Overcoming the 3 Biggest Challenges Facing Nail Salons in 2026

Nail salons face many unique challenges, but you can overcome them with these best practices.

Nail salons face many unique challenges—but with the right systems in place, they can overcome them and grow more profitably in 2026 and beyond.

Nail services continue to be a powerful segment of the beauty industry, driven by demand for self-care, personalization, and high-touch experiences. But as the industry evolves, salon owners face new pressures: rising operating costs, shifting client expectations, and increasingly complex health regulations. The good news? With modern tools and smarter strategies, these challenges are far from insurmountable.

Overcome Low Profit Margins With Smarter Pricing and Upselling

Low profit margins have long been a challenge for nail salons, and by 2026, inflation, labor shortages, and higher product costs make pricing strategy more important than ever. The average manicure in the United States costs anywhere from $15 to $50 in price, while pedicures can be $15 to $75. It’s not unusual for nail salons to choose to offer lower prices in order to get customers in the door, but competing solely on low prices is no longer sustainable.

Instead, successful nail salons in 2026 are adopting value-based pricing models that reflect the quality of their work and the experience they provide. Clients are willing to pay more when services feel premium, consistent, and convenient.

Rather than relying on volume alone, salon owners can:

• Increase average ticket value with service upgrades like nail art, gel enhancements, or longer-lasting treatments

• Bundle services (such as mani-pedi combinations) to encourage higher spend per visit

• Introduce memberships or prepaid packages to drive predictable, recurring revenue

Modern salon management software also plays a critical role—making it easier to adjust pricing, track performance, and identify upsell opportunities without adding administrative overhead.

Can’t Locate the Right Products? Build a Smarter Retail Strategy

Retail remains one of the most underutilized revenue streams for nail salons. By 2026, clients expect product recommendations to be curated, intentional, and easy to purchase—both in person and online.

While traditional distributors may still offer limited nail-focused inventory, many salons are expanding their retail strategies by:

• Partnering directly with manufacturers for exclusive or private-label products

• Focusing on high-performing, technician-recommended items instead of large inventories

• Offering seamless retail checkout and digital reordering options

When retail is integrated into the client experience—not treated as an afterthought—it becomes a natural extension of the service and a powerful way to boost profitability without extending appointment times.

Always, Always, Always Follow Nail Salon Health Guidelines

Health and safety regulations remain a top priority for nail salons, and by 2026, compliance expectations are higher than ever. Clients are more informed about sanitation, ventilation, and chemical exposure—and they expect transparency.

In addition to following EPA and OSHA guidelines, many forward-thinking salons are proactively investing in:

• Enhanced ventilation and air filtration systems

• Safer, low-toxicity nail products  

• Clear sanitation protocols that protect both clients and technicians

Maintaining high safety standards isn’t just about compliance—it’s about trust. Salons that prioritize wellness and clearly communicate their practices stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

The Future of Nail Salons Is Built on Better Systems

Nail salons play a vital role in the beauty industry, and success in 2026 requires more than great artistry alone. Owners need modern tools that support smarter pricing, streamlined operations, and exceptional client experiences.

Boulevard helps nail salons do just that. From intuitive booking and built-in upsells to seamless payments and client management, Boulevard gives you the control and flexibility to run a more profitable, client-first business.