I usually give the client the shape she asks for. I do this by shaping the nail, then asking the client to look at it to see if this is the shape she had in mind. If the shape isn’t complementary to her hand, I’ll let her know what I think, then suggest a different shape. — John Hauk is the owner of Salon Vicenzo in Centerville, Ohio, and was second runner-up for Nail Technician of the Year in NAILS’ 2007 AVAs.
For guidance in creating specific nail shapes, check out the article called “Getting Nails Into Shape” in your November 2007 issue. — Ed.