Having a client base that needs your expertise is a blessing. Yes, you should guarantee your work, but I would institute a “Nail Biter” boot camp program. Sell this client a series of manicures and include a nail strengthener and a cuticle oil. This is a great opportunity for you to sell retail, while getting your client the results she is looking for.
Since the client is coming back to you on a weekly basis, she’s getting fresh polish and less likely to need your guarantee program. Best of all the health of her nails is improving and she’ll be less likely to bite her nails. — Samone Rhodes is president of Samone Spa Bar in Chicago.
No, I don’t feel you should guarantee work they may bite off. However, I do think you can try and help them by first telling them this is a process. It’s a commitment if they are serious about growing nails.
We first use a stone cuticle pusher to make sure there isn’t any cuticle on the nail bed. Next, we glue on a tip only a hair longer than the natural nail. We have them come back within one-and-a-half weeks to check and slightly refill if needed. We give them incentives and cost breaks on their service until they can push (with some growth underneath) to a two-week fill. The key is to keep the nail very short until you have a base to work with. Finally the end result is a soak off and natural nail overlay and a very happy client. — Renee Borowy is owner of VIP Salon & Spa in Riverview, Mich.
For more information on how to handle a nail biter, read the story “You Can Reform a Nail Biter” in our July 2005 Issue. — Ed.