar setup is one of the easiest ways to develop the maximum number of nail stations with the least amount of space. The nail bar can be built in a work area of 3 feet to 4 feet (per nail technician) by 22 inches, and the height can vary from 29 inches for chairs to 36 inches for stools. The total area ends up being less than 70 square feet for three nail technicians, which is enough room for technicians and clients to be comfortable.

Check out the various bar shapes that might fit your salon. If your salon is long and narrow, consider a bar along the wall. If you have a square room, a U-shape bar might be the most effective use of space. If a corner is the only space available, an L-shaped bar might work best.

The rest of the equipment you will need to set up shop depends upon the type of nail services provided. There are four categories of nail services you could offer—acrylic nails, gel nails with UV light, glass-glaze/no light gel, and silk/linen/fiberglass wraps.

Gel nails with UV light, glass-glaze/no light gel, and silk/linen/fiberglass wraps are recommended for all salons. Acrylic nails are not recommended in a tanning environment because when the liquid in acrylic nails, referred to as methacrylic acid, is exposed in a heat-generating environment, such as tanning, the odor intensifies and causes discomfort to clients.

According to industry experts, the most inexpensive types of nails you can do to start out are either fiberglass wraps or silk wraps. The expenses are minimal because all you need are glue, tips, fiberglass or silks and an emery board. As far as initial
start-up costs, a salon owner could get started in either fiberglass or silk wraps with a salon disinfection system for less that $100.

Adding a nail service to a tanning salon generates an increased amount of customer traffic. Clients will come into your salon every week or every other week depending on the type of nail service they use. Others will get their nails done after tanning. The retail products can increase a salon’s bottom line.