FAQ
How young is too young to get acrylics?
Sometimes parents bring 11- to 15- year-old kids into the salon to get a full set of acrylics. I really hate to put acrylics on them because they are so young. I refuse the service, but then my boss says to do it because they have the parents’ permission. Are three rules as to an age limit by the state boards? I fear the girls ripping one off while playing and then the parents coming back on me. Can I be held responsible for any damage that happens when they rip one off? Also how can I refuse the service in a nice way without upsetting my boss or the parent? Please help.... read more
I cannot figure out what is causing my client's inability to keep a full set on.
I have a client who has come to me faithfully for two years. My problem is that her nails never stay on no matter what I do. She has gone to several different techs and has always had this problem. She has psoriasis, and very thin, extremely dry skin. One slip of the file and she is a bloody mess. She often comes in with just three nails on-or else they are all on but by the time I nip all the lifted acrylic, she is down to nothing. I feel bad, like it’s my fault, so I only charge her for a fill. She is a very good tipper so charging extra for fall-offs doesn’t seem right to me. But I can’t keep putting full sets on her every two weeks. Any suggestions?... read more
How do I handle a tech who calls in sick all the time –and usually when I need her the most?
How do I handle a tech who calls in sick all the time –and usually when I need her the most?... read more
What are your best time-saving tips?
Readers share their great ideas, including having client do her own polish removal to simple ways to get polish bottles unstuck. ... read more
Reader to Reader: How do you keep yourself, you employees, and you salon safe?
How do you keep yourself, you employees, and you salon safe?... read more
Reader to reader: Do you guarantee your work?
NAILS readers share advice on guaranteeing their work, everything from time limits to client education. ... read more
Simple Troubleshooting Keeps Pink and White Separate
Why does the pink get in the white tip when I sculpt nails?... read more
Enhancements Are Not Recommended for Clients with Fragile Nails
I have a client with soft, thin, fragile nails. How can I help her and what kind of services can I do?... read more
Some Acrylic Systems React Differently on Each Client
Do acrylic products act differently on different people? I use the same technique, but I don’t get the same results on everyone.... read more
Glass Files Work Well on Natural Nails
What files work best on natural nails? ... read more
How do you greet clients when they enter the salon?
Reader to Reader: How do you greet clients when they enter the salon?... read more
What would cause a toenail to turn brown?
My client says she hasn’t dropped anything on her toenail, but she admits that she picked the nail off at one point and it grew back brown.... read more