Solidly recession-proof, three-quarters of salons said that business had either increased this year or stayed the same.
Nearly 23% said they’d seen a decline, and most blamed the economy: Either their area had been hard hit, gas prices
were affecting business, or clients simply didn’t have the money for elective expenses like nail care. Nonetheless, those experiencing good years did so by following sound business principles: when the going gets rough, they would promote, advertise, expand services, or find a new location.
Has your business increased or decreased in 2006 over 2005?
*A: Increased ….. 50.3% *B: Decreased ….. 22.7% *C: Stayed the same ….. 27.0%
If your business increased or decreased, please tell us what factors you think affected that.

For the following service categories, has business increased or decreased from 2005 to 2006?
82% of nail techs retail products for clients’ at-home use.
What products are retailed in your salon?
Nail polish ………. 88%
Hand lotions ………. 85%
Nail strengtheners/treatments ………. 83%
Top/base coats ………. 81%
Cuticle treatments ………. 77%
Nail files or buffers ………. 61%
Hair care ………. 51%
Polish-drying products ………. 45%
Skin care products ………. 44%
Toe rings ………. 38%
Boutique items (clothing, jewelry) ………. 33%
Makeup/cosmetics ………. 31%
Adhesives/glue ………. 30%
Tanning products ………. 21%
Personal implement kits ………. 20%
Vitamins/nutritional supplements ………. 9%
36% of respondents say they launched a newservicein 2006.
Services Most Frequently Added in 2006
1.Gel nails
2.Specialty pedicures
3.Nail art or airbrushing
4.Colored acrylics
5.Specialty manicures
6.Acrylic services
7.Massage
8.Eyelash extensions
9.Hot stone pedicures
10.Body waxing
14% of respondents say they discontinued a servicein 2006.
Services Most Frequently Discontinued in 2006
1. Acrylic nail services
2. Gel nails
3.Wraps
4.Pedicure
5.Spray tanning
6. All services
7.Manicures
8.Paraffin
9.Specialty pedicures
10.Fiberglass wraps
What services are offered in your salon?
