Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

C’mon Get Happy: Do you have any tips or techniques you use to turn around a client’s mood?

February 6, 2013

At our salon we always ask, “What’s the best thing that happened to you today?” And a really good massage works as well.
Leigh Marticio
Pyara Spa and Salon, Burlington, Mass.


I usually distract those types of clients with the latest nail polish collection. I always have the new swatches on display at my station both for gel-polish and regular polish. It seems that anything with glitter and shimmer brightens anyone’s day.
Ashley Brett
The Bladerunner Salon Spa Store, San Luis Obispo, Calif.


Offer them chocolate!
Lisa Smith Morgan
Serenity on the Humber Day Spa, Bolton, Ontario, Canada


I know each of my clients well enough to know that for some a simple hug will do the trick. For others, a glass of wine or a current event story that reminds us all that life could be worse works. Sometimes I know to just be quiet and listen so that they feel “heard” while they vent. I wear many hats behind my desk including professional nail tech, therapist, and friend.
Shelly Henderson-Allen
Nails by Shelly at True Salon, Fort Myers, Fla.


Mimosas and an awesome foot massage fix everything!
Tisa Chastain
The Nail Lounge, Costa Mesa, Calif.


Offer them something nice to drink, be sincere in asking them how they are, and be a good listener. Remember, we build relationships with our clients and them with us. Offer advice when you can, and just listen when you can’t. Give them a little longer massage and a smile and a hug when they leave. I always tell my clients jokingly, “The therapy is what they pay for, I include their nails for free!” It always makes them laugh!
Vicki Wilson-Smeerdyk
Bella Capelli Salon & Boutique, Temecula, Calif.


Laughter is the best medicine! I always try to be lighthearted and fun with my clients. Usually a funny story helps them forget their troubles and of course, being pampered! They always leave smiling.
Kimberly Martin
Pretty Pinkies by Kimberly, Waterford, Maine


More FAQ

How do I announce to my clients that I will be moving to a new salon?

I  just gave my two weeks’ notice at the salon where I work. How do I announce to my clients that I will be moving locations?... read more

The new products I’m using are adding time to each appointment. How do I adjust my schedule?

I have been doing wraps for over 20 years. The products I used to use have changed and the new ones are adding about 10 minutes to my appointment time. I used to be able to get a rebase done in an hour — complicated client or not. Now almost everyone is taking 10-15 minutes longer, so by the end of the day, I am really behind. More clients are asking for nail art now, too. I do my scheduling at the beginning of the year for the whole year. All my clients have standing appointments, so making adjustments in my schedule is next to impossible. How do I fix this? Should I do 1-1/2 hour appointments just in case someone wants nail art or the application requires extra time? Obviously, that would cost time and money. Also, I’m not comfortable with charging someone extra because it takes me longer to do her nails because she is harder on them than others. I am a one-person salon and I don’t take walk-ins, so there isn’t anyone to cover for me.... read more

How do I get conversation going and not sit in awkward silence?

I am naturally a pretty quiet person who doesn’t like to talk much. But after doing nails for a year, I realize that talking to clients is a must during services if you want them to come back. I don’t know what to say besides asking questions basic questions like, “How are you?” and “Do you have any children?” How do I get conversation going and not sit in awkward silence?... read more

What’s the best way to handle friends and relatives who expect free nail services?

What’s the best way to handle friends and relatives who expect free nail services — especially now that I’m working out of my home? I don’t want any hurt feelings, but that’s not something I can afford to do.... read more

Should I take it personally when a client doesn’t tip?

Should I take it personally when a client doesn’t tip?... read more

What should I do when clients have their check prepared for one service, but the price ends up higher?

I have been a nail tech for many years and I’ve never been good at standing my ground with clients. What should I do when they come in with their money (cash or check) already prepared for one service, but actually get a higher-priced service? For example, they need a repair on top of their fill, or if it’s been longer than three weeks since their last fill (which I charge more for). I’ve tried putting up signs but that hasn’t made any difference.... read more

Should I have a TV in my salon?

My question is about TVs in the salon. How do I know what kind of programming to show? In talking to customers, some like it when the salon shows a new movie, others prefer a music channel, and some others just don’t want a TV at all. What’s your advice?... read more

I’m thinking about not doing pedicures anymore and just specializing in traditional and gel-polish manicures. Any advice?

I’m thinking about not doing pedicures anymore and just specializing in traditional and gel-polish manicures. Most of my clients only get their hands done and honestly that’s what I love doing. I’ve never really enjoyed giving pedicures nor do I think I’m very good at them. A friend of mine is looking to make a change in salons so I thought about renting my room to her and I would move my manicure table into a smaller room in the building. My husband is worried that I’ll lose business to my friend, but I think that I’ll get more business from her and business from being more specialized in one area. Any advice?... read more

Are Facebook contests a good way to get my name out there?

I’m a new tech trying to get my name out there. I have seen a couple of nail techs offer contests on Facebook, such as “like and share and you could win a free manicure.” What do you think?... read more

Is perfectionism on the job a blessing or a curse?

To Be or Not to Be … A Perfectionist: Do you lose all sense of time and place as you do and redo in an effort to create the perfect nail? Or do you regard good enough as good enough? Some nail techs view their perfectionism as a plus, whereas others find it a curse. We asked readers to weigh in.... read more

As a new booth renter, I’d like to know how I should pay myself.

As a new booth renter, I’d like to know how I should pay myself. I have a separate business account. Do I give myself a salary?... read more

At what age do you think it’s OK to use gel-polish on kids or teens?

I’m reluctant to apply gels or acrylics to girls younger than 16 because they pick and can’t maintain the nails. At what age do you think it’s OK to use gel-polish on kids or teens?... read more