There are few things in life that people enjoy more than heading to the nail salon. Hopping into a cushy massage chair while your hands and feet are pampered is super relaxing, after all. As life starts to stabilize now that COVID-19 is winding down, the demand for nail salon services is ramping up. 

If you've always dreamed of opening a nail salon, now is definitely the time to do it! The first thing you need to do is learn how to open a nail salon. Read on to learn all about it!

1. Get Your Licenses

The first thing you need to get your nail salon off the ground is the requisite licenses. Not only will you need a business license from the city or county, but the business may also need a license from the state board that governs cosmetology licenses.

The licenses you'll need depend on your state. Some states require that the owner of the nail salon have participated in a cosmetology course and passed the licensing exam. 

2. Hire Staff

Unless you're planning on flying solo, you're going to need to hire staff for your nail salon. All nail technicians need to have a license from the state board in order to legally perform services in a salon. Failure to hire licensed nail technicians can land your business in some serious hot water.

Ideally, you'll want to hire staff that has plenty of experience performing nail services. They should also be open to continued education and staying on the cutting edge of trends in nail design.

3. Get Your Supplies

At a minimum, you're going to need a station to perform your work and all the tools to get the work done. Don't forget about the supplies you'll need to clean and sanitize your tools. Check with your state board to learn about their requirements so you don't get fined during a surprise inspection.

Not sure what you'll need to keep your nail salon running? Check with your local beauty product distributor for more details about the products that'll help you run an efficient and sanitary business.

4. Marketing, Marketing, Marketing

You've got your licenses, your staff, and your supplies. It's time to get your doors open! 

The last thing you need to do is market your nail salon. What incentives can you offer to get new customers in the door? How will you get the word out that you're the best nail salon in your area?

Consider leaning on social media marketing to bring your customers. Offer them a discount if they mention a specific ad. The opportunities are limitless (and inexpensive)!

Learning How to Open a Nail Salon is the First Stop on the Way to Success!

If you didn't already know how to open a nail salon, then reading through this article gave you a solid start. Even though you might be in a rush to get your dream business off the ground, it's important to take the time to get things done right. Creating a solid foundation to your business will help it stay strong for years to come!

Getting the doors to your nail salon open is one thing, but how do you manage the day-to-day aspects of running a business? Check out the rest of our blog for the solutions to your most difficult business questions!