How?

Keep reading to find out how PocketSuite can help manage and grow your nail salon.

What is nail salon management software?

Nail salon management software is a mobile or desktop app that helps run your nail salon. Most nail salon management software handles everyday business processes, like booking online appointments, accepting payments, and managing client communications. But if you want to truly automate your nail salon (and save yourself a headache), you’ll need a booking app with more intuitive features, like targeted marketing campaigns and an online store.

Nail salon management software is key to building a small business. It increases your revenue and boosts client retention by automating those time-consuming business management tasks. Not to mention, you get back hours in your day while taking some of the pressure off your team and improving your clients’ experience. It’s a win-win.

And with all that extra assistance, you can compete with larger nail salons in your area. Now all you have to do is find the software that works best for your business. 

What’s the best nail salon management software?

There are dozens of nail salon management software on the market. Some are designed with client-based business owners in mind, while others offer a marketplace where clients can browse other local nail salons. There are few that only offer one feature, like accepting payments, which means you’ll have to pay for other apps to fill in the gaps. 

The best booking app will offer an all-in-one solution for your nail salon. Most importantly, the right booking app is sure to keep your clients happy. And happy clients mean more rebooking and more money in your pocket.

Here’s why PocketSuite is the best nail salon management software.

#1 Automate Booking

With all the hustle and bustle of a nail salon, automation is a lifesaver. It pays (literally) to have a tool that can schedule clients and reduce no-shows with automated appointment reminders without a hitch. PocketSuite makes it easy for clients to book you online through your customized booking site. 

PocketSuite’s booking tool makes it so:

• You or your client (depending on your settings) can confirm an appointment with just a few clicks.
• Your calendar and availability update automatically with your new bookings. And you can sync your Google Calendar to get a holistic view of your schedule.
• You can set buffer and lead times, so you and your team can prep (or relax) between appointments.

To keep clients happy and grow your business, an easy booking process is essential. So, whether clients are in for an express pedicure or gel overlay, they have total flexibility with scheduling. We handle the booking process. So you can spend more time doing what you love.

#2 Streamline Payments

Do you want to know the best way to make more money? Offer a variety of payment options! That’s why you need nail salon management software, like PocketSuite, to give you and your clients the ability to send and accept payment on your own terms.

We offer a range of payment methods so that clients can pay for your services online or in person. They include:

• Card readers
• Tap to pay on mobile phones
• Mark paid for cash payments
• Online payments button

With all these payment methods, you’re sure to keep your clients happy and pull in a consistent income. And your time is important. So, remember to add a cancellation policy and fee to your services. We’ll automatically charge clients if they’re late or miss an appointment. 

#3 Sell Products

More than likely, your clients are in the hunt for top-tier nail care products as well as a stellar nail technician. Luckily, you can offer them both by selling retail products as well as services. With PocketSuite, you get nail salon management software and an e-commerce solution in one. 

You can quickly set up an online store in the PocketSuite app without any extra fees. Just add products to your site, determine your pickup or delivery settings, and prepare to fulfill your orders. You’re sure to make some sales, whether you’re selling UV drying lamps or builder gel. By offering online products, you earn more money and make a deeper impression on your clients.

The best part: You can upsell add-on products with your services in the PocketSuite app. So, if you have products that pair well with a service, like a foot scraper with a pedicure, your clients are promoted to buy the items at checkout. 

#4 Chat with clients

To grow a six-figure nail salon, it’s important to keep clients satisfied. PocketSuite makes it easy for you to increase your retention rates by connecting with clients. 

You can chat with clients directly in the PocketSuite app. All client communication is stored in one place, so you never miss a beat. And to take some of the load off, you can create and save message templates to send to clients. 

We think client communication should be a #1 priority. So, we offer a dedicated business line to all premium subscribers. PocketSuite is the best nail salon management software to keep in touch with clients.  

#5 Boost Marketing

To take your nail salon to the next level, you’ll need an A+ marketing strategy and nail salon management software that can carry it out. From gift certificates to online leads collection to a dedicated landing page to share your links in your bio, PocketSuite has dynamic tools to help market your business. 

And you can head into the app to nurture your clients and leads with SMS text marketing. With PocketSuite’s smart campaigns feature, you can send automated text campaigns to a targeted list of contacts.

Text marketing is the best way to get new reviews, reengage old clients or announce discounts and promotions. You’ll grow your business by connecting with people directly on their phones.  

Just make sure to register your business number with TCR so your messages aren’t labeled as spam. 

The best app for your nail salon

Good nail salon management software is key for a nail technician. You need an app that can do the heavy lifting, like automating your appointments and managing client communications. 

PocketSuite is the perfect nail salon management software for your small business. You can book appointments, accept payments and sell products straight from your phone.

Whether you’re an aspiring cosmetologist or you want to expand your salon offerings, you can train to be a nail technician from the comfort of your own home. There are many online nail tech schools to choose from. But first, you have to know what to look for in a course. 

That’s where we come in!

In this article, we teach you everything you need to know about online nail tech schools.

Can I learn nail art online?             

Yes, but there are limitations. Typically there are two ways to learn nail art online: (1) through an accredited cosmetology course at a college or beauty school or (2) through an e-learning marketplace.

Cosmetology School

Usually, you can train to become a nail technician as a part of a cosmetology course at your college or beauty school. And you’ll leave with a stunning portfolio to show off to clients. 

In general, nail tech programs at cosmetology schools teach you:

• Nail art, design, and hand techniques
• Cleaning and sanitizing your tools to keep you and your clients safe from harsh chemicals
• Business management basics, including tracking inventory, managing team members, payroll, etc
• Interpersonal skills 

These programs often offer some virtual courses. However, it may be challenging to find a nail technician program that’s entirely online. After all, nail art is a very hands-on practice. You usually have to complete in-person training on real clients at your school’s beauty clinic. 

Not to mention, cosmetology schools provide students with hundreds of hours of training so they can qualify for a state license after graduation. Online courses tend to be short and concise, maybe only two to six hours. 

If you’re working towards an associate’s degree in cosmetology, you’ll likely have the option to complete your liberal arts courses online.

E-learning Marketplaces

If you’re not ready to commit to beauty school, you can find informative and engaging nail technician courses on e-learning marketplaces like Udemy or Skillshare. 

These courses are highly rated and provide a lot of practical knowledge, like nail structuring, sculpting, and color composition. They also tend to be affordable, ranging anywhere from $20 – $300. (And some are free!)

However, while you may receive a certificate for completing these courses, they may not count towards your required training hours or be approved by your state to receive a license/registration. These courses may be a better option if you want to dip your toes in nail art before committing to the profession or if you just want to learn new techniques as a licensed nail technician.

Can online nail tech schools prepare you for a nail tech license?

Be sure to check your state’s licensing requirements before enrolling in online nail tech schools. Usually, your program must be approved by the state to qualify for a cosmetology or manicurist license. 

For example, while you don’t have to take the Florida cosmetology exam, you must complete at least 180 hours of training in a Florida nail program to register as a nail specialist. On the other hand, in Texas, you can obtain a manicurist license by completing 600 hours of instruction in a licensed beauty school.

Online nail tech schools are a great option if you’re looking to gain continuing education credits to renew your license. States usually provide a list of licensed beauty schools and continuing education providers. 

What is the best online nail tech course?

The best online nail tech course depends on your specific goals. Some online nail tech schools will focus mostly on design and technique. Others will teach you skills to manage clients and grow a business. So, explore all your options before enrolling in a program. 

Ask yourself: 

• What city do I want to practice nail art in? 
• How much can I invest in my education?
• Do I want to start my own business or work in a salon or spa? 

There are many legitimate online nail tech schools to choose from. Cosmetology courses are available at most community colleges. And there are likely a number of independent beauty schools in your area. (Just check their accreditation first!)

Your best bet is to choose a nail technician program that meets your state’s licensing requirements and prepares you to be a business owner. After all, the purpose of online nail tech schools is to further your career. 

Here are a few state-approved online nail course providers:

• CE Training Courses is registered as an approved CE cosmetology course provider in multiple states. Offers online gel nails courses as well as health and safety courses for nail technicians. 
• Elite Learning offers continuing education courses for licensed professionals. For example, in their course, The Business of Nails, you’ll learn about the nail industry and its role in fashion and pop culture. It’s available to Georgia, Illinois, and North Carolina residents for only $10. 
• Salon Centric is a leading wholesaler and supplier of licensed cosmetologists. They also offer professional courses and are approved CE provider in multiple states.

What are the career outcomes for nail tech school?

A nail tech career is more than manis and pedis. You’ll act as an expert advisor for your clients on how to care for hands, feet, and skin. And they’ll look to you for product recommendations. Nail techs don’t just work in salons, spas, hotels, and other businesses that are looking to hire. 

Or, you can start your own independent nail technician business. You build a list of loyal clientele, set your rate and grow your income! 

How many days does it take to learn nail art?

Usually, it takes several months to two years to complete a cosmetology program at a college or beauty school. If you’re pursuing an Associate’s degree in Cosmetology, prepare for two years of courses (and tuition). But, a nail technician certificate may last only one semester or six months.

If you’re learning nail art from an e-learning marketplace course, are usually less than 6 hours of training. Either way, you’ll need lots of practice and deification to perfect your craft. 

It’s time to enroll!

Online nail tech schools are a good option whether you want to dip your toes into nail art or you’re a licensed nail tech in need of CE credits. However, aspiring nail techs may want to stick to traditional beauty programs (with some virtual courses) to make sure they meet all the necessary requirements for their license!

PocketSuite is an all-in-one app to help you manage your nail technician business. From booking to payments to an online store, we have everything you need to run your business.

Nail techs can also apply acrylic nails, gel coverings, or a silk strengthener. These treatments can be followed with a layer of polish, a French manicure or a decorative airbrush design can be applied. Small jewelry and decals are also available as decorative touches if the client desires.

Nail technicians are typically extroverts – outward and friendly professionals at ease with customers and advising them on their needs.

You can find work in this lucrative career at beauty spas and salons, and studios dedicated solely to nail treatments. Going into business for yourself is also an option.

This is creative and fun work for the outgoing professional who enjoys interacting with people. If this sounds like you, read on to learn how you can get ready to work as a nail tech.

In this article you’ll learn:

• How much money you can make as a nail tech
• The required training and certifications
• Professional groups to join
• Employment opportunities for nail techs
• Finding clients
• Plus helpful tips

How much money can you make?

Nail techs average $25,770 per year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to $12.39 an hour, based on a 40-hour work week.

Employment of manicurists and pedicurists is projected to grow 10 percent through 2028, faster than the average for all occupations, the bureau reports. New types of nail services, such as mini-sessions and mobile manicures and pedicures, will likely drive employment growth.

If you operate your own nail salon with employees, you can earn much more. The different types of compensation packages typically offered to nail techs are covered in detail under the Employment section.

Training and Certification

Manicurists and pedicurists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program and then pass a state exam for licensure, which is required in all states except Connecticut.

Here is a comprehensive state-by-state guide to licensing requirements for nail techs so you can quickly determine what regulations will apply where you live.

Once you know what must be done to qualify for licensure in your state, you’ll be prepared to find a training program that fulfills those requirements. Here’s a guide to nail tech schools and training programs to get you started in your research.

What you’ll learn in training:

• Skeletal, macular and skin issues that affect people’s nails
• How to help clients achieve good nail health
• Sanitation and sterilization methods
• The structure of the nail, as well as the anatomy of the foot and the hand
• Applying nail decorations
• Nail removal and enhancement
• Working with artificial nails

Professional Groups to Join

Getting involved with a professional organization shows dedication to your career and craft. These memberships can be displayed at your nail salon and noted on your website, which enhances your credibility in the eyes of potential customers. Plus, belonging to a professional group lets you network with others in your field, exchange ideas and find out about job openings – often before they’re advertised to the general public. Here are some of the top groups for nail techs:

National Cosmetology Association
The National Cosmetology Association, now under the auspices of the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), is a trade organization committed to supporting licensed salon professionals in their careers while striking a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.

Any licensed professional, whether working for a salon or as an independent contractor, is eligible to join PBA. The PBA | NCA licensed professional section also welcomes currently enrolled cosmetology students.

Associated Nail Professionals
Since 1987 this association has served expert nail professionals. Membership is $199 a year and comes with these benefits:

• Professional liability insurance
• Free subscription to NAILS or VietSALON magazine
• Money-saving discounts
• Your own website

NAILS Association
N.A.I.L.S. Association’s mission is to connect, unite, and empower nail technicians all over the world. They strive to be a unified voice for working nail professionals, regulators, manufacturers, and consumers.

One global nail family, working together to improve the professional nail services industry, while fostering the industry culture of inclusion and affordable professional education.

International Nail Technicians Association
The International Nail Technicians Association (INTA) helps nail technicians grow professionally through expert education, networking opportunities, valuable information about fashion, trends & techniques and standards and ethics guidelines. They are the voice of the nail care industry. INTA membership is $130 for licensed nail technicians.

Employment

Nail technicians usually work at a nail salon with other nail techs. The salon features several manicure and pedicure stations, and it is customary for each nail tech working at the salon to rent a station. This fee can either be a set amount every month or a percentage of what the nail technician earns. With this arrangement, nail techs are responsible for marketing to their own clients. Nail techs can also work at a spa, hairdressing salon, or from home.

Before applying for these jobs, it’s a good idea to print copies of your resume, license, training certifications and any other documents that present you in the most favorable professional light. You can create a simple portfolio of 3-4 pages stapled together illustrating examples of your work.

If you’re just starting out, it may not be financially practical to open your own studio right away. Besides visiting the salons and spas in your area, online job-search services such as Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter will yield openings.

Join nail tech groups on social media so you can build your professional network. Set up your professional profile on LinkedIn to start connecting with other makeup artists and groups whose members may know about upcoming job openings before they’re advertised.

Spas and nail salons can compensate employees in different ways. Here’s what you will most likely encounter:

Hourly Pay + Commission

Many salons and spas pay their nail techs a low hourly wage plus commission, which is based on a percentage of how much business you produce. So if you delivered $1,000 worth of services to clients and receive a 20% commission, you’d put $200 in your pocket plus your pre-arranged hourly wage.

Team Member Compensation

With this arrangement, you are paid a base salary plus commissions on your services and any products you sell to clients. If salesmanship is a skill you possess or are willing to learn, this compensation package might be right for you. If you learn only one sales technique, this is it: Don’t ask clients what beauty products they might like to buy. Instead, show them the products they need to buy and explain why.

Straight Salary

You earn a salary and possibly receive benefits like health insurance and paid vacation time. Straight salary jobs are usually found in professional settings such as medical spas.

Finding Clients

When running your own nail tech business, an attractive website needs to be the first item in your marketing arsenal. It is, in fact, the professional face of your business that potential new clients will probably encounter first. If you’re not comfortable designing a website yourself using templates and artwork from popular sites like WordPress, hire someone to build a website for you. It does not need to be fancy, just pleasing to the eye. Get an online presence going and keep it up-to-date with photos and occasional special offers to drive traffic to your door, discounts for new customers, maybe even a price break for existing clients who refer new customers to you.

Join Instagram and Facebook, and create a page on each site specifically for your nail tech business. It’s free and gets you out there in front of millions of people. Post pictures of your work, especially before and after photos. Always get permission from your clients to post their pictures online, unless you’re using extreme close-up shots of their hands and feet only.

Build your credibility with online reviews. According to a recent survey, 90% of participants are influenced by positive online reviews. Ask happy clients to post a review for you.

Have all new customers fill out a basic form about their interest in your services and be sure they include their contact information. Your web site can be set up to require contact information before the form can be submitted. You want contact information so you can follow-up with all your clients. This encourages repeat business.

Good to know

Bacterial, viral and fungal infections are the single greatest threat to the success of your career as a nail tech. If someone gets an infection as a result of visiting your salon, there is a significant chance you will never see that customer again.

Podiatrist Dr. Robert Spalding, author of “Death by Pedicure,” writes that “at this time, an estimated one million unsuspecting clients walk out of their chosen salon with infections.” Spalding claims his research shows “75 percent of salons in the United States are not following their own state protocols for disinfections,” including not preparing their disinfectant solutions properly, not soaking their instruments appropriately, and using cheaper products to cut costs (such as substituting a generic glass cleaner for Barbicide).

The solution is to clean your workstation and all equipment thoroughly and by the book at the end of every work day. You will also be wise to clean in-between clients when using the same tools on multiple individuals throughout the day. This protects you and your customer, while preserving your business reputation. Don’t take chances when sanitizing tools and equipment.

If you enjoyed this article, check out some more great PocketSuite.io content that can help you grow your career as a nail tech. Here’s a great place to start.

PocketSuite has thousands of business owners who all started where you are right now. Our community is always happy to help you ramp up, grow your client base, and achieve your income goals, both within the PocketSuite app and as part of our exclusive Facebook Community Group. PocketSuite’s vision is for any professional to be able to work for themselves and make a great living. It starts here. It starts with you. It starts today. Let’s get started, download PocketSuite now! Feel free to reach out with any questions (we’d love to hear from you)! Text us @ (415) 841-2300.