Making your nail salon dream come true can be fulfilling as a nail artist and rewarding as a career-oriented individual. As you plan and research "how to open a nail salon” online, you’ll surely come across several articles stating that a good location is one of the indicators of business success. Operating a business within a strategic location will bring you beautiful opportunities that will affect your growth in many ways. Find the perfect spot for your nail business as you read through these tips for choosing the best nail salon location. 1. List your goals and non-negotiables as a business owner It’s time to turn your Pinterest vision board into reality! As a long-time nail technician or a business owner, what kind of space do you envision for your salon? Do you thrive in a high-rise studio with a stunning city view, or do you prefer a cozy, single-story space with a warm, inviting atmosphere? When searching for the perfect location, consider your must-haves because it is a long-term investment and it’s important that you love the space yourself. Make sure your branding aesthetic and pricing align with the market you’re targeting. Check these 4 effective ways to market yourself as a nail tech. 2. Study your target market and their shared preferences Understanding your clientele and their needs is a must before you finalize your location. Ask yourself if you want to cater to high-end clients looking for a luxurious treat or attract busy professionals seeking quick, affordable manicures. Look for locations around office buildings, near residential areas, or in shopping and relaxation centers where both your current and potential customers frequently visit. Take into account your loyal customers and their preferences. 3. Analyze the competition and look up complementary businesses In the business world, competition is unavoidable; view it as a motivating factor instead that keeps you on your toes and encourages you to do more. Check the number of nail salons in the area and research their unique selling points. Once you understand their services and pricing, you may look at ways to differentiate yourself from the competitors. Aside from that, seek complementary businesses that can offer cross-promotional opportunities and common clientele. Spas, waxing and eyelash studios, banks, apparel stores, and skin care clinics are the best examples. 4. Prioritize accessibility for you, your customers, staff, and suppliers If customers are having difficulty getting to your nail salon, something is definitely up. An excellent location has high foot traffic and is visible from major roadways for walk-in clients. There must be proximity to public transit, plenty of parking for you, your staff, and your customers, and easy access for persons with special needs. Stopping mid-session because we ran out of nail supplies is a huge nightmare, so it's critical to think about how accessible the area is to your suppliers. Hate heavy traffic areas too? That’s another thing you must observe. 5. Prepare a budget and possible cost of operation Budget plays a huge role in every decision you make. A prime location may attract more clients, but if the rent is too high, your profitability may suffer. Start working on a detailed projection of your salon’s revenue and expenses. Review lease conditions thoroughly, ensuring that you understand the renewal options, limits, and prospective rent hikes. Not just that, start evaluating utility rates, gas prices, employee salaries, and other expenses associated with running the business. Look for a space that balances affordability with business potential. 6. Be informed of the legal requirements or zoning laws Before saying yes to the location, check the local zoning laws and business regulations. Some localities may have limits on salon operations, so be sure that you can legally operate in your desired location. Make sure you can keep up with the financial and regulatory requirements. It’s important to visit the government website because some states have banned specific substances or items that may be critical to your business. Furthermore, make sure all of your paperwork and licenses are up to date. 7. Observe potential for future growth and expansion Choose a location that allows business expansion, whether it's for scaling up the nail salon or establishing a complementing business next door. Expect your consumer base to grow over time as your business expands and stays relevant. It is always best to plan and think long-term, so we recommend that you prepare your business to accommodate the growing number of clients and employees. Observe the neighborhood's potential as well because it might be extremely profitable eventually. 8. Consider basic needs like reliable power and water resources Power and water may seem obvious or overly basic, but believe me when I say they are more crucial than you realize. Your daily operations will not be able to run completely without these resources, thus it is best to survey the area to see if any major interruptions occur in the neighborhood. We do not want clients to leave or lose interest due to inconsistent power sources. Moreover, water is essential for effective cleaning, nail salon sanitation, and personal hygiene. 9. Ask about the safety and rescue services of the neighborhood As cliché as it may sound, safety is indeed a top priority. Ensure that the kinds of businesses in the community are compatible with yours and that everyone gets along. You and your staff will be spending the most time at the location, so make sure they enjoy and appreciate it. You should also consider how quickly rescue services respond to emergency calls. There are possible allergic reactions to certain products and flammable items that can cause accidents. Being close to the police, fire station, and hospital will put you and your clients at ease. When you create a safe environment for everyone, they will be more likely to return to your salon. Before renting a space or buying a property for business use, remember that your chosen location must cater to the business needs and help bring out the best in you. We want to make sure our top-notch services and talents get the attention they deserve. As a salon owner, what is your biggest advice when choosing a location? Share your success stories on our iGel Beauty Facebook Community! Take your time, explore as many cities as you want, and select the most strategic location for your business! Visit our Business Education blogs to learn how to manage your salon business and gather some industry tips. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Written by Alyssa Bueno on February 26, 2025 Alyssa Bueno, a true beauty enthusiast, brings her passion for writing and beauty to life as a writer for iGel Beauty. With a diverse editorial background and industry expertise, Alyssa shares current trends and curates tutorials and tips to inspire nail lovers worldwide.
