Cheers to 12 new chapters and 365 new chances! Get your skates on because it’s time for the annual planning and writing of New Year’s resolutions. Our theme for 2025 is building discipline, and we’re sharing with you some of the practices we need to either develop or leave behind for a successful nail career. Are you pleading guilty or not guilty to this list? 😏 Here’s a rundown of habits we must break and build as nail techs this 2025! • List down incompatible items Build. You know what they say: sometimes, things are just not meant to be. Your powder and monomer from two different brands might not work well together due to their unique components. Let’s face it: there’s no one-size-fits-all in the beauty industry. Implement a system for tracking the compatibility between your powders/gels and foundational liquids to help you save time and money. • Using thick coats/layers/beads Break. One of the most common nail mistakes is applying overly thick coats or layers of gel, dip, or acrylic. They can result in visible imperfections like lifting, increased chipping, and longer, uneven drying time. It’s so common that everyone’s probably experienced this at some point, so don’t be scared, and just keep in mind the amount of base or top coat you are using since they could also affect the outcome. • Decluttering workspace Build. It’s a new year and it’s time to make room for new and more useful items! Clean up your space and write a checklist for your decluttering session. We recommend discarding those items that are just collecting dust and are no longer working. To get things started, gather all the tools and equipment that are already broken and beyond repair, then move to other nail items you never reached out for. A little reset could be just the thing that you need. • Incorrect product storage Break. While you’re organizing, you might notice some polishes that have hardened or cured on their own. To avoid this issue, remember to place your bottles in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight. Maintain nail products at room temperature and avoid extremes (too hot/cold) to preserve product quality. Check this guide to learn about proper nail storage. • Practice designs and color theory Build. Practicing with intent and purpose is the key to progress! This 2025, let’s improve and develop new skills by practicing different nail styles or designs and learning color theory for a better understanding of color harmony. You’ll be able to accommodate more clients in no time. Watch beginner-friendly tutorials on YouTube or take the leap and find a nail school near you! • Skipping proper nail prep Break. Almost all nail techs would agree that nail prep eats up a lot of time; this is probably the reason why some skip the proper way of preparing the nails. Keep in mind that it is an essential part of building a strong and clean foundation for your nail art. Take a look at our Nail Prep Starter Guide which includes step-by-step instructions and a list of product must-haves. • Work on raising your prices Build. Losing clients is the number one fear that lives inside our heads and the reason why we put price increases on hold. One person is not your entire clientele! 🤗 Work on raising your prices before the year ends or at the beginning of the year (ASAP bestie!) for a smooth transition. Implement at least a $5 increase and communicate this before you accept their bookings. • Picking or peeling your nails Break. Sometimes, we just can’t help but pick or peel our nails. This is your sign that you should do something about this unhealthy habit! 👀 Aside from your nails not looking as clean, it can damage your nail bed and compromise your skin. Contact your nail tech as soon as you see a chip or a lift; do not “DIY” your way through removing or fixing your nails. • Follow nail news or content creators Build. Everything is so accessible now in this digital world, and maintaining a teachable attitude will go a long way. When you follow reputable nail brands, celebrity nail techs, and inspiring nail artists, you’ll surely be updated with the latest nail trends, design techniques, and tools or equipment. We also invite you to subscribe to our newsletter or read some of our articles found here. • Not moisturizing your hands Break. No more dry, crusty hands this 2025, please–we’re manifesting moisturized, hydrated skin for all our beauties! Cleaning products and extreme temperatures can be harsh on your skin, even outside of winter. Combat this concern by moisturizing your hands regularly with natural oil-based lotions. Avoid heavily scented products as they can dry out your hands more, especially if you have sensitive skin. • Refresh your salon interiors Build. Brand Image is all-encompassing, including not just how we are perceived online through marketing but also the interior, experience, and comfort inside the salon. Aesthetically decorating your space based on the season or color of the year and making sure all the furniture is clean and comfortable allows customers to see what they’re paying for besides the service. • Stay in outdated marketing strategy Break. If you’re still not on TikTok or Instagram, you're probably missing out on the latest marketing strategies and many client opportunities. In this highly digitized era, social media marketing is going to be your best friend! Create consistent and quality nail content to let your customers know that you’re modernizing your craft and business. It’s like building an online portfolio! • Take breaks once in a while Build. Promise us that you are going to take care of yourself better this year! We must give the same love and appreciation we give our clients to our own. Taking uninterrupted mental or physical health breaks once in a while will help renew your mind and gain clarity. You can treat it as a quick restart before you jump back into fully booked schedules. • Not upholding your policies Break. All policies set in place help establish boundaries between the business and the customers. Do they still come in late and change the nail color they want mid-session? If you’re still having a hard time dealing with most of your clients, listen up! Remember that you’re doing this for you! The matter is in your hands, and your rules are there to protect you and give you peace of mind. With all these nail habits to break and build, we are surely going to be stronger and wiser in 2025. Which one are you most guilty of and planning to change? 🤭 Share your thoughts and resolutions on our iGel Beauty Facebook Community! We are so excited to meet you and feature your work! Happy New Year! ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Written by Alyssa Bueno on January 3, 2025 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.
