It’s important to follow a comprehensive checklist for opening a nail salon to get off on the right foot
Feb 10 2025

Opening a nail salon: The checklist to start confidently

Starting any business is exciting yet challenging. To be proud of what you’re about to create, you need a strong strategy and a clear vision. 

Today, we’re delving into how to start a nail business that is well-positioned to grow and brings joy to you, your team (if you’re planning on hiring other technicians), and your customers. Bookmark this checklist to have it at hand at any time.

Analyze the environment you’re going to work in

When opening a nail salon business, you will have to make many decisions. It’s better and safer for the whole endeavor if all of them are well-informed.

A market study is the first step. You should be highly specific about demographics and customer preferences in the environment you’ll work in and think about how you can fill the gaps in the local nail services. Look for nail businesses in your preferred location and check their Google My Business profiles. Go over their customers’ reviews, websites (if they run them), and social media.

You can also compile a list of what they offer, why it is in demand, what they don’t provide, and how you can satisfy that demand. This analysis will help you during the following stages. 

Create a business plan for your nail salon

Begin working on a detailed plan for your business while learning how to start a nail business. Your brand must stand out among other nail salons, especially those operating in the area for some time. Initially, you will get an advantage of newness and people’s natural curiosity. During this time, it’s crucial to show them why you are the best here.

Come up with a brand name. It should be something unique, catchy, and easy to remember. Think about your mission statement and the goals you will declare and demonstrate to potential customers through your services and advertising. Then, identify the goals for your business and think long-term.

Finally, your business plan should have a dedicated section for your budget to pay rent, buy equipment, decorate the facilities, and cover other costs. It’s better to make it flexible as some expenses might come as a surprise, and some prices may skyrocket.

Choose a location

In any “How to open a nail salon business?” checklist, location is of paramount importance. Even the best beauty spaces may suffer from low client traffic if the place is wrong. A great location is a significant part of your success.

First, make sure people don’t have to “go through a labyrinth and kill a dragon” to find your studio. Also, it’s better to launch a salon in a place that offers parking space nearby. It would be perfect if you could put your business logo somewhere outside to reinforce visibility.

There are many locations in the US that work well for nail salons. However, rent is probably the most critical factor that may keep you from going for a specific location without further ado. For savings, you can choose Optima’s locations and suites with the lowest rent for nail technicians. We also offer discounts for those who have been with us for over a year.

Check if you have the required licenses and permits

Opening a nail salon business without the licenses and permits necessary to comply with local laws is nearly impossible. You will need:

Permits and licenses may vary from state to state. Check your local laws and regulations for the industry and update your checklist accordingly to get them systematically and save time.

Decorate your place

Your studio has to channel your business idea and be comfortable for you and your clients. So, when choosing a suite, consider how much you will need to invest in redesigning it and buying equipment. Create a mood board with ideas for inspiration and references to show to designers.

Remember that stylish design can indirectly help you with advertising. Clients may take photos, post them, and tag you. Think about organizing a small photo zone for this purpose (e.g., a mirror with your studio’s name to take selfies).

What equipment do I need to start a nail business?

The final checklist may vary depending on whether you want to sell nail products in your salon or what additional services you provide. Here’s a basic set of furniture and equipment to start:

While not technically nail salon-specific equipment, you’ll also need computers and specialized business management software. This will be more than enough to start.

Draw attention to your nail business

Once you know how to start a nail salon, you want to focus on winning your clientele. Think about launching a website. There are many options when you don’t have to hire a professional but can manage it yourself. However, if it’s out of your budget, you can try more economical solutions, including Google My Business (people googling nail salons will see you on the map) and social media to stay closer to younger generations of clients.

Create business accounts and gradually add content related to your nail salon and how you work. A professional photographer can help with images until you can share real examples of your prowess. You can hone in on social media when you’re only working on setting up a salon so they know about you earlier and are more likely to anticipate your market debut.

Get the ball rolling

The Day X has come. You have done a great job and are ready to have your appointment book filled and grow your business. Stick to your plan and continue to take advantage of the visibility benefits of the website or social media profiles you’ve created before.

Save this checklist for opening a nail salon, and nail this business!