6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
Something to Talk About: Nail Biters
One satisfying aspect of being a nail tech is the before-and-after experience we see on every set of hands. But what happens when the transformation isn’t dramatic — or even beautiful?
August 4, 2017
3 min to read
When clients who are severe nails biters come to the salon to get their nails “fixed,” they risk being disappointed with the results. Often even enhancements aren’t powerful enough to transform nibbled nails into a masterpiece. It’s our job to help reset expectations. That conversation could go something like this:
Client: I can’t wait for my nails to look better; I just can’t seem to stop biting them.
You: They’ll look better soon! You know, nail biting isn’t always just a bad habit. People with anxiety are often powerless to stop the destructive behavior without getting help for the root problem.
Client: I don’t think that’s my issue. I can go weeks without biting my nails. Sometimes they even look good. But then, all of a sudden, I start again and end up with the mess I have now.
You: OK, great. But even though this isn’t something for a counselor, I’d still like you to commit to a nail-recovery program. We’ll focus on the health of your natural nails as we break this recurring habit. At the end of four weeks, you can decide if you want to continue with natural-nail manicures or if you want enhancements.
Client: Natural nails? I was hoping for fake nails so my hands would look good today.
You: I’ll do it if you insist, but I advise against it. Here’s why: If I put enhancements on while you’re still in the habit of picking, it’s likely you’ll pull the product off. That’s going to cause even more damage to your nails, which are already in pretty rough shape.
Client: So what are you saying? You want me to come in and just get a manicure every week?
You: Yes, a manicure every week and some at-home care. I sell a wonderful oil you can rub into your cuticles; we don’t want the rough skin to tempt you. If you find you start picking your nails on day-five, come back early. Clients typically don’t pick at their nails when they look pretty, so we want yours to be in perfect shape these first few weeks. I’m going to use a nail-growth polish as a base, but finish with a terrible-tasting top coat, which will help you develop a negative association with biting your nails.
Client: I’ll be honest. I wanted to leave here with long red nails.
You: You’ll get there! But today, let’s use a light, neutral color. Our goal is to keep them clean and “quiet,” so they don’t catch your attention and taunt you to taste them.
Client: Now that you mention it, I have damaged my nails from picking off gel extensions. It’s probably a good idea to get a natural manicure.
You: I think you’ll be happier. The truth is, when natural nails are this short, enhancements don’t look good anyway. A sculpted nail can only double the length of the nail bed. Your natural nail is so short, the enhancement would barely reach the tip of your finger. It’s going to be better this way. Believe me, you’ll notice a big difference in just one week.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Wellness
The Invisible Hazard in Every Nail Salon and How to Fight It
From acrylic monomers to airborne bio-dust, the air inside a nail salon carries risks most professionals never see coming. Aerovex Systems reveals the source-capture and room-purification strategies that are setting a new standard for salon safety.
Sponsored by Aerovex Systems
Nail Safety Council Warns Holiday Shoppers About Toxic 'Magic' Gel Polish Removers
Products marketed as 'magic' or 'burst' gel removers may contain methylene chloride, a federally banned, highly toxic chemical.
How Beauty Pros Can Prevent Pain: Somatic Movement for Career Longevity
Working in beauty doesn’t have to hurt. Learn how Somatic Movement helps hairstylists, lash artists, and other beauty pros release tension, improve posture, and extend their careers.
Spa Day, Safe Day: Stop Fungal Infections in Their Tracks
As a spa or salon professional, your clients expect more than just beauty—they expect safety, hygiene, and peace of mind. Fungal infections like Athlete’s Foot and Nail Fungus are more common than you think, especially in environments where tools and footbaths are reused without proper sanitation. This blog covers how to stop these issues before they start, using proven infection prevention strategies for salons and spas.
Federal Research on Nail Salon Safety Concludes Due to Budget Reductions
A federal initiative aimed at studying chemical exposure in nail salons has ended due to staffing and budget changes. Here’s what the project set out to do—and what its conclusion means for salon professionals.
by Anne Moratto
Opinion: What You Need to Know About Pedicure Safety
For many people, a pedicure is a relaxing beauty ritual. But what most don’t realize is that this simple service, if done without proper hygiene and sanitation, can cause serious infections and long-term health issues.
Onycholysis: What Nail Pros Should Know About Nail Separation
Onycholysis is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. While it may look painful, it typically isn’t—at least not at first. But without proper care, this common nail disorder can lead to infections, deformities, and long-term damage.
What to Say--or Not Say--to Someone Grieving
Mckenzie Kool, Psychologist, MC, RPsych provides us with guidance on what may or not be helpful in speaking with someone who has suffered a significant loss.
Protecting Your Clients From Viral Infections
Clients come to you to feel their best—not leave with a viral souvenir. Warts and cold sores can spread fast in busy salons, but a few smart habits make all the difference. Let’s talk about what’s really lurking in your salon (and how to kick it to the curb).
Beauty Professionals, It's Time to Take the Green Pledge
As Earth Day approaches, The Green Beauty Community Foundation and the Green Spa Network invite beauty pros to step forward and embrace sustainability through the Green Pledge--a powerful initiative designed by and for beauty industry leaders.
How Not to Be Cynical About Valentine's Day
Don’t cancel Valentine’s Day altogether, urges Jill Palmquist. Instead, think of it as a (frilly, flowery, Champagne-bubbly) wake-up call to fall deeply in love with your own life.
Temporary Burnout or Time to Hang Up the Shears?
Life coach and Culture Ambassador of Sam Villa, Andrew Carruthers, outlines how to tell if your burnout is temporary - or if it's time to make a bigger career change.
Nail Care and Cancer Treatment: 6 Tips for a Safe Nail Service
Cancer treatment can create very specific challenges for your guest when it comes to hair, skin, and also nails. Here are some tips for working with your salon client who is going through cancer treatment to help you provide a relaxing, enjoyable, and also safe experience.
Sun Patch Protects Hands from Sun Damage
For those clients concerned about exposure from UV lamps, the Sun Patch might be a solution. Sun Patches are waterproof, reusable (up to 10 wears) block 98% of UVA/UVB rays, and maintain their UPF 50+ rating all day long.
by Anne Moratto
The Nail Doctor: Onycholysis, or Nail Separation, Has Different Varieties
One of the most common conditions that affects the nail is onycholysis, which is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. Onycholysis occurs as a result of or along with a great variety of nail traumas and disorders. Probably the most common cause of onycholysis is a fungal infection of the nail.
Standing Stretches for Physical Longevity
Hairdressing is a physically taxing career integrating simple stretches into your daily routine can reduce the strain repetitive motion puts on your body, help you stay flexible and strong and eventually prolong your career.