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Thinning Hair - Stylist and Salon Newspapers

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Dare to be Different<br />

The Nail Extension<br />

Jaime Schrabeck<br />

Diversity is not a word that immediately<br />

comes to mind when discussing the nail profession.<br />

In many ways, professional nail care<br />

could be described as the least diverse segment<br />

of the beauty industry. Most of the manicurists<br />

are female, as are most of the clients.<br />

While most manicurists may be of a particular<br />

cultural background or socioeconomic<br />

status, most of their clients likely represent<br />

another. As more salons open, the more<br />

similar they seem.<br />

Furthermore, nail services (manicures,<br />

pedicures, enhancements, etc.) tend to be<br />

universal <strong>and</strong> less diverse than hair <strong>and</strong> skin<br />

care services. Perhaps, that is because manicurists<br />

typically do not give the condition of<br />

nails as much consideration when selecting<br />

products <strong>and</strong> performing services as hair or<br />

skin professionals give to the condition of hair<br />

<strong>and</strong> skin.<br />

Few manicurists specialize in a particular<br />

service. This is not because they are equally<br />

proficient in a variety of services, but because<br />

they do not want to limit their clientele, or<br />

perhaps are unable or unwilling to develop<br />

the skills necessary to become a true expert.<br />

Contrast that with hair professionals who<br />

may market themselves as color correction<br />

specialists, or skin professionals who promote<br />

themselves as waxing queens.<br />

This lack of diversity could be accepted<br />

as a limitation inherent to the nail profession;<br />

however, it could also be viewed as an<br />

opportunity to reach beyond what is expected<br />

<strong>and</strong> achieve what is possible. The relatively<br />

low status of nail professionals within the<br />

beauty industry, the similarity among nail<br />

salons <strong>and</strong> the low expectations of consumers,<br />

may be seen as challenges as well as opportunities.<br />

This choice will influence not only your<br />

perspective, but also every other decision you<br />

make as a nail salon owner.<br />

Diversifying would seem a worthy goal,<br />

but first we must determine exactly what that<br />

means. Most salon owners view diversity as<br />

a challenge to do more: add services, extend<br />

hours, increase retail offerings, exp<strong>and</strong> the<br />

salon, advertise regularly, discount prices, etc.<br />

These options may seem entirely reasonable;<br />

in fact, there have been many articles<br />

written to justify them. However, before<br />

adding ear c<strong>and</strong>ling, chakra healing <strong>and</strong><br />

matchmaking to the service menu, or selling<br />

nutritional supplements, ask yourself, “How<br />

does this enhance my reputation as a successful<br />

nail professional?”<br />

<strong>Salon</strong> consultants earn thous<strong>and</strong>s of dollars<br />

explaining what might be obvious if salon<br />

owners were able to evaluate their own businesses<br />

both objectively <strong>and</strong> critically. Underst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />

what is working, as well as what is<br />

not, is a crucial first step before committing to<br />

any major changes. Any change could prove<br />

to be a costly mistake without proper research<br />

first. It is entirely possible your well-intentioned<br />

efforts will backfire by wasting your<br />

resources, alienating your existing clientele or<br />

diluting your br<strong>and</strong>.<br />

For example, if your salon appeals strongly<br />

to a particular demographic, such as older<br />

professional women, as mine does, you may<br />

not need to target a different group, but just<br />

find more effective ways to reach potential clients.<br />

If I were to make the mistake of targeting<br />

teenage girls to increase my clientele, my salon<br />

would need to undergo some major changes<br />

(decor, pricing, music, etc) <strong>and</strong> my existing<br />

clients would not be pleased.<br />

Having those new clients would not be<br />

worthwhile if they detracted from the experience<br />

my loyal clients expect <strong>and</strong> value. Part of<br />

underst<strong>and</strong>ing my business is recognizing my<br />

best clients <strong>and</strong> providing them with quality<br />

nail services in a clean, upscale environment.<br />

Growing your business is a process that<br />

requires information, much of which you can<br />

discover for yourself with the help of clients,<br />

coworkers <strong>and</strong> the larger business community.<br />

The following questions, while not exhaustive,<br />

are designed to generate discussion to help<br />

guide you in your decisions.<br />

What is the culture of your salon? What<br />

makes your salon <strong>and</strong> / or services unique?<br />

What is the first thing someone notices upon<br />

entering? How would you describe the<br />

relationships among coworkers? How would<br />

you describe your clients? What do they value<br />

most: convenience, price, time, etc? Which<br />

services are your most popular <strong>and</strong> why?<br />

Which services are most / least profitable? Are<br />

clients requesting services you do not offer,<br />

specific products or procedures?<br />

What products sell the best, which do not<br />

sell well? What compliments or complaints<br />

do you hear most often? How well does your<br />

location serve your business? What is your<br />

relationship with other businesses? How does<br />

your salon contribute to the community?<br />

What is your biggest obstacle to being more<br />

successful? What aspect of your business do<br />

you enjoy most, <strong>and</strong> what do you enjoy the<br />

least? And so on . . .<br />

Diversity is not a challenge to do more,<br />

but an opportunity to be different, better, <strong>and</strong><br />

more successful. Clients should expect more<br />

of nail salons, <strong>and</strong> we should exceed their<br />

expectations with clean, safe, quality services.<br />

Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D. owns Precision Nails, an exclusive nails-only salon in<br />

Carmel, California. She can be reached at info@precisionnails.com.<br />

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View this article <strong>and</strong> more at www.stylistnewspapers.com<br />

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to style, love <strong>and</strong> protect<br />

NORTHWEST STYLIST & SALON | OCTOBER 2010 |

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