9 things you should never do in a nail salon, according to salon owners and nail techs

From Japanese gel to Russian manicures, a new nail trend seems to go viral on TikTok every week these days.

With a higher demand for unique and elaborate nail appointments, now is a great time for customers to brush up on their salon etiquette.

Business Insider spoke with four nail-industry experts, including salon owners and nail technicians, about the biggest mistakes clients make.

Here are a few things to avoid before or during your next appointment.

Don’t pick off your previous manicure

If you get frequent manicures, try your best not to pick at your previous set.

“It’s just bad for your nails in general, but also it plays a part in how the next set you get adheres,” Mabelyn Alva, a licensed nail technician and trends director at Paintbox, told BI.

It’s worth it to pay the extra $10 or so for your nail technician to properly remove old polish.

“The gel needs that keratin that’s in your nails to anchor to, so if you’re always picking them off, you’re going to make your nails thin and just not healthy,” the technician added.

Arriving late doesn’t only impact you

Try your best to arrive on time. Alva said even a 10-minute delay can cause issues for the salon’s schedule.

“With nails, and especially nail art, you really need those little minutes,” she told BI.

Donna Charloff, a nail technician of 30 years who’s the director of service operations at MiniLuxe nail-care studio, said tardiness is one of the biggest red flags a client can have.

“What people don’t realize is that a highly sought-after nail technician is booked back-to-back all day,” Charloff told BI. “If anybody’s late, it gets backed up to the point where they don’t get a break.”

Instead, she suggested coming in early, which allows you to settle in, pick a color, and consult with your technician before getting started.

Don’t come without some nail inspiration — preferably photos

It’s OK to arrive at the salon without knowing the exact design you want, but it’s important to have an idea of which direction you want to go in.

Alva says a short consultation at the beginning of an appointment can help you navigate your nail design and learn about current trends you’d like to try.

Tony Tjan, the CEO and founder of MiniLuxe, told BI that because there are sometimes language barriers between you and your technician, it’s best to have inspiration photos at the ready.

“Pictures tell 1,000 words — show them what you like,” he said.

Changing your service selection mid-appointment can be a hassle

Eryn Kingsley, the owner and founder of the salon chain Legendary Spa, suggested double-checking the services you selected for your appointment before arriving.

Salons have specific timing for each service, so changing what you want, such as adding in polish removal when you walk in, can switch up the day’s schedule and impact future appointments.

Similarly to arriving on time, respecting your nail tech’s schedule will make the appointment much smoother.

“Understand that there’s a time aspect for that, and we can’t grab time out of thin air,” Kingsley told BI.

It’s not cool to touch your technician’s tools, especially without permission

It’s fine to take an interest in your nail technician’s tools, but it’s never OK to touch them — especially if you don’t have their permission.

Instead of grabbing a file to shape your nails the way you want, just communicate with your technician to avoid an awkward situation.

“Picking up their tools, to me, is so insulting, and it happens all the time,” Charloff said. “It would be like going into the dentist’s office and picking up their tools.”

Leaving without tipping is frowned upon at most salons

Tipping culture can be divisive, but Charloff emphasized the importance of the practice, especially at US salons.

“Not tipping well is really taboo,” she told BI. “They’re taking care of your hands and feet — it’s such an intimate relationship.”

She recommended tipping a minimum of 20% to show your appreciation.

Your technician can’t read your mind, so don’t sit quietly if there’s an issue

Tjan encouraged clients not to be afraid of intervening early if they notice a nail appointment going awry.

There’s a respectful way to be clear about your preferred shape and length and explain that you’d like to go in a different direction.

Don’t glue yourself to your phone

Kingsley knows this isn’t a crowd favorite, but putting your phone down during your manicure can have a big impact.

Certain manicures, such as ones with gel overlay, require sculpting and balancing the product on each nail.

One of the worst things you can do is check your phone before putting your hand under the lamp to cure the polish, as this can cause the balance to shift and ultimately prolong your appointment.

Instead, the salon owner suggested listening to music or a podcast through headphones if you need something to keep you occupied during an appointment.

Acting as if your technician isn’t even there can be hurtful

Nail technicians are professionals providing a service, but they’re also humans. You don’t have to be best friends, but it’s respectful and nice to make an effort to talk to the artist doing your nails.

“Remember that this is another human being on the other side,” Tjan said. “Be human — ask people about their story, how they’ve come to do this.”

This story was originally published on August 28, 2024, and most recently updated on April 21, 2025.

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