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NaIl BeD
Underneath the nail. The portion of skin that the nail plate
rests on. It contains blood vessels that supply nutrients to
the fingertip.
NaIl plaTe
The hard keratin (protein) coating that protects the
fingertip and underlying tissue. What we commonly refer
to as our "nails".
NaIl ROOT
is at the base of the nail and is embedded underneath the
skin. It originates from an actively growing tissue known
as the matrix.
NIppeRS
A tool used in a nail salon for a variety of purposes,
including cuticle care, toenail clipping, and the nipping
of acrylics. For help in choosing nippers, see "Metal
Implements" in "Nail Tech 101" for more info on the various
types of construction (jaws, joints, springs, sizes) and their
uses.
NON-aCID pRIMeR
A misnomer, as all primers are acidic to some degree or
another. However, the term is commonly used to refer to
any primer that does not use methacrylic acid (MAP). See
also "Methacrylic Acid" above.
ODORleSS aCRYlICS
Acrylic liquids that are not as easily detected by the human
sense of smell (as compared to regular acrylics). Odorless
does not mean that they have a slower evaporation rate or
are any safer than odoured products.
ORGaNIC
Any substance that contains the element carbon. Nearly
half the substances in the world contain carbon, and
almost all nail products contain carbon. Organic does
not mean safe. Petro-chemicals are carbon based, thus
organic. Organic is simply a name used by scientists to
distinguish one half of the stuff in this world (carbon-
containing) from the other half (non-carbon based, thus
inorganic).
OVeRexpOSuRe
Chemical hazards caused from prolonged, repeated
exposure beyond levels specified as safe by regulatory
agencies, and as specified on the MSDS.
paThOGeN
A microorganism that is capable of causing disease.
Fungus is a pathogen.
peRMISSIBle expOSuRe lIMIT (pel)
Parts per million (PPM) inhaled exposure limit of a
substance. The amount of a substance in the air that can
be breathed in a normal 40 hour week by most people
without experiencing adverse health effects.
peRMaNeNT FReNCh MaNICuRe (pFM)
AKA Pinks & Whites, see below.
ph
The acid and base scale of 0-14., it is the measure of
hydrogen ions (H+) in water-based solution. A pH of 7 is
neutral, less than 7 is acidic, greater than 7 is alkali (base).
Pure water is 7, or skin is usually at around 5.5, (so slightly
acidic). See also "Acid", "Base", and "Alkaline" above, and
"pH and Primers" in the "Chemistry" section of this website.
pINK & WhITeS (p&W'S)
The application of a white free-edge, and a pink (or clear
or beige) nail bed, using colored acrylic or gel products, so
that the French Manicure look is permanent and built-in
to the structure of the nail. There is no need to apply nail
polish.
plaSTICIzeR
Substance added to increase flexibility or workability of a
product.
ConTInuED nEXT IssuE...
business
from home
How to run a
by suzanne Alcock Thompson
aSu nail & Beauty Supplies
1. set up:
If it is your intention to setup your business from a
private residence, you must first apply for planning permission.
running a business that provides a service to the public without
permission is illegal. In order to receive planning permission, you
must apply to your local council authority before starting or setting up.
Your local authority will erect a sign at the front of your residence, so
that the people in your locality can see that it is your intention to run
a business from your home. assuming no objections arise, from your
application ­ permission will be granted. the sign is usually a great
way to build awareness amongst your neighbours and you may even
have bookings before you open.
2. naming your business:
when selecting a business name
try to create a name that is unique and memorable. Business names
stick with you forever so choice them wisely. Modern technology
has taken much of the pain out of setting up your business. online
resources are especially helpful. Visit www.cro.ie to register your
business name and set up your company.
3. insurance:
You would not drive your car without insurance so
why would you work without insurance. You cannot get insurance to
work from your home without having proper planning permission from
your local council. Many professionals in our industry avail of cheap
insurance for mobile work, but this does not cover you to perform
treatments from premises, especially your home. Insurance that
covers public liability would need to be in place.
4. Pricing:
when you price your services for a home run business
it is important to factor in all costs for example: insurance, advertising,
time, stock cost, electricity, heating, phone bills and anything else used
in your business. Many home run businesses in the nail and beauty
industry, assume they should be cheaper than a normal salon but this
is a very silly mistake. You have to factor in all your costs and then price
accordingly. If your price is too low or you try to beat salon prices you
may be working at a loss - so be wise when you do your pricing.
5. marketing:
there are hundreds of ways to market your business
and you must dedicate time every day to do some form of advertising.
without this you cannot build a business. there are obvious ways to
advertise like business cards, flyers, price lists, Facebook, twitter, web
site and emails. Ideally, you should have two marketing plans. the
first is a plan to maintain your existing client base and the second
plan should aim to attract new clients and make them aware of your
business. Promotion and marketing can be expensive but there are
many ways you can do this for FrEE, yes FrEE. word of mouth and
networking with people is a start!
6. Products:
when offering treatments it is always best to be able
to sell the brands you use too. Know the uSP (unique selling points) of
your brands. If you don't, your supplier will gladly give these to you.
See what training they can give you on the brands and learn as much
as you can about them. Just because you are doing nails or beauty a
long time doesn't mean you know everything. times change, products
develop and new technology is introduced so try to learn as much as
you can. Pass the product information onto every client and this will
make them feel like they are in safe and confident hands. Clients want
to know the benefits of what they are having done and many clients
want to take these benefits home so knowing your brands well will help
increase retail sales too.
7. education:
Education is the key to any business's success. You
can never stop learning things. Get yourself to any class that relates
to beauty or business. the harder you train ­ the stronger you will be.
Contact your local enterprise board. they usually run free classes for
business set ups that are extremely useful. always mention to clients
when you are going on a class or training, as it shows your client that
you are constantly trying to improve your business in any way.
8. financial:
Before you even start a business you need to work
out how much you need to earn each week / month to cover your costs
and your income. Cash flow keeps a business afloat. Maintaining a
low bank balance will put your business under pressure or maybe even
at risk. Some businesses even allow their accounts go into red - this
is better known as an overdraft. once you go into this zone, you are
There are many things to consider when
you are running any business from home
i run free business talks for mobile technicians
and salon owners at
Asu nail & beauty supplies
/ Training.
for next dates for these free talks
email me
at suzanne@asunailandbeauty.ie or
LiKe our page on
facebook - Asu nail & beauty
supplies / Training Academy
liable to pay very high interest rates and it can become stressful. I
think it's a good idea, when you have your figures worked out, to
decide on a figure you want to always maintain in your bank account.
this way you will always stay in a safe zone and have a better credit
rating with your bank. Showing a good cash flow in your bank
account will not only help your keep focused but it will also help
you in the future if you ever want to get a business loan. Having an
amount in your safe zone will help when you hit quieter times in your
business too. another thing to factor in is if you go above that safety
figure, then start to think reinvestment.
9: reinvestment:
when you get to a stage in your business,
that you have a fund over your safety amount, then start to plan
on reinvestment in your business. You can increase or improve
your business in many ways and by doing this you will help your
business grow. think of a new machine, a new product or service,
a computerised system, redecorating your treatment rooms,
advertising, marketing and so on. this can be anything that helps to
improve what you are already doing. when clients see this input from
you, it keeps them excited and interested too.
10. Accounts:
using a good accountant is vital to keeping your
finances stable. You need to make sure you understand the jargon
accountant's use as it is important you know everything. Keep
records of all your treatments and services. Basic book keeping is a
simple task that can be done by you and should help to reduce your
accountancy fees - but ensure that your accountant guides you
correctly.
11. Customer service:
this doesn't cost you a single cent!
Being friendly, helpful and putting a smile on your face is the simplest
way to give your client a reason to come back to you. Sometimes we
take our regular customers for granted so always keep in the back of
your mind that he or she is a paying customer and that they deserve
the best customer service possible. Seeing a client every month and
building a friendship is fine, but remember she doesn't always want
to hear about your problems!
12. retailing:
Many professionals within our industry think
they only have to perform a treatment and that that is their job
done. However if clients can help benefit from buying a retail item
such as hand cream, or a cuticle oil, then it is part of your role
as a professional to advise this. aftercare is an essential part of a
treatment, so recommending a homecare item, to help improve your
service is a must. retail sales can increase your revenue; therefore,
increasing your business.
13. fear:
Many business owners have a FEar of doing something
in case it doesn't work, but, if you do not try, how will you know? If
you do something and it does not work then at least you can learn by
this and move on. Every step in business is a learning curve, so don't
be afraid to try new things. I always wonder if it is the fear that drives
me or is it that I am fearless? Sometimes I think I have a bit of both.
However you feel just go with it - what will be, will be!
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INSURANCE PROVIDER FOR NAIL
TECHNICIANS?
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and make-up artists
· Visit us at www.groh.ie
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For a competitive quote
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The Salon Insurance Specialist
GUNN ROBINSON O'HIGGINS LTD
INSURANCE BROKERS
19 Priory House, Priory Hall,
Stillorgan, Co. Dublin
Phone: 01 283 5252 Fax: 01 283 5251
GUNN ROBINSON O'HIGGINS LTD. IS
REGULATED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND
SCHEME UNDERWRITTEN BY RSA Group, Dublin.
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INSURANCE
FOR NAIL TECHNICIANS