If you’re planning to set up a nail bar business in South Africa, you’re not alone.
The rapid growth of middle-income earners has generated disposable income that’s being spent on manicures, pedicures and other beauty treatments.
That, together with TikTok and Instagram influencers, is driving the growth of the niche beauty sector.
In 2023, the local South African nail salon market was valued at US$175.7 million, more than R3.2 billion at current conversion rates.
Over the next five years, the nail business is expected to grow at a compound rate of 10% per year to reach US$341.5 million (R6.35 billion).
Whether you’re thinking of opening a nail bar in an existing salon or as a separate enterprise, it will need careful planning. You’ll also require equipment and supplies.
What to consider before opening a nail bar
Launching a business is inherently risky. It’s essential to make a proper analysis of the market to ensure there’s enough demand for your services.
If more than one or two nail bars exist in your area, it may be wiser to consider another way of making money. Opening a dedicated nail salon comes with significant costs.
A cheaper and easier alternative is to rent space in an existing salon. You can tap into the existing customer base, and pay a share of the rates and utilities.
You must determine if you want to run the business yourself or get a technician in. The former option is more cost-effective, but it does mean it’s your only income stream. Can you survive over inevitable slumps?
If you’re confident you’ve got what it takes, it’s time to assess what you’ll need.
Steps for setting up a nail bar in South Africa
Like for any new business, a nail bar requires planning and management. You’ll need suitable equipment and supplies. There are a couple of regulatory boxes to tick, too.
That said, a nail bar can be comparatively straightforward (as business types go) to set up and run. The trick lies in keeping overheads sufficiently low to remain profitable, while securing enough business – preferably in a highly visible location.
Here are a few basic steps to help you kick-start the process:
1. Choose whether to register a business
You can register a new nail salon as a formal business entity with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). Download a step-by-step guide here.
Alternatively, you can choose to trade informally. Downside? You may be excluded from accessing business finance or working with suppliers and other parties that require formal registration. (Either way, you’ll be legally required to meet tax obligations).
2. Open a business bank account
This isn’t mandatory if you trade informally or have a sole proprietorship. However, having a dedicated account simplifies bookkeeping and tax compliance.
3. Identify your target market
For example, consider the average age, gender and income bracket of your ideal customer. Who and where is your customer base?
4. Choose a location that’s easily accessible to your target market
You’ll need to balance prime location against rental cost. Generally, the success of a nail salon depends on high visibility (to attract walk-in traffic) and/or marketing via an extensive social network.
5. Set up the nail bar with your branding, furnishings and equipment
See below for a list of equipment and supplies you’ll likely need.
6. Recruit staff (at least eventually)
You might start on your own. Longer term, it’s likely you’ll want to hire one or more experienced nail technicians.
7. Market your nail services
You’ll need to get the news out, for example on social media and via word of mouth. Targeted, paid digital advertising can also pay off, once the business can afford it.
8. Manage finances and stock
On-going work will include basic accounting and managing inventory. It’s a good idea to get efficient systems for these tasks up and running from the get-go.
Must-have nail bar equipment
Here’s a list of must-have nail bar products and equipment.
Acetone
A solvent for removing nail polish, gel polish and acrylic nails, and for preparing nails for treatments.
Acrylic nail brushes
A salon essential designed for complex, precise and detailed acrylic nail designs.
Acrylic nail powder
The foundation of great-looking nails that are smoother, stronger and less prone to chipping and lifting. Manicures last longer and it’s the go-to product for creating fabulous nail enhancements.
Base coat
A protective coat that promotes stronger adhesion between the nail and nail polish, and prevents chipping, peeling and staining.
Cosmetics organiser
A neat, compact storage unit for all the nail bar’s tools, accessories and equipment.
Colour gels
A high-gloss nail treatment that’s exposed to LED or UV light to deliver a resilient, chip-free finish.
Cuticle massage cream
Softens and hydrates dry, rough cuticles, making them easier to push back and maintain. With regular use, cuticle massage cream can help treat cracked or brittle nails.
Cuticle nipper
Ideal for cutting away dead skin around the nail bed, making it easier to maintain both the cuticle and nail. Nippers are purpose-designed for trimming ingrown nails, and finger and toe nails when there’s limited room to manoeuvre.
Cuticle oil
Nourishes, hydrates and softens cuticles and nails, ensuring the nails are more flexible and resilient to cracking and breaking.
Cuticle pusher
Used to gently push back the cuticle, remove any dead skin and leave the nail bed looking neat and clean.
Cuticle scissors
Sharp pointed scissors that allow for the precise trimming of excess skin on the nail bed.
Dappen dishes
Dishes designed for holding and mixing gels, acrylics, powders and nail polish remover.
Gel nail brushes
Oval-shaped brushes purpose-designed to handle the thicker consistency of gel polish without compromising the fine detailing of nail art, shaping of gel polish or application of gel extensions.
Gel polish remover
A specially formulated solvent that softens the gel and gently removes it without damaging the nails. It’s a stronger alternative to acetone.
LED lamp
An essential tool that cures gel polish in seconds. It’s more efficient than a UV lamp and the longer lifespan makes up for the steeper upfront cost.
Manicure bowls
Great for soaking hands and nails to soften the nails and cuticles prior to a manicure.
Manicure sticks
A cost-effective multi-purpose tool that can be used for cleaning nails, pushing cuticles and applying nail art.
Nail art appliques
Decals and decorative stickers that are applied to the nails.
Nail art glitter dust
A high-shimmer powder that’s used to create different designs and textures on nails.
Nail art pen kit
A six-piece kit of fine-tipped tools to enable the precise creation of complex and intricate nail art designs.
Nail buffer
A must-have tool in every nail salon to smooth and buff away imperfections on the nails.
Nail clipper
A clipper with a curved cutting blade and flip-over lever mechanism to trim nails without damaging the surrounding skin.
Nail files
Used for shaping and smoothing the edges of nails after they have been clipped.
Nail form rolls
Rolls of disposable or reusable adhesive stickers that are applied to each finger to allow for a firmer, faster and more streamlined creation of nail enhancements.
Nail tips
Pre-fabricated tips that are glued to the nail to add length, and space for decals and designs.
Pedicure chairs
Specially designed chairs for the all-in-one pedicure. They’re typically fitted with a built-in foot rest, pedicure station, storage drawers and foot spa.
Toe separators
Rubber moulds designed to spread the toes and allow for the mess-free application of nail polish, nail gel, appliques or nail art.
Top coat
A final coat of clear lacquer to protect the colour polish from chipping.
Where to get equipment and supplies for your nail bar business
Hair Health & Beauty is the leading supplier of salon-quality products, accessories and equipment to spas and salons across South Africa. Browse our 2025 catalogue or search our platform for nail products online.
Please note that we are a trade-only platform for hair, health and beauty businesses. To shop on our platform, please register an account.