1 mins
INSIDER NAILS
JOMA JEWELLERY
The new year began on solid ground for many nail businesses, with 51% reporting stable treatment demand and 17% seeing growth compared to January 2024. Retail business also showed resilience, with 26% experiencing an increase in sales.
One of the biggest industry trends continues to be the demand for natural-looking nails, with 76% of nail professionals noticing increased client interest in minimal styles. This presents an opportunity to tailor services and marketing toward clients seeking elegant, low-maintenance nail care. For more nail trend inspiration, check out the feature on page 74.
When it comes to managing business operations, cancellations and no-shows remain a common challenge. However, most salons are taking proactive measures, with 83% enforcing cancellation fees and 75% requiring deposits to secure bookings.
On the Spot
What’s your biggest challenge when hiring nail techs?
1. Finding qualified, skilled professionals (52%)
2. I don’t struggle with hiring (35%)
3. Managing wage expectations (13%)
76% have noticed increased demand for natural-looking nails
How do you handle cancellations and no-shows?
1. Charge a cancellation fee (83%)
2. Require deposits for bookings (75%)
3. Accept them as part of business (8%)
Month in numbers
34 nail treatments performed on average per week in January
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 and social media from February 3 to February 12, regarding business for the month to January 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.