Opening A Mobile Nail Business? Here's What A Traveling Nail Tech Needs In Their Toolkit
Featuring the SKILL, a client experience game-changer and a traveling nail tech's new BFF
Many beauty professionals are leaving their traditional salon or spa postings to create their own mobile business as traveling nail techs, hair stylists, and other beauty professions as the demand for in-home beauty services continues to grow. In-home beauty services are all the rage for its convenience.
For those who are short on time, in-home manicures and pedicures cut out the time needed to drive to and from the salon and any waiting period that occurs in salons. Who doesn't want to get a fresh pedi or nail color change while drinking their morning coffee in their comfy PJs while the baby’s sleeping? It’s genius.
If you're thinking of going out on your own and sharing your talent with the world, you'll need to put together the toolkit that will travel with you from and to different locations. It's very important to have everything you need as a professional to provide your clients with the best experience possible.
So here's a list of all the must-haves you need in your mobile nail tool kit, plus a sneak peek of our newest Glamcor member, the SKILL, a traveling dryer/exhaust fan, and flexible light stand in one.
Traveling Nail Tech's Toolkit Checklist:
An ultra-sturdy traveling nail case:
There's nothing worse than having a bag rip open when you least expect it, especially if you're running between clients. Carefully researching the best bag that fits your lifestyle and business is an investment you have to make.
A heavy-duty rolling case and organizer like this is amazing if you specialize in acrylics, gel polishes, and dips that consist of more products and accessories. Or, if your kit is smaller, a nail polish organizer is great to keep your polishes and smaller products, tools, and accessories in place within a larger bag.
A great tip here is to gather everything you'll need so you can see exactly what you're working with. That way, you'll figure out the size bag or box you'll need and what features will most benefit you.
Nail tools:
This would be your quality nail clippers, nail files of different grits, buffers, cuticle pushers, cutters, nail scissors, and nail pick or cleaner.
Nail products:
Everything from cuticle oils, creams, lotions, soak-off solutions, and nail polish removers are necessary for any manicure or pedicure. But carrying full-size products is a hassle and takes precious space in your bag, not to mention the extra weight it adds. Consider pouring products into travel-sized containers and replenishing them when needed.
Manicure bowl and pedicure bowl:
Make sure to keep a manicure bowl and pedicure bowl in your toolkit. Check out this portable and collapsible foot basin, making it super easy to store and travel around with.
Sanitizers:
Even more important post-pandemic. Always have hand sanitizer for yourself and clients and sanitizing wipes to wipe down the work area and tools. Rubbing alcohol is also good to keep at hand.
As a precaution, you may want to keep a face mask as well to protect yourself when a client seems a little under the weather. Shoe covers are also great to have for "no-shoes" homes. That way, you don't need to take yours off, and your clients will be happy.
Nail systems:
From nail dip powders and hard gels to a nail drill and bits for acrylics, if you offer more than classic manicure services, you’ll need to add these to your toolkit. Make sure to keep separate bags for the different services you offer, that way everything you need for a particular service is together.
Assorted nail brushes:
Nail art isn't dying down any time soon. Keep a kit of assorted nail brushes to whip ordinary nails into works of art. Make sure to snap a picture for your portfolio and social sharing.
Pedicure products:
Gather everything you need to provide a spa-like pedicure to your clients, from toe separators to foot files.
Nail polish:
Nail polish is the most important part of any mani or pedi, right? A variety of nail polishes is important to have, including nail strengtheners and topcoats. If possible, ask clients beforehand what color they would like so you can bring a large variety of that color family.
Towels and paper towels:
Accidents happened. And you don't want to depend on your clients to grab a roll of paper towels from their kitchen. Keeping a roll of paper towels and/or towels is always a great idea. Towels are also useful to keep a barrier between you and the client's hand or foot and protect the surface you're working on.
A fan and light:
When working from a client's home, optimal work conditions such as bright lighting and circulating airflow from a fan or open window aren't always possible.
That's why having an exhaust fan that removes nail polish fumes, a drying fan to cut drying time and increase airflow, and a bright LED lamp are game-changers in creating efficiency in your work and providing the best client experience.
We're happy to announce that the Glamcor SKILL does just that without the hassle of carrying three different equipment from client to client.
Skill is a lightweight multi-purpose device with a LED light bar and an exhaust and dryer fan duo. Both the light and the fan are attached to an adjustable telescopic stand and flexible arms, so it’ll always be the perfect height and angle.
The bright light bar comes with five levels of brightness so that you can customize the light depending on your location. And by simply flipping the fan over, you can use the exhaust or drying fan. It’s super easy to set up and comes with a travel bag perfect for your toolkit.