1. Wash your hands. Have the client wash her hands.

Alternative:
Perform a waterless manicure.
Shown: Gehwol Disinfectant Lotion Spray

2. Soak the client’s hands in warm water and manicure soak.
Shown: SpaRitual Harmonizing Soak Tonic

Upgrade:
Customize the soak, such as by adding fresh fruit slices, flower petals, or essential oils.
Shown: Bella Luccè Madi Lular Petal Bath

3. Remove existing nail polish.
Shown: Zoya Remove+

4. Apply cuticle remover to the client’s nails. Remove cuticle and complete nail prep. File nails to desired length and shape.
Shown: Dr. G’s 2-in-1 Antimicrobial Callus and Cuticle Remover

Upgrade:
Exfoliate the client’s hands and lower arms with either a hand scrub or a hand peel. Rinse the scrub or remove with moist warm towels.
Shown: OPI Lemon Tonic Scrub

Upgrade:
Infuse the client’s hands with extra moisture with a hand mask and/or paraffin application. Cover the client’s hands with plastic wrap and/or warm towels or mitts. Remove the mask or paraffin after designated amount of time (according to product instructions).
Shown: Cuccio Naturalé Deep Dermal Transforming Wrap

5. Massage the client’s hands and lower arms with lotion, massage cream, or massage oil.
Shown: Bio Sculpture Hand Cream

Upgrade:
Perform a hot-stone massage, reflexology, or add more time to the standard massage.
Shown: Universal Companies Small Stone Set

6. Remove oils from the client’s nail plates. Apply base coat to the client’s nails.
Shown: Seche Clear Base

Alternative:
Apply a nail treatment or specialized base coat to the client’s nails.
Shown: Duri Rejuvacote

7. Apply two coats of nail polish to the client’s nails.
Shown: Essie Blushing Bride

Alternative:
Buff the client’s nails to a high shine.
Shown: CND Girlfriend Buffer

Upgrade:
Add nail art to all or some of the client’s nails, or create a French manicure.
Shown: Orly Instant Artist

8. Apply top coat.
Shown: Nubar Diamont Top Coat

Upgrade:
Apply quick-drying drops or spray.
Shown: China Glaze Fast Freeze

Non-Technical Add-Ons
Keep in mind that upgrades can also be non-technical add-ons, like offering the client a beverage and/or snack, a warmed neck pillow, an aromatherapy room spray, or even a themed music soundtrack that matches the vibe of her service.

Pricing Pros and Cons

A LA CARTE
PROS
• The salon’s (base) manicure price may be affordable to a larger client base.
• Clients can customize the service so it meets their exact needs.

CONS
• Nail techs have trouble estimating the amount of time to allot to a client.
• Nail techs may put pressure on clients to upgrade, making the clients uncomfortable.
• Clients may be turned off by a higher-than-expected bill, depending on how many add-ons they choose.

ALL INCLUSIVE
PROS
• Nail techs can better estimate the amount of time to allot for each client.
• It’s easier to train nail techs with having consistent service options.
• Clients know the final price up front — no surprises.

CONS
• Some of the salon’s potential clients may hear the top-tier manicure price and think the salon is too expensive.
• Clients may be getting (and paying for) add-ons that they don’t want or need.
• Clients may not understand the difference between the different all-inclusive manicures, especially if the service names are unclear.
• There’s a time and financial investment in figuring out which product line to use with each level of manicure.   

We’ve showcased a myriad of manufacturers’ products so you can get a feel for the variety of natural nail products out there — but in your salon, you’ll likely want to stick to only a few of your favorite brands for any given service. Most manufacturers have systems that go together. Visit www.nailsmag.com/handcarefanfare for examples.