Just starting out as a nail technician? – 5 things we wish we had known earlier!
Have you just finished your training or are you taking your first steps in the nail industry? Then this article is for you – remember, every pro was once a beginner.
Most aspiring nail technicians want one thing at the start: to create beautiful nails as quickly and flawlessly as possible. But in reality, the profession is much more complex than that. We've gathered 5 valuable insights that many learn only later, but you can prepare for them now!
1. Technique is only half the success
Can you sculpt a perfect C-curve? Is your material application steady? That’s great – but not enough for professional success. Client experience, communication, punctuality, and even patience and empathy are just as important.
Accept that your clients come to you not only for their nails but also for the atmosphere, trust, and care you provide. That’s why you should focus on your communication and the quality of your service. Want to treat your clients to a little extra? Try our client gift options – available individually or in packs of 30.
2. Perfect Nails don’t happen with your first clients
On Instagram, everything looks perfect and professional. Meanwhile, you might spend a lot of time on a fill and still feel it’s not quite right. Don’t worry – this is completely normal. Your first clients are also a kind of “practice,” and you’ll learn a lot from them.
Be kind to yourself – progress is a journey. Take pictures of your early work too! Not necessarily to post, but so you can later see where you started. A year from now, you’ll be grateful you documented your growth – it will be rewarding to see how far you’ve come.
3. Good products are not a luxury, they’re an investment
Beginners often make the mistake of saving on materials or not knowing what to choose. The wrong brush, hard-to-handle gel, or overly thick base can make your job harder. But high-quality, self-leveling gels – like our new Easy Builder Gels, such as Easy Builder - Milky White - 50g, or the user-friendly Liquid Polygels – can speed up your work and help you achieve more stable results.
Ask for advice from more experienced technicians, and always read the product descriptions in our webshop – they’ll help you make the right choices. Also, check out our article Just starting out as a nail tech? Here are the essentials you’ll definitely need!
4. Time management is a skill you’ll need to learn
As a beginner, it’s common to spend much more time on a client than planned. It's not just about building nails – the communication, preparation, cleaning, and photography all add up. If you don’t manage them, your whole day can get off track.
Track your time! For each client, note how long you spend on prep, application, and decoration. This way, you’ll quickly see where you can speed up and what your “hidden time drains” are.
5. Managing clients is a skill of its own
Every client is different. Some will be late, constantly change their mind, or get offended by something minor. You can’t prepare for everything, but over time, you’ll learn how to handle these situations kindly yet assertively.
Prepare in advance for common scenarios (e.g., lateness, rescheduling, complaints). That way, you won’t be caught off guard when something tricky comes up, and you’ll be able to respond with ease. Want to learn more? Check out our article A nail tech is the best psychologist – How to identify your client’s personality type to discover the two main client categories.
Author:
Ágnes Zsoldos
