Non-standard nail bars named key challenge for salons

Cut-price nail salons, poor training in colleges and lack of support from brands are among the key challenges facing the industry, according to leading salon owners and suppliers.

As part of Professional Beauty’s first Advisory Board event, salon owners from across the UK were asked to highlight some of the key issues impacting the industry today. Attendees included established salon and spa owners such as Maria Mason of Beauty Time and Cathy Ball of Calcot Manor as well as some newer entrants to the market such as Coco Nail Bar’s Tima Reshad and The Grange Spa’s Matt Craven.

Several attendees said they are being undercut on nail services by non-standard salons offering manicures for as little as £10. Some felt that these salons are only able to afford such low prices because they fail to pay taxes or insurance.

Most agreed that regulation, of both salons and product distribution, is much needed. However, many felt that because the Government is unlikely to make regulation mandatory, we as an industry must do more to weed out bad practice.

Another key issue facing the market, the panel said, was the cost of the training needed to get young therapists up to salon standard, with some salon owners calling on suppliers to shoulder more of this cost.

Salon owners also cited the importance of forming good relationships with local colleges, to headhunt talented young therapists and to help raise the standards of the industry as a whole.

The advisory panel also discussed ways to build on the service offered by Professional Beauty magazine and shows.

This story first appeared in the July issue of Professional Beauty. To make sure you're always the first to read the news, subscribe online for just £4.99 a year for 12 digital issues or £37 for an annual 12-issue subscription.