If the client likes the service, she’ll tell one person. If she doesn’t she’ll tell 100.
Susan Discorfano-Caiafa
Oh! Susanah’s Hair and Nail Salon (Lodi, N.J.)
Take as many educational classes as possible. Never stop learning. In addition to technique classes, take classes on business management so you’ll know how to make money as well as manage it. You are your own business. The more interest you take in your field, the better professional you’ll become.
Aimee Ginsberg
Salon 544 (San Luis Obispo, Calif.)
The best advice I’ve received is from my dad. He told me to do what I’m good at, which is why I no longer do hair. Concentrate on what you do best and become an expert. Do it better than anyone else.
Sherri Evans
Get Nailed by Sherri & Co. (Yuma, Ariz.)
Don’t gossip about other clients or other people in the salon. It makes clients feel extremely uncomfortable. They’ll think that the minute they leave the salon, you’ll start gossiping about them.
Christi Vreeland
Polish (Allentown, Pa.)
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received was from another nail technician. She said “Make sure you sculpt the nail the way you would like them to look finished. Never say to yourself, ‘Oh, that little bump or dent is OK, I’ll just file it out.’ It’s a lot better to fix imperfections with your brush that with your file.” After putting her advice to work, my client’s nails look beautiful. Although my sculpting time is a little longer, there is only minimal filing, which saves lots of time in the end.
Marianne Hilton
Mari’s Mobile Manicures (Heber, Utah)
Always do nails that you would be proud to say you did. In other words, don’t do a sloppy job because you’re running behind schedule. Your clients’ (and your own) nails are your best advertisement.
LaCinda Headings
Xenon International School of Hair Design (Wichita, Kan.)
I have a client who always asks what hot beauty tips I have to share. I’ve always stayed on top of what’s in and what’s not, but because of her thirst for beauty and beauty products, I’m constantly searching in magazines for that ultimate tip to pass along. As a result of my client’s question, my search benefits many clients and has boosted my retail sales as well as my own professional look and style.
Mary-Francis Travis
Nail Affair, Etc. (Medford, Ore.)