There’s no denying that the beauty industry has suffered in the last three years. With closures due to Covid-19, plus changed consumer habits and now the cost-of-living crisis, it’s no wonder that many beauty businesses are struggling to stay afloat. However, some cities are managing to keep clients coming back for more thanks to 5-star service.
Client Reviews
Good reviews have never been more important, with 77% of customers reading online reviews before visiting a business or considering their products or services.
A recent survey by Capital Hair & Beauty found that Cardiff came out on top for the largest number of highly-rated mobile nail technicians. The study found that there were 87 professionals in the city who had an overall review rating of 4 or more stars.
Nearby Newport also ranked highly, coming in sixth across the board for nail services and boasting 63 nail salons with a 4+ star rating.
The Beauty Industry Today
Despite the end of pandemic restrictions, the beauty industry remains unstable. Loyal customers may be returning but most are paying less frequent visits due to having less expendable income to spend on treatments and services. Additionally, increased energy bills and rents have meant many smaller salons have been forced to close their doors.
Yet, despite all this, the beauty industry remains one of the more successful retail sectors with a consistent consumer demand for treatments. It seems that, against all odds, the future may be bright for those who are willing to be flexible and go the extra mile.
Freelance work has traditionally been seen as less secure but post-pandemic there remains a high demand for at-home treatments. Switching to operating as a mobile service gives you access to this new trend, with the added advantage that both you and your customers can save on the overheads associated with running a salon.
Staying Successful
To be successful in these tough times you need to do all you can to stand out from your competition and build a healthy client base. This might mean gaining additional qualifications that allow you to offer a wider range of services or investing in top-quality equipment such as acrylic nail sets that allow you to execute the polished look your clients are expecting.
You will also need to make the most of any marketing opportunities available to you, whether that’s taking the time to schedule posts and respond to comments on your social media, updating or upgrading your website, or getting word out locally by encouraging your existing clients to refer friends and family.
Nail Trends For 2023
A key way to thrive as a mobile nail technician is to get ahead of the game and stay up-to-date with all the latest trends. Some of the key nail styles emerging for 2023 are chrome nails and the hot pink nails of the Barbiecore trend. Throwbacks such as the vampy red nails of the 2000s and 90s glitter gems have also come back around again.
Being able to offer your clients the hottest new looks is a great way to keep them coming back again and again, however, don’t be too quick to dismiss classics such as French tips and nude nails as these timeless looks will always be in style.
