Scarlett Wooldrik (@scarletts.nailss), a nail technician and salon owner, shares advice she learned firsthand after opening her salon in Nebraska.
When it comes to the construction aspect of opening your salon, one of the key statements that has rang true for many owners is to expect double the price, double the time.
Buying things right the first time will save money in the long run and be less of a hassle once your salon is up and running.
Log in to view the full article
Scarlett Wooldrik (@scarletts.nailss), a nail technician and salon owner, shares advice she learned firsthand after opening her salon in Nebraska.
Opening up your salon is an exciting process and a huge step for any nail tech, however, one of the most common and crucial mistakes people make is underestimating the initial start up costs. A location can look like the perfect space, but may have so many hidden issues on the structural side, so it's important to do your research.
In the beginning, contractors will give you a bid for the approximate price of the work needed, but that number is just the beginning. Many times the space they are working on is an older building and with that there are countless issues that can add cost to your project. Other people probably renovated before you and the construction may not have been done correctly, causing an increase to the final price.
Specifically for nail salons, issues such as structural problems, plumbing, electrical and ventilation placement will need exceedingly more capital. Depending on how you want your salon set up, the positioning of where you need plumbing and electrical can vary. Next, depending on your location, you could also have state and city codes to adhere to. These include items such as fire-protection walls and HVAC ventilation systems due to chemical exposure and the high flammability of nail products. When faced with so many potentials, the initial time frame of the build-out can be drawn out weeks to months from the estimated completion date. Plan your business accordingly so no matter what, you are still able to keep your business running elsewhere.
When it comes to the construction aspect of opening your salon, one of the key statements that has rang true for many owners is to expect double the price, double the time.
The next aspect where cost is underestimated is furniture, equipment and inventory. Many times the construction costs go much higher than expected, and people tend to cut corners in this part of the process. No matter how tempting it is to be frugal, there are things you cannot skimp on. Ensuring your inventory is high-quality is imperative to your brand and reputation of your salon. With that, inventory should be your first purchase after the construction process. Having proper equipment and furniture is a pricey venture, and it is easy to go the cheaper route. However, it is likely cheap for a reason. Within a short amount of time the equipment will have difficulties and you'll have no choice but to buy things again to continue business operations. This could force you to temporarily close your business to fix issues that should have been corrected the first time.
Buying things right the first time will save money in the long run and be less of a hassle once your salon is up and running.
Maintaining a Healthy Environment
The first few years many nail techs are excited about finally having a job with so much artistic freedom and eagerness to grow their business to be the best it can be. But with that, the toll it takes on your body can be hard to recognize until it's too late. Many nail tech suffer from Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI); these include carpal tunnel, tendonitis and pain and swelling in the arms, wrists and hands. No matter how ambitious you are, it is important to be reasonable about how many clients you take on a daily and weekly basis. I would not recommend taking more than four clients per day to prevent strain, but after years of being in the industry, some of these conditions are inevitable. Being proactive when pain starts will ensure you can still maintain your clientele. There are many methods for treating RSI; some that have shown results are Biofreeze gel, using a carpal tunnel wrist brace and routine stretching. Incorporating Biofreeze and stretching into your daily routine can prevent issues, even if you don't suffer from any of these conditions yet as a nail tech. For those already experiencing pain, wearing a wrist brace when sleeping at night is a great way to combat pain. Braces reduce pressure on and provide relief to the nerves in your hands and wrists.
From an external perspective, being a nail technician may appear to involve light physical effort; however, the extended periods of sitting can have long-term effects on one's health. Doing nails requires enhanced focus and attention to detail; it forces you to sit in fixed positions for hours at a time. Poor posture is the beginning of chronic back pain, so make sure that your desk and chair are at appropriate heights to decrease the amount of leaning necessary to complete the service. You can also look into getting a posture corrector that you can easily wear under clothing to help maintain your posture throughout the day. Also, having a solid ergonomic chair is imperative to help mitigate pain and support posture. These chairs are made to help with blood circulation and lumbar support for your back. Many technicians complain of hip and tailbone pain even with proper posture, which leads to the option of memory foam seat cushions. These cushions help disperse your weight differently and relieve areas where there is prolonged pressure and stress.
Chemical exposure is a major health risk for nail technicians, as many of the products used in nail salons contain harmful substances. These chemicals are found in products like acrylics, gels, polishes and removers and can cause skin issues when exposed to them regularly. One common problem is contact dermatitis, which is skin irritation caused by prolonged and direct contact with these chemicals. Ingredients like formaldehyde, acrylates, methacrylates and others can trigger allergic reactions, causing redness, itching, swelling, or even blisters. Although wearing gloves can help, many nail techs still experience skin problems, especially on areas that are more exposed, like the hands, wrists and forearms. Even if you are just starting with your nail career, be sure to take steps early to prevent these problems. Wearing long sleeve shirts, aprons and wearing gloves can help work against dermatitis and prolonged exposure.
Aside from skin issues, chemical exposure can also harm respiratory health. The fumes from products like nail polish, acetone and acrylic monomers release harmful compounds into the air, which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Exposure to dust is another factor in your respiratory health; dust is inevitable when filing and shaping so taking precautions is necessary as a technician. Breathing in dust and fumes over time can lead to chronic conditions like sinus infections, rhinitis, or even asthma, especially in poorly ventilated environments. In severe cases, chronic sinus issues may ultimately require surgical intervention. To reduce these risks, nail technicians should work in well-ventilated spaces, use air filtration systems, and wear masks designed to filter out harmful vapors and dust. Choosing non-toxic and low-odor products can also help create a safer, healthier environment for both technicians and clients. Many nail brands are now producing low-odor and low chemical product lines to counteract these problems in the industry. Be sure to stay up to date with new product lines and brands that take your health into consideration.
About the Author:
Scarlett Wooldrik is a 23-year-old nail technician from Omaha, Nebraska. What started as her summer job at a local nail salon ended up turning into a passion for nails. She turned her focus to detailed nail art and began growing clientele. With a now established client base, she is able to have so much more creative freedom on her loyal clients.
