6 Things You Should Never Do in a Nail Salon, According to Nail Artists

Self-care is more important than ever these days. One of the most popular ways to take an hour or two for yourself is by getting a cute manicure and pedicure. However, if you go to the nail salon and suddenly feel uncomfortable, or your service doesn’t turn out the way you expected, you might be unknowingly making some common mistakes. We asked the pros about the missteps they often see their clients make. Here are some things nail artists say you should never do in a nail salon—and what to do instead.

1. Arrive Late

Arriving late to your mani and pedi appointment isn’t a good idea, according to Amy Ling Lin, CEO and founder of Sundays. In the case where something unexpected arises, it’s important to be considerate and call ahead. “Many salons run on a schedule, and being late can impact not only your service but also those booked after you. We understand that life happens, and we try to be flexible, but communication is key to keeping everything running smoothly,” says Lin.

2. Keep Sensitivities a Secret

“If you have allergies, sensitivities, or medical conditions, don’t hesitate to inform your technician beforehand,” says Lin. “For example, some treatments may use ingredients you’re allergic to, or a particular service might not be suitable if you have sensitive skin. Transparency ensures we can provide the best, most enjoyable experience.”

3. Use the Bathroom in the Middle of a Manicure

Sometimes you need to go at a time when you least expect it, but Lin emphasizes that it’s important to make a habit of using the bathroom before starting a manicure or pedicure. “Once your nails are freshly painted or being worked on, getting up may risk smudging your nails or interrupting the flow of the service.”

4. Hold Back Details

Nail techs aren’t mind readers. How are they supposed to know exactly what you want unless you tell them? So don’t be afraid to speak up, especially when it comes to details for services such as nail art. “At the beginning of the service, talk to your salon pro and share your goals in terms of color, shape, and length, as well as what your commitment level is. After that, trust the process, but ask when it’s appropriate to mention anything you might want adjusted,” says Heather Reynosa, global education design director for OPI. After all, the salon and your tech want you to leave happy.

5. Fidget Excessively

You don’t want to ruin the nail tech’s work, so Reynosa advises keeping movement to a minimum for your own safety. “Don’t check your phone excessively or wiggle around while your nails are being worked on—a pusher or nipper could slip and cut you, and polish being applied near the cuticles could end up on your cuticles or surrounding skin if you don’t sit still, causing the appointment to run long due to the time spent cleaning up.”

6. Skip the Tip

Reynosa tells me that much like the restaurant industry, salon workers rely on tips to supplement their income and avoid frequent price increases. “The standard is 15% to 20% per service.” If you enjoyed the service, don’t forget to be generous. If you didn’t enjoy the service, ask for a redo or nail fix (or simply express your discomfort) instead of silently skipping the tip.