MENU
SEARCHToday, I realize that broken nails or nails with stress cracks or lifting aren’t always due to the technician’s error. Now I play detective, immediately referring to a mental checklist of possible causes.
There is a phenomenon that plagues many nail technicians. It may first appear during nail school, or it may not surface until the technician begins working in the salon. It occurs the first time the technician sits down to do a fill, and to her surprise the customer is missing nails — it could be just a few or it might be all 10. That’s when the guilt starts.
It hits full force when a client insinuates that you didn’t do something right. She says things like, “I don’t know how this happened. I was just sitting there watching TV and my nail fell off.” And that is usually followed by, “I’ve never had this happen before.”
I remember the day I was hit with the plague. It was early in my career, when I was a self-taught technician (before Illinois had licensing laws) working in a salon. I attended a product class where the educator was demonstrating a fill on a perfectly intact nail. So I raised my hand and asked, “What do you do if the nail is lifting or has stress cracks?” The educator replied that if you do the nail right in the first place you will not have any lifting or cracks. Ouch! It hit me. I felt sick and inadequate. I must be doing this all wrong. For years, every time a client had a problem those words echoed in my mind. Today, I realize that broken nails or nails with stress cracks or lifting aren’t always due to the technician’s error. Now I play detective, immediately referring to a mental checklist of possible reasons. I address the issue with my client, asking questions to try to determine the source of the problem. If a client comes in with a broken nail I’ll ask how it broke. If she is wearing a set of tips and the acrylic is still attached at the base of the nail, but the tip and the well are gone, I suspect that my adhesive may have failed. If the tip was sheared off with the well intact, I look at the occupation or habits of that client.
As a salon owner with an apprenticeship program, I see the plague—nail break guilt syndrome—hit many new technicians and have come to feel this is a positive quality. When a new technician asks questions about why a nail breaks or lifts, I know the next question will be, “Do you think it’s something I did?” This shows that the nail technician cares and is sensitive to the clients’ needs. And by asking questions she is on her way to being cured.
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
Sponsored by Amex
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.
This list of watch-outs from @jodydoesjels prompted us to reach out to her and learn more. We had already fallen for her hand-painted designs and now we wanted to know more about this list she created to help clients decide if she was the nail tech for them.
Education is necessary for beauty professionals to maintain their cosmetology licenses, and paying for that education can be burdensome, but it doesn't have to be. Understand which education tax credits can help you offset those costs.
