Is opening a nail salon business all about colours, cuticles, and cute designs? Think again. Behind every successful nail service business or studio is an intelligent and successful entrepreneur—you. One who knows how to blend creativity with strategy, art with hygiene, and beauty with business.
If you’re wondering how to start a nail business that actually thrives, you’re already ahead of the crowd. Because most people jump in with polish bottles but no plan, that’s where you’ll be different because of the valuable knowledge you will read ahead.
Moreover, we understand that you will aim to start a business in nail care services that is sustainable, and you’re not alone. Orane International, one of the biggest names in beauty and nail art courses training specifically, has trained thousands of professionals. Many among these now run profitable salons or work in top-tier beauty spaces. Our nail artist courses are detailed, hands-on, and 100% job-focused.
The Nail Business Boom: Why It’s Smart to Enter Now
According to well-researched data from Grand View Research, the global nail salon industry is growing rapidly, and the personalised nail services industry reached a massive valuation of USD 11 billion in 2022.
It is expected to expand steadily at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% for the 7-year time frame between 2023 and 2030. This strong upward trend highlights the growing global focus on grooming, beauty, and self-care. With people paying more attention to their overall appearance, nail care has become a key part of personal aesthetics. Nail services are now among the most rapidly growing areas in the beauty sector, particularly popular with women aged 20 to 40 who consistently invest in regular self-care. This surge reflects the evolving direction and future potential of the beauty and wellness industry.
As beauty standards evolve and disposable incomes rise, the nail care industry continues to attract a diverse and expanding clientele.
What Services Does a Nail Business Offer?
A professional nail salon offers a wide range of services to cater to different customer needs. These typically include:
- Basic Manicure & Pedicure – Nail trimming, shaping, cuticle care, and polish application.
- Gel & Acrylic Extensions – Long-lasting nail enhancements using gel or acrylic material.
- Nail Art – Creative designs using colours, glitters, stones, 3D elements, and more.
- Nail Repair & Refills – Repair cracks and breaks while keeping clients’nail extensions looking flawless.
- Cuticle & Hand/Foot Care – Treatments like exfoliation, moisturising, and massage.
- Polish Changes & French Tips – Quick touch-ups and classic style updates.
- Bridal & Occasion Nail Packages – Custom designs for weddings, parties, and festivals.
Offering these services ensures repeat clients, higher revenue, and a standout reputation in the competitive beauty space.
What Do You Need to Start a Nail Business?
Let’s break it down. To set up a successful nail salon or nail business, you’ll need these five core elements:
1. Proper Training & Certification
Start with learning the right way. You need to understand more than nail art—you must know nail anatomy, hygiene, product chemistry, and client safety.
This is where enrolling in a certified nail programme makes all the difference. Reputed academies like ours – Orane International – offer comprehensive nail technician courses, covering everything from basics to advanced techniques like 3D nail art, gel and acrylic extensions, and salon ethics. The best part? Our trainers are industry veterans who’ve been there and done that.
2. Business Model Clarity
Choose how you want to work:
- Set up a home studio.
- Offer mobile doorstep services.
- Rent a table in a salon.
- Open your own independent nail bar.
Each comes with its own investment and returns. Your choice will decide your initial cost, team size, and location strategy.
3. Nail Salon Set Up Essentials
Not sure what specific resources are required to kickstart your nail business?? Here’s your checklist:
- Nail station & ergonomic chairs.
- UV/LED curing lamp.
- Nail drills and brushes.
- Sanitization equipment.
- Disposable supplies (gloves, files, wipes).
- Comfortable waiting space.
- Professional nail kits from trusted brands.
Make sure your space smells clean, looks organised, and feels welcoming. It is crucial since customers often judge hygiene by what they see first.
4. Licensing & Legal Requirements
- Register your business with local authorities.
- Apply for a trade license.
- Get GST registration (if applicable).
- Ensure fire safety and sanitation compliance.
5. Powerful Digital Presence
Being visible is as important as being good. Use social media to post:
- Before-after transformations
- Nail art reels
- Client testimonials
- Hygiene and setup tours
Also, do not forget to claim your Google Business Profile listing for your nail business and motivate your clients to leave reviews and ratings.
What Sets a Great Nail Salon Apart?
It’s not fancy walls or 500 Polish shades. It’s trust, skill, hygiene, and consistency. The clients return to professionals who understand their preferences, understand advanced nail art, talk to them respectfully, and deliver exactly what they promise.
Here’s where formal education truly makes a difference. For example, we at Orane International Beauty Schools offer professional nail technician courses that are crafted to simulate real-world challenges. You’ll learn how to handle complaints, upsell services, maintain tools, and even track client preferences over time. These are things no YouTube video will teach you.
Don’t Fall for These Common Mistakes
You’ll save yourself time, money, and stress if you avoid these traps:
- Trying to learn everything online without practice.
- Spending too much on furniture and not enough on products.
- Underestimating hygiene—remember, one infection can break your business.
- Ignoring customer service skills and professional nail art tips.
- Not maintaining your tools and kits properly.
Smart nail preneurs know: professional service is a mix of art, hygiene, and hospitality.
Start Small, Dream Big—But Plan Smart
Starting a nail salon doesn’t require a big commercial space. Even a single clean desk in a corner of your home can become your empire—if you approach it right.
Your business might start with one client, one chair, and one lamp, but with the right plan and skill set, it can grow into a trusted name.
Whether you choose to freelance or eventually build a team, remember this: your skills and client experience are your true brand. Moreover, you can start your career as a nail technician or artist to gain experience and then venture into business when you feel confident.
Conclusion
By now, with the help of this detailed blog, you must have received ample information on how to start a nail salon business with purpose and clarity.
You’ve learnt what tools to buy, how to structure your business, where to get trained, and how to stay ahead of the curve. More importantly, you’ve understood why professionalism matters just as much as creativity.
This blog also informs you that the nail salon industry isn’t just growing—it’s thriving. With a market size expected to hit new highs by 2030, now is the perfect time to turn your passion for nails into a profitable, long-term business. But success in this space takes more than creativity—it takes planning, professionalism, and the right training.
Whether starting with a small setup at home or dreaming of a full-fledged salon, your journey begins with knowledge. At Orane International, we empower aspiring nail artists with hands-on training, real-world guidance, and job-ready skills. Our certified nail technician courses are designed to help you thrive—not just survive—in today’s beauty industry.
