FAQ
Should I take it personally when a client doesn’t tip?
Should I take it personally when a client doesn’t tip?... read more
What should I do when clients have their check prepared for one service, but the price ends up higher?
I have been a nail tech for many years and I’ve never been good at standing my ground with clients. What should I do when they come in with their money (cash or check) already prepared for one service, but actually get a higher-priced service? For example, they need a repair on top of their fill, or if it’s been longer than three weeks since their last fill (which I charge more for). I’ve tried putting up signs but that hasn’t made any difference.... read more
Am I losing my touch applying acrylics?
I have a client whose nails used to last really well with acrylics. She only needed a fill every three weeks. But now they lift a lot and break. She only wears tips with an overlay. I’ve tried everything I can think of. Recently she was in need of repair on my day off, so she went to another tech and got a fill as well. She cancelled all her bookings with me and her nails are good with this other tech’s product. I use NSI and have been a tech for seven years. Perhaps I’m losing my touch? I also struggle sometimes with lifting on the sidewalls. Please help!... read more
Should I have a TV in my salon?
My question is about TVs in the salon. How do I know what kind of programming to show? In talking to customers, some like it when the salon shows a new movie, others prefer a music channel, and some others just don’t want a TV at all. What’s your advice?... read more
How do I transition clients from acrylics to gel-polish when the natural nail is damaged?
I’ve had several new clients who want to take off their acrylics and get gel-polish instead. I’m seeing damage to their nails from their previous salons. How should I transition them while the damaged areas grow out?... read more
How can I relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
I’m suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists. Do you have any suggestions on how I can relieve the problem?... read more
I’m thinking about not doing pedicures anymore and just specializing in traditional and gel-polish manicures. Any advice?
I’m thinking about not doing pedicures anymore and just specializing in traditional and gel-polish manicures. Most of my clients only get their hands done and honestly that’s what I love doing. I’ve never really enjoyed giving pedicures nor do I think I’m very good at them. A friend of mine is looking to make a change in salons so I thought about renting my room to her and I would move my manicure table into a smaller room in the building. My husband is worried that I’ll lose business to my friend, but I think that I’ll get more business from her and business from being more specialized in one area. Any advice?... read more
Are Facebook contests a good way to get my name out there?
I’m a new tech trying to get my name out there. I have seen a couple of nail techs offer contests on Facebook, such as “like and share and you could win a free manicure.” What do you think?... read more
What are the big white spots on my natural-nail client’s nails?
I have a client who has been with me for about two years. She used to wear acrylic nails but has been a natural nail client for eight months or so. She has these white spots on her nails — big spots that are dry, but not flaky, right in the middle of the nail. I did try to buff them lightly but they do not come off or grow off. I had a new client come in last week who had the same on her toenails. She said it started after she had a pedicure done at another salon. Can you help?... read more
Is perfectionism on the job a blessing or a curse?
To Be or Not to Be … A Perfectionist: Do you lose all sense of time and place as you do and redo in an effort to create the perfect nail? Or do you regard good enough as good enough? Some nail techs view their perfectionism as a plus, whereas others find it a curse. We asked readers to weigh in.... read more
As a new booth renter, I’d like to know how I should pay myself.
As a new booth renter, I’d like to know how I should pay myself. I have a separate business account. Do I give myself a salary?... read more
At what age do you think it’s OK to use gel-polish on kids or teens?
I’m reluctant to apply gels or acrylics to girls younger than 16 because they pick and can’t maintain the nails. At what age do you think it’s OK to use gel-polish on kids or teens?... read more