Do you object to the term "nail girl"?

I don’t object, but I feel we have gone through further education to do our craft and deserve to be acknowledged for that. One of my ladies affectionately calls me her “nail therapist.”

Jilleen Wallace-Jones

Nail It, Murwillumbah, Australia

I call myself a nail specialist. Manicurist is acceptable as well. I can’t stand being called a nail girl or nail tech.

Kelly Potthast

Brick Haus Salon, Jacksonville, Fla.

I rent space with two other women who refer to me as the nail girl. I hate it! I prefer nail artist myself.

Kimberly Ensign

Acrylic Enhancements, Normal, Ill.

I do not like to be called “nail girl.” Personally I think it is rude and degrading.

Lien Huynh

Healing Waters Health Spa & Salon,
Wilkesboro, N.C. 

Nail girl, nail lady, nail tech, manicurist…whatever as long as “awesome” comes before it.

Sarah Chrane Godfrey

Nails by Sarah, Kingsland, Texas

I don’t think I’ve ever been called a “nail girl,” but most of my clients become friends, and I don’t think I would mind if they called me that. I’d probably just strike a superhero pose and say, “Nail Girl, here to save the day!” and laugh.

Heather M. Mellott

Bella Vita Salon and Day Spa, Leavenworth, Kan.

I don’t mind the term at all. I find it amusing seeing as it’s usually “my nail girl rocks.”

Sharon Naomi

Tips and Toes, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada

I actually prefer “nail goddess,” but nail girl works too. I know I’m a professional and obviously so do my guests.

Dominique Redmon

Belle Vie Salon & Wellness, Lacey, Wash.

My clients can call me whatever they want just as long as their checks don’t bounce.

Beth Clarke

Lynette’s Complete Hair Care, North Kingstown, R.I.

My younger clients call me their “nail girl,” my older clients refer to me as “the girl that does their nails,” and my more “sophisticated” clients call me their manicurist. I take it as a compliment that I am “their” anything, because that means that they are loyal to me.

Sarah Varley

Hands and Feet Face and Body Salon, Fairhaven, Mass.

I don’t know about you all, but I don’t go to the dentist and ask for the tooth boy. I know that’s a little serious sounding. However, we deserve the respect we have earned as educated professionals. 

Jessica-Marie Ellison

Jolie Beauty Bar and Supply, Toronto

I just turned 55 years old and do not mind being called “nail girl” at all. I use the term “nail tech,” but it really doesn’t bother me if my client says nail girl. Life is too short to worry about little things like that.

Vickie Foster

European Body Wraps, Olive Branch, Miss.

I get nail lady or nail girl a lot, and one client refers to me as her nail girl/therapist. She tells people I’m the best, cheaper than a therapist, and her nails look as good as she feels when she leaves. 

Jennifer Lynch

Tangles, Hair and Nails, West Chester, Pa.