INSIDER NAILS

NOLOGO CHIC

With summer in full swing, clients are going fierce with their nail looks. Although a chic nude nail is still the most requested look (45%), more intricate designs like marble (16%), gradient (8%) and galaxy (43%) are coming to the fore as customers opt for bolder, more striking options. However, it seems that more needs to be done to educate the general public on key nail terms, with just under half (45%) of you saying some clients still struggle to understand the difference between hard gel and soft gel.

Meanwhile, many of you have been commending the professional nail brands for the support they’ve given your business during the coronavirus pandemic, with the likes of CND, Gelish and Jessica all being praised for the marketing materials they’ve supplied you with during the past year. Don’t miss our feature on page 65, where leading techs in the industry reveal their top tips for charging what you’re worth.

On the spot

84% know how much of the cuticle to take away in treatment

26% of your techs are trained in/using full cover tips

Which nail brand gives the best marketing support?

1. CND (13%)

2. Gelish (10%)

3. The Gel Bottle Inc (10%)

4. OPI (9%)

5. Jessica (7%)

Which nail look is most popular with your clients?

1. Nude (45%)

2. Marble (16%)

3. Gradient (8%)

4. Galaxy (3%)

5. Animal print (3%)

31% would sign up to a pro-only nail subscription box

Which nail terms do you think clients understand the least?

1. The difference between hard gel and soft gel (45%)

2. The difference between gel and acrylic (27%)

3. The difference between acetone and non-acetone removers (3%)

METHODOLOGY Insider is compiled from a monthly survey of spas and beauty salons. The people who participated represent a cross-section of the industry and were polled by email from June 2–11, regarding business for the month to May 31. Nail business for the Insider Nails page was calculated from data provided by salons that offer nail services among other treatments. The figures given represent the average score for each answer. Brands are ranked when mentioned by several respondents.