Magazine for the professional nail industry.
Issue link: http://nailsmag.epubxp.com/i/794232
28 | NAILS MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 In 1957, Dr. Fred Slack cut his thumbnail while working in his dental laboratory. Using aluminum foil, he created a platform to fix the nail with dental acrylic. Using one of the first methyl methacrylate monomers, he created what was most likely the first acrylic nail. His clever experiment would lead to the patent of the industry's first nail form. In the late 1960s, Slack, along with his polymer and monomer chemist, developed many new nail technician-friendly polymer/monomer acrylic systems that continue to be used worldwide in the nail industry. In 1987, Slack and his son Rick decided to brand their successful formulations and created a company then called Nail Systems International. To this day, NSI remains at the forefront of researching, developing, and manufacturing innovative monomers, polymers, oligomers, and other enhancement products for the professional nail industry. "We've built a tradition of creating breakthrough products that nail technicians want to use," says Slack. For more information, visit www.nsinails.com. We know you're devoted to your craft and your customers, but how much do you know about your industry when it comes to overall statistics? Every year, we survey readers to gain insight into their professional lives and track changes in the industry. Here are some numbers from NAILS' 2016-2017 Big Book to help put things into perspective: > Dollars spent on nail services in 2016: $8.53 billion > Active nail licenses in the U.S.: 393,581 > Number of nail salons: 69,738 > Average weekly service income: $630 > Average weekly income including tips and retail sales: $827 > Average monthly booth rental: $371 > Average service price for a basic manicure: $19.53 > Average service price for a basic pedicure: $32.09 > Average service price for gel-polish (initial service): $28.04 > Average service price for an acrylic full set: $ 38.41 To read all the latest statistics from our annual Big Book, go to www.nailsmag.com/market-research. Know Your Industry Numbers } { nails file Support Your Techs With a Photo Shoot Why should hairstylists have all the fun — and all the inspirational style shots? Ambitious nail techs may want to take a page from Ian and Beth Weber, owners of Fort Collins, Colo.-based Studio Be salons. They've had great success producing their own photo shoots for their stylists, which they do four times per year. "For Fall 2016, we went to Red Rocks Amphitheater at sunrise and shot five models, each with a distinctive look," Ian says. "These images are displayed on our website, social media, and in the salon for a comprehensive campaign." Do your nail styles deserve any less lofty treatment? The Webers used the shoot to write a blog entry, describing how they achieved each model's look. "In the salon, we set aside the products that went into each look and bundled them under each model's name," Beth says. "So if a client wanted to get Azurea's look, for example, they could easily find the right products and learn how to use them." According to the Webers, the shoots don't require a large budget because they use up-and-coming photographers and they partner with local businesses for wardrobe and props. "The images' reach extends beyond our salon," Ian says. "Last spring, a local magazine picked up one of our images and put it on their cover and another gave us a six-page spread. Editorial coverage and media relationships can't be bought and are crucial to bringing in new clients and raising our public profile." This story originally ran in Modern Salon (www.modernsalon.com). This 2009 photo features NSI founder Fred Slack, president Rick Slack, and Bob Maxwell, who has been head of manufacturing for 20 years. NSI Celebrates 30 Years >>>