How many times have I run into someone who tells me that where they live there AREN’T any nail salons where English is the primary language, or that there AREN’T any nail salons where they live that disinfect, use top-notch products, etc. Look, folks, this just isn’t true. I spend hours online networking with other professionals who are constantly saying that they are having a hard time building a clientele because the consumers in their area don’t CARE about a clean salon, or a nail tech who speaks English, or uses high-end products and offer high-end services…

So, how is it that Group A can’t seem to find Group B?

So here are some things to think about next time you go looking for a good nail tech:

A. If you want clean, professional, knowledgeable, and talented– it’s going to cost you. There is a REASON that some nail techs charge $65+ for a set of pink and white acrylic nails when there’s a salon on every corner with a banner on the window advertising a new set for $19.99. These two services are no more the same than a Hyundai is the same as a Mercedes Benz.

I do not understand how people who know the difference between the clothes at Walmart and the clothes at Nordstrom’s can’t seem to make the same connection between a 20 dollar set of nails and a 65 dollar set? –and believe me! I’m using that $65 figure as a baseline for an upscale set of nails. Depending on where you live, a high-end nail tech might charge anywhere from $50 to $150 for a set of nails!

By the same standard, I’ve seen low end salons advertising nails for as low as $9!!

According to the newest data available (Nailpro Essentials, 2008) the AVERAGE PRICE for a new set of tips with overlays is $41 in the U.S. And the AVERAGE PRICE for a new set of Sculptured Pink and White Acrylics is $48. If you are paying considerably less than that, you are receiving considerably less than average work– and considerably more than that typically represents considerably higher than average work.

Some adjustments need to be made to account for what might be “average” in your area, of course, and there are always some exceptions to the rule on both ends of the spectrum– but I trust you aren’t stupid and can figure that much out for yourself.

B. Once you come to terms with the fact that you aren’t going to be able to get really GOOD nails for the cost of a McDonald’s happy meal, you’ll need to come to terms with the fact that you are going to have to schedule an appointment if you want some quality time with a quality nail tech.

We do business the old fashioned way; we develop a relationship with our clients. We like to know who’s coming in, we like to make sure we have reserved the appropriate amount of time needed to do your nails the way you like them, we learn your name, we want to know about you– tell us who you are, how many kids do you have, where do you work, show us pictures of your grandkids (but please don’t bring them with you.) We hope you like your nails, please let us know if you have any problems with them, and we hope to see you again.

Many of us are in demand– even when we claim we are slow (like I have been lately) it can be difficult to put a claim on a piece of our time. Especially if you require an appointment after 5 p.m. So call in advance and be prepared to wait a couple of weeks, or be placed on a waiting list that might mean waiting several months before you get in! If you are able to schedule appointments during regular business hours, it’ll increase your chances of getting an appointment sooner.