How to Open a Nail Salon: A Complete Guide for 2026

You want to open a nail salon.

Good. The nail industry is booming - worth over €10 billion in Europe alone, with consistent year-over-year growth. People aren't cutting back on their nails, even in tough economic times.

But here's what nobody tells you: most nail salons that fail don't fail because of bad nail techs. They fail because of bad business decisions made before they even opened.

This guide covers everything you need to know.

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The Reality Check

The good news:

• Lower startup costs than hair salons
• Smaller space requirements
• High repeat business (clients return every 2-4 weeks)
• Strong margins on services

The challenges:

• Intense competition in urban areas
• Health and safety regulations
• Staff retention can be difficult
• Ventilation requirements add cost

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Step 1: Choose Your Business Model

Not all nail salons are the same. Pick your lane:

Express / Quick Service

• High volume, lower prices
• Walk-ins welcome
• Basic services (manicure, pedicure, gel)
• Typically 6-10 stations
• Target: budget-conscious clients, lunch break appointments

Mid-Range Full Service

• Appointments preferred
• Broader service menu
• 4-6 stations
• Target: regular clients wanting quality and convenience

Premium / Boutique

• Appointment only
• Luxury experience
• 2-4 stations
• Higher prices, longer appointments
• Target: clients willing to pay for experience

Solo Nail Studio

• Just you
• 1-2 stations
• Lowest overhead
• Maximum flexibility
• Target: personal clientele you build over time

The model you choose affects everything: location, pricing, staffing, and marketing.

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Step 2: Understand the Legal Requirements

Requirements vary by country, but here's what you'll typically need:

Licensing & Qualifications

Business Registration

• Register your business entity (sole trader, Ltd, etc.)
• Get your tax number
• Register for VAT if above threshold
• Business insurance (see our insurance guide)

Health & Safety

• Premises must meet hygiene standards
• Proper ventilation for chemical fumes
• Sterilization equipment
• Waste disposal procedures
• First aid kit
• Fire safety compliance

Pro tip: Contact your local health authority BEFORE signing a lease. They can tell you exactly what you need, potentially saving thousands in unexpected modifications.

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Step 3: Calculate Your Startup Costs

Here's a realistic breakdown for a 4-station mid-range nail salon:

One-Time Costs

Monthly Operating Costs

Staff wages not included - varies greatly by model and location.

Working Capital

Keep 3-6 months of operating costs as buffer: €5,000 - €35,000

Realistic total to open: €30,000 - €110,000 depending on location and model.

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Step 4: Find Your Location

What to Look For

High street / shopping area:

• Best for walk-in and express models
• Highest rent, highest visibility
• Competition nearby is actually good (proves demand)

Residential neighborhood:

• Best for appointment-based, community feel
• Lower rent, loyal local clientele
• Need to build awareness

Shopping centre:

• Built-in foot traffic
• Strict lease terms, percentage rent
• Good for volume models

Business district:

• Lunch break appointments
• After-work bookings
• Dead on weekends

The Checklist

• Foot traffic matches your model
• Rent is max 10-15% of projected revenue
• Ventilation possible (check with landlord)
• Plumbing for pedicure stations
• Parking or public transport nearby
• Competition within 500m (research them)
• Lease terms acceptable (avoid 10+ years)

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Step 5: Design Your Space

Layout Essentials

Reception area:

• First impression matters
• Retail display opportunity
• Comfortable waiting seating

Nail stations:

• Minimum 1.5m between stations
• Good lighting (natural + LED)
• Each station needs power outlets
• Storage for tools and products

Pedicure area:

• Slightly separated for privacy
• Plumbing access
• Comfortable seating for longer services

Back area:

• Sterilization station
• Staff break area
• Storage for inventory
• Laundry if doing towels in-house

Ventilation is Non-Negotiable

Nail products release fumes. Poor ventilation means:

• Health issues for staff
• Complaints from clients
• Potential legal problems
• Failed inspections

Budget €2,000-8,000 for proper extraction systems. This is not optional.

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Step 6: Build Your Service Menu

Core Services (must-have)

Premium Add-Ons (margin boosters)

Trending Services to Consider

• BIAB (Builder in a Bottle)
• Russian manicure
• Structured gel extensions
• Waterless pedicures
• Nail wellness treatments

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Step 7: Hire Your Team (If Applicable)

Finding Nail Techs

• Beauty schools and colleges
• Industry Facebook groups
• Indeed and local job boards
• Instagram (many techs showcase work)
• Word of mouth

Pay Structures

Hourly/Salary:

• €10-18/hour depending on experience and location
• Predictable costs
• You control schedule

Commission:

• 40-60% of service revenue
• Motivates performance
• Variable costs

Chair rental:

• Fixed fee per day/week
• Techs are self-employed
• Less control, less management

Red Flags When Hiring

• Can't show portfolio of work
• Badmouths previous employers
• No questions about hygiene practices
• Unrealistic salary expectations
• Won't do a trial day

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Step 8: Set Up Your Systems

Booking System (Essential)

• Online booking reduces phone time by 70%
• Automated reminders cut no-shows
• Client history tracking
• Look for: ease of use, reminder features, reporting

Payment Processing

• Card payments essential (most clients prefer contactless)
• Consider: SumUp, Square, Zettle, or bank terminal
• Fees: typically 1.5-2.5% per transaction

Inventory Management

• Track product usage
• Set reorder points
• Avoid overstocking (ties up cash)

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Step 9: Market Your Opening

Pre-Launch (4-6 weeks before)

1. Set up Google Business Profile
2. Create Instagram account, post progress
3. "Coming Soon" signage on location
4. Collect email addresses for launch offers
5. Reach out to local influencers

Launch Week

1. Opening promotion (20% off first visit)
2. Bring-a-friend incentive
3. Instagram stories and reels
4. Ask every client for a review

Ongoing Marketing

1. Instagram: Before/after photos, nail art showcases
2. Google Reviews: Ask happy clients, respond to all reviews
3. Referral program: Give €5-10 credit for referrals
4. Local partnerships: Gyms, bridal shops, beauty businesses
5. Rebooking: Always book the next appointment before they leave

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Step 10: Plan for Profitability

Know Your Numbers

Break-Even Calculation

Monthly fixed costs ÷ Average profit per service = Services needed to break even

Example: €4,000 fixed costs ÷ €20 profit per service = 200 services/month

That's about 7 services per day. Totally achievable.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating ventilation costs - Budget properly from the start
2. Wrong location for your model - Express needs foot traffic; boutique needs parking
3. Pricing too low - You can't compete on price with high-volume discounters
4. No online booking - You'll lose clients to competitors who have it
5. Ignoring health regulations - One failed inspection can shut you down
6. Overstaffing at launch - Start lean, grow into demand
7. Skipping insurance - One client injury lawsuit ends everything

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Your Timeline: Idea to Opening

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Opening a nail salon is absolutely achievable

The industry is strong. The demand is real. The margins are good.

What separates successful nail salons from failures isn't talent - it's treating it like a real business from day one.

Do the research. Know your numbers. Build the right systems.

👉 Vinci 26 helps nail salons manage bookings, reduce no-shows, and build a loyal client base - without marketplace fees or platform lock-in.

Build something that's truly yours.