To start building your Instagram or nail portfolio, begin with the basics — simple, consistent, and polished. You don’t need fancy equipment at the start. What truly matters is:
- Have one consistent hand pose for photos (e.g. gently resting both hands together or placing them on a clean white towel).
- Take a photo of every set you do, always with the same pose.
- Use natural daylight near a window when possible; if not, invest in a small ring light for balanced brightness and true colours.
- Consistency in lighting, hand position, and framing — even with just a few dozen posts — will make your profile look instantly professional.
Aside from good photos, Instagram Highlights are critical — many potential clients click those first to understand your work and service standards. Structure your highlights with intention:
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By service type:
Create individual highlights for:- Gel Polish
- Acrylics
- Hard Gel
- Nail Art/Design
This makes it easier for clients to browse by need.
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Salon policies:
Include:- Booking deposits
- Cancellation and lateness rules
- Pre-visit reminders
Keeping things clear upfront reduces disputes later.
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Health & safety standards:
Show:- Tool sanitisation clips
- Workspace cleaning routines
Builds credibility, especially with hygiene-conscious clients.
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Client feedback:
Collect and display:- Positive reviews
- 5-star messages
- Happy client quotes
Reinforces trust with new visitors.
During your day-to-day work at the salon, jot down experiences and insights. Over time, these notes can become your Salon Handbook — a valuable internal resource for training and consistency. Useful topics to document include:
- Standard techniques for prep, base coat, builder gel, and top coat.
- Common mistakes and how to correct them.
- Aftercare instructions for clients post-service.
- Core health and hygiene practices every tech must follow.
- How to handle customer service situations with tact and professionalism.
- Basic nail form shapes and how to sculpt them properly.
As your salon brand grows, introduce gentle marketing content — educational, engaging, and easy to produce:
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Stories:
Share:- Short clips of daily salon life
- Mini tips for nail care
- Fun quizzes to increase engagement
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Short reels:
Record 15–30 second videos showing:- Clean prep techniques
- How to build a flawless apex with builder gel
Subtle marketing that demonstrates real skill.
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Experience posts:
Write short narratives such as:- “A day in the life at the salon”
- “What to know before getting gel nails”
Relatable posts that build client confidence.
Important reminder:
Avoid diving into paid ads before you’ve built strong, consistent content. When your page reflects care, knowledge, and professionalism — week by week, post by post — trust will naturally grow.
This type of organic branding lasts longer, brings in loyal clients, and sets your salon apart from the crowd.