FAQ
How do you deal with loud-talking coworkers?
I’m in a booth rental salon with five other techs. One of the techs talks so much and so loudly that I can’t concentrate on my work or on what my own clients have to say. When she’s not talking to her clients, she’s talking on the phone. She’s actually very sweet and I don’t want to hurt her feelings. What can I do?... read more
I'm feeling left out of salon socializing because I'm a nail tech. How do I get in with the "in crowd?"
I am the only nail tech in a small salon that has six hairstylists. The salon is in a remodeled house, so I am in my own room. Last Christmas, all the hairstylists dressed up and went out to a two-hour lunch and gift exchange and I was not invited. I found out about it only by accident. I was pretty upset and am wondering how I should handle the situation this year. Thank you for any advice you can give me.... read more
How do I get salon clients to leave their hands off my stuff?
I often come into work to find my thing spread all over my desk. It’s not the other techs. My table is near the hair area and when I’m not there, clients will sit and do their own nails while they wait for their color to process. They don’t just file, they put on tips and mess with my expensive brushes. The owner doesn’t think it’s a big deal, but I do. How do I get them to keep their hands off my stuff?... read more
A new client is unhappy about her service and is screaming at me! How do I handle that?
I had a call from a new client who was unhappy with her service. She complained that her manicure and pedicure took forever, that the price was too high, and that the polish was coming off.... read more
Is it OK to fix a broken enhancement with glue?
Is it OK to fix a broken enhancement with glue? I heard it can cause an allergic reaction or infection that makes the natural nail ooze underneath the enhancement.... read more
How does salon temperature or body temperature affect the acrylic application process?
How does salon temperature or body temperature affect the acrylic application process? Does it cause lifting or cracks?... read more
Is it ok to pedicure a client with lots of warts?
A client came in for a pedicure with what looked like warts all over the back of her heels, up and around the sides of the ankles. They were small and perfectly round, no liquid inside, very dry and hard, with a touch of whitish pink color to them. She said she’d had them a long time. She said it was just dry skin (she called them skin tags) and she told me she files them right off. She is taking medication for her heart and to lower her cholesterol. What is this condition? Is it contagious? Is it OK to proceed with a pedicure?... read more
Why do light-colored polishes get streaky?
When I use light-colored polishes, the polish tends to get streaky. I’ll keep going over it to get rid of the streaks, which then leads to thick polish. What am I doing wrong? Is there a special technique for light or sheer polish application?... read more
How do I know when to change the disinfectant solution in my jar?
How do I know when to change the disinfectant solution in my jar? At school they said to change it when it has stuff floating in it, but that can’t be sanitary. Does it become ineffective when it has been used for a while?... read more
What are my responsibilities if a client acquires a nail infection after I have performed a nail service on her?
What are my responsibilities if a client acquires a nail infection after I have performed a nail service on her?... read more
How do I handle a client who refuses to wash her hands before a service?
I have a client who has always given me grief because I make her wash her hands before beginning her service. She insists that every other salon she has ever been to (a lot) has told her NOT to wash her hands before her fill because the water will make her nails lift or give her fungus. She’s big gardener (no gloves) and now she has some lifting and embedded dirt. She’s had a few minor bacterial infections, which she thinks are fungus, and she insinuates that it’s she hand washing that’s the problem. How should I handle her? She drives me nuts.... read more
Why do all the misbehaved children seem to end up at my salon?
Why do all the misbehaved children seem to end up at my salon? Although I try to discourage parents from bringing their kids, I don’t have an outright rule against It. I have a sign that all children must remain with the parent at all times but they usually get loose and tough everything and leave their snacks and toys all over the place. I have no backbone so parents walk all over me. I don’t want kids in my salon, but I don’t want to be the bad guy. Plus I know some of my clients have no alternative. What should I do?... read more