If you’re a nail tech, salon owner, or someone thinking about training in nails, you’ve probably seen the panic posts: “Gel polish is being banned.” “UV nails cause infertility.” “You need to throw all your products away.” Let’s calm the drama down a bit. The ingredient being discussed is TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide), a photoinitiator used in many UV/LED gel products to help them cure under a lamp. It’s not gel polish itself that's being banned. So what’s ac

In the United States, the nail and beauty industry is strictly regulated. Therapists must complete formal training, pass exams, and obtain licenses before they can work professionally. But in the UK, there is no mandatory regulation—anyone can set up as a nail tech or beauty therapist without qualifications. Should that change? And what would it look like if regulation were introduced tomorrow? Why isn’t the UK industry regulated? Unlike in the US, where licensing is required

Last week, my hairdresser surprised me with a bouquet of roses at my appointment, a few days before my birthday. It meant the world to me. But here’s the thing—we wouldn’t do this for every client, would we? I tip, I take good care of my hair between appointments, I recommend him to others, and I post about him and the salon all the time on social media. I’m a rock-solid, loyal client, and it was super special to feel appreciated. But should we do the same for our nail and

If faced with a decision between announcing a price increase or being thrown into the North Sea, I know a lot of nail techs who'd be opting to go for a swim. Raising prices is one of the most uncomfortable things beauty professionals face because our industry is deeply personal. We build close relationships with our clients, and money feels like a taboo subject in these intimate settings. But here’s the reality—would you hand over part of your wages to every client each week?

When I first started in the nail and beauty industry, I had nothing—not a salon, not a dedicated space, not even a clear idea of where to begin. I had just completed my manicure and pedicure training, but without a physical studio, I felt stuck. Could I really make this work from home? Would clients take me seriously if I didn’t have a fancy setup? The answer? Yes. And if you’re in a similar situation, you absolutely can too. My journey: From kitchen table to thriving busines

Happy Valentine’s Day, Team! Whether you do Valentine's, Gal-entine's or even just Pal-entines, love is in the air—so let’s talk about the perfect match! No, not soulmates, but builder gel and the clients who are meant for it. If you’ve ever wondered whether builder gel is the right choice for you or your clients, here's my take. The builder gel buzz Builder gel (in a pot, in a bottle, 'BIAB', brush on, whatever you want to call it) is everywhere right now, and while it’s a

Moving house is one thing, but moving a home salon with it? That’s a whole different level of chaos! Right now, I’m in the middle of relocating my home salon, but here’s the catch—we've moved house, but I’m still working in my old salon at our old house while setting up the new one. So, for the first time in years, I actually have a commute! The balancing act Running a salon from home has always been about convenience, but now I’m splitting my time between two locations. It m

The nail world is a creative place where new trends are born every day, and that's one of the things I love most about it. But just because something is trending, doesn’t mean it should be. Sometimes, a trend pops up that makes you wonder what we were thinking in the first place. So, in the spirit of fun (and a little bit of sass), here are a few nail trends I'd put in the proverbial bin. In no particular order... 1. Aura nails I get it — we're all about that ethereal, glowin

Is the market oversaturated, or is there room for everyone? If you feel like there’s a new nail bar popping up every five minutes, you’re not alone. Where I live in Christchurch, Dorset, we’ve got another one opening this month—bringing us up to five non-standard salons on the high street. That’s on top of four other salons offering nails , plus all the incredible home-based and mobile techs working their magic within a 500 yard stretch . It’s enough to make you wonder… is

Setting your prices based on what others charge might seem like a safe approach, but it can actually do more harm than good. Every nail and beauty business is different, with varying overheads, skill levels, and experience. Copying someone else’s pricing structure without fully understanding your own costs is a fast track to undercharging, overworking, and ultimately, burnout. Your overheads aren’t theirs One of the biggest mistakes beauty professionals make is assuming that

In the nail and beauty world, there’s a long-standing myth that the length of a course directly determines its quality. Spend several...

Let’s just say it—this is less than ideal. You walk into my salon, spot my little one colouring in the corner, and think, “If her child’s...

Let’s talk about the unspoken ick. Salon hygiene might not be glamorous, but it’s absolutely essential—both for your clients’ safety and...

Relocating a home-based salon is no small feat. Whether you’re upgrading to a larger space, moving to a new area, or even setting up in a different room in your home, the process is both exciting and - let's face it - A LOT. With the Nail Your Career training salon Ulu Beauty’s big move just around the corner on February 4th, I’ve been reflecting on what it takes to successfully transition a home-based salon to a new property. Let me share some key lessons from my own experie

As I prepare to move my home salon to a new property, it’s the perfect time for reflection and review. Running a successful salon...

Hello and welcome to Nail Your Career! I'm Fiona Fox, and I'm thrilled to have you here. I run one of the top three nail salons in the UK, and I've dedicated my career to helping others find their passion and thrive in the beauty industry. The Nail Your Career blog is a space where I can share my journey, insights, and the ethos behind Nail Your Career, a company I started with a simple mission: to make retraining in the nail and beauty industry accessible and straightforward