How To Start a Nail Salon Business - Step-by-Step Guide

Are you starting your own nail salon business and turning your passion for nails into a successful career?

You're in the right place! This step-by-step guide will show you how to start a nail salon business easily and clearly no confusing words, just simple steps you can follow.

The nail salon business is growing fast. Many people love getting manicures and pedicures to feel good and look beautiful. In fact, according to Statista, the nail salon industry in the U.S. alone made over $8 billion in 2023! That demonstrates the potential for this business to be both popular and profitable.

Starting your own nail salon means you can be your boss, make money doing what you love, and help others feel confident and happy.

• The U.S. nail salon industry is expected to grow by 7% every year. (Source: IBISWorld)

• There are over 60,000 nail salons in the U.S. alone.

• Customers often spend $30 to $60 per visit on nails.

Step 1: Plan Your Nail Salon Business

Before you open your nail salon, it’s very important to plan everything carefully. Think of this plan as your business roadmap, it shows you what to do and how to do it.

What should your plan include?

• Business Name: Pick a name that sounds nice, is easy to remember, and fits your style. For example, names like “Sparkle Nails” or “Cosy Tips” can attract customers.

• Services Offered: Decide what services you want to provide. You can offer simple manicures and pedicures or add special treatments like gel nails, acrylic nails, nail art, or even hand massages. Think about what your customers might want.

• Target Customers: Who will come to your salon? Young girls, working professionals, families, or everyone? Knowing your customers helps you choose the right services and prices.

• Location: Think about where your salon will be. A busy shopping area might get lots of customers, but it might cost more to rent there. A quieter neighborhood might be cheaper but attract fewer people.

• Budget: Write down how much money you have and how much you will spend on things like rent, furniture, equipment, staff salaries, and marketing. It’s important to know your limits.

• Marketing Plan: Plan how you will tell people about your salon. Will you use flyers, social media, or special opening offers?

Tip: Don’t try to do everything at once. Start with the most important things and grow slowly. It’s okay if your plan changes as you learn.

Step 2: Learn the Skills and Get Certified

To start a nail salon, you need to know how to care for nails properly and safely.

How to get ready?

• Take a Nail Technician Course: Find a good beauty or cosmetology school nearby and learn how to do manicures, pedicures, nail art, and how to keep everything clean.

• Learn About Nail Health and Hygiene: It’s very important to keep your tools and salon clean so customers don’t get infections.

• Get Certified: A certificate or license shows customers you are trained and trustworthy. Many places require this by law.

Remember: Cleanliness and safety protect both you and your customers. Always use sterilized tools and disposable items when possible.

Step 3: Get the Necessary Licenses and Permits

Starting a nail salon is a business that needs legal permission.

What you need:

• Business License: Register your salon officially with your local government. This makes your business legal.

• Cosmetology or Nail Technician License: Some places require special licenses to offer nail services.

• Health and Safety Permits: Your salon must meet hygiene and safety standards. Officials may inspect your salon to make sure it is clean and safe.

Note: Laws are different everywhere. Contact your city or state government offices to find out exactly what you need.

Step 4: Find the Perfect Location

The location of your salon can make a big difference to your success.

How to choose?

• Good Foot Traffic: Choose a place where lots of people walk by. This can bring more customers.

• Easy Parking or Transport: Make sure your customers can park easily or reach your salon by bus or train.

• Safe and Clean Area: Customers like to visit salons in safe neighborhoods.

• Enough Space: Your salon should be big enough for your nail tables, waiting area, and storage.

Tip: If you rent a space, read the lease carefully and ask about rent increases or other costs.

Step 5: Design Your Salon and Buy Equipment

Your salon should be cozy and welcoming so customers feel comfortable and relaxed.

What equipment do you need?

• Nail Tables and Chairs: Comfortable furniture for you and your customers.

• Manicure and Pedicure Tools: Files, buffers, clippers, nail polish remover, and more.

• Nail Polish and Supplies: Lots of colors and types (gel, acrylic).

• Sterilizers: Machines or solutions to clean your tools after every use.

• Waiting Area Furniture: Chairs or sofas where customers can wait.

• Good Lighting: Bright lights help you do neat work.

• Decoration: Clean walls, plants, pictures these make the salon look nice.

Tip: Always keep your salon clean and organized. A bright and pretty space makes customers happy and want to come back.

Step 6: Hire Staff (If Needed)

If you plan to serve many customers or open a big salon, you might need help.

What to consider when hiring?

• Look for Skilled Technicians: Hire people who are trained and certified.

• Train Your Staff: Teach them how you want services done and how to treat customers.

• Follow Safety Rules: Make sure everyone cleans tools properly and keeps the salon hygienic.

• Friendly Attitude: Staff should be polite and helpful to customers.

Step 7: Set Your Prices

You need to decide how much to charge for your services.

How to price your services?

• Research Competitors: Find out how much other salons nearby charge.

• Calculate Your Costs: Include rent, supplies, staff wages, and other expenses.

• Offer Discounts: Give special prices to new customers or for packages (e.g., manicure + pedicure).

• Keep Prices Fair: Don’t make prices too low or too high — balance profit and customer satisfaction.

Step 8: Market Your Nail Salon

You want people to know about your salon.

How to market?

• Create a Website or Social Media Page: Use Instagram or Facebook to show pictures of your nail designs.

• Ask for Reviews: Happy customers can leave positive feedback that attracts others.

• Offer Referral Bonuses: Give discounts if customers bring their friends.

• Participate in Local Events: Set up stalls or hand out flyers.

• Use Online Booking: Work with a Shopify Development Partner to build an online system where customers can book appointments or buy nail products from your salon’s website.

Tip: Social media is free and helps you reach many people quickly.

Step 9: Open Your Salon and Provide Excellent Service

The big day is here! Time to welcome customers.

How to impress your customers?

• Be Friendly: Smile and greet everyone warmly.

• Listen to Customers: Understand exactly what they want.

• Use Quality Products: Customers notice good quality.

• Keep Clean: Clean tools and a salon make a big difference.

• Offer Extras: Small things like tea, magazines, or loyalty points make customers happy.

You May Also Like to Read this Article - Launching a New Brand - An Expert’s Tips for Maximum Impact

Step 10: Manage Your Nail Salon Business

Running a salon is about more than just giving nail services.

How to manage well?

• Track Your Money: Keep records of sales and expenses.

• Schedule Staff and Appointments: Make sure the salon is busy but not overcrowded.

• Order Supplies on Time: Don’t run out of nail polish or tools.

• Learn New Trends: Keep up with new nail art styles to attract customers.

• Ask for Feedback: Use customer comments to improve your salon.

How Shopify Can Help Your Nail Salon Business Grow 

When you start a nail salon business, one of the most important things is to reach more customers and make it easy for them to use your services. Shopify is a popular online platform that can help you do exactly that, even if you don’t know much about computers or websites!

Why Should Nail Salon Owners Use Shopify?

Because it makes your salon more visible and easier to find for customers, and it helps you manage your business better.

1. Build a Beautiful Website to Show Your Services

With Shopify, you can create a website that shows:

• What nail services do you offer (manicures, pedicures, nail art, etc)

• Prices for each service

• Photos of your salon and nail designs

• Your salon’s location and contact information

Having a website means your customers can learn about your salon anytime they want, even when your salon is closed! A good website also makes your business look professional and trustworthy.

2. Let Customers Book Appointments Anytime, Easily

Shopify allows you to add an online booking system where customers can:

• See available dates and times

• Choose the service they want

• Book appointments directly from your website or phone

This means you don’t have to answer calls all day or write down appointments by hand. Customers can book appointments anytime, day or night, even when you’re sleeping!

3. Sell Nail Care Products Online

Many nail salons also sell nail polish, nail care kits, lotions, and other beauty products. Shopify makes it easy to:

• Show pictures and details of your products online

• Accept payments safely

• Manage orders and shipping

This helps you earn more money by selling products to customers who may not always visit your salon but want your quality products.

4. Work with a Shopify Development Partner to Create a Custom Website

If you want a special website designed just for your salon, you can work with a Shopify Development Partner. These are experts who know how to:

• Make your website look exactly how you want

• Add special features like loyalty programs or gift cards

• Connect your booking and sales system smoothly

• Help you use Shopify tools and teach you how to manage your site

This way, you get a website built specifically for your business needs, making your salon stand out from others.

How Does Shopify Help Your Business Grow?

• Reach More Customers: People searching online will find your salon website easily.

• Save Time: Online bookings reduce your work and avoid double bookings.

• Increase Sales: Selling products online brings extra income.

• Look Professional: A good website builds customer trust and makes your salon look established.

• Manage Everything Easily: From appointments to payments, Shopify gives you one place to keep track.

FAQS

1. What do I need to start a nail salon?

• To start a nail salon, you need a good plan, some nail care skills, a clean and safe space, nail tools and supplies, and the right licenses or permits. You also need to decide what services to offer and how to tell people about your salon.

2. Do I have to get a license to open a nail salon?

• Yes! Most places require you to get a business license and a nail technician or cosmetology license. These make sure your salon follows health and safety rules. Check your local government for what licenses you need.

3. How much money do I need to start a nail salon?

• The amount of money depends on where you open your salon, how big it is, and what equipment you buy. You will need money for rent, tools, nail polish, furniture, and marketing. Start small if you don’t have a lot and grow over time.

4. Where is the best place to open a nail salon?

• A busy area with many people walking by is usually best. Places near shopping malls, markets, or busy streets bring more customers. Also, make sure the location is safe and easy to reach.

5. Can I start a nail salon from home?

• Yes, you can start a small nail salon from home if your local laws allow it. But you still need to follow health and safety rules and get the right licenses.

Final Thoughts

Starting a nail salon business is exciting and rewarding. By following these steps carefully, you can build a salon that people love and trust. Remember, every big business started small. Your passion, hard work, and good planning will make your nail salon shine bright!

If you want to start your own nail business today, begin with a solid plan and take one step at a time. And don’t forget — technology like Shopify and working with a Shopify Development Partner can help your business grow faster by bringing it online.

Want a beautiful website for your nail salon? Tameta Tech is here to help!

We build easy-to-use Shopify sites so your customers can book appointments and buy products online. Grow your business with us, simple, fast, and friendly.

Contact Tameta Tech today and start shining online!