I have a client with brittle nails. What causes this and what should I do about it?

How do you handle your pet peeves about clients?

One of my biggest problems with pink and- whites is achieving a high-gloss shine. Over the last few months I have tried all kinds of files and buffers,...

I had a client who wanted fiberglass applied on her “eggshell” nails. The next day, the application started to slide right off her nails in...

Smile and remember that the client is always right. Appease her by being genuinely concerned about her complaint.

My clients are saying their nail polish isn’t staying on. What can I do?

If a genie told you that you could open a nail salon in any city anywhere in the world (ignoring money and other practical considerations), in what city...

If a new client comes to me from another salon with artificial overlays and they have a green bacterial infection underneath, should I soak the nails off...

Do you give away free services to your family? When does it begin or stop (moms, sisters, mother-in-laws, etc.)?

How do you handle no-shows?

Can you over-cure gel?

How do I offer nail art to my clients if I’m not good at freehand drawing?

Q: I live in a small town with two other nails-only salons that are not reputable and a lot of full-service salons that don’t do much with nails....

Although it’s not something most nail techs or salons owners ever want to think about, there may come a time when business may slow down. This may...

I am a booth renter in the salon where I work. The owner said she does not have to give me a key. Can she do that as I own my own business?

What is the difference between 3/32 or 1/8 or even 3/8 when talking about drill bits?

One of my clients has worn acrylic extensions on her nails for several years. She used to live in Florida, and her nail technician there used a drill on...

Would aggressive nail buffing cause lifting?

I’m a booth renter, but the salon owner did not give me a contract to sign. Am I OK without one?

Many of us were taught in nail school that a few topics of conversation are off limits — including politics. But given the drawn-out and hotly...

What should I tell clients who believe that LED lights are safer than UV lights? How do I explain the difference and that both lights are safe?

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...

When doing pedicures I have noticed that several of my clients have dark spots on the soles of their feet. Do you have any idea what these spots could...

How should I respond when clients ask me why they should pay a higher price for my services rather than go to a discount salon?

I am a seasoned nail tech and have just opened a nail salon. I need help sustaining new and regular clients in this economy. I have done many coupon...

I am taking medications that affect my immune system. Can working on an infected nail release spores or other infectious material that could be inhaled...

If a client no longer wants her sculpted acrylic nails, is it better to let them grow out and file them down or to remove them? I often get this question...

Is it common to have to change products or procedures (including changing the ration of the products) depending on the weather? Is it possible for...

How do I get a small business loan to open my own nail salon? I keep getting turned down; how do I get someone to take that chance and believe in me?

I read somewhere that Vicks Vapor Rub is a good treatment for toenail fungus. Is that true?

If I’m applying polish over gels, do I need to use clear sealer, then base coat?

I have decided to try predesigned tips with art, but I am having trouble making the acrylic or gel stick to them. After a few days the product lifts off...

Clients use old fashioned paper and pen and computer software. 

Do you loan products to other techs?

I have decided to try pre-designed nail tips with art, but I am having trouble getting the acrylic or gel to stick to them. After a few days the product...

What do you do when your customer says to you after you are finished her set of nails, “Oh I forgot my purse at home, can...

How do you thank your competition model?

So on my last client of the day, I finish her fill, buff her nails, apply gel top coat to one of the hands and it turns out fine. But on the next hand, I...

I have a client with soft, thin, fragile nails. How can I help her and what kind of services can I do?

We made the switch from “manicurist” to “nail technician” to reflect a more professional image. Yet to...

Is there a way to test nail monomer for MMA?

Does gelatin strengthen weak nails?

Will the new LED lamps work with regular UV gels such as IBD, CND, or Star Nail, or does it only cure hybrid gels such as Gelish, Shellac, Gellac and...

How do I politely get to business right away with a talkative client?

Was your family supportive of your decision to go into the beauty industry? How did their support (or lack thereof) affect your career?

Is it possible to transmit germs or bacteria via nail polish? How come we worry about “double-dipping” with other products, but not nail polish?

What is the best way to handle cell phone abuse during a nail service? Some clients are on their cell phones four to six times during their service. It...

I have a client who wears gels over her natural nails. She hit her nail really hard and although it didn’t come off, it did bleed underneath the...

I’m thinking about doing a client survey. What questions should I include and what’s the best way to go about it? 

I recently started working at a high-end salon and I’m looking for marketing ideas. Should I do punch cards? I can’t do...