Nail Salon

Nail salons provide manicures, pedicures, gel polish, acrylic nails, nail art, and related services.

Models include traditional salon (multiple technicians), suite rental (individual techs rent space), or working solo.

Success requires nail technician license, customer service skills, and building regular clientele.

Startup costs vary - booth rental starts at $150-400 weekly while full salon costs $30,000-100,000+ for buildout, chairs, equipment, and supplies.

Pricing ranges from $25-50 for basic manicures to $60-100 for gel/design work.

Technicians need clients every 2-4 weeks for fills or new services creating recurring revenue.

Revenue comes from services and retail (polish, nail care products).

Working at salons, techs typically keep 40-60% of service revenue or pay flat booth rental.

Location affects success significantly - strip malls with parking, affluent neighborhoods, or high-traffic areas work best.

Marketing leverages Instagram nail art, online booking, loyalty programs, and walk-in traffic.

Sanitation and licensing compliance is critical.

Challenges include competitive market, chemical exposure health concerns, sitting/repetitive motion physical demands, and building initial clientele.

Success requires excellent technical skills, speed (efficiency = income), customer service, creativity in nail art, and professional atmosphere.

Some technicians specialize in luxury services or specific techniques commanding higher pricing.