Don’t skip the consultation when your client comes in for a manicure. Whether your client is looking for soak-off gel, a week-long polish or her standard go-to service, it’s important to understand her lifestyle and nail concerns when it comes to consulting on her manicure. We spoke with three pros, Hellen Luu, product trainer and assistant manager for Bio Seaweed Gel Canada, Laura Merzetti, CND education ambassador, and Catherine Baek, director of global education for ORLY, to get some tips on how to be a consultative nail pro.
The Polish
Tried and tested, so many clients are still reaching for the changeability of nail polish. Catherine Baek, director of global education at ORLY explains that these clients are the “commitment phobic,” who like to switch up their look every few days and can’t make it back to the salon to have their gel polish removed properly.
PRO TIP “Preparation is key for all nail services,” explains Catherine Baek, director of global education at ORLY, “Avoid soaking nails in water for long periods of time and make sure to remove all oily residue and allow nails to dry completely.”
The Week-long
Week-long polishes (including ORLY’s new EPIX Flexible Color System) are rapidly becoming go-tos for those who want extended wear from their manicure without having to go through the extra steps of removing a soak-off gel. Baek explains that it’s a great option for “the adventurer who wants to try new [colours] but doesn’t have much time.” For Laura Merzetti, CND education ambassador, CND Vinylux is great for “those who already have healthy and strong nails” and are looking for a fast-dry, chip-resistant finish.
PRO TIP “Keep your manicure long lasting by being kind to your nails. Wearing gloves when using household cleaning products and using CND SolarOil daily will help keep nails hydrated and flexible—think of it as a conditioner for your nails,” advises Laura Merzetti, CND education ambassador.
The Gel
For the on-the-go client or ones who need help strengthening her nails, prescribe a soak-off product. When helping a client make the move to a longer-lasting system, Hellen Luu, product trainer and assistnat manager for Bio Seaweed Gel Canada, suggests explaining that Bio Seaweed Gel “cures instantly, looks glossy, and helps strengthen nails.” For those clients with concerns over UV lamps, Merzetti explains that, “the UV exposure during a CND Shellac service is less than a client receives walking from her front door to her car.”
PRO TIP “Add the Bio Seaweed Gel Sculpting Builder to help strengthen and harden nails [before the gel polish]—this will help them grow longer, stronger and healthier,” explains Hellen Luu, product trainer and assistant manager, Bio Seaweed Gel Canada.
The new wave in polish
For clients craving both long-wearing polish and the option to switch up their colour, here’s the skinny on the newest weekly polishes.
OPI Infinite Shine Gel Effects Lacquer System launched its three-step system to ensure your clients get the shiniest, most durable week-long polish. Available in 30 shades, with more launching this summer.
China Glaze EverGlaze offers 48 bright shades, with the Active Top Coat that maintains fresh manicures for up to 10 days.
LCN All Week Long Nail Polish has a primer that cleans and prepares nails (helping to prevent mid-week chips) and a UV Top Coat that seals in any of the 36 shades.
Image: 2015 Contessa Finalist collection, Canadian Nail Artist: Healther Dierkens, Salon + Spa ROXX, Sherwood Park, AB, Photo: Wynna Cooper
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