Nail pros: Do you compare yourself to other techs? Here’s how to combat it

As nail techs and beauty professionals, we often catch ‘comparisonitis’, where we constantly measure our success against others. We see the flawless work and fully booked schedules of other nail techs on social media, and suddenly, we feel like we’re not doing enough. 

In the Nail Business Success Club, a nail pro commented that she had seen another tech sharing her business and work into local Facebook groups. The pro began noting how popular and successful she seemed and it made her feel bad about her own business. In turn, she didn’t take the action that would have helped grow her own business.

Comparison is one of the biggest reasons we hold ourselves back from taking action. It can shake our self-belief and puts a lot of doubt into play. We’ve all been there though; scrolling through Instagram, we see another tech posting their most recent set or showing off their fully booked calendar, and think, ‘Why can’t I get to that level?’ The comparison spiral begins. But what’s often overlooked is that the more time we spend comparing ourselves, the less time we invest in refining our own skills and building our own unique brand. So, instead of putting energy into action and growth, we retreat, convinced that we’ll never measure up.

We only see the highlights of someone else’s journey on social media, never the struggles or setbacks they faced along the way. 

What’s important to understand is that we are in charge of our thoughts and feelings, and we have the power to change the narrative. If you find yourself constantly in this mindset, it’s time to reframe the way you engage with both social media and your own work.

So, how do we combat comparisonitis in a world saturated with images of success? Here are two key strategies:

1. Focus on progress, not perfection.

Rather than using other peoples’ achievements as your yardstick, focus on how far you’ve come in your own journey. Celebrate small wins, whether it’s a new client, mastering a technique, or even just getting through a tough week. Acknowledging your progress helps shift your mindset from lack to abundance. Your story, your brand and your goals are unique to you – and that’s where your power lies.

2. Set boundaries with social media.

Social media is a powerful tool, but it’s also a curated reality. If you find yourself getting sucked into the comparison trap, set boundaries for how and when you consume content. Instead of passively scrolling, be intentional. Use social media as a tool to promote your work, engage with your audience, and learn from others without letting their success overshadow your own.

This brings me to an important point. Social media, when used effectively, can be a game-changer for your business. But to leverage it, you need to focus on your strengths and avoid the comparison pitfall that keeps you stuck.

That’s why I’m hosting a free masterclass: Social Media Mastery for Nail Techs. It will dive deep into how to use social media strategically to grow your business without burning out or falling prey to comparisonitis. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned tech, you’ll learn the exact steps to stop scrolling and start building a great online presence that helps you build confidence and attract lots of lovely clients.

Remember, the only comparison you should be making is between who you were yesterday and who you are today. Keep growing, keep creating, and most importantly, keep showing up as the best version of you. After all, no one else can bring what you uniquely offer.