Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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

What’s the best way to recruit techs for a new salon?

I’m opening a new nail salon and am having a hard time finding nail techs besides myself. How did you find yours? I’ve tried Craigslist, cosmetology schools, and beauty supply stores. Any suggestions? — Jen McClain, owner, Completely Polished (www.completelypolished.com), Cranberry Township, Pa.... read more

What low-cost extras do you provide that clients perceive as having a high value?

A complimentary glass of wine, an extra-long foot massage … these are the small gestures that keep clients coming back — and sending their friends to your salon. We asked techs: What low-cost extras do you provide that clients perceive as having a high value?... read more

Should the salon owner do nails herself?

Should the salon owner do nails herself ?... read more

Services For Teenagers

I’ve gotten requests from a few moms to add services for teenagers to our menu. I don’t mean the “little princess” 12 and-under service, but the 14 to 18 set. Their input has been that they will get their nails done more often, but can’t justify the full, luxury spa experience. I’ve been thinking about doing a “teen night” each week with really basic mani/pedi options (no massage, no callus care, etc. — just shaping, light cuticle work, polish and lotion application) that focus on trendy colors and options for spirit manis in school colors, etc. What do you think is the best way to address this demographic?... read more

How do you react to negative feedback?

Reader to Reader: How do you react to negative feedback about your business on social sites like Yelp and Facebook? Do you respond publicly or privately?... read more

Starting a Salon

I’m just about to graduate from esthetics school in Canada. I would like to open a small salon that focuses mainly on pedicures. I’m at a loss as to where to start, beginning with what products to use. I would like to offer at least two different product lines. I would like my pedicures to make a difference (detox, make feet feel relaxed and smooth and happy). Any suggestions?... read more

Is it Better to Buy?

Is it better to buy?... read more

Will gel-polish cause traditional polish to become obsolete?

Will gel-polish cause traditional polish to become obsolete?... read more

Do Nail Techs Really Need Resumes?

Do Nail Techs Really Need Resumes?... read more

What’s the most unusual place you did nails?

From funeral homes to a Swedish castle to the great outdoors — those are just some of the places you’ve done nails for your clients. We asked readers to tell us the most unusual place they did nails.... read more

I’m an employee on commission and I’m paying for product. Is this fair?

I’m an employee working on commission. My salon has us pay for the product that we use. If, say, we charge $25 for a fill, they deduct $3. Then we get 50% commission on $22 instead of $25. So pretty much we only get 40% in total since 10% is taken off the top to begin with. On a busy day my product costs can be more than $25, so basically I am not getting paid for an hour I worked and one service I did. Is this a common practice and do you think it’s fair?... read more

Do I have to have a website in addition to my Facebook page?

I’ve got a Facebook page that I’m pretty active on, but I don’t have a website for my nail business. Do I really need a website?... read more