3 rules for keeping holiday nails in tip-top condition

Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, reveals three ways to ensure nail looks keep in the best shape while on holiday…

At this time of year, many clients will be escaping for an annual summer break of sun, sea and carefree days on the beach. Summer style is big business, and as they get ready for their trip, holiday nails are an important part of completing that essential holiday look. 

The great news for pros is that there are a whole host of opportunities to help clients get the most out of their holiday nails – before, during and post-holiday – building loyalty and, ultimately, boosting your bottom line.

• Prepare with a pre-flight pamper

Before your client jets off to sunnier shores, book them in for a nail treatment and some pre-holiday pampering to help them perfect a beauty look that complements their holiday wardrobe.

Sun, sand and chlorinated pools can potentially be tough on nails, and if they need their nails to last a good week or two you should recommend a hard-wearing treatment. Gel and gel polish are a great option for durability so make sure you’re up-to-date with all the latest techniques and treatments, so you can cater to your clients’ holiday nail needs. In addition, the ASP Quick Dip Full Day Course (£67.20 ex VAT) is a great way to master ASP’s Quick Dip acrylic nail powder colour, a new system that offers a hard wearing finish and colour longevity for clients looking for additional strength.

When it comes to advising clients on the perfect colour and finish for their holiday nails, ask about their destination and any activities they have planned, as well as the colour palette of their summer wardrobe. That way you can recommend a few different looks to suit their trip – whether that’s a tropical shades with embellishment or an ombre sunset design.

• Educate clients about nail care on-the-go

Nail care shouldn’t end when a customer leaves the salon after a manicure. Educate your clients on how to maintain and care for their nails while they’re away – so that their treatment really goes the distance. You can also use this as an opportunity to up-sell travel-sized retail products that they can use anywhere, from the plane to the poolside.

OPI’s ProSpa Nail and Cuticle Oil To-Go 7.5ml (£4.28 ex VAT) is great for giving nails and cuticles the moisture they need, and the tropical ASP Naturals Manicure Pomegranate and Acai Cuticle Conditioning Butter Stick 1.6g (£2.99 ex VAT) fits easily into a handbag or carry-on.

• Book in a post-holiday treatment

Gel is a brilliant hard-wearing option to see clients through their summer breaks, but there’s nothing more frustrating to a nail technician than seeing clients come in with damaged nails from where they’ve chipped off the gel themselves, instead of getting it removed professionally.                              

When you first see your client for the pre-holiday gel treatment, make sure they understand the importance of proper and professional removal, and encourage them to book an appointment for removal when they’re back. As well as helping you fill up your appointment books in advance, booking in follow up treatments is a great way to help your clients combat the post-holiday blues.

Ultimately, demand for holiday nail treatments during the summer months can be a great revenue booster, but to keep clients coming back you need to educate them about long term nail care and ensure they know that manicure maintenance doesn’t end when their holiday does. 

All products mentioned are available via www.salon-services.com