I work overtime during the holidays. I’m single, so the more I work, the more I can play. I love holiday nail art and adding some holiday cheer on my clients’ nails. — Meggan Anderson, Dreamz Day Spa and Salon, Burley, Idaho

I work a flexible schedule. There are days I will start at 6:30 a.m. to do a full set and there are also nights that I take a client at 8:30 or 10 p.m. at the latest. I feel if I am flexible with my clients they will be flexible with me when the time comes. I bend over backwards for my clients; they aren’t just my clients, they are my friends too, and some are like family. I appreciate them just as much as they appreciate me. — Lorri Silvestre, Nail Candy by Lorri, Grover Beach, Calif.

We have flexible hours to accommodate our holiday clients. We generally come in early the week of the holiday. On the eve of the holiday and the day after the holiday, we open early and offer our guests refreshments to warm their hearts before receiving services. We encourage guests who are out shopping to stop by to say hello and to grab a snack. And we offer special deals on gift cards for those who join us for our holiday hours. — Ronieka Howell, Abstract Nails & Wellness Studio, Indianapolis

Holidays are the most profitable time of the year for us, and because of that, every year we extend our hours and business days. This year we will open the salon from December 16 to December 31, 2013, just taking the 25th off. After the holiday rush my staff and I will take a well-deserved vacation. — Ettennae Vargas, Pink Nails & More, Freeport, N.Y.

I like to work flexible hours through the holidays. I think my customers recognize it and try to be reasonable when they book their appointments. Sometimes it’s the little things we do as techs that keep our retention high and our clients happy. — Rachael Waggoner, Dazzlin’ Digits 3D Nails, Lakewood, Colo.

Sometimes I have to work 10 or 12 hours doing nails. Nails are my passion and I love and need my clients. But they have to understand that we need to take a break as professionals in order to take care of our personal lives as well.   — Ednice De Jesus, Ednice Nail Artist, Patillas, Puerto Rico

We try to accommodate our schedules around our clients at all times but we also take some time off during the holidays. The secret is to mark your days off in your book several months in advance. Then about a month and a half prior to the holiday, request that your regular clients book two or three appointments ahead instead of one. We also schedule extra days to work if we are taking some days off so we can get everyone in. We love our clients and will always do what we can to make sure they are taken care of. But we also need to take care of ourselves and our families, so planning ahead is the way to do that. — Kathy Dent and Danielle Lindberg, Salon Glow, Reno, Nev.

 I do not work extra or altered hours during the holiday season. Then again, I do not take extra time off. I have ample time in my schedule for my clients. If they know their travel dates, book in advance, etc., everyone leaves happy without me taking any more time away from my family. — Heather McDaniel, Fierce Fingers by Heather, Pensacola, Fla.

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