The holiday season is upon us, and a whirlwind of activities or events are just getting started. With back-to-back celebrations and memorable milestones about to happen, you want to be sure you get your nails done on time as a customer. And as for our dearest nail techs and salon owners, brace yourselves as the busy season takes over. To create a beautiful and harmonious experience between a nail tech and a client, nail salon appointment etiquette must be followed. Enjoy your nail sessions this festive season with our following reminders! For the Nail Techs • Give location and nail care instructions before the appointment Once your clients confirm their slots or settle the down payment, provide the location and pre-appointment nail care instructions. This will help the customer navigate your salon in advance and remind them to be gentle with their nails beforehand. • Don’t keep your customers waiting From the booking phase to the actual appointment, remember to respond on time and always arrive before your clients do. Start your work day on a good note and feel more at peace just by being early! • Organize and sanitize your salon, products, and tools By ensuring every single part of your salon is properly cleaned and well organized, you’re showing how you care for your clients and employees. Read the article about proper nail storage and organization to learn more. • Wear appropriate clothes for your nail business Even in the nail business, first impressions do matter! Whether you consider a mobile nail tech or a freelance nail tech, dress appropriately and comfortably for your clients to instantly boost your confidence and make you look more professional. • Choose easy-listening music or mainstream shows We want our clients occupied and in a light mood when doing their nails. Play some easy, mellow pop songs to avoid awkward silence, or have Friends or any RomCom play in the background to develop an emotional connection with your customers. • Communicate your policies and procedures Before you start your service, lay down your policies and finalize the nail inspo with your customer. Then, discuss the procedures based on the set that she wants to ensure that each step is clear and agreed upon. • Give full attention to your client throughout To be able to serve your clients more effectively, you must give 100% of your undivided attention. Especially with the nature of our work, our customers wish to feel special and pampered every visit. • Stick to your schedule and avoid overbooking Keeping our word is one way to express our integrity at work. Sticking to the schedule chosen and focusing on them at a given time would mean a lot to your customers, making them feel prioritized. Here are some booking apps you can use. • Practice and maintain good personal hygiene Implementing good hygiene practices at home and work will take you far. Simple acts of washing your hands or wearing a mask or gloves could make your customers feel more at ease and trust your service. • Be mindful of your words when talking to your clients How you carry yourself speaks volumes. Most of us try to hold conversations with our dear clients, but let’s be mindful of how we comment and respond to their questions. Choose the right words, and react when necessary. For the Clients • Research the nails you want ahead of time Look for some Halloween or Thanksgiving nail inspo on Pinterest, TikTok, or iGel Beauty Lifestyle blogs before your appointment to save time. While waiting for your turn, you could also check the magazines and nail swatches of the different polishes in the salon. • Make sure your hands and feet are clean Whether you’re visiting for a manicure or pedicure, make sure your hands and feet are all clean as a sign of respect to the nail technician. This small thing leads to a pleasant experience for both parties. • Do not bring companions who will not avail of any service As a client, it’s important to read and follow the policies of the nail salon. Some do not allow kids, dogs, or any plus-ones, so the best thing to do is to comply. If a friend wants to have their nails done as well, help them reach out to the nail tech. • Be on time and avoid canceling at the last minute The no. 1 thing nail techs hate? Late clients and sudden cancellations (when it’s not an emergency, of course!). We know that any navigation app provides an ETA, however, set a minimum of 15-minute allowance because of possible parking or traffic issues. • Do not come to the nail salon when you’re sick Health is literally wealth when it comes to our beauticians. Just by coming in sick, you could risk the health of the whole salon. Try your best to recover from your symptoms days before the appointment. Otherwise, wear a mask and bring some alcohol with you. • Refrain from using your phone too much Using the phone excessively is a big no-no! Mobile phones cause a lot of distractions, and worse, could accidentally smudge your newly-painted nails. Put your devices on silent, and take this time to relax your mind. • No eating during your nail appointment The last thing we want to see is our nail tech raising her eyebrow as we disrupt her workflow. In this setting, unfortunately, food can be unhygienic and potentially messy. Seeing food particles on top of our nails is a nail tech’s nightmare. • Avoid wearing strong or intense perfumes Let’s face it–some people are sensitive to smell and have different tastes when it comes to fragrance. Moreover, we don’t want our nail tech to have a headache over our perfume. Be considerate enough to choose a lighter or closer-to-skin scent when visiting the salon. • Be financially prepared for the cost of your manicure Clients should be financially ready when availing of any service. Do not be afraid to ask for an estimate (if not, the full price) of what you're going in for. You may also ask them about their modes and terms of payment. • Leave a tip for your nail tech when you can Tipping is a way to appreciate a nail tech’s work! When you’re able, leave a standard 15 or 20% percent tip for your nail tech. It helps build their confidence, and it shows your satisfaction as a customer. This generous act will surely bring a smile to their faces. These nail etiquettes are here to guide you in creating pleasant experiences and wonderful connections during the holiday rush. As a nail tech or a customer, do you have any reminders you want to add to the list? Let’s hear them on our iGel Beauty Facebook Community! One last thing to remember: consideration and respect are the basis of etiquette. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Written by Alyssa Bueno on October 22, 2024 Alyssa Bueno, a true beauty enthusiast, brings her passion for writing and beauty to life as a writer for iGel Beauty. With diverse editorial background and industry expertise, Alyssa shares the current trends and curates tutorials and tips to inspire nail lovers worldwide.
