From celebrities to influencers, there’s been a steady influx of solid nail colours as the “quiet luxury” trend continues to dominate with shades like ballet pinks and nudes to white and blueberry milk nails seen on celebrities such as Sofia Richie Grainge, Dua Lipa and Sabrina Carpenter. Naturally, these effortless looks can be challenging for nail artists and techs who are looking to boost and maintain business while continuing to be creative in the salon.
“The reality is that people who are into solid- coloured manicures versus nail art are very different,” says Tamara Di Lullo, a CND education ambassador and owner of Candy Nail Bar in Montreal. “These colours are nothing new, so the question is how to customize and tailor these trends to your clientele.”
PRO TIP CAPTIVATE YOUR CLIENTS FROM THE MOMENT THE MOMENT THEY ENTER YOUR SPACE WITH AN ENTICING DISPLAY OF TRENDING POLISH COLOURS THAT ARE ARRANGED IN A WELL-ORGANIZED ARRAY OF SHADES.
Rock-Solid Business
Since some clients believe they can only find the trendiest nail shades from traditional nail lacquers, it’s crucial for nail artists and techs to educate their clients about the differences in products and services.
“Gels are a majority of my services,” says Chelsea Baart, an OPI global artist and educator based in Victoria, B.C. “They can help build business, regardless of trends.”
In addition to the fact that gel polishes last longer, they can help increase your service ticket, which is win-win for both you and your client.
“There’s a variety of looks that can be created with gels,” says Baart. “The fact that they can be worn on top of natural nails and enhancements, colours and topcoats means that you can use gels to upsell to each and every client.”
While nail art has often been a go-to for artists and techs to upsell, for solid nail colours Di Lullo says it comes down to building loyalty with your clients. “Once there’s regrowth, those clients will be the first to come back on time and rebook their appointment in advance. They usually have a shorter interval between the timing of their appointments—every two to three weeks— because they don’t want to see that regrowth on their hands.”
To help encourage clients to step outside their comfort zones, Di Lullo suggests giving them a proper consultation instead of simply asking them to choose a colour they’re interested in. “I ask clients what they’re into and if there’s a special event that they’re going to,” she says.
“Everybody has a colour that they gravitate to, but I also try to get clients to think a little bit outside the box.”
“PEOPLE WHO LIKE SOLID- COLOURED MANICURES ARE THE TYPE OF CLIENTS WHO WILL COME BACK REPETITIVELY.”— TAMARA DI LULLO, CND EDUCATION AMBASSADOR AND OWNER OF CANDY NAIL BAR, MONTREAL
Getting Creative
From a creative standpoint, it can sometimes be a bit of a letdown when a client opts for a solid colour. However, this is an opportunity for nail artists and techs to use their expertise to take a solid shade to the next level while still giving clients what they’re looking for.
“My all-time favourite way to zhuzh up a solid colour is to add a small metallic shade, either as a micro-French or cuff at the cuticle line,” says Baart.
“Creating 3D effects on top of your topcoat adds interest and that’s something we’re seeing a lot,” adds Di Lullo. “Also, adding texture or a bit of sparkle onto solid colours. You can incorporate it into your gel polish or add it to the tacky layer when curing. These are all things we can do to help nails really pop.”
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