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

Reader to Reader: What is your biggest time-waster in the salon?

What is your biggest time-waster in the salon?... read more

Reader to Reader: What was the best holiday gift you've ever received from a client?

What was the best holiday gift you've ever received from a client?... read more

Reader to Reader: In regards to your nail business, what has been your smartest investment?

In regards to your nail business, what has been your smartest investment?... read more

Reader to Reader: For those of you who work in full-service salons, how would you characterize the relationship between nail techs and hairstylists?

For those of you who work in full-service salons, how would you characterize the relationship between nail techs and hairstylists?... read more

Reader to Reader: What was the most important thing you learned in beauty school?

What was the most important thing you learned in beauty school?... read more

Reader to Reader: What’s been your best salon theme party to date?

What’s been your best salon theme party to date?... read more

Reader to Reader: Do you visit other salons for “research” purposes?

Do you visit other salons for “research” purposes? If so, do you generally reveal that you work at a salon?... read more

Reader to Reader: How often do you reevaluate your service menu?

How often do you reevaluate your service menu?... read more

Reader to Reader: How do you pass the hours during a slow day at the salon?

How do you pass the hours during a slow day at the salon?... read more

How young is too young? What is your policy when it comes to putting enhancements on teens?

What is your policy when it comes to putting enhancements on teens?... read more

Reader to Reader: What is your favorite nail service to do and why?

What is your favorite nail service to do and why?... read more

Would you continue to do nails if you were financially independent?

In honor of Independence Day, we asked techs:  Would you continue to do nails if you were financially independent?  If the answer is yes, would you change the way you do business?... read more