Sometimes I do my nails at midnight to keep them up. But I’m willing to do that because it creates doubt in the client’s mind if I have nails that are a mess. The most important part of keeping your nails looking good is doing something with them before there is trouble, like chips or breaks.
Debbie Payne
Seasons Salon and Day Spa, Orem, Utah
Absolutely yes! I have kept my nails well done my whole nail tech career — over 35 years! The instructors in beauty school taught us how to remove our clients’ polish and not our own. Lately, it’s easier to set “my time” aside since I use Shellac, which lasts me two to three weeks.
Mary DiZazzo-Trumbull
Mary For Nails at In The Pink, Andover, Mass.
OK, I must confess: I redo my nails at least three times a week. Do I need help?
Dianna Medeiros
Woodbury Heights, N.J.
Yes. I use myself as my own best guinea pig. I can improve my techniques and try new products on myself. I find this important when talking to my clients about the products she is interested in.
Janice Gomes
Entourage Salon, Orcutt, Calif.
I’m sorry but I’m not good about keeping up with my nails. I always have acrylic on but a lot of the time I am overdue for a fill, and I usually don’t have polish on. But when I do my nails it’s usually on the weekend at home.
Beth Clarke
Lynette’s Complete Hair Care, North Kingstown, R.I.
I have many clients that call my nails “some-r nails” — some are there, some are not! When you’re booked solid all the time it is hard. It’s sometimes the last thing you want to do after a long week.
Kathy Wagner
Frank’s On First, Casper, Wyo.
The whole reason I started doing nails was because of my obsession with having my own nails done. Even though I have a full schedule, I take time after work or, because I’m off on Saturdays, I go first thing in the morning. My clients like that my nails are always done no matter what.
Lauren Scales
Graffiti Nail Bar, Memphis, Tenn.
It’s embarrassing when you’re at a social gathering and when a person asks about your career, she sees that your nails are ugly. That’s why I always have mine done in cool designs and bold colors. I usually do mine between clients or late before I go home. You’ve got to take the time!
Amber Hanson
Turning Heads Hair & Nails, Torrington, Wyo.
I do mine every four to five weeks. I use gel. Sometimes I’ll go a day without gels on my nails because of lack of time, but I usually get up at 5 a.m. to do them.
Jeanette Gegg-Lynch
Beauty by Ninetta, Atherton, Australia
I am always practicing new techniques on my nails, so typically I have 10 different nails, which is a great marketing tool. When I have all 10 nails done the same, my clients ask if I am feeling OK!
Adrienne Schodtler
Nails by Adrienne, Fuquay Varina, N.C.
Yes, I make an appointment with myself and even write my name on my book. I would never have my nails done if I didn’t do this.
Vickie Foster
European Body Wraps, Olive Branch, Miss.
Illustration by Ajay Peckham
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