Nail Salon Etiquette: Tips to Get You Ready for Your Next Manicure and Pedicure

A visit to the nail salon is typically a much-welcomed luxury from the hustle and bustle of a busy and stressful life. However, you won’t be the only person at the nail salon, so it’s important to follow the proper etiquette to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience.

To help, we’ve put together this guide to guarantee your next mani/pedi is the best!

Be polite to your manicurist

First and foremost, treat the technician working on your nails with dignity and respect. If you need to request something, such as a glass of water or a lighter touch with the file, be polite and courteous. Just because you’re paying for a service doesn’t mean common social manners any longer apply. At the end of the day, your manicurist is looking to provide the best service possible and it’s important to treat their service and skills with respect.

Don’t trim your nails before a pedicure

Generally speaking, you do not want to trim your nails before you go to the nail salon. This is particularly true for pedicures. More often than not, we trim our nails too short which makes it harder for the technicians to provide a quality salon experience. When it comes to toe nails, when you trip your nails too short, when they grow back they become ingrown. If you do have to trim your toenails in between pedicures, be sure to trim them straight across and not rounded.

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Practice proper phone protocol

Talking on the phone is a general no-no in a public space that’s supposed to be relaxing. If you do have to make a phone call, be sure to use a low speaking voice and keep it brief. While it’s more than appropriate to text or browse the internet during your salon visit, set your notifications to silent or vibrate. This will help to maintain a relaxing and interruption free environment for your fellow nail salon guests.

Keep personal conversations personal

Many people go to the nail salon with their friends or family. And while it’s fun to catch up, it’s important to keep your conversations personal and appropriate for the environment. If you’re not sitting next to your friend, don’t yell across the salon. No one wants to be in the middle of shouting matches when they are getting their nails done.

Mind your space

Even before COVID-19 health guidelines, it was important to mind your personal space when you’re at the nail salon. Salon chairs, drink areas, and manicure chairs can get crowded with people’s bags and shoes. Make sure your items are in your designated area and that they aren’t making it difficult for other people to sit down.

Tip at your discretion

While in some countries tipping is expected, in the UAE and GCC region nail technicians are paid a salary and they earn a commission. So when it comes to tipping, it’s left to your discretion. If you feel your service provider went above and beyond, or you simply want to offer them a tip, you can. Ultimately, the choice is up to you.

How to handle a nick

It’s happened to all of us at one point or another. You’re walking out of the nail salon and you nick your nail. When this happens, it’s alright to politely ask for someone to fix your nails. However, we advise hanging out for a little bit once your nails are finished. Typically, 15 minutes is ample time to ensure your nails have dried properly.

Arrive on time

Like any other appointment, it’s important you arrive on time for your nail appointment. Other people have appointment times and if you arrive late it may cut into the amount of time for your services. Depending on how late you are, you may be asked to reschedule your services. Just to be on the safe side, we suggest arriving a few minutes early. This will ensure you start on time and even give you time to pick out your color.

Royal Metis Consultancy

At Royal Metis, we want to ensure you have the best experience possible at your next nail appointment. Stick to the above tips and you’ll be good to go!

Our nail salon setup consultants will help you to establish or improve your existing nail salon operations. Schedule your nail salon setup consultation today! Contact a member of our team to learn how we can help you.

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