There’s no denying the oddly intimate nature of getting a manicure or a pedicure. Think about it: You are essentially holding hands with a stranger and/or having your feet touched by them for an extended amount of time that would be uncomfortable in most other scenarios.
Because of this, I’d argue that it’s even more important for both parties to show a level of thoughtfulness and respect before and during an appointment.
As Jin Soon Choi , a renowned celebrity nail artist and the founder of JINsoon nails tells us, “The overwhelming majority of our clients are wonderful, and their kindness and appreciation make our job enjoyable. However, there are a few instances that are less pleasant and can be challenging to navigate.”
The first offense is also one of the most common: Showing up late for your appointment and not giving any notice. “This is unfair to our technicians, who work on a rotational basis, and it's also detrimental to the business. Sometimes clients arrive late, [don’t let us know], and then get upset when we can't accommodate them for the full service they booked,” says Jin.
What to do instead: Even if you’re running just a few minutes late, it’s better to give the salon a heads up with your new ETA rather than just racing over without giving any notice. This way your nail tech can see if they’re able to still fit you in or figure out how to make up for the lost time, understanding that you may have to skip the nail art or just get a mani and not the pedi this time around.
The second offense: Being on your phone for most of your appointment. Unless you’re just getting a pedicure, it’s pretty rude to keep moving your hands while your manicurist is trying their darndest to paint straight lines. Not to mention, your phone usually has surface oils and dust on it that could get in the way of the polish.
What to do instead: If you *must* send an important text or email during your appointment, try to do it before your manicurist starts polishing your nails. Once the painting portion begins, it’s in your best interest to keep your hands still.
The third offense: Asking your manicurist to tend to your ingrown toenails or severe calluses. “We would like everyone to understand that while we are licensed manicurists, we are not doctors,” says Jin. “Sure, we might be able to handle very minor cases of ingrown toenails, but severe cases should always be treated by a podiatrist. It's important for clients to understand this and not get upset with us when we advise them to seek medical attention for such issues,” she adds.
What to do instead: Take your manicurist’s word. If they don’t feel comfortable with tending to something, trust that it’s for good reason. For starters, they don’t want to accidentally hurt you—plus, there are all sorts of state licensing and safety guidelines that most of us don’t know about.
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