What Gets Nail Techs Excited?
Nails boomed in the late 80’s. Everything was new, people wanted to learn, and the love affair with nails was endless.
I remember Creative Nail Design classes with more than 100 in attendance and we had to turn away some. I remember airbrushing classes so popular, there was standing room only and people actually stood for hours. I also remember holding nail competitions in several categories and having more than 200 entrants.
Fast forward twenty years and wow have things changed. Sure there are Asian salons on every corner but there are also $15 haircut chains on every corner too. People are willing to pay for service and value and those nail techs still around understand this well.
Nails are still an integral part of beauty and it’s time to re-energize the category. But first, we need to re-energize the participants! I know firsthand that education is a key component (both theory and hands-on) to get started. I also know participating in events is a key component and teaching others is key as well.
TNG has the capability to do anything. We already offer courses at TheAcademy. We already have the CND Roadshow coming next month-a brilliant two-day program for truly serious nail techs. The question is what else can we do so nail techs can differentiate themselves and be engaged in what they do?
Here are some thoughts. Please feel to respond to these and please feel free to add your own. If you know a nail tech, please direct her to my blog.
- Half and full day exploratory segments including gels, acrylics, nail art, manicure and pedicure
- Competitions for full-service nail techs only
- Networking event to share information
- Mentoring programs to teach beginners and intermediate nail techs
- How to incorporate spa treatments into nail services
Companies such as Create Nail Design are behind us 100% in our efforts to stimulate the business. We look forward to your comments!
Happy Wednesday!
September 24th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Gosh – judging from the number of responses – there doesn’t appear to be ANY exitement in nails?? So looks like we need to do some encouraging in this area. We can’t blame it on the Asians, or the economy. I think girls still need their nails. I worked the front door at Dreams and noticed many pretty nails while tearing the ticket stubbs. I think maybe we need to do a little more integrating of nails in with the hair (and Spa). In all fashion and hair shows – I think we need to place emphasis on the nails as well. In other words – pay alot more attention to them. Promote it in the magazine, nail art how to’s, pretty pictures of nails. Tiffany awards of nails? Photo contest entries in evening, theme, etc… If you build it they will come?
September 24th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
I am love doing my own nails, with all the fun OPI colors and essie colors. I know for me it’s a real challenge for all the working ladies to keep up the maintenance on their nails especially those who type all day. I wonder if people had the option to just place their nails under a lamp or dryer and the color and process just appears and it’s done, they would feel relieved. I know I would. If there was only a person who could create a reverse affect nail polish. It would go on clear and then when you sat and waited for your nails to be done the color would appear as it dries. NO worries about painting outside the lines, it would only appear on the actual nail bed! If only the future was as true as the jetson! 1-2-3 done~
September 24th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
ok I was writing two thoughts at one time! I think I should have proof read my comment first! oops, sorry all.
September 24th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I think that because of the economy, a lot of salons are utilizing their cosmetologists to do the work of the nail techs (and estheticians). Sure, their license does include nails and skin care, but that’s not what they specialize in. Because of that, it’s a little more difficult to make a career for yourself.
As a company, we do need to put more emphasis on nails, especially since that’s what NailCo was built on, and we carry some of the best nail products on the market. Like Wendy said, have a nail competitions and such.
There are a lot of people out there that are really passionate about doing nails, but they only do it as a side job. There has to be a way for nail techs to do what they love as a full time job, and make good money doing it!
September 24th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Focus on the artistic side and open a nails/manicure museum. And as they do at Walt Disney World, you could have a store at the end of the exhibit.
September 25th, 2008 at 12:16 am
Gary, I have a degree in fine arts and believe that i have gotten tougher critiques from my nail clientele than most of my art and design professors. Years of brainstorming can be summed up like this: One day, I will own an establishment that can be best described as a holistic hand/footcare ’spa’ integrating the design and concepts of a museum/gallery. So… a manicuring museum? Great minds do think alike. Nothing special with the name purplePada. Just a couple of my passions. The color purple and pada: sanskrit word for foot (really cheezy) Have a great week
September 25th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
If I ever see the “purplePada spa”, I’ll book an appointment.
September 26th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
purplePada sounds like wine-makers (you know – stomping the grapes ? >(,~..~,)<