Business

Do you object to the term "nail girl"?

April 21, 2012

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.

More FAQ

Do you have a description of an independent contractor?

Do you have a description of an independent contractor?... read more

How do you deal with loud-talking coworkers?

I’m in a booth rental salon with five other techs. One of the techs talks so much and so loudly that I can’t concentrate on my work or on what my own clients have to say. When she’s not talking to her clients, she’s talking on the phone. She’s actually very sweet and I don’t want to hurt her feelings. What can I do?... read more

I'm feeling left out of salon socializing because I'm a nail tech. How do I get in with the "in crowd?"

I am the only nail tech in a small salon that has six hairstylists. The salon is in a remodeled house, so I am in my own room. Last Christmas, all the hairstylists dressed up and went out to a two-hour lunch and gift exchange and I was not invited. I found out about it only by accident. I was pretty upset and am wondering how I should handle the situation this year. Thank you for any advice you can give me.... read more

How do I get salon clients to leave their hands off my stuff?

I often come into work to find my thing spread all over my desk. It’s not the other techs. My table is near the hair area and when I’m not there, clients will sit and do their own nails while they wait for their color to process. They don’t just file, they put on tips and mess with my expensive brushes. The owner doesn’t think it’s a big deal, but I do. How do I get them to keep their hands off my stuff?... read more

A new client is unhappy about her service and is screaming at me! How do I handle that?

I had a call from a new client who was unhappy with her service. She complained that her manicure and pedicure took forever, that the price was too high, and that the polish was coming off.... read more

How do I handle a client who refuses to wash her hands before a service?

I have a client who has always given me grief because I make her wash her hands before beginning her service. She insists that every other salon she has ever been to (a lot) has told her NOT to wash her hands before her fill because the water will make her nails lift or give her fungus. She’s big gardener (no gloves) and now she has some lifting and embedded dirt. She’s had a few minor bacterial infections, which she thinks are fungus, and she insinuates that it’s she hand washing that’s the problem. How should I handle her? She drives me nuts.... read more

Why do all the misbehaved children seem to end up at my salon?

Why do all the misbehaved children seem to end up at my salon? Although I try to discourage parents from bringing their kids, I don’t have an outright rule against It. I have a sign that all children must remain with the parent at all times but they usually get loose and tough everything and leave their snacks and toys all over the place. I have no backbone so parents walk all over me. I don’t want kids in my salon, but I don’t want to be the bad guy. Plus I know some of my clients have no alternative. What should I do?... read more

How young is too young to get acrylics?

Sometimes parents bring 11- to 15- year-old kids into the salon to get a full set of acrylics. I really hate to put acrylics on them because they are so young. I refuse the service, but then my boss says to do it because they have the parents’ permission. Are three rules as to an age limit by the state boards? I fear the girls ripping one off while playing and then the parents coming back on me. Can I be held responsible for any damage that happens when they rip one off? Also how can I refuse the service in a nice way without upsetting my boss or the parent? Please help.... read more

Premier Nail Source