Galvanizing Nails
What’s driving it: Advances in nail technology, including gels and quick-drying, long-wearing lacquers; social media, especially Instagram.
How to cash in: Lose your hair-centric POV .
Bringing in nail services is both easy and profitable, according to CND founder and Style Director Jan Arnold. “Recruit, hire and train a great nail pro with a cool look and a great personality. That’s all you need!” she says. Unlike adding a styling chair, space and equipment requirements for a nail station are minimal.
“The best way to expose clients to new services is for the full salon team to wear them,” Arnold adds. “Consider a client is getting a haircut and notices her stylist’s cool nails. The stylist raves about her 14-plus day-old Shellac mani that still looks brand new. Sold!”
Arnold also recommends reconsidering the concept of downtime, saying clients can—and should—be offered a variety of nail services while waiting for hair color to process or extensions to be applied. “It’s the ultimate indulgence of time, which today is real currency,” she says.
“Fashion continues to drive new ideas for texture, finish, length and shape to complement the seasonal silhouette and serve as the ultimate accessory,” Arnold adds. Repeat visits, either weekly or every other week, open up possibilities for salons to cross-sell services and to expand retail.