1. What do I need to know to start as a nail technician?

What do I need to have to start my own business? This is a question many people ask themselves when they start their professional life. There are a multitude of things to do and documents to fill out when you want to start your own business. This process can be very complex, even difficult for some! Below are the important elements you absolutely must have in order when starting your nail salon.

1.1 Business plan / financial plan

When starting and growing your own business, it’s important to prepare a business plan. While not always mandatory, it can be invaluable. It provides insight into your company’s current status and lays the foundation for the next steps in your growth journey.

A business plan describes your business and how it compares to your competitors. It’s important to look for answers to questions such as:

• How to get clients?
• Where will I carry out my activity?
• What services will I offer?
• What are my long-term goals?
• Is there a demand for my services in the market?

If you’re considering a loan, it’s important to develop a financial plan. A financial plan shows you, with supporting figures, that your project has a good chance of success. With a financial plan, you should start looking for answers to questions such as:

• What are the expected costs and revenues?
• What investments should be made?
• How much money do you need to carry out your project?
• Are your projects financially viable and will they allow your business to prosper?

1.2 Administrative obligations

Several administrative requirements must be met when setting up a business. These include obtaining a business number, a VAT number, etc. Below you will find information on how to proceed and the important steps.

1.2.1 Business number

A business number is similar to a unique national registration number that you obtain. This number is recorded in the BCE (Crossroads Bank for Enterprises) along with all other information related to your business. The BCE is a government-managed database that gathers all data on businesses and their establishment units. Obtaining a business number is a legal requirement for both sole proprietorships and corporations.
To obtain a business number, you can contact the business counter of your choice.

1.2.2 Request for VAT number

A VAT number stands for Value Added Tax. It is a tax applied at various stages of production and service provision. This number is your company’s identification number with the tax authorities.

Your VAT number is linked to your business number. To apply for a VAT number, you must first register with the ECB, as your business number is the basis for your VAT number.

You can inquire about your VAT number at any business counter. These counters can provide you with more information and guide you through obtaining a VAT number for your business.

1.2.3 Social status

If you’re looking to start your own business, it’s important to choose your business status. Are you planning to work independently as your main or secondary occupation, or are you considering joining your partner’s business?

Choosing a social status entails several obligations, such as paying social security contributions and obtaining certain rights, such as a pension or health insurance.

1.2.4 Affiliation to a social insurance fund

As a self-employed person, you are required to join a social security fund, where you accrue social security rights by paying quarterly contributions. These rights include disability benefits, child benefit, pension, and reimbursement of medical expenses. It is important to join a social security fund to benefit from solid social protection.

1.2 Company Name / Logo

It’s important to choose a good business name that no one will forget. Choose a name that’s unique, easy to remember, and perfectly matches your company’s identity. Of course, always check to see if the name you choose is already in use.

When designing a logo, it’s recommended to create a simple, easily recognizable logo that matches your business name. Choose colors and fonts that reflect your company’s identity and elicit the desired response from your target audience. Make sure the logo looks good in a variety of formats: business cards, flyers, billboards, etc.

Before finalizing everything, it’s important to ask people you know, such as family, friends, potential clients, etc., for their opinions on your company logo and name. Their input can be invaluable when choosing your logo and company name!

1.2 Preparation of services and prices

Take the time to think about the services you want to offer your clients, such as gel polish, gel, acrylic, acrylic gel treatment, natural nail care, nail strengthening, and more. Once you’ve decided on the services you’ll offer, it’s important to set your prices. This can be a real challenge!

Think carefully about the prices you want to charge, not only to avoid losses, but also to ensure profits. Make sure to strike a balance between customer satisfaction and an acceptable operating profit.

1.2 Website

Having a website is one of the best ways to inform existing customers and attract new ones. It has many advantages. It offers constant availability of information, allowing your customers to access your services, prices, and changes 24/7. It also contributes to the credibility of your business.

1.2 Social networks

Social media can be a great tool for promoting your business and reaching your target audience. Make sure you’ve created a profile and regularly share content that showcases your work, your nail salon, and the materials used. You can also post before-and-after videos to give people a glimpse of your skills. It’s important to remember that through social media, you want to address your target audience’s problem. So show your potential clients that they can achieve beautiful, strong nails by visiting you!

1.2 Finding a suitable location

Consider which working method suits you best: do you want to work from home, start your own nail salon, or visit your clients on-site? Before making your choice, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each option.

If you decide to open your own nail salon, it’s advisable to choose the location carefully. Check that there are no other nail technicians nearby, that the location is easily accessible, and that it’s well-located for your target audience. It’s also important to check whether you have a sufficient budget.

2. Do I need a certificate to start working as a nail technician?

It’s important for your clients’ trust that you have completed various training courses and obtained various certificates. These are not only proof of your skills, but also benchmarks that underline your credibility and professional skills. By constantly seeking to obtain various certificates, you not only instill confidence in your clients, but also demonstrate that you stay up to date with the latest trends in the nail industry.

3. Do I need any specific equipment to set up my nail salon?

To get started as a nail technician, you need a lot of equipment. Consider a nail vacuum, a manicure table, a nail lamp, and much more. Below is a list of the various essential equipment for setting up a nail salon, as well as the reasons why this equipment is essential.

3.1 Manicure table

A well-equipped manicure table is essential! It allows you to organize all your necessary tools neatly, without clutter. Choosing an ergonomic and spacious manicure table is important for your comfort and that of your clients. A professional manicure table also contributes to the professional appearance of your nail salon.

Check out our blog on manicure tables and learn what to consider when choosing a table and why it’s important to have a manicure table.

3.2 Nail vacuum cleaner

A nail vacuum cleaner is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your nail studio. Without an extraction system, you, as a nail technician, can inhale up to 4 kg of nail dust per year, which can be detrimental to both you and your clients.

When applying artificial nails, various products are used that release vapors into the air. Filing or trimming nails can produce fine dust, which can contribute to allergic reactions and even cause respiratory problems.

Vacuuming is important not only for workplace hygiene, but also for the health of your customers and yourself. Without proper vacuuming and proper filtration of fumes and dust, microscopic dirt particles can spread and mix with ambient dust. This can lead to respiratory problems such as dry throat, coughing, asthma, and even pneumoconiosis (a lung disease caused by inhaling dust).

Investing in a suitable dust extractor is essential to ensure the safety and hygiene of your workplace. It not only keeps your table clean, but also purifies the air your customers breathe. Air filtration significantly reduces the risk of allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

3.3 Nail sander

Using an electric nail file is only recommended for certified nail technicians! If you don’t have the necessary skills and certifications, you risk causing permanent damage to your clients’ nails, for example by overfiling the nail or damaging the nail matrix.

A nail file is a handy tool that makes manicures and pedicures faster and easier. You can use it to prepare your natural nail plate, push back cuticles, and remove artificial nails.

3.4 Nail lamp

A nail lamp plays an important role in curing various nail products, such as gel polish, gel, and acrylic gel. Without a nail lamp, it’s impossible to create artificial nails. It’s very important to pay attention to certain things when purchasing a good professional nail lamp

3.5 Hand rest

A hand rest provides you and your clients with an ergonomic and comfortable position. The client’s hand rests at an optimal height, allowing you to work ergonomically.

3.6 Table lamp

Get a high-quality, professional table lamp. Good lighting is important for achieving a perfect manicure, as it allows you to clearly see every detail of your work. Choose a table lamp with adjustable light intensity. This way, you’ll be able to choose the best light to accurately view and treat your clients’ nails.

3.7 Chair

3.7.1 For yourself

It is recommended to choose an adjustable chair that allows for a comfortable sitting position. Why an adjustable chair? Simply because you can adjust it to the correct height. The angle between the top and bottom of the legs must be 90°. This ensures a correct and ergonomic sitting position.

3.7.2 For your customers

Make sure you have an ergonomic chair that provides comfort for your clients. Avoid chairs with wheels; it’s best to choose a stable chair so your clients can’t slide back and forth during treatment.

4. What products and materials do I need to start as a nail stylist?

To achieve a professional manicure, you need various materials and products. Below is a basic list of all the materials and products you need to get started.

4.1 Materials

For nail preparation, nail extension, nail polish removal, and other nail salon tasks, you’ll need a variety of materials. Below is a list of the basic materials you’ll likely need to successfully start out as a nail salon:

• Nail file/buffer
• Milling bits (if using a milling machine)
• Cuticle pusher
• Spatula for acrylic gel
• Cuticle nippers
• Nail scissors
• Cellulose cotton
• Work apron
• Stencils
• Brushes

4.2 Products

Besides the materials, you also need different nail products to create artificial nails. Below is a list of the different products you need to achieve a beautiful manicure, depending on the products you start with the most.