Managing Client Expectations: What Nail Enhancements Can (and Can’t) Do

A fresh mani can do wonders for a person’s self-esteem. It can make you feel like a new person—a superhero, ready to overcome any challenge with that “new nails” confidence. But just because you feel like you can do anything, doesn’t mean your nails actually can do anything.

You know that. Your clients? Not always. They tend to have Wonder Woman expectations for their nails, especially for their nail enhancements. 

As their nail tech, one of your superpowers is to help them differentiate expectations from reality. In this article, let’s review what nail enhancements can and can’t do for your clients—and how to set them straight before reality goes awry.

What Nail Enhancements Can Do

What are nail enhancements?

They’re used to alter the length, shape, and color of natural nails, or temporarily strengthen weak or brittle nails. Due to the skills and tools needed for proper application, enhancements like extensions and overlays are more expensive than standard polishes. That being said, they typically last longer.

As techs know, there are many different types of nail enhancements and extensions, each with their benefits and drawbacks. Some popular options include:

Acrylics

⏳ Duration: About 2-3 weeks.

🏆 Pros: Length, durability, fun shaping and styling.

💔 Downsides: Less natural and less flexible.

Soft Gel, Builder Gel, and Hard Gel

⏳ Duration: About 2-3 weeks for soft gel, 3-5 for builder and hard gel.

🏆Pros: Quick drying, flexible, and can look more natural than other options.

💔 Downsides: UV exposure, depending on curing lamp used.

Dip Powder Nails

⏳ Duration: About 3-5 weeks.

🏆Pros: Potentially safer than gel, fast-drying without curing lights, and more flexible.

💔 Downsides: Can look unnatural if applied incorrectly and raise concerns about dip powder manicure infections. 

Fiberglass or Silk Wraps

⏳ Duration: About 1.5-3 weeks.

🏆Pros: Natural-looking, flexible, and potentially less damaging.

💔 Downsides: More delicate than other nail enhancement options.

Press-on Nails

⏳ Duration: A few days to a few weeks.

🏆Pros: Less expensive and easier for clients to DIY at home.

💔 Downsides: Easily break or pop off, and DIY-ing means more room for infections or nail damage from improper application and removal.

What Nail Enhancements Can’t Do

Given how much they’re paying, clients want a lot from their enhanced nails. 

To prevent unrealistic expectations, take a beat to educate clients about what your nail enhancement products can’t do. For example:

1. They’ll last perfectly for ___ weeks.

You aren’t a genie. But if you tell someone their gel nail enhancements will last three to five weeks, beware: Some folks take those estimates seriously. Then, if their gel polish starts to peel, they might blame you for misleading them.

2. No, they’re not indestructible.

It’s safe to say your acrylic nail enhancements aren’t made of vibranium. They have very little in common with Captain America’s shield. (Unless they’re painted red, white, and blue.)

First-timers, however, often expect their final product to be virtually indestructible. They want to climb mountains and save kittens from burning buildings with their bare hands, without a single chip. 

The reality is, even the best nail enhancements are not invincible. With heavy use and abuse, they can break or lift.

3. They can’t cure underlying damage.

If your client’s natural nails are damaged, gnawed at, and prone to breakage, gel or acrylic will be like putting lipstick on a pig. They can make brittle or neglected nails prettier and stronger, for a spell. But they can’t fix underlying problems.

In fact, someone with unhealthy nail beds and enamel, substantial damage, or poor growth may ot be a good candidate for nail enhancements like fiberglass, Jessica Kingston writes for Mamamia. At the very least, their results may not turn out as great or last as long.

4. You might not copy their inspo pic *exactly* how they want it.

Every nail tech has their own style and expertise. Maybe you have a steady hand and adore fine lines. Perhaps abstract art is what gets you out of bed every day. Or maybe you’ve spent months perfecting your French tips like no other (and you will vouch for that).

Nail enhancements create ample opportunities for fun, creative expression. It’s common for clients to request recreations of designs they saw online. What they may not realize, however, is that your take will be an interpretation of that inspo—not a copy-paste duplicate. 

You may not have all the same shades of polish or the same patience for fine lines. And that’s fine! Just make sure they know how their inspo photo will differ from what you produce.

5. Yes, the client is partially responsible for the outcome.

Nail technicians certainly play a role in setting clients up for success. You can make a significant difference in how their nails turn out and how long they last.

What clients probably don’t know is, once they leave the salon, a big part of the responsibility also falls on them, argues Natalia Kulak of Pro Beauty Loft Magazine. They should avoid excessive contact with water, wear gloves while cleaning with harsh chemicals or gardening, and avoid using their nails as tools, Kulak explains. Clients should also make regular maintenance appointments with your salon. Without a regimen, their nails’ integrity and appearances are likely to falter much faster. 

Managing Client Expectations: Setting Realistic Goals for Nail Enhancements

You and your clients are on the same team. By setting clear expectations and goals from the beginning, you can work together to give their nails the best possible outcome.

How, you may ask? 

Communicate

First, promote open communication about how long the different types of nail enhancements may last and what they’re capable of. Be upfront about limitations and what they can realistically achieve, given the state of their natural nails. And be transparent about approximate costs and time commitments.

If you’re feeling stumped, try asking questions to learn about their lifestyle, past experiences, and expectations before you start the appointment. For example, are they gardeners or typists who use their hands a lot? Have they tried nail enhancements in the past? Did they like or dislike the outcome? Can they reach you if they have questions or concerns about their nails’ durability or comfort? Do they have any allergies? If you try to replicate the length, shape, or intricate design in that Insta post, are they prepared for a different outcome?

Always explain that, just because you or Google gave their press-ons two weeks to live, doesn’t mean things always work out that way. Your honesty and open communication from Day 1 can stop clients from posting bad reviews or even filing claims. It also makes for happier, loyal customers in the long run.

Recommend

Second, look for opportunities to recommend nail enhancements best suited to the client’s nail health or lifestyle. 

Have they been disappointed with silk wraps in the past? Do they have three kids under three and don’t have time for bimonthly salon appointments? Consider pointing them to something longer lasting that requires less nail enhancement maintenance, like acrylic or gel. Or, if they bite their nails, focus on cuticle care and something comfortable that lets the natural nails grow. (Fun art can encourage them to break the habit, too!) 

Set policies.

Consider setting a policy for free repairs as a demonstration of goodwill. That way, if your work falls apart unexpectedly early, you have an opportunity to win them back in your salon and make things right. 

Equip.

You can’t have longevity without an at-home regiment.

So send new clients home with aftercare instructions, Kulak suggests. Tell them how often to come back for maintenance and how to protect their nails at home. By equipping them with the tools and knowledge to be proactive, you can minimize your risk of reactive events when nail enhancements fall short.

Nails aren’t invincible, and neither is your business. Protect with WellnessPro.

If only life came with a top coat 😔. 

At WellnessPro, we come pretty close. We know that cracks happen, both in the sturdiest of nails and the best prepared of beauty businesses. That’s why our mission is to be your salon’s top coat against claims and conflicts. If a client accuses you of poor salon hygiene during their nail enhancement appointment, or you need help dealing with demanding customers, we’re here for you.

Get covered with WellnessPro in minutes. Apply for our nail technician insurance here.