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Summer Nail Trends for 2025
Summer is almost here and we’ve rounded up all the hottest nail trends of the season. From barbie-core pink and nostalgic jelly nails...
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Expert Tips for Doing a Manicure At Home That Doesn't Chip
We can’t think of anything better than having a fresh, flawless manicure, but it can be a real downer when it ultimately chips...
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What to Talk to Your Customers About and What to Avoid
When it comes to making your customers happy, providing a great nail service is paramount, however, building rapport can ensure...
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How to Open a Nail Salon
Opening a nail salon can be an incredibly rewarding venture for those passionate about the beauty industry. It offers a unique opportunity to create a relaxing space where customers can pamper themselves and indulge in a little self care. And as one of the fastest-growing businesses today, owning a salon can be extremely lucrative. However, opening a nail salon also requires careful planning, dedication, and a solid understanding of the beauty industry. In this guide, we will explore all the essential steps needed to successfully open and operate a successful nail salon. Whether you are an experienced nail technician looking to take the next step or an aspiring business owner with a vision, this comprehensive approach will help you turn your dream of owning a nail salon into a reality. Research and Planning Before opening a nail salon, the first step is to perform thorough planning and research. This will help you outline your goals and create a strategy to increase your salon’s chances of success. When in the research and planning stage, here are some things you’ll want to assess: Study the local market: Analyze the demand for nail services in your area and identify potential competition. Knowing what services your competition offers as well as their pricing strategy allows you to gain a competitive edge so you can stand out against the rest and market your salon successfully. Define your target market: Determine the type of customers you want to attract. Once you know who your target market is you can tailor your salon services accordingly and find effective ways to advertise to them. Develop a thorough business plan: Outline your salon's concept, what services you’ll offer, a pricing strategy, marketing strategies, your budget, and financial projections. This will essentially be the road map you’ll follow to create a successful salon business. Legal Requirements It’s vital to adhere to laws and regulations and establish your nail salon as a legal entity before you open for customers. Sole proprietorship and LLCs are two of the most common business structures you’ll find for individuals and small businesses. Sole Proprietorships A sole proprietorship doesn’t entail as much paperwork as an LLC, however, this business structure doesn't separate personal and corporate assets and expenses, making you personally accountable for all obligations, business debts, and legal matters for your salon. LLC While an LLC require startup costs and a great deal of paperwork, it has numerous long-term benefits. LLCs are separate legal entities once founded. With an LLC you are protected from personal liability if your nail shop runs into legal matters or business debt. In addition to setting up the legal entity, you’ll also need to obtain the necessary permits and licensed required as well as insurance to protect your business. While legal requirements can vary from state to state, you’ll typically need a business license, state-approved credentials for your salon, as well as a seller’s permit. Not having the proper licenses and permits can lead to fines or even closure of your salon. You may want to consult with a local business attorney or someone in the industry to make sure you follow all the legal requirements before opening. Location and Interior Space Once you’ve done your research and know your target market and salon concept, it’s time to look for a space for your salon. The first thing to consider is location. When looking for the right space its important to consider parking and traffic conditions and the proximity to your target customers and where your competitors are. Locations with higher foot traffic tend to cost more, however, you may be able to increase your sales with walk-ins. If you’ve done thorough research on your target market and salon niche, it will help to guide you on which location in your area has the greater returns on your investment for the price pay for the space. After you find the right location in your city, you’ll want to find an actual retail space that will suit the needs of the salon. The first thing to consider is the actual space and if its big enough to accommodate your business including equipment, nail techs, and customers. Because salons work with many chemicals, it’s important to find a salon with proper ventilation. Visibility is another important factor to consider. You’ll want a salon space that can be visible from the street and has convenient access for your customers. Source Equipment and Supplies After you lease a space for your salon, it’s time to source equipment and supplies. If you’re on a tight budget you may be able to find salon-grade equipment secondhand. However, all products that will be used on customers should always be new. SNS offers wholesale pricing on dip powder, gel polishes, and other tools. Try to get an idea of how many customers you’ll have each week and try to order supplies accordingly. It may be a learning curve at first, but you want to ensure your stock is well maintained. Here are some common salon-grade supplies you’ll need: Nail supplies including a wide selection of nail polishes, dip powders, gel, and acrylic, base and top coats, nail extensions, nail polish remover, etc. Manicure Tools such as files, buffers, nail clippers, cuticle pushers, manicure scissors, brushes, etc Salon furniture such as manicure tables, pedicure chairs, displays, reception desk etc Nail dryers/UV lamps, and other equipment Autoclaves and sanitization equipment Hiring and Training Nail Techs and Staff Of course, you can’t have a salon without staff, and because you’re offering a service, the people you choose to hire to perform those services are crucial. Hiring and training nail technicians and staff are crucial steps in ensuring the success and reputation of your nail salon. You’ll want to hire nail techs that are licensed and experienced to ensure your customers leave happy. You may want to also consider offering ongoing training courses to make sure your nail techs stay up to date with current trends and techniques. In addition to nail techs, you may want to also hire a receptionist and a salon manager. Remember that building a skilled and dedicated team often takes time and effort. By investing in their training and creating a positive work environment, you'll be more likely to attract and retain talented professionals who will contribute to the growth and success of your nail salon. Services and Pricing Strategy Determining the services and pricing for your nail salon is a critical part of your salon business. You'll want to offer a variety of services to cater to different customer needs while ensuring your pricing is competitive and profitable. While you want to offer commonly requested nail services such as manicures and pedicures, its also important to also offer additional services that will set you apart from competition. Research the latest nail trends in the nail industry to stay current and potentially offer unique and popular services. Keep in mind that pricing can vary significantly based on location, competition, and the level of luxury your salon offers. Study the salons in your area to get an idea of market rates for a variety of nail services so you can offer competitive pricing. Marketing and Promotion of Your Salon You’ll need to market and promote your salon to get people to come in. In today’s world, one of the best ways to do this is through social media. Create an online presence with instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and other popular social media platforms. This will create engagement with potential customers and get people talking about your salon. Another important thing to do is create a Google Business profile. This gets your salon on the map, creates social credibility, provides important info on your salon, and ensures you show up in search engines when people are looking for nail salons in the area. Check out our guide for all the tips on how to promote your salon with Google Business. Launch Grand Opening Once you’re salon is set up, you’ll finally be ready for your grand opening. To ensure you have a successful opening, its important to heavily promote your salon for a few days leading up to it. A great way to get people to try your salon is by offering a discount or incentive for their first visit. Make sure to post your opening on your social media platforms, reach out to local influencers and you can even collaborate with other local businesses to get the word out.
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Barbie Core Nails: Get the Look
With the debut of Greta Gerwig's much anticipated Barbie movie this summer, anything and everything Barbie pink is trending and we just can't get enough. An ode to nostalgia and the epitome of femininity, Barbie core pink is the color of the year and it most definitely is here to stay. If you haven't booked in for Barbie nails yet, here are some ideas for your next manicure. Chrome Hearts Photo Credit: @vivianmariewong on Instagram Chrome nails of all shades are trending right now, but especially in pink. Upgrade your mani by painting a dainty chrome heart on a single nail for the cutest Barbie-inspired nails. To get this look use the SNS Chrome Rub-on Palette in Disco over SNS Gelous dip powder in Miracle Garden. Y2K Jellies Photo Credit: @betina_goldstein on Instagram If you haven’t noticed, everything Y2K is back in, and what better way to take a dive into nostalgia than with jelly nails in Barbie pink to match your favorite childhood shoes? To get this look, ask your nail tech for crystal or clear tips and top them off with SNS Gelous dip powder in You Betta Believe It, the most luscious pink. Two-Toned Pinks Photo Credit: @bycheznails on Instagram Can’t decide on your favorite shade of pink? This two-toned mani gives you the best of both worlds without the commitment. To get this look, use the SNS Pink Air Ombre spray with your favorite pink Gelous dip powder. For best results choose a shade of pink lighter or darker than the Ombre Spray. Glitter Goddess Photo Credit: @danaturenails on Instagram Kick your favorite pink up a notch with a little glitter. Perfect for a night out or a romantic date night. To get this look, use SNS Glitter Nail art over your favorite pink dip powder or opt for a Gelous color already formulated with maximum sparkles like SNS dip powder in BP08 - Chatty Parrot Fuschia French Photo Credit: @scaviar.nails on Instagram A French manicure will always be in style, but we always love a modern take on the timeless classic. What better way to stay on trend than swap out the classic white dips for a vibrant fuchsia? To get this look use any natural base from the SNS Pink & White collection and dip those tips in one of nearly 200 shades of pink. We love BOS16- Power Pink for this look! Pink Chrome Ombre Photo Credit: @onglea_fr on Instagram Ombre nails have been a consistent go-to mani option, but why not mix two trends in one and make it chrome? To get this look use the SNS Pink Air Ombre spray and top it off with one of our chrome rub-on pigments for Barbie core nails that will surely turn heads. Pink Pastels Photo Credit: @raelondonnails on Instagram If vibrant fuchsias aren’t your thing you can still get the Barbie core look with a pretty pastel that’s ultra-feminine. To get this look, try GC306 Duchess Of Gordon the most perfect pastel pink or HH05 Love Letter Pink for a touch of shimmer. Iridescent Pinks We’re head over heels for fuchsia, but we’re obsessing over this iridescent look that has Barbie written all over it. To get this look try SNS Gelous dip powder in LG02 Aphrodite's Rave and top it off with one of our Chrome rub-on pigments in the UniChrome palette. Glazed Donut Photo Credit: @amyle.nails on Instagram Since Hailey Bieber’s glazed donut nails went viral, anyone and everyone is trying to recreate the look. Typically done with a milky white or nude, we love this Barbie core take using the cutest pink. To get this look try SNS Gelous color LV18 Paris Is Love and finish with one of our many Chrome rub-on nail art pigments.
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Common Nail Issues and How to Fix Them
From brittle and cracked nails to yellowing nails or ridges, we’ve probably all experienced nail issues at one point or another. While we strive to have beautiful, healthy nails, nail issues are common, and if you didn’t already know, beautiful and healthy nails are often considered a reflection of overall well-being. When we encounter various nail issues it’s not only aesthetically displeasing but it can also be a potential indicator of underlying health concerns. Here are some of the most common nail issues, how to fix them, and how to prevent them from starting in the first place. Brittle Nails Possibly one of the most frustrating nail issues is brittle nails. Brittle nails are weak and dry and often crack, bend, or peel. Causes: Lack of moisture, excessive use of harsh nail products, vitamin deficiencies, or underlying health conditions. The Fix: Keep nails hydrated and moisturized by regularly applying cuticle oil and hand cream, especially after washing your hands. Avoid harsh nail products that contain toxic ingredients. SNS nail products are non-toxic and formulated with nutrient-rich ingredients that make your nails stronger and healthier with every application. Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and consider a Biotin supplement or multivitamin if necessary. Follow SNS expert tips for how to fix a broken or chipped nail. Yellowing or Discoloration Yellowing or discolored nails can be a frustration nail concern which various things may cause. Causes:Fungal infections, smoking, use of dark nail polish, not using a base coat, or certain medical conditions. The Fix: Practice good nail hygiene by getting regular manicures. Wash your hands regularly, making sure to clean under your nails with a nail brush. Avoid smoking which can cause yellowing and discoloration. Always use a base coat, especially when applying dark nail polish. Seek medical advice for persistent discoloration, especially if the nail begins lifting from the nail bed which could be a sign of a fungal infection or psoriasis. Ridges Nail ridges are visible lines or dents in your nails. The ridges can run vertically on the nail or horizontally, across your nail. Causes: Aging, nutritional deficiencies, trauma to the nail matrix, or underlying health issues. Deep horizontal ridges, called Beau’s Lines, however, are often symptoms of a serious condition and should be checked by a medical professional. The Fix: Consume a well-balanced diet Protect nails from trauma by wearing proper footwear and being cautious when lifting or maneuvering heavy objects. Regular manicures can help reduce the appearance of ridges Consult a healthcare professional if ridges persist or who has horizontal ridges in your nails. Ingrown Nails Commonly found in toenails, ingrown nails are a common condition in which the corner or side of a nail grows into the skin and can be incredibly painful, however, fixable. Causes:Improper nail trimming, tight footwear, or genetic predisposition. The Fix: Trim toenails straight across, avoiding rounded corners Wear comfortable shoes, well-fitting shoes Regular pedicures can help prevent ingrown toenails Seek medical attention for severe ingrown nails. White Spots Small white spots on nails are another common nail issue that typically isn’t a cause for concern however they can be cosmetically unpleasant. Causes: Trauma to the nail matrix, fungal infections, or zinc deficiency. The Fix: Handle nails gently Maintain good hygiene Address nutritional deficiencies and take a vitamin supplement Nail Pitting Nail pitting is a nail concern that’s identified by tiny pinpoint indentations on the nail that is usually related to a health condition Causes: Psoriasis, eczema, or certain autoimmune disorders. The Fix: Manage underlying health conditions Keep nails well-moisturized Regular manicures can help reduce the appearance of pitting Seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment. Understanding and addressing common nail issues is crucial for maintaining both the aesthetic appeal of your nails and your overall health. While some problems can be managed with proper care and hygiene, others may require medical attention. If you're unsure about the cause or treatment of a particular nail issue, it's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist for advice.
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Our Favorite SNS Shades for Your Upcoming Holiday Party
As we embrace the holiday season, chances are your social calendar is brimming with festive parties and gatherings...
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How to Get Rid of Fingernail Ridges
Fingernail ridges manifest as colorless, raised, thin lines running vertically along the nail bed from the cuticle to the tip of the nail...
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Do I Have Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that affects the nails, most commonly with the toenails. It is caused by various fungi, such as dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds, which thrive in warm and moist environments. The infection often begins as a small white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail and can gradually spread, causing the nail to become discolored, thickened, and distorted. If not treated Symptoms Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, can present with various symptoms that can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Common signs of a nail fungus infection include: Discoloration:One of the early signs is a change in the color of the affected nail. The nail may turn yellow, brown, green, or white. Thickening:The infected nail often becomes thicker than normal. This is due to the accumulation of fungal debris and the nail's natural response to the infection. Brittleness:Infected nails may become brittle and prone to crumbling or breaking. The texture of the nail can change, becoming rough or ragged. Distorted Shape:The nail may lose its normal shape as the infection progresses. It can become warped, twisted, or have an irregular contour. Lifting of the Nail:The infection can cause the nail to separate from the nail bed. This condition is known as onycholysis and may result in a gap between the nail and the underlying skin. Changes in Nail Texture:The infected nail may develop an uneven surface or pits. It can also show signs of scaling or flakiness. Foul Odor:Sometimes nail fungus can produce a noticeable and unpleasant odor. This is typically associated with the accumulation of fungal debris and the breakdown of the nail structure. Pain or Discomfort:While nail fungus usually isn't painful in the early stages, it can cause discomfort as the infection progresses. In some cases, pressure or pain may arise due to the thickening of the nail or secondary bacterial infections. Causes Warm and Moist Environments:Fungi thrive in warm and moist environments. Walking barefoot in communal areas such as swimming pools, gyms, and locker rooms can expose your feet to the fungus. Additionally, damp shoes and socks create an ideal breeding ground for fungi. Poor Foot Hygiene:Poor foot hygiene, such as not keeping the feet clean and dry, can contribute to the growth of fungi. Failing to regularly wash and dry the feet, especially between the toes, increases the risk of fungal infections. Pre-existing Skin Conditions:People with pre-existing skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, may have an increased risk of developing nail fungus. Age:The risk of developing nail fungus increases with age. Older individuals may experience slower nail growth and diminished blood circulation, making it easier for fungi to establish an infection. Foot Trauma or Injuries:Trauma to the nail or surrounding skin, such as a stubbed toe or repeated pressure on the nails from poorly fitting shoes can create openings for fungi to enter. Genetics:There may be a genetic predisposition to fungal infections. If a family member has had nail fungus, you may be more susceptible to the condition. Prevention Keep your nails clean and dry. Wash your hands and feet regularly, drying well after. Keep your nails trimmed. Long nails allow bacteria and fungi to breed and grow. Cut nails straight across and disinfect your nail clippers after every use. Wear absorbent socks and change socks regularly throughout the day, especially after exercise or excessive sweating. Wear footwear in public locker rooms, pool areas, and other communal areas. Choose nail salons that prioritize hygiene. They should be using fresh, sanitized tools for each new customer. Skip acrylic and artificial nails as bacteria and fungus can grow underneath. Use high-quality nail products such as those from SNS. At SNS we prioritize healthy, beautiful nails and formulate all of our products with nutrient-rich ingredients that nourish the nail beds and promote healthy growth. Nail fungus can be tricky to treat. If you happen to discover a change in your nails' appearance or texture and think it may be nail fungus, a dermatologist or medical professional can provide a proper diagnosis, address the issue, and prescribe a topical medication to help get rid of it.
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