Nail and beauty treatments are not subject to statutory regulation in the UK. However, some local authorities impose licensing requirements on nail salon owners, both in relation to their premises and the nail technicians who work at the salon, and require them to hold a massage and special treatment (MST) licence.

Salons typically employ several nail technicians, or rent space to self-employed technicians, and are often located in high street premises, shopping centres and sometimes in airport departure lounges or municipal sports centres.

This profile provides information about starting up and running an independent nail salon. It describes the skills required, the training available, the current market trends and the key trading issues. It also explains the legislation that must be complied with and provides sources of further information and support.