Membership-based GlossLab nail studio expanding

A hygiene-oriented nail studio operator with a membership-based model is looking to expand nationwide.

GlossLab announced plans to open locations in several U.S. cities, including New York, Miami, Dallas, Houston and Washington, D.C. (See list of locations at end of article.)

GlossLab is the brainchild of Rachel Apfel, who saw a gap in the market during her years working at a hedge fund, when she found it nearly impossible to fit in an efficient manicure during the busy work week. Apfel recruited a team of investors and opened the first location in 2018, in Manhattan’s Flatiron district. Currently, there are six locations, all in Manhattan.

Glass said she founded GlossLab with a mission to modernize the nail studio experience based on three pillars: hygiene, efficiency and membership. In addition to focusing on the client experience, Glass believed it was equally important to provide employees with a safe working environment, fair wages and a true career path.

GlossLab prides itself on being totally water-free, as water is a breeding ground for germs, the company said. It had strict hygiene measures in place long before COVID-19 guidelines were developed. The studios features technology enhanced services, including online booking, cashless payment, contactless check-in and check-out, and long-lasting vegan polish, gel, and non-toxic polishes. 

The monthly membership fee at GlossLab is $145 (plus tax), according to the company’s website. The fee includes unlimited manicures and pedicures, with a choice of gel, performance or long-lasting polish. Membership also includes gel removal, polish changes and touch ups.

GlossLab has a following in the music and entertainment world. In connection with the company’s expansion, rapper Lil Yachty and his manager Adam Kluger of Fund Scoop Investments, former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, and Shaun Neff (“The Branding Whisperer”) have joined the GlossLab investor team. They join other partners including actress and singer Keke Palmer, hospitality entrepreneur David Grutman and the band, The Chainsmokers.

Here is a list of GlossLab’s upcoming locations.

NYC Metro Area 

• Midtown 
• Westport, Conn.
• Darien, Conn.
• Hoboken, N.J.
• Closter, N.J.
• Roslyn, N.Y.

DC Metro Area:

• Bethesda, Md.
• Dupont Circle, DC 
• Georgetown, DC
• Union Market, DC

Miami:

• Coconut Grove
• South Miami
• Sunset Harbour 
• Coral Gables
• Midtown

Houston/Dallas:

• Preston Royal Dallas
• Uptown Houston