Thinking of Opening a Nail Spa

[rdm]

I am seeking free input from you all. I am thinking of opening a nail spa (manicures and pedicures) and also offer waxing services.

Here are my questions to start:


What could make your mani/pedi experience more enjoyable?
What turns you off when you go to certain nail salons?I will come up with more later.

[mnemosyne]

Well I'll tell you my experience with this cute little spa that opened up a few years ago called Spa Butterfly.

When they first opened they'd put a lavender aromatherapy neck wrap on you that was heated and offer you tea or a bottle of water. I really liked just sinking into the chairs and smelling lavender while getting the services done.

The drying stations were laid out in the middle of the pedicure area and you could see the TVs from most of them.

They have those comfy massage chairs with all the little buttons to control the kneading/rolling/breadmaking/laundry cleaning or whatever they do and they actually worked. Everything was very efficient and very clean.

I like to be in and out during work hours, but I also like a technician to pay attention to my feet.

At the end of each pedicure they gave an awesome foot massage whether it was the $29 regular one or the $90 one with paraffin.

For waxing... gotta use the thicker wax that grips hairs down there better for bikini/brazilian waxes. No double dipping is highly important. Making sure to prep the area with more than baby powder helps too. A mild numbing lotion would be nice.

Offer threading too as it's still quite popular especially for the eyebrows and upper lip.

Offer repeat packages and package deals. People like to feel like they're getting a bargain even when it ensures they'll show up multiple times afterwards (or at least pay for it).

Iono, I guess those are the things that I like. I'll stop babbling.

Oh, the thing that turns me off at nail salons is when they're really overzealous with the cuticle puller/clipper thing. My fingers and toes are very, very sensitive and I hate having to wince while I watch someone do something.

[MissVee]

CLEANLINESS!!!!!!!!

The spa I go to is pretty and it is CLEAN. They open a new pack tools for every customer. There is no reuse. The cute the buffer and file into smaller pieces for use. The clean I mean clean the basin that you soak your feet in.

I will gladly pay extra so that I don't have to worry about catching TB

www.miniluxe.com

[Kimberly]

The nail spa I used to frequent was sooo soothing and relaxing. They had not been open too long and offered massages but they didn't have anyone to do waxing yet. Anyway, they offered a glass of wine while you were waiting or getting your services done. They started cutting me off after two glasses. I could seriously go and be there for a few hours getting massaged and my nails and feet done. I think they must have had some kind of aromatherapy going on throughout the whole spa and that soothing music...:drunk: GOOD STUFF!

I loved that this place was black-owned by a black woman and that when they were talking amongst themselves, I knew that they weren't sneaking and talking about me in their *native* language.:rolleyes:

[comike]

The nail spa I go to is call a nail bar. Special martinis and/or wine are served with each service. They actually have a long bar with bar stools for manicures, along with the regular nail stations. They have large flat screen TVs and show chick flicks all day long. Considering that they only do manis and pedis, they have a menu of various manis and pedis.

The things I look for:
1) cleanliness, cleanliness, cleanliness
2) excellent customer service -- no waiting beyone 5 minutes from a scheduled appointment time and one-on-one attention during my appointment.
3) use of quality products
4) I can put my feet in a bucket, basin at home--invest in a real spa pedicure chair preferably with massage :yep:
5) great ambiance and esthetics never hurts

Also, you can rent out the space for bridal showers, girls night out....thought that was nice.

[MizAvalon]

Cleanliness is very important to me. I prefer new tools that haven't been used.

Clean tubs. Not just sprayed with some little alcohol mixture because some folks have FUNGUS on their feet and those tubs need to be cleaned properly.

Techs that actually take time to really clean up your nails. Don't just push excess skin or gunk back under the nail. Take your time and really clean up the nail.

Client stacking, I can't stand this. If you're doing my pedi, don't stop so you can do a quick waxing. I am your current customer so I should be your priority.

I do my own nails now mostly to save money but also due to the above reasons. If I could find a decent tech that really took her time to make my nails look beautiful and not just try to rush to get as many people as she can in, I would be a faithful customer week in and week out.

Good luck with your spa, I know you'll do great! You're already making a good start by actually asking patrons what they want.:yep:

[MzPrince]

CLEANLINESS!!!!!!!!

The spa I go to is pretty and it is CLEAN. They open a new pack tools for every customer. There is no reuse. The cute the buffer and file into smaller pieces for use. The clean I mean clean the basin that you soak your feet in.

I will gladly pay extra so that I don't have to worry about catching TB

www.miniluxe.com (http://www.miniluxe.com)


See this is my dilemma now. I want to know that the pedicure station is cleaned properly and not just the inside but the little filter things need to be taking off between each pedicure and cleaned along with the basin. I didn't have to worry about this with the lady that use to do my pedicures because she did this after everyone of her pedicures. I'm so scared to go to a new salon or spa to get my pedicures by someone new. I want to see how they clean.



Oh, OP to answer your question. Cleaniness and really good service.

[reallynow]

I ditto a lot of what the ladies mentioned, but if you are going to be doing acrylic/gel/silk nails please invest in a quality HVAC or air filter system. I can not stand to walk into a nail salon and get assualted with the scent of chemicals. This is a plus for your clients and employees.

[bluefolli]

Cleanliness...that's a biggy for me.

Experienced techs who know how to do speciality procedures. I know someone who is missing a toenail but once she gets that acrylic overlay done by someone with experience, her real toenails look like the fake ones.

[MzPrince]

Cleanliness...that's a biggy for me.

Experienced techs who know how to do speciality procedures. I know someone who is missing a toenail but once she gets that acrylic overlay done by someone with experience, her real toenails look like the fake ones.


That's horrible. I don't understand why people get acrylic on their toenails. That stuff is not make for the toenails. You can get more fungus by using that stuff on the toenail.

[rdm]

WOW!!!! This is wonderful input!!! Thank you all so much!!!

I will keep you all updated on the progress of my endeavor.