How To Make $100,000 Doing Nails!

Is it possible to earn a 6 figure salary as a nail tech? Today Habib and Tracey break down how much you would have to charge per service and how many services it would take to make $100K a year (or more) doing nails.
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Young Nails manufactures the highest quality professional nail care products (acrylic, hard gel, gel polish, nail art, nail polish, nail accessories, nail files, etc) in the world. To learn the nail application in all of the forms - acrylic, gel, nail art, etc - watch our videos for extreme education. We offer nail education out of our Anaheim, CA facility. Contact us for details [e-mail]
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“How do two brothers get into the nail care business?” This is the single most common question people ask us. There’s a long and rocky version but we’ll give you the short one. We have our fearless and unconventional mother, Young Salo, to thank. With a single-minded entrepreneurial spirit, she decided to start her own business at the age of 49. She had a passion for the nail industry and we did everything in our power to support her. In the end, this is a family business.
Greg, the older brother, became a licensed nail technician after switching gears from fire fighter’s training. He is energy personified and has a true passion for developing the best professional nail care products and education. Habib is the younger brother. He jumped in a few years later; taking a detour from medical school and a life in music. He brings his own creative mind for business, marketing and strategy. Unexpectedly, we are a perfect team.
Today, more than 20 years later, Young Nails Inc., is a professional nail care manufacturing company exporting to over 40 countries worldwide and distributing domestically to over 3000 stores. We’re respected for our next-level product innovation and education. Our mission is to bring you the best quality products and we’ll show you how to use them with incredible results. It’s really that simple.
Welcome to the Young Nails family!

[@vivalavienails]

I get the math but the problem is that to pull that off you'd have to have at least 100 customers to be able to do that many services every single week, right or am I thinking of it wrong???

[@youngnailsinc]

Possibly or if one person is getting multiple services done. Also, you can adjust the model to figure out how much each service should be for how many clients you do have per week. So if you start with $100,000 divided by 52 weeks that's $1,923 a week. Then divide that by how many clients you have per week, let's say 35 clients (7 clients a day if you work 5 days a week). You get about $55 you should be charging each service. Once you have the weekly number of clients you need then you would need to figure out how many clients would I need total for a full clientele. If the 35 are coming every 2 weeks then maybe you need 70 clients total. If that seems like a lot for your location then maybe you start with less clients a week. Maybe you can only get 40 total so 20 each week. That just means your price per service needs to be higher in order to get the $100,000 a year (20 clients/week = $96/service). Also, this price point for the year doesn't have to be an immediate goal. You can work up to it by raising your prices every so often as well as charging for add ons. In the video they talk about how a $5 tip per person would be $10,000 more a year on top of the $100,000, add on's can be the same. If you charge $5 per glitter you use or an additional charge for XL length nails or extra gel polish colors, etc. ($5 per glitter x 20 clients/week = $100/week x 52 weeks = $5,200/year just for 1 glitter per client!) I hope this helps. I'll link our pricing playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLbrhuNO154v28NPUu8SDeKm3j05IB1FxQ

[@vivalavienails]

@@youngnailsinc That makes so much sense once you broke it down even more! It's just having the patience to build that clientele which I'm cool with because I'm also honing my craft while building

[@terrafinlay2615]

The numbers Tracy is talking about I'm not sure how to take this number of clients in a day. I do two-3, hour sets and take 6-7 clients Max. How can we increase to 12-16 clients a day?

[@tiffanysamuel2064]

for that low of a price i’m pretty sure she’s offering simple quick services. nothing extravagant.

[@alisassmannshausen6808]

I hate how there are people who look down and criticize nail techs especially has a full-time career or part-time whether they are a single parent or not because it is such a heart and an amazing career to have

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@deiwilliams6590]

This was very eye opening and gives us diyers/hobbyist something to consider. I love nails and to make a sustainable living doing them would be awesome! 🥰 Thx for 'Biz Talks'!

[@cmbdiscussions]

i stopped doing nails 6 years ago just due to circumstances but it was my passion. recently i’ve missed it but was afraid that it wouldn’t match my current pay. i appreciate this break down so so much. it helps me solidify my decision to go back and pursue the career that makes me happy and give me the flexibility to be there for my baby

[@saraott1263]

This video may have just changed my life! Thank you so so much for releasing this.

[@peculiarone339]

Thank you for breaking it down like this. I listen to all your biz talks and re listen to them over and over again. I know the potential but this short video is short enough to keep my husband's attention and now HE sees the potential too. You guys are the BEST!! Thank you for all that you do!!

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@tracydreher4798]

I started doing my own nails 2 years ago and thought I really needed more practice but recently noticed that my practice work looks as good as what people are paying $90+ for. After watching this video and realizing I'm just as good as the "pros" around here, maybe I could do this.

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@nickimarie4733]

It’s not hard, it’s all about practice ! I went to nail school and I thought I would be really good after school was over, but it really does take practice. Anyone can do it 💕

[@lic3d127]

why did you put air quotes around pros?

[@trisha.246]

Thanks this was a very good eye-opener 👍

[@User729__p]

:) this post is dope. I love this. I can’t wait to start nail tech school. I don’t know when but I hope I could afford it soon because I am excited to get out there and start being my own boss!!

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@rmeloveslife9522]

Same!! 💖😊

[@izzychavez8381]

This was an amazing video. But the ending I wasn't expecting it to just end lol... thnks guys for all you do

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@kimyatajames4960]

I love that I’m a nail technician 🥰🥰

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@r.t.t6759]

SAME🥰

[@idkjess2677]

I love this ❤️u guys made me smile and laugh lol.

[@HBW497]

excellent video!!

[@traceysunny502]

This is just more than a eye opener

[@fitfournails]

Great video💕

[@Ly-sx6ug]

I'd love to see this concept but with techs that are working a traditional commission position at a salon! Especially with some salons being tricky with offering either a W2 or a 1099 (maybe that could be a video in it of itself; the difference between the taxes for nail techs!)

[@youngnailsinc]

Everyone’s situation is different, so we would recommend talking to a tax professional to determine what would be appropriate for you.

[@daniellesheridan4573]

Retail is marked up 100%. It is so easy to sell quality products that will benefit your clients and put an extra $15-$30 or more in your pocket.

[@NicoleCastang]

Great video. Thank you. 💯❤

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@rbelle8]

👍🏾🥰💵 wish I did this straight out of high school… omg 😳

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@AkaMagenta]

Me too…..🙄🙄🙄 #FML lol

[@kathytarman2302]

Wow this is a great video. I wish I know this when I was young. I am to old to start. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and putting this information out for any one thinking about do this.

[@rashunda1979]

You are never too old to start! We have ladies in our discord group who are 50-60+ going to nails school!

[@estherbaca]

Girl your never to old you should give a try am 49 and doing it started nail school during covid we had only zoom class now tht was frustrating but still here.

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@StregaLeia77]

Youre not too old. Dont let social media make u think its all zoomers hussling into success. We got this. Prob even better with a little life experience backing us up. Take care.

[@kathytarman2302]

@@StregaLeia77 I am well into my 60,s and I have a lot of medical problems. I can’t sit that long. I do my granddaughter nail. We have to take lots of breaks. I am happy doing her nails and my nails. I just wish I found this when I could do it as a job. I loved working with kids so I had a job I loved. Thank you for the wonderful words.

[@yayalinae]

can we get some videos about tips etc for your state board i graduated before covid was a thing and im a little nervous but i have to get it done 🤣

[@youngnailsinc]

Every state board has different requirements and expectations, so it's best to check with your local state board for specifics. You could also post on our Facebook Community group to find people in your area who might have advice for your specific test.

[@blackbrushbeautybyindy9910]

Hey Lovies, I really wanna start making that much money.. So I can start my own business. Love you guys💚💖💙

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@csc077]

Love these business videos! I'm curious how you would go about figuring out your estimated costs with the same type of per service estimates

[@youngnailsinc]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXjdo4VsoL6VbLM

[@csc077]

@@youngnailsinc wow thank you, this is exactly what I was asking!

[@greenleesndifon6248]

@@youngnailsinc

[@Kingdom_lyfestylesCervantes]

You still have to re buy products

[@unboundbytiffany]

Packing 16 clients into a day is like damn impressive. Even if I'm able to get my service times down to an hour half, youd be going almost a whole 24hrs. Lol

[@youngnailsinc]

Thanks for watching! We hope you enjoyed this video on how to make $100,000 doing nails.

[@unboundbytiffany]

@@youngnailsinc def did! New goals!

[@estherbaca]

ok so would you charge same price for gel and acrylic fullsets and others like polygels pink and whites, sculptured.

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@drgnfly711]

Great video! But 40 pedicures week would kill me!!! My back is hammered already.

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@zmijasam]

and i wish YN team will talk about that too 😭

[@nickimarie4733]

Can you make a video about back pain & neck pain. I would love to do nails for a long time, but I’m afraid of destroying my body. Any tips ?

[@youngnailsinc]

Choosing a technician chair or client chair is going to be different for every technician since we all have different size/shape/height of tables. Feel free to post this question to our Facebook Community group and there may be other technicians that can show you what chairs work for them in your same situation.

[@MadameMoodysNails]

#goals ♥️

[@chalawhina]

I charge 50.00 for a fill and I'm the low end in my area and it's not a ritzy area. It's a fishing town in New Brunswick Canada (one of the poorest provinces)

[@ChiemelaFavour-zr4wp]

Hello can I ask you a question?

[@rebelde84]

The salaries will definitely vary depending on clientele traffic.

[@Kimoja1]

I need to get back into nails that was my hobby got to cosmetology school they fooled me and said they would teach acrylic as well they’re didn’t do I learned in my own but haven’t don it in years ,a lot has been going on in my life and I’m trying to use taken to do have to be my own boss and be able to be there for my kids as well a work life balance I just need to practice practice practice I also don’t think 40 mani pedi a week is bad at all ten people a day you should want that !

[@AdelinaMessina]

I'm assuming we're speaking about owning a buissness because when you work for a salon the salon owner would make that right? You'd make the hourly plus tips or however they pay

[@youngnailsinc]

Yes, this is as an independent business/renter. As a commissioned tech, you would still bring in those service/dollar amounts, but you would make your percent commission, depending on how the salon pays you.

[@chippy9822]

Where I live in indiana a full set maybe $30.00 unfortunately when I started out in 1984 I was getting $40.00 per full set but now (no offense to anyone) but there are probably 20 at least of these Asian salons and they charge $20.00 per set and $15.00 per fill and up charging that’s hysterical people expect to get everything with a full set

[@lauragremaud5790]

I realize with practice comes speed but I must be doing something way off. How do you do a 30 minute fill?!?! I focus more on hard gel fyi. Not opposed to acrylic, just enjoy using hard/builder gel. I know you have done a ton of videos on fills, but I must be missing something. That’s where I’m getting creamed on pricing and time.

[@youngnailsinc]

Here is a great video with Tracey doing a gel fill in 30 mins. We will also link our real time playlist and some speed technique videos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWSxo6Gfgcpkras kzbin.info/aero/PLbrhuNO154v0p9T9BWpV7V-USnMwIFmqN kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipS2n36grK-qgdk kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWmTeZ2Pq6-kY8k

[@lauragremaud5790]

You’re the best!

[@alicia95761]

I have a question? If you are in a walk-in shop and not knowing when you will get a walk in. How can you make as much money. Some days are slower then others.

[@youngnailsinc]

If you are only able to take walk-ins and not schedule clients, in the time you are not with clients, work on other projects. Things like prepping your files, customizing forms, re-stocking products, doing salon laundry, checking inventory, editing and posting your nail pics on social media. When you have busy days, having all of these things done will make your day easier and you will be able to get more clients in then. Keeping up with your social media will help to build your clientele so you don't have those slow days!

[@alicia95761]

@@youngnailsinc ok thanks

[@rashunda1979]

How much did you have to set aside for taxes?

[@youngnailsinc]

Everyone’s situation is different, so we would recommend talking to a tax professional to determine what would be appropriate for you.

[@AlbertoMartinez-ig7zu]

If you work m-f for 8 hours, wouldn't you need to do 8 nail sessions per day? If you do more you'd be working past 8 hours.. idk I feel like I'd have to work on the weekends as well

[@katrinaepperly7647]

Yes, but costs & taxes... 🤔

[@youngnailsinc]

Yes, this would be before taxes and deducting your cost of goods.

[@rmeloveslife9522]

If one is making, say, $100,000 a year doing nails, what is the expected tax cost? Beginner nail tech here (pre license)

[@youngnailsinc]

Everyone’s situation is different, so we would recommend talking to a tax professional to determine what would be appropriate for you.

[@chippy9822]

25 to 40% in indiana

[@Baldhead_DivaNailz]

I’m definitely in the wrong field. i need to stop playind and find time to go and get my license.

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@beyoncecrownedme8275]

@@youngnailsinc *”Does one really need a license to do fingernails?”*

[@chippy9822]

They have put everyone out of business here even though they use the worst products you can buy but people don’t care if they can get a full length set for $20.00 to $30.00

[@fabiolaortiz43]

That means 8 services a day 5 days a week.

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@cmayo5659]

Some services wouldn't take as long as others. Being new I would not be able to provide 8 services in a day....maybe 2 & 1/2? Lol

[@justynelazalde17]

How are you doing 12-16 clients a day.

[@youngnailsinc]

Tracey’s full sets usually took about an hour and fills took about 30 minutes for basic. You would need to make sure you are as through as you can be when speaking with the client about what they want so the service time you book for them can be accurate and express to them that there isn’t room to change their mind to something that would take more time after making the appointment unless you know you have the space to do so. We have a great real time playlist that shows Tracey doing different types of sets from start to finish. kzbin.info/aero/PLbrhuNO154v0p9T9BWpV7V-USnMwIFmqN&feature=shares

[@stephaniegalinis713]

That sounds great and all but I get paid commission 50% so that means I would have to double the work instead of 40 clients at 48 each I have to do 80 and we charge less so then I still I have to do more it all sounds nice but as I've said before each state has their own laws you guys sound like you're talking about booth rental and Pennsylvania is the only state not to allow it and people aren't willing to pay in Pennsylvania what you pay in California or what you'd pay in New York lower class states charge less higher class states charge more you base your prices off of California and if they are doing booth rental you've forgotten a few deductions so that 100,000 is not net income that is gross

[@jennifercavalet477]

Exactly! I’m in PA also. I’m 50% commission in a small rural town. I only made $11,000 last year!!

[@realitywatcher1250]

This don’t count if you work in a salon and do a split

[@annemarie7086]

$40 is reasonable .

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@PrincessJasmineW]

40/50 a set ?! Try $93 ! 😢😅 I went in for a full acrylic set , medium length $55. I did gel color with two ombré nails. Total : $93. I’m enrolling for in nail tech courses immediately!! Writing this is 2023 for inflation purposes lol

[@youngnailsinc]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@kimbosweet3385]

48$ is extremely cheap… around socal we spend $60 for gel polish and a mani … lol

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@cee2random]

Like no extensions? Just a manicure with gel Polish?

[@kimbosweet3385]

@@cee2random yasss! Its crazy ! And this is why I started doing my own nails. Lol woman out here are paying 75$-100$+ a set

[@rmjerome1182]

What's crazy is that girls are upcharging for services and doing sets with length and charging $50-70 a set?!

[@pumpedupkicks4522]

is that even doable in today's world? I mean you did say that ever since covid the nail tech industry has changed and I'm sure a lot more people are doing their own nails instead of paying someone else to do them

[@youngnailsinc]

There always have been and always will be those people who do their own nails, but you can still build a great business. There are always going to be those clients who would prefer to come to a salon and pay for the service.

[@blingmomangie]

$48.00 to $50 is cheap! \

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@kelleywood4498]

Okay. I love this idea. But hit the brakes!!! How much are you paying out for the following: space rental, insurance, product, licensing, continuing education, etc…?

[@youngnailsinc]

Yes, those thing are going to make a difference based on location, commission vs booth renting vs salon suite, location etc. This video is specifically talking about making this much before accounting for any expenses.

[@kelleywood4498]

@@youngnailsinc I love seeing everyone getting excited about making a boatload of money, just as much as you do.❤️😁 I want this for ALL of us!!! But at the same time, I want that reality of it all; that it takes money to make money to be in the front of our minds. None of us are going to break our $100k goals without investing in our businesses.🤣

[@cwdgomez]

What about rent, supplies, taxes. You really don’t bring all that in. I wish but you don’t.

[@youngnailsinc]

We explained in the video that this is before taking out any money for bills, supples, etc.

[@viviennetooms6379]

Ah yeah, well that is all lovely but pulling in that much money is not "making" money. What they are calling making money on the video is actually turn over. You need to take the overheads off the turn over to work out the profit. Then you can see how much money you are "making". This video is overly simplistic.

[@MaleficentHipster]

I say this with love: I don’t like the new editing style at all. It’s too jumpy and makes me feel like everything is rushed and like we’re missing a lot of the conversation because it’s jump edit after jump edit after jump edit. It may be because I have ADHD but it also makes me feel a little stressed and I can’t finish the video. I usually don’t bother posting any kind of negative comments online because to me it’s pointless but I feel like since this is a new style of video y’all might appreciate feedback. I love y’all I’m a regular in the Twitch streams and even Ramon’s streams so I hope I’m not coming off as a hater. 💜

[@youngnailsinc]

Of course not! We appreciate the feedback, thank you!

[@chippy9822]

This is aggravating to me that your telling all these new nail techs this I have been a nail tech for 30 years and this is absolutely not correct they only way you make that kind of money is if you own the salon and the techs are working under you also your not considering taxes you bust your ass and don’t make shit because I don’t know anyone here that will pay over $30.00 for a full set that does include color and top coat how stupid to even think your going to tell someone your price doesn’t include color and top coat. Fills are $15.00 here and yes that includes color and top coat and then replacing product you use you can’t even bring home $40.000 per year. There are over 30 salons in my town and if I put $70.00 on my window for a full set I might as well shut my doors this info your putting out is so misleading

[@perdybirdie]

Wow this is harsh. You must be in the middle of nowhere, anywhere within an hour of a major city can command $50+ for a set. I'm within an hour of DC and the minimum ranges from $50-75 for a basic SHORT set. They upcharge for length and add one as well. These are independent nail techs who work out of a suite/home/etc. Not sure what the chop shops tech makes but they charge the same, sometimes more. You should move

[@sarahfaith2417]

Great topic and video but I hate the editing. I love the natural conversation, it’s more relatable. This seems rushed and almost like an ad. I’m not for this vibe…I’m sorry just giving my feedback from

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️

[@arobertsonian]

Fr

[@KimberlyBorgeSD]

I agree that this is *Gross* income. Not Net Income. Obliviously, you have to take away for: State Sales Tax Self-Employment Tax to the IRS Overhead for rent, supplies, liability insurance, etc. I did Gross $56K, average 5 clients a day (because the art I liked to do and the client damage I was constantly fixing because so many of my clients don't know how to wear nails even with educating them), but it was also my first year on my own as a small business owner. That first year killed my profit, but gave me a lot of tax deductions. This year, more will go to the IRS, but also more will be in my own pocket. There's LOTS OF ASTERISKS in this video. I admit it sounds a little like a sales pitch in this video, but I also know where they're coming from, and some of what I commented here was brought up at the end. I still needed my husband's income to live comfortably. That's just how it went for me.