How to Open Your Own Nail Salon: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before opening my own nail salon, I spent five years working full-time as an art director at a fashion company, fulfilling a long-term goal. But during that time, I found myself drawn to a side-hustle—creating custom press-on nails. When the pandemic hit, my side business unexpectedly flourished. Within a year, I took the leap, enrolling in nail school, earning my license and diving headfirst into salon ownership.

Though I had no formal experience in nails, I’d been visiting salons with my aunt since childhood, watching the art of nails become part of my life. Over the years, I took mental notes on what I loved about different salons and how I envisioned my own space one day. Just three months after leaving the corporate world, I opened my first salon as a co-owner. Today, I’m the proud owner of my own salon, Pink Mojo (@pinkmojojax) running it independently for one-and-a-half years.

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned so much about running a business, and I’m thrilled to partner with NailPro to share my experiences and help guide beginners in starting their own nail careers.

Opening your own nail salon can be an exciting and rewarding venture. It offers not only the opportunity to showcase your creativity and talent, but also the potential to turn your passion into a profitable business. However, like any entrepreneurial endeavor, opening a nail salon requires careful planning, research and execution. If you’re a beginner looking to break into the beauty industry, this guide will provide you with the essential steps to help you get started.

1. Do Your Market Research

Before diving into the process of opening a nail salon, conducting thorough market research is crucial. This step allows you to understand your target audience, competition and industry trends. By knowing your potential clients' preferences and needs, you can tailor your services accordingly.

Here are a few key factors to investigate:

• Demographics: Identify the age, gender, income level and lifestyle of your potential customers.
• Competitors: Visit local nail salons, assess their service offerings, pricing and customer satisfaction.
• Trends: Stay informed on nail care and design trends, such as popular colors, techniques, or new products on the market.

Understanding your local market will help you craft a business strategy that fills gaps and meets the needs of your target clientele.

 2. Develop a Solid Business Plan

Once you’ve completed your research, the next step is to create a detailed business plan. This plan will act as a roadmap for your salon and guide your decisions as you launch and grow your business.

Key components of your business plan should include:

• Executive Summary: An overview of your business idea, vision and mission.
• Market Analysis: Insights from your research that define your target market and competition.
• Business Structure: Will you be a sole proprietorship, LLC, or partnership? Choose a structure that best suits your long-term goals and liability preferences.
• Services Offered: Detail the services you plan to provide, such as manicures, pedicures, nail art, acrylic or gel extensions and other specialized treatments.
• Marketing Plan: Outline your promotional strategy. How will you attract customers—through social media, local events, or referral programs?
• Financial Plan: Break down startup costs, projected revenue, expenses and profit margins. If you’re seeking investors or loans, this section will be critical in securing funds.

A well-crafted business plan not only keeps you focused but also reassures lenders or investors that you have a viable path to profitability.

 3. Choose the Right Location

Location can make or break a nail salon. Finding a space that is convenient, visible and accessible to your target customers is key to attracting foot traffic and repeat clients.

Consider the following when choosing a location:

• Proximity to Foot Traffic: A busy shopping center, mall, or high-street location will increase your salon's visibility.
• Competition: While it’s important to be near other businesses, you want to avoid opening too close to direct competitors, unless you can offer something unique.
• Size: Make sure your salon space has enough room to accommodate multiple stations, a reception area and a relaxing atmosphere for your clients.
• Rent and Lease Terms: Make sure the cost of rent aligns with your financial plan. You’ll also want to thoroughly review the lease terms to avoid unexpected fees or restrictions.

 4. Obtain the Necessary Permits and Licenses

Operating a nail salon requires obtaining proper licenses and permits. These vary by state and local regulations, so it’s essential to check with your local government to determine what is required.

Generally, you will need:

• Business License: Register your business with your local city or county.
• Cosmetology or Nail Technician License: Depending on the state, nail technicians must meet certain education and certification requirements.
• Health and Safety Permits: Nail salons must comply with strict health and sanitation regulations, which might include inspections and permits from health departments.
• Employer Identification Number (EIN): If you plan to hire employees, you will need an EIN from the IRS.

Staying compliant with local laws will ensure that you can operate without any legal interruptions.

 5. Invest in Quality Equipment and Products

Once you’ve secured your space and permits, it’s time to outfit your salon with the necessary tools and supplies. High-quality equipment will not only improve the efficiency of your services but also enhance the client experience.

Some key items to invest in include:

• Nail Stations and Chairs: Comfortable, durable workstations are essential for both clients and technicians.
• UV/LED Lamps: Required for curing gel nails.
• Sanitation Supplies: Autoclaves or other sterilization systems to ensure cleanliness and safety.
• Nail Polish and Tools: Stock up on a variety of polish colors, files, buffers, clippers and nail art supplies.
• Skincare Products: Many salons offer complementary services like hand and foot scrubs or moisturizers, which can be a nice added touch.
• Retail Products: Offering retail products, such as cuticle oils or nail care kits, can provide an additional revenue stream.

It’s worth researching trusted brands and suppliers to ensure you’re offering the best products to your customers.

 6. Hire and Train Your Staff

If you’re not planning to work solo, hiring skilled and professional staff is essential. Look for licensed nail technicians who are not only talented but also provide excellent customer service. Your employees will be the face of your business, and the experience they create for clients can determine your salon’s success.

Training is also key, even for experienced staff. Make sure that everyone is familiar with your salon’s procedures, health and safety protocols and customer service expectations. Investing in ongoing education for your team, such as learning the latest nail trends or techniques, can set your salon apart from competitors.

Mickey Chapple, founder and co-owner of Pink Mojo in Jacksonville, Florida.

 7. Create a Memorable Brand

Your brand is more than just your salon’s name and logo—it encompasses the entire experience you offer to clients. A strong brand will make your salon stand out and attract loyal customers.

Here’s how to establish your brand:

• Salon Name: Choose a name that reflects the vibe of your salon, whether it’s modern, elegant, or fun.
• Logo and Design: Work with a graphic designer to create a logo and color scheme that you can use across your signage, website and social media.
• Salon Atmosphere: Think about the look and feel of your salon’s interior. Will it be sleek and minimalist, or cozy and eclectic? The design should match your brand and appeal to your target clientele.
• Unique Selling Proposition (USP): What makes your salon different from others in your area? Whether it’s offering exclusive nail art techniques, using eco-friendly products, or creating a relaxing spa-like atmosphere, your USP should be clear to potential customers.

 8. Market Your Nail Salon

Even if you have the best services in town, customers won’t come unless they know you exist. Marketing your salon is critical, and there are several effective ways to promote your business:

• Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are great platforms to showcase your nail art, share behind-the-scenes content, and engage with your audience.
• Website: Create a professional website where customers can book appointments, view your services and learn about your salon.
• Local SEO: Ensure that your business is listed on Google My Business and other local directories so that people can easily find your salon.
• Referral Programs: Encourage satisfied clients to spread the word by offering discounts or free services in exchange for referrals.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses, such as spas, hair salons, or boutiques, to cross-promote each other’s services.

 9. Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

Finally, delivering exceptional customer service is the key to building a successful nail salon. Clients should feel welcomed and appreciated when they walk through your door. Encourage staff to build rapport with customers, listen to their preferences and make each visit enjoyable. Offering a loyalty program or personalized services can also help build long-term relationships with your clients.

Starting a nail salon as a beginner can be challenging, but with careful planning, dedication and a passion for your craft, it can become a thriving business. By following these steps and staying focused on providing exceptional services, you can create a space where clients love to return time and time again.