How to Start a Nail Salon Business

Jul 07, 2023

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U.S. nail salons bring in more than $5 billion in revenue annually. These specialty beauty salons have been around for years. But the industry is still growing, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for new entrepreneurs to break in and offer unique services and experiences. If you’re interested in getting started with your very own nail salon, here’s a breakdown of the steps involved.

Meg King, salon and spa consultant for Empowering You Consulting said in an email to Small Business Trends, “The first step is to spend time creating a clear vision of your business. Yes, it should include how many stations, your menu of services, a detailed list of what you need along with what it will cost you to open. But another important step in creating a clear vision… one that is often overlooked, includes answers to these questions. What do you really want? How would do you define the culture you want to have in your business? What type of team members do you want to hire? Who’s your ideal client? The clearer we are on all the details the better we can manage our business plan for success.”

If you’re not sure where to start with your nail salon business plan, you might check out the Professional Beauty Association’s business blueprints, which are customizable plan templates available to association members.

Ideally, some form of state-approved education and experience in a successful salon before jumping into your own business. You might also consider connecting with an industry consultant or finding a mentor who can help you understand what the day-to-day operations of a functioning nail salon look like. Groups or trade organizations like PBA can also help you gain valuable insights about the industry as a whole.

The legal requirements for nail salons vary by location. But you’re likely to need a building permit, business license and state-approved training in order to officially open your business. If you’re not sure what is required in your area, connect with a local business attorney or check with your local government.

PBA Brand Manager Erin Walter said in an email interview with Small Business Trends, “There are numerous financial considerations to take in to account when looking at opening a business and it can be helpful to meet with a financial planner to navigate through some potential obstacles.”

Specifically, you’ll need to determine what you can afford in startup costs, what your business expenses will be and how much you think you can earn on an ongoing basis. Some of PBA’s business blueprints also offer insights into financial considerations like budgeting, compensation and credit card policies.

Before you can put many of the other aspects of your business into place, you’ll need to find a location for your shop. Ideally, it should be someplace centrally located and easily accessible for your target customers. However, this will also depend on your budget and space requirements.

Nail salon prices and services can vary widely. You might stick with just the basic manicure and pedicure, but you could also offer artificial nails, gel manicures, arm massages or various other spa services to your menu. Carefully consider what you and your staff will be able to provide and do some research on pricing to help you create a full menu of services.

For a nail salon, you’ll likely need chairs, tables, nail polish, sanitation equipment, and various spa supplies. You may also want to carry a small inventory of nail products that customers can purchase. Shop around with various brands for your nail salon equipment and inventory so you can get the best possible value, while also considering the items that are likely to be most popular with your target customers.

The day-to-day operations of your business will be significantly easier if you put processes into place early. Determine how you’ll schedule appointments, collect payments, manage payroll and nurture relationships with customers. Put software and other tools in place to make these things easier so when you get up and running, you can easily show your team how everything should be run.

Most nail salons have multiple nail technicians or other specialists on staff so they can offer services to multiple customers at once. You’ll want to find people who are trained and skilled in their area of expertise. But don’t forget to take personality into account as well. The conversations that take place during manicure and pedicure services are often a huge part of the customer experience. So you’ll need to look for people who are able to provide exceptional service to your target customers.

When all those items are in place, you need to start actually promoting your business around your local community so potential customers can find you. Place local ads online or in print. You might also consider getting on social media and using some special events or promotions to build buzz early on.

Providing exceptional customer service is essential in the nail salon industry, where building strong relationships with clients is a key factor in retaining customers and attracting new ones through word-of-mouth referrals. To ensure a positive customer experience, focus on employee training and development:

By prioritizing employee training and customer service excellence, your nail salon can build a loyal customer base and stand out in the competitive market, contributing to long-term success and steady growth for your business.

Starting and running a successful nail salon business requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing excellent customer service. With the nail salon industry continuing to grow and offering ample opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, following the outlined steps can set you on the path to success.

Creating a clear vision for your business, obtaining necessary permits and licenses, and finding a suitable location are fundamental steps in laying the groundwork for your nail salon. Additionally, investing in comprehensive staff training, emphasizing hygiene and sanitation, and implementing upselling techniques can help your salon deliver exceptional customer experiences.

Customer loyalty programs, responsive feedback management, and fostering a positive work environment through team-building activities are essential in building strong relationships with clients and retaining their loyalty. As you establish your nail salon, keep a sharp focus on customer service excellence to create a loyal customer base and achieve steady growth in the dynamic nail salon industry.

By staying dedicated to continuous improvement and adapting to changing customer preferences, you can position your nail salon for long-term success and make a significant impact in this thriving market.

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