5 Questions to Ask Your Nail Technician

Going to the salon to get your nails done can seem like an extravagant treat, and not to mention a great way to destress at the end of a long week. Deciding on a nail salon should be done carefully and meticulously to ensure your safety. When narrowing it down, how do you know what to ask to make sure that the salon is as reputable as they seem?

Choosing the right nail salon and technician is something that should not be taken lightly since there can be detrimental results. This is why it is important to ask the right questions that are focused on health and safety to your nail technician before you make your appointment.

Knowing what to ask your nail technician before you make an appointment can go a long way to easing your mind that you will be getting the best care possible. Keep reading to learn more about preparing for your nail appointment and asking the right questions to your nail technician.

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How Do I Prepare for a Nail Appointment?

When it comes to preparing for a nail appointment, it is important to remember that it should be treated like any other health and beauty appointment. This means that certain things should be done beforehand to ensure that everything goes as planned.

Here are a few things that you should do to prepare for your appointment:

  • Do your research 
  • Visit the nail salon before your appointment
  • Wash your hands and feet before your appointment
  • Be careful not to shave the day of the appointment
  • Narrow down choices of services
  • Ask MANY questions

What Takes Place at a Nail Appointment?

Depending on what type of nail service you have chosen, the process of what takes place during your nail appointment may vary. This is because different services require different preparation procedures.

Here are some of the most common things that take place at a nail salon appointment:

  • Meet with your nail technician
  • Decide on your service
  • Removal of existing nail polish
  • Cleansing of the nails and cuticles
  • Filing your nails to desired length and shape
  • Massage of the hand
  • Applying nail polish 
  • Drying/curing the nail polish
  • Set up next nail appointment/pay for services

What Should I Ask My Nail Technician?

Although getting your nails done can be an exciting and luxurious adventure, there are certain things that you should know before you set up your first appointment with a new saloon or technician. This is because even though there is a decadence to having your nails done, you should consider your health and safety above all else.

If you are not sure what you should ask your nail technician before your first nail appointment, keep reading.

Questions to Ask Your Nail Technician - info

1. Are the Salon and Technicians Licensed?

One of the most important questions you should ask your nail technician is whether they and the salon are licensed to give manicures. There is an industry-standard with many health regulations that have to be followed for a salon to be considered legal and reputable.

When you ask this question, most professional salons will not be offended and are happy to show you the salon licensing and/or the nail technicians’ license. These should be easily accessible in the salon and it is recommended that they be displayed for all customers to see.

Not being properly licensed means that you are subjecting yourself to possible infections and other potential safety hazards. Additionally, you may also be paying for something that is not the best quality.

2. What Are the Disinfecting Procedures For the Salon and the Tools?

Since getting a manicure requires the use of various instruments, some of them sharp, it is important to find out what disinfecting procedures they follow. This should pertain to both the salon as a whole and the specific nail technicians’ station and equipment.

You will want to look for salons that not only claim that sanitizing procedures are followed after every customer, but those that have evidence that this is true. A clean salon and technician booth will show you that you have nothing to worry about.

3. What Nail Service Do You Specialize in, or Enjoy the Most?

Most salons offer many different services to try to fit the needs of most consumers who are looking to get their nails done. As with anything else, some people are better at certain tasks than others. 

If you want to know what your technician excels at, ask them what service they specialize in or what service they enjoy doing the most. This may give you an indication that they will take great pride if you choose that service.

4. What Tools and Accessories Are Used?

When it comes to getting your nails done in a salon, there is a wide variety of equipment that may be used, depending on the type of service you are getting. Familiarizing yourself with some of the equipment helps you to have a better initial conversation with your technician.

Do not be afraid to ask them what tools and accessories they use and ask to see them, if possible before your appointment. Most reputable salons will not balk at this request since they know how important it is to feel safe.

Whether you are getting a manicure or pedicure, there is a wide range of equipment that is used during the process of your appointment. You will want to ensure that you are getting the best experience you possibly can.

5. What Nail Services Would You Recommend?

Alongside the previous question of what the nail technician enjoys doing more, asking your nail technician for recommendations on which services you should get can be flattering. This tells them that you trust them enough to make sound decisions about your nails.

This is also a great question to ask to break the ice with your technician so they can understand your nail history. Knowing what your nails are like and what you have done in the past can help them to recommend something that is going to work best for your nails.

While some nail technicians will admit to disliking this question, it is an important one since not all hands and nails were created equally. If you want to have the best experience with your nail technician, then letting them get to know your nail history is a must.