Why Instagram is a must-have for nail salons

For nail designers, Instagram is much more than just a social media platform—it's a digital business card , portfolio, and marketing channel all rolled into one. With the targeted use of Reels, hashtags, and tools like Canva and Lightroom, you can not only increase your reach but also build a loyal customer base.

Reels: Visibility through short clips

Reels are small, creative videos (up to 90 seconds) that play extremely well – especially if you:

• Transformations (“Before & After Nails”)

• present trends (e.g. chrome nails or French variations)

• Show your work in time-lapse

Tech tip: Use a phone tripod mount , a ring light , and film vertically (9:16 format). For editing, you can use Instagram directly – or CapCut (free with more effects).

Hashtags – but properly!

Hashtags help Instagram understand what your content is about . Use a mix of:

• Local: #nageldesignberlin , #nailartmünchen

• General: #gelnails , #nailinspo

• Personal: #deinestudioname , #bydiana.nails

Tip: A maximum of 15–20 hashtags , clearly sorted by topic.

Canva: Your graphic studio for Insta

With Canva you can:

• Create story templates with prices and offers

• Create highlight covers

• Post mini tutorials

• build consistent branding

Tip : Use your colors and logo for recognition.

Lightroom: The magic behind aesthetic feeds

Want your feed to look consistent? Use Lightroom presets !
With this you can:

• Save color looks

• Optimize skin tones

• Show nail art in more detail

There are many free presets – or you can create your own.

Content planning made easy

Use free tools like Later, Metricool, or Notion to schedule posts in advance.
This way you stay visible on a regular basis – even on stressful studio days.

Conclusion

Instagram is a powerful tool— if you use it strategically . You don't need a team or expensive equipment—just a plan, creativity, and the right tools.