How to turn your nail tech technique flaws into strengths to earn more
By Katie Barnes | 08 February 2022 | Expert Advice, Feature
Whether it’s trying to paint a symmetrical heart or fitting nail forms, there is always a particular technique that every individual struggles with. Recognising and accepting your weaknesses is the first step.
Breaking down each step into individual stages can help achieve success with these struggles. For example, when trying to master painting hearts, it can be helpful to break each stroke down. Start with two dots, then join these together. This starts with finding the right educator. Good education will always show you how you can achieve the results, not just how to create it.
Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much you practice; it may just be a technique that’s not for you and that is okay. Everyone cannot master every single technique and it is important to focus on those that you excel at and adapt those that you do not.
These days, we are advantaged to now have so much available to us to aid our work and there are alternatives for most techniques. Stickers, decals, stamping and nail art pens, full cover tips etc aren’t like they used to be and have come so far in recent years. The quality and workability have vastly improved and now even the most skilled eye can find it difficult to identify if a sticker or hand-painting or if a full cover tip was used.
If hand painting isn’t for you, or straight lines worry you, don’t spend hours of unpaid time trying to get it right for your client. There is nothing wrong with instead using a sticker, decal or nail art pen.
It is important to weigh up the time spent on a skill versus how much income this will derive.
While we may enjoy our job and want to offer these techniques, they are not always practical or business savvy. Work smarter, not harder. And let’s be honest – does the client really appreciate a hand-painted flower that took an hour more than a well applied decal that cost them a quarter of the price? I think we all know the answer.
You can even make your own pre-made nail art stickers by creating a gel polish design on the back of some form paper or your own 3D designs. These can be created in bulk and adhered to the client’s nails in just a few minutes upon their request.
By offering these quick and simple add-ons, it allows you to upsell your nail art without adding too much time onto an appointment. Let’s think about the times a client throws a nail art request on you in a standard service time or when they have arrived late. Rather than turn this upgrade away, these time-saving alternatives will earn you additional income at a cost the client is willing to pay. A win-win for both you and your client.
Many may argue that the skill is taken out of nails but to carry out these hacks well, a great deal of skill is still required. Clients want cheaper and quicker nail services and as an adapting business that will thrive and grow, it is important to work with these demands. We are in an industry where charging your worth has always been an issue and by adapting your weakness you can offer your clients what they want while not losing time and income.
Work with your flaws, turn them into strengths and don’t feel judged.
Love Katie B x