I find that conversations with my male clients are very similar to the ones I have with my female clients. We usually discuss the manicure procedure and at-home maintenance. We may find that we have similar interests, such as owning a business, or we may talk about their kids, or the latest movies. I always try to fish for what interests my clients have and go from there. I also have men’s magazines for them to read in the waiting area to make them feel more comfortable. – Donna Rodriques, Alley Way Nails & Tanning, Stroudsburg, Pa.
With most of my male clients, their wives, daughters, or girlfriends are my clients as well. We usually talk about their family and what has happened since their last appointment. We talk about upcoming special events and even talk sports once in awhile. I try to stay away from discussing politics because that can usually lead to trouble. – Kathleen Collado, Nails By Kathy, New Rochelle, N.Y.
It’s rather easy to talk to male clients. We either talk about sports, their job, or home life. It’s pretty much the same conversations I have with my female clients. – Jacquie Hart, Show Girl Nails and Hair, St. Louis, Mo.
When I first started doing nails, Make clients intimidated me, mostly because I didn’t know what to talk about. However, after servicing a few male clients, we found some subjects of interest: current events, local new, movies, sports, travel, work, and family lives. To my surprise, most of them are interested in my work and how to take care of their nails. Now I look forward to my male clients as much as I do my female clients. – Mary Mooney, Outer Image Studios, Scottsdale, Ariz.
I always talk abut their career. Chances are if they come in for a manicure, they are in the business world and are proud of what they do for a living. I also ask if they have any hobbies, such as motorcycling or working out. Most men have a favorite hobby and go into great detail talking about it, so there is never an awkward silence. After I get to know them better, I’ll inquire about their personal life. I ask all of my clients questions because I want to get to know them better, but I try to keep the friendship on a client-to-nail technician level. One rule: Everything that my clients tell me is confidential. – Diane LaQuet, Nirvana Hair and Nail Salon, O’Fallon, Ill.
Generally, I let them lead the conversation, which is what I do with all of my clients. They’re just people after all. – Judy Michaels, Malibeautique, Malibu, Calif.