Well since qualifying as a nail technician in july of this year ( extremely demanding year long course i may add) and entering the industry with an internationally recognised qualification that was made up of a theory exam covering all systems of nail technology, ( acrylic, silk and gels) and a practical assessment being observed by an external examiner, i am a bit dissppointed by the competition that is out there and how becoming a tech will probably not be as profitable as i had imagined. I live in an inner urban part of london where every other shop on any high street consists of a discount nail store. They charge the most ridiculously low amount of money for a full set of acrylics putting us mobile techs in an impossible position to compete for clients. Realistically they must only be making a few pounds for a full set after they minus product costs!! The reality of that situation is you'd have to doing alot of nails to make any decent money.
You see i wish the nail enhancement industry was like how it was a decade or two ago. Back then you'd go to a nail tech and i may add pay quite a bit for a full set but with that you got a top class service, no drills wrecking your nails, a good conversation and last but not least a thourough hygenic treament was carried out and you were amazed with the end result. Most part of that was because your nail enhancement service was qenuinly carried out with love and a desire to give you a professional treatment that you deserved. Whats happening now is the treatment time is ridiculously short due to drilling at every opportunity to save time on manual filing, acrylic is slapped on paying no attention to zoning and creating the perfect c- curve, no form of nail prep or sanitisation whatsoever and lastly no conversation!! That couldnt possibily happen because that might just mean they would have to engage with you and that might just put any extra 5/10 mins on your treatment time!!!
Ive come to accept this tragically!! I went into the nail industry because i have a passion for nails and am driven to provide my clients with a top class professional experience. There will always be two sets of clients 1. The ones that will always want to spend the minimum amount of money possible and have no regard for hygiene practises and the health of their natural nails and 2. Clients that would never allow themselves to be abused by such a sub standard provision and are always prepared to pay that little extra for a professional, hygienic nail enhancement service. As well as have a nice conversation and some me-time!! I know what type of client i am or i wouldnt be writing this now, i just hope the nail industry doesnt completely become a cheap quick in and out concept that it has seem to become but to stay recognised as a luxurious, professional treatment that is enhanced because of the personal one to one service we provide to our clients. I somehow think the former is more than likely to take precedence somehow but we can live in hope!
Well as a newly qualified tech i will always pride myself of my professionalism, my hygeinic practises and that little bit extra i give in the form of a drink and a chat!! I know for some clients that makes the whole experience for them. So i wont be cutting myself short for 1 and a half hours work, all done by hand , i'll be providing my services for the price it reflects. I think this debate will go on for a while yet but unfortunately for us techs that went into the industry hoping for it be a profitable buisness will find it increasingly difficult to compete with the ever increasing competition out there!!!
Until next time guys!!
Julesnailz
