BUSINESS TIPS
ASK THE Experts
Our beauty experts answer your questions about every aspect of running a salon or spa business
How can I perfect my technique when providing chrome nail services?
Chrome nails continue to captivate both professionals and clients thanks to their high-impact shine and luxurious, mirror-like finish. They instantly elevate any manicure, offering a futuristic yet elegant aesthetic that adapts to any base colour. Clients love the way chrome reflects light – it’s versatile, glamorous and endlessly customisable. A small detail that creates a truly premium, high-fashion effect.
Preparation and product choice
A flawless chrome finish starts with perfect preparation. Any imperfection in the base will be magnified once the pigment is applied. Use a high-quality gel polish finished with a no-wipe topcoat, ensuring the surface is clean, smooth and completely free of dust or oils for even pigment adhesion and a pure reflective effect.
Base application
The ideal base depends on the look you want to create. A black base gives a classic silver chrome, while nudes or pastels create softer, more iridescent tones. Apply thin, even coats and cure each layer properly, taking care not to flood cuticles or create uneven surfaces – even the smallest flaw will show through the chrome. shine and protect from damage. This double-seal technique enhances durability and preserves the mirror effect. Ensure each layer is even and cured exactly as recommended for adhesion and resistance to chipping.
Common mistakes and fixes
Most issues arise from rushing or skipping essential steps – uneven base layers, over-curing the topcoat before pigment or not sealing edges properly. Patchiness often means uneven application or residue on the surface, dullness can result from an unsuitable topcoat, and early chipping usually points to poor sealing. Focus on preparation, timing, and gentle, even application – these small details make all the difference.
Finishing touches and aftercare
A soft buff after sealing, followed by a gentle cleanse, enhances smoothness. Finish with cuticle oil to nourish the skin and highlight the metallic brilliance – presentation matters. Advise clients to avoid abrasive products, detergents, and alcohol-based solutions, and to wear gloves when cleaning. Proper care keeps the chrome finish bright and reflective for longer.
Applying the pigment
Timing and pressure are key. Once the no-wipe topcoat has cured (usually 30-60 seconds, depending on the lamp), apply the chrome pigment immediately while the surface is still warm. Using a pen-style applicator or similar tool, gently buff the pigment in circular motions – think polishing, not pressing. Continue until the chrome becomes highly reflective, then dust off any excess. Smooth, controlled motions produce the cleanest mirror finish.
Expert tips
Once mastered, chrome offers endless creativity. Experiment with layering over different base colours – for example, pink chrome over lilac or nude for a soft rose-gold effect. Combine with fine-line or gradient nail art for a modern twist. Understanding product behaviour and refining your technique will ensure every chrome set shines to perfection.
Topcoat and curing
Sealing is vital for long-lasting shine. Apply a thin layer of topcoat with dispersion (a tacky layer) first, curing fully to form a flexible surface that encapsulates the pigment. Then apply a second layer of no-wipe topcoat to lock in the
Sara Pinto is the nail product and academy director for Portuguese beauty brand Andreia Professional.
How can I manage sick pay in my business?
In the beauty industry, understanding sick pay entitlements can feel like a minefield, mainly when your team includes a mix of part-time employees, full-time staff and freelancers.
Occupational sick pay (company sick pay) isn’t a legal requirement, but many salons and spas offer it as part of their employment package to support staff and boost retention. If you provide it, you’re free to set the terms, as long as they’re clear in contracts or employee handbooks and applied fairly across your team. Importantly, your rules must not be discriminatory – for example, treating part-time employees or employees with long-term health conditions less favourably.
However, statutory sick pay (SSP) is a legal entitlement that eligible employees must receive. At present:
• Employees must earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit (currently £125 per week)
• SSP is only payable from the fourth consecutive day of sickness Statutory sick pay is changing with the new Employment
Rights Bill proposing that from April 6, 2026:
• SSP will be payable from day one of absence (instead of day four)
• Removal of the earnings threshold meaning more employees will qualify For salon and spa owners, you’ll likely see more day-one sickness absences being claimed, and a larger portion of your team becoming eligible.
It will be important to get these changes right as the creation of the new Fair Work Agency (also part of the Bill) aims to enforce SSP entitlement, in addition to holiday pay and National Minimum Wage entitlement.
How to handle sickness absence fairly and legally
For salons and spas, sickness absence doesn’t just mean a gap in the rota, it disrupts client bookings, adds pressure to remaining staff and can hit revenue hard.
Covid-19 has also changed the landscape, with more staff managing long-term health conditions – yet many small businesses still lack formal absence management systems, leaving them vulnerable.
To stay ahead of these changes and protect your business:
• Review absence levels regularly – are specific individuals taking repeated short-term absences? Spotting trends early makes it easier to act.
• Use self-certificates and return-to-work interviews – always ask staff to complete a self-certification form for sickness for up to seven days and hold a quick return-to-work meeting on their first day back. These chats don’t need to be formal but should be documented. They help you understand if further support is required or if patterns of absence are emerging.
• Be consistent with disciplinary action – if an employee’s absences are excessive without an underlying explanation and you’ve already provided support, you may need to begin formal disciplinary proceedings. Ensure your absence policy is applied consistently but if there are long-term underlying health conditions which are causing the level of absence, you will be under a duty to make reasonable adjustments to support your employee and a failure to do so would be viewed as disability discrimination.
• Check employment status – make sure your freelancers are genuinely self-employed. Misclassifying them could result in unexpected obligations for SSP, holiday pay and more.
Gillian McAteer is director of employment law at Citation, which provides health and safety and employment law services for UK SMEs.
How can I incorporate CBD in my services?
In an increasingly competitive beauty and wellness landscape, standing out from the crowd takes more than beautiful décor or premium products. Today’s clients are more informed, health-conscious and experience-driven than ever. As a result, salon and spa professionals are turning to innovative ingredients that not only enhance treatment outcomes but also support business growth.
One of the most talked-about and profitable additions to emerge in recent years is the use of topical CBD products such as massage oils, balms and creams in treatments. Once considered niche, CBD has moved firmly into the mainstream, offering therapists and salon owners a new way to boost their brand identity, elevate treatments, and attract a loyal, wellness-focused clientele.
Why CBD appeals to today’s clients
Nowadays, clients are not just seeking pampering, they want holistic wellness. From managing stress and improving sleep to soothing sore muscles, CBD-based treatments align with the wellness goals of a broad population.
One of the most important demographics for salons today is clients over the age of 50 with disposable income, no time restraints and a heightened interest in health. By offering CBD treatments to those who are menopausal or suffering from arthritis and aching muscles, you can boost your bottom line.
Adding CBD to your treatments
Before introducing CBD to your treatment menu, it’s essential to understand what it is and what it isn’t. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of 500 compounds derived from hemp, and it’s celebrated for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and calming properties. In massage, CBD can help reduce redness, relieve muscle tension and promote deep relaxation. Topical CBD binds with the CB2 receptors in the deep reticular dermis providing targeted pain relief, ideal for a client with muscle or joint aches.
Introducing CBD doesn’t have to mean a total service overhaul. Small, thoughtful integrations like switching to CBD massage oils, incorporating CBD creams into hand massages, or offering take-home retail products can enhance perceived value and increase average spend.
As with any wellness trend, due diligence matters. Ensure that all your CBD products come from a reputable supplier who can provide lab reports, train your staff and provide information to clients.
The marketing edge
How you communicate your CBD offering is just as important as the treatments themselves. Clients are intrigued but may be cautious, so transparency is key. Spend time training staff or ask your CBD provider to do so – when therapists understand CBD, they can pass the knowledge confidently to their clients. Short videos or posts on your social media about your CBD treatments can set you apart from your competitors and not only educate clients but can promote bookings.
By combining the science and wellness, salons and therapists can create experiences that resonate with today’s discerning clients and keep them coming back for more.
Jacqueline Taylor is founder of Taylor’s CBD, which produces natural CBD products. She began her career as a beauty therapist before retraining as a teacher, then returning to the beauty industry.
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Send your question about absolutely anything to do with running a beauty business to pb.editorial@thepbgroup.com