Marketing Your Salon with Social Media

Social media posts should entice your customers to crave more interaction and communication. Your content needs to be engaging and interesting to those who are going to read it and should provide them with some new source of information.

Post facts, information or photos that your target audience would find appealing and that are in line with your brand image. For example, if your hair salon has a young, fun, modern feel, your posts should match this tone. On the other hand if your brand has more of a vintage, old school theme you may consider posting pictures that follow this idea or tweet about how your business is for the woman that loves classic beauty.

Sample of  engaging photo using products of interest

You should post pictures that your demographic will respond to and react to in a positive way. All pictures, captions or tweets should match the tone of your brand and be in line with your target age group. Before you post anything on social media, make sure it is something you feel your customer would want to talk about or be interested in.

Nail salons should post content such as nail health and beauty tips or the latest how-to guides or engaging content related to your business that is available in a short, easy to read format. Examples would be an intriguing photo with a simple caption, a short list of beauty tips, a fun beauty vine video or an infographic. These types of content are interactive and appealing to your target audience.


Facebook provides the perfect way for you to share your services, post photos of your unique nail art or create contests or giveaways to promote brand loyalty and spread awareness of your brand.

In today’s Facebook era, it is rare that you would find a customer who isn’t a member of the social media site. Therefore, it is the perfect medium to communicate with customers. Here are two tips for marketing your nail salon on Facebook:

1. Write relevant posts that engage consumers - Write posts that customers want to respond to and will enjoy giving their opinion on. An example of this would be to ask questions like “Summer has officially begun! What will be your nail style cut of choice?” This type of conversation starter is relevant, personalized, and something that majority of salon-goers would enjoy discussing.

2. Post pictures, and lots of them! - One of the best ways businesses can use Facebook is as a visual medium. Your nail salon should be showcasing the work that it is most proud of. Whether that be fun holiday-themed manicures or gorgeous bridal party nail looks. Pictures provide an outlet to show what you can do. As a bonus, pictures are engaged with more than text-only posts, in fact 120% more , therefore these can also help to bring new referrals through your front doors as your current customers share the photo with their
own personal networks.

Salon Sanitation and Guidelines - Continuing the Conversation

Heading into 2016 we continue to focus on how important salon sanitation has become in our industry.

Over the years, we have read stories of nail salons that have used unclean implements or have a dirty salon. Not only can salons be fined for these violations, but they are also putting their clients at risk. A nail station, pedicure chair, and implements must be sanitized, disinfected or sterilized before each client. It is important to follow your stat's law regarding salon sanitation. If you are unsure of the law or are curious if there have been any changes in 2016, CLICK HERE.

Can't Keep the differences between the three straight? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) these are the definitions:

Sanitation*: To wash with soap and water and to remove dirt and debris and to reduce the levels of microorganisms to a safe, acceptable level. Before implements or equipment can be disinfected, they must first be sanitized.
*Generally accepted definition

Disinfection: The use of a chemical procedure that eliminates virtually all recognized pathogenic microorganisms but not necessarily all microbial forms (e.g., endospores). (Microorganisms are living organisms - good and bad - that are invisible to the naked eye.) All implements and equipment used on clients must be disinfected before each use.

Sterilization: The use of physical or chemical procedure to destroy all microbial life, including highly resistant bacterial endospores (Endospores are thick-walled bodies formed within the vegetative cells of certain bacteria. They are able to withstand adverse environmental conditions for prolonged periods.) Sterilization is not required in the salon.

Click on the link provided HERE to a PDF Guideline for Cleaning and Disinfecting Manicuring and Enhancement Equipment. This guide was written by Doug Schoon of Schoon Scientific and sponsored by Professional Beauty Association (PBA), the National Cosmetology Association (NCA), and the Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC).

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Definitions and more information found at http://www.cdc.gov

Doug Schoon is an internationally recognized scientist, author and educator with over 30 years experience in the cosmetic, beauty and personal care industry. He is a leading industry authority and is known for his technical and regulatory work that has helped shape the beauty industry. www.schoonscientific.com.

Quick Quiz

Salon Safety & Sanitation 

Test your knowledge of general salon safety and sanitation rules with this quiz from Nails Magazine. Keep in mind that each state has its own specific rules and regulations covering these areas. Always follow your state's rules and all product manufacturer's instructions. 

Find your State's Rules Here

1. What is an autoclave?

     a. A machine that uses steam pressure to sterilize metal implements.

     b. A type of self-cleaning UV lamp? 

2. Porous tools are: 

     a. Tools that are either one-use (disposable) or require specific cleaning protocols 

     b. Tools that cost less, but are of inferior quality 

     c. Tools that can be disinfected and are generally reusable 

3. True or false? Some porous items that have been used on healthy nails can be re-used. 

     a. True 

     b. False 

4. Which of the following statements is not true concerning non-porous items? 

     a. Non-porous items are multi-use tools made of hard materials like metal, plastic, or glass. 

     b. Non-porous tools should be rinsed and dried. They only have to be disinfected if they contact    

         blood or unhealthy conditions. 

5. True or false? If a client brings in her own manicure implements from home, there is no need for you to disinfect them before use. 

     a. True 

     b. False 1

6. In case of an accidental cut, what should you do? 

     a. If it’s minor, you may ignore it and continue with the service. 

     b. Clean with an antiseptic and bandage the cut. 

7. Why is proper ventilation in the salon important? 

     a. It’s not really very important. It simply reduces product odor. 

     b. It reduces exposure to airborne particles and bacteria, and reduces inhalation of vapors. 

     c. It’s important so that clients who smoke can do so inside the salon. 

8. True or false? Spray disinfectants are adequate for disinfecting tools and pedicure equipment. 

     a. True 

     b. False 

9. What is a SDS? 

     a. Secondary Disposal Site. Off-premise sites that accept hazardous products for disposal. 

     b. Salon Safety Data Sheet. Includes information on spills, ingredients, and chemical disposal.   

10. Whirlpool foot spas and air-jet pedicure basins must be cleaned how often? 

     a. After every client 

     b. When they appear visibly soiled 

     c. Once per month, thoroughly

Answer Key

1. B. An autoclave is an apparatus that uses superheated steam under high pressure to sterilize instruments. 

2. A. Porous items are made of cloth, wood, or other absorbent materials. Porous items include most nail files, manicure sticks, cotton, paper mats, towels, and buffer blocks. Porous items that would be damaged or destroyed by cleaning or have been contaminated by broken skin, blood, or other bodily fluids or infections must be disposed of. See answer number three for cleaning guidelines for porous items that can be saved. 

3. A. Porous items used on healthy nails can be cleaned by manually brushing and removing all debris after each use, then disinfected by immersing in 70% or higher isopropyl or ethyl alcohol or 10% bleach solution. Towels, chamois, buffing bits, and similar items can be cleaned in a washing machine with regular detergent. 

4. B. Non-porous items must always be disinfected. To clean a non-porous item, clean all visible debris then completely immerse the tool for 10 minutes in an EPA-registered disinfectant, bleach solution,( 1 part bleach to 9 parts water), or 70% or higher isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. 

5. B. False. All implements (including those that a client brings or leaves in the salon), equipment, and materials that come into contact with a client must be sanitized and disinfected prior to service. 

6. C. Clean with an antiseptic and bandage the cut. If blood or body fluid comes in contact with any salon surface, put on protective disposable gloves and clean it with an EPA-registered hospital liquid disinfectant or 10% bleach solution. 

7. B. Proper ventilation is essential for client and worker safety and comfort. A local source capture ventilation system will eliminate vapors and dust in your breathing zone, and it also helps to wear an N-95-certified dust mask. Never light candles where nail products are used and do not permit smoking inside the salon. 

8. B. False. Spray disinfectants are for cleaning surfaces only and are not adequate for disinfecting tools and pedicure equipment in the salon. Tools require complete immersion in liquid disinfectant for 10 minutes. 

9. B. Most states require Salon Safety Data sheets to be available upon request by an inspector; a fine may be issued to salons that do not have them. 

10. A. Whirlpool foot spas and air-jet pedicure basins must be cleaned after every client. 

New 2016 Salon Sanitation Laws

Nail Salon Sanitation Requirements

Salon sanitation is one of the most important aspects of the nail salon industry. Proper sanitation prevents the spread of fungal and bacterial diseases from one client to the next and helps to ensure safe working conditions

within the salon. Most states complete annual reviews and applicable updates to nail salon sanitation requirements to ensure that the standards offer the most effective approach in reducing client infection. 

Education

Along with the required education needed to obtain a nail technician license,  most State’s Department of 

Cosmetology require all licensed manicurists, operators and manicure instructors to complete at least two hours of 

sanitation education to meet continuing education requirements. These continuing education hours must be completed 

prior to the expiration of the current license in order to renew the license. 

Sterilizers

All nail salons are required to use sterilizers approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to sanitize metal implements. For proper sterilization, the implements must first be cleaned with hot water and soap, disinfected in wet sanitizer and then sterilized with an authorized autoclave, ultraviolet sanitizer or dry heat sterilizer. Users must operate the sterilizer according to the manufacturer’s instruction to ensure proper sterilization. 

Foot Spa

Nail salons that complete pedicure and other foot-related services are required to meet foot spa sanitation requirements. Under most State Cosmetology Laws, all foot spa systems must be drained, cleaned and disinfected both between customers and at the end of each day. The systems must also be drained, flushed, cleaned and sanitized every two weeks. All sanitation efforts must be recorded in a written log.

Contagions

To ensure proper sterilization and prevent the spread of disease,  most nail salons are prohibited from employing a nail technician, instructor or other employee who carries an infectious or contagious disease.  Check for this rule under your states’ cosmetology law.  However, certain protections are afforded under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Responsibility

Though it may be ideal for each nail technician to sanitize his own implements, most states cosmetology law reads that it is the responsibility of the nail salon owner to ensure that all implements are properly sanitized and sterilized according to regulations. It is also the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the establishment maintains sanitary conditions and meets the sanitation regulations as detailed in Cosmetologists Laws and Rules book, which is updated annually.

Stay Compliant

Check Here for your State Board Information and New 2016 Laws 

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Let's Talk About Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause nails to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can affect several nails but usually not 
all of them.

Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis (on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis) and tinea unguium. When fungus infects the areas between your toes and the skin of your feet, it's called athlete's foot (tinea pedis). Because toes are often warm and damp, fungus, also known as dermatophytes, grows well there. Different kinds of fungi and sometimes yeast affect  different parts of the nail. Left untreated, an infection could spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails.

HERBAL SYNERGY BY BACKCSRATCHERS

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A study from the Department of Horticulture and National Food Safety and Toxicology center at Michigan StateUniversity discovered carvacrol has antifungal properties. Carvacrol is the active ingredient found in oregano oil. Tea Tree contains terpen-4-ol and is the reason for its antiseptic and antifungal properties. The terpen-4-ol is a known natural killer Dermatophytes. Due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties, cinnamon is extremely powerful and effective on external infections. 

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