Cardiff nail tech: Offering vegan nail services has attracted 75% of my clients
By Lilly Delmage | 31 January 2025 | Feature, Salon & Spas, Sustainability & the environment, Tech Talk
Coral Kendall (she/they) of vegan nail studio, Oh Lush Nails, shares why she believes it is important to offer vegan services, the products she uses and what techs can do to become more vegan-friendly…
“As a vegan of seven years, I was always going to run a vegan studio,” reveals Coral. “Veganism isn’t just about the food you eat; it’s a whole lifestyle around reducing harm to animals. So for me, it is so important to incorporate this into every part of my life, including in how I run my business.”
Coral explains that 75% of her clients choose her because of her vegan services. She says: “Whether clients are vegan themselves or wishing to lower their environmental impact, it’s always amazing to learn that’s why she chose to book with me. I also then get to discuss something I’m so passionate about with them, which I love to do!
“These clients often make remarks about how relieving it is to know they are in a space that is fully catered to them. Clients book with me knowing that the space is 100% vegan – from the products I use, to the tech performing their service.”
Coral emphasises the importance of clear marketing: “I have the word ‘vegan’ positioned very prominently across all of my social media and booking sites. This makes it easier for clients seeking a vegan tech to find my studio.”
Which nail brands do you use?
“When I was looking for a brand to switch to two years ago, I was seeking one that was both vegan and didn’t contain IBOA (isobornyl acrylate), as I am allergic to the ingredient,” Coral reveals. “I wanted to shop freely, without worrying that a product would be non-vegan or cause a reaction.”
The tech then discovered HONA: “I instantly fell in love with the products, and I also love being able to support a local business, as the brand is based in Newport and my studio is in Cardiff.”
Coral shares a struggle she finds with vegan brands: “I would love if vegan brands were more obvious with their vegan labels, as often it takes a lot of hunting through websites or waiting for emails before I can be sure if a brand is one I want to support.”
Why is it important for nail techs to offer vegan services?
“I think it’s crucial for techs to be as accessible as possible,” shares Coral. “The more people you can meet the needs of, the more clients you’ll have.
“When I first went vegan, before I became a tech myself, I had to hunt to find a salon that clearly advertised itself as vegan. At the time, I was looking for a tech that could offer one vegan treatment, so it’s empowering to now have a salon that is fully vegan.”
How can nail techs become more vegan-friendly?
“An easy first step would be to check if the products you already use are vegan,” shares Coral. “Check your gels, brushes and cuticle oils, then see if you can replace the products which aren’t vegan,” she advises.
Coral also notes a common aspect that is often forgotten: “Don’t forget about refreshments! If you provide drinks, do you have non-dairy milk? This not only accommodates vegans, but those with allergies.
“If you can’t make these changes right away, the easiest way to become more vegan-friendly is to educate yourself about local techs who are already vegan. That way, you can refer clients to someone who fits their needs, ensuring they still get the treatment they want.”
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