Found a lot of nail inspo online and ready to book your next appointment? Hold on! While it’s tempting to go with the first nail tech you find on Google or Instagram, it’s worth taking a little time to do some research. After all, your comfort, safety, and satisfaction should come first. To get the best nail salon experience, here are 12 key factors to consider when looking for a nail technician. Grab your pen and notebook; you’ll want to jot these down! • Portfolio The first thing you need to look at is their online portfolio. Nail techs usually have Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok pages that show a range of nail art designs and styles they can do. You can also check their official website where their background, expertise, and booking system can be found. A portfolio is a must because it demonstrates their experience with different nail types and how they respond to challenges. • License/Certification Every state has a different set of rules or requirements for the operation of any nail business. Verify that the nail technician holds a valid license in your area to avoid any legal problems. If they’re still working on getting a license, the next thing you should look for is a certification or document saying they underwent training. • Communication One of the most important things you must consider is how well they communicate both online and face-to-face. Your nail tech must be in charge of the conversation and provide information about the process and potential issues with your nail inspo. They should be able to respond timely and actively listen to your desired style and other concerns. Not just that, the right nail technician will respect your vision for the look and only provide constructive feedback. • Products/Tools Quality If you’ve been getting your nails done for so long, we bet you’re already familiar with some popular and reputable nail brands. The quality of the products and tools your nail tech uses can make or break the nail look you requested. This is why we recommend checking the state of the items she features in her portfolio and tutorials! Plus, you’ll be confident that these brands can handle precise applications. As a customer, you should advocate for yourself in receiving quality nail care, and don't hesitate to ask if you’re curious! • Hygiene A great nail technician not only looks after her clients but also takes care of herself! To keep you and everyone else in the salon safe from viral illnesses, a nail tech must always wear a face mask and wash her hands with antibacterial soap and water. Additionally, any client would be very appreciative of good habits like wearing gloves and securing their hair while providing services. • Location Saving time and resources is a top priority when getting your nails done. We recommend that you choose a nail salon that is within walking distance or a 30-45-minute drive away. Some of the reasons we recommend that you evaluate the salon's proximity include family emergencies or a need to rest immediately after the session. Shoutout to Google Maps and recommendations from friends and neighbors for making our life easier! • Atmosphere We all want to be pampered in a pleasant, cozy environment, right? After a long day or a hectic week, we look forward to a relaxing nail appointment. Are the general interior and room temperature up to your expectations? Simply put, the nail salon's atmosphere reflects how the nail technician runs their business. • Sanitation Not only should the workspace and equipment be aesthetically pleasing, but they should also be clean. The ideal nail technician is aware of how to properly sanitize every space, including the restroom, and sterilize all of the equipment. Additionally, you need to be on the lookout for single-use or disposable items, such as wood sticks, cotton balls, or tissues, and ensure that they are not old or have been used by another customer. • Transparency When nail techs are transparent, it means they are willing to communicate openly and honestly and are prepared to understand their customers or coworkers. Perhaps some of us are concerned because we’ve encountered nail techs who fail to disclose additional costs based on the condition of our nails. With transparent nail techs, you don’t have to worry because they are honest about their pricing and whether they can achieve the design or not. • Professionalism The term "professionalism" is all-encompassing, referring to a variety of aspects of the business. From the attire your nail tech wears to their punctuality, welcoming tone, and vocabulary, it all comes down to how much they value you as a client. You can tell how professional a nail technician is by how she presents herself, how she keeps her word about the appointment time and length of service, and how she communicates respectfully and kindly during the session. • Education Change is the only thing that is constant in this world. Nothing compares to a nail technician who is constantly looking to expand and enhance their knowledge! Since the nail industry is evolving and many nail techniques are now out of date, ongoing education is essential. Using traditional nail procedures alone will leave a nail tech feeling stuck, so we recommend learning through nail schools or watching tutorials from trusted sources. • Reviews Lastly, don’t forget to read online reviews from previous clients or ask friends and relatives for nail tech recommendations. While going through the reviews page, you must also be able to be objective and filter or identify those that you believe are deceptive or intended to harm their reputation. Another way to find actual reviews is to look through tagged posts on Instagram or mentions on TikTok. Finding the right nail technician is all about balancing these key factors to ensure you walk out with nails you love. Have questions or want to know more tips on choosing the perfect nail tech for you? Drop a comment on our post and hear the insights of our trusted iGel Beauties! Feel free to explore more of our iGel Academy blogs. Now, do your research, trust your instincts, and don’t settle for less-than-amazing results! ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Written by Alyssa Bueno on February 4, 2025 Alyssa Bueno, a true beauty enthusiast, brings her passion for writing and beauty to life as a writer for iGel Beauty. With diverse editorial background and industry expertise, Alyssa shares the current trends and curates tutorials and tips to inspire nail lovers worldwide.