Christmas Claws

Angela Lee

TOP TIP: Yule(tide) fuel

“Prepare healthy snack pots to refuel between clients and keep your energy levels high,” recommends Light Elegance brand ambassador, Angela Lee. “I make mine with fruits, nuts or salmon and have plenty of bottles of squash and water to hand, to stay hydrated.”

TOP TIPS: How to prevent burnout

Char Currie reveals top tips for preventing burnout during the busy period:

❆ “Don’t take on too many clients, as your work and health may suffer.

❆ Keep your usual days off.

❆ Take regular breaks.

❆ Spend five to 10 minutes, twice a day, stretching your back, neck and shoulders.

❆ Don’t forget to eat and drink plenty of water – not just caffeine!”

Char Currie

TOP TIP: Time blocking & taking payments

“I ask clients for their Christmas nail ideas when I make December appointments available. This means I can block out the time needed to achieve their desired looks, and be clear on the treatment price, which depends on the complexity of the design,” says Light Elegance UK brand ambassador, Char Currie. “I ask for all December appointments to be paid in full when booking, which I make non-refundable – unless the client is unwell.”

TOP TIPS: Managing expectations

Olivia Annice

“I discuss nail art desires with my clients prior to their appointments, to prevent disappointment on the day,” shares Manchester-based nail tech, Olivia Annice. “If a client is unsure of a design, I remind them that it’s unlikely I’ll have time for additions on the day. Ask clients to send inspiration pictures prior to their visit, so you can prepare and advise them on timings and costs.”

Sara Pinto

“Showcasing a selection of designs on social media can help manage your Sara Pinto clients’ expectations,” comments, product director at Andreia Professional. “Create a small gallery or ‘lookbook’ of trending holiday designs. This gives your clients a visual guide, helping them to choose a design they’ll love.”

TOP TIP: simplify design options

“By offering a capsule collection of holiday designs or seasonal colours, you make it easier for clients to choose their festive manicures,” shares Sara Pinto.

Maddi Cook

TOP TIP: Rebooking reminders

“For a lot of nail bosses, January can be a quiet month,” comments salon business expert & owner of Boss Your Salon, Maddi Cook. “Don’t get caught up in feeling so rushed, that you forget to rebook your clients’ next appointments before they leave. Make it easy for them to book, with clear instructions on your social platforms and rebooking reminders set up on your business software.”

The Daylight Company Slimline 4 Lamp (choice of four colours) £159.49 inc VAT www.daylightcompany.com

TOP TIP: Light up your nail space

Ensure you’re equipped with great lighting when creating intricate nail art designs, to prevent eye strain and improve your focus. The Daylight Company’s Slimline 4 Lamp is ideal for intricate, detailed work and has a convenient USB-C port – so your phone can stay charged when snapping pics of your finished works for social media.

STEP-BY-STEP: Gonk art

Gelish educator, Monika Ferreira (@mjallure_beauty), shares how to create adorable gonk nail art using Gelish Soak-off Gel Polish shades.

Monika Ferreira

Step 1 Paint a nose using Gelish’s Sugar Monika Ferreira Coated Dreams shade, followed by shoes in the Cuddle Me Tight hue. Cure.

Step 2 Paint a hat using teal hue, What The Fluff?, and cure.

Step 3 Paint the gonk’s beard using You Sweater Believe It and cure.

Step 4 Add hair using Gelish Art Form Gel in White or Gelish Soak-off Gel Polish in Arctic Freeze.

Step 5 Paint the background using Brrr-inging It On.

Step 6 Outline the design using Gelish Art Form Gel in Black.

Step 7 Use Sleighing In Style and a white gel polish or Art Form Gel to create the pompom.

Step 8 Apply top coat to finish.

Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish in Sugar Coated Dreams & What The Fluff? £16.99 + VAT each www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk

Monika charges £28 for a gel manicure, and adds an extra £3 per finger for nail art. If a client wanted one gonk on each hand, the price would increase to £34.

TOP TIP: slay your social media

“Post your content with Christmas tunes, gifs and countdowns,” suggests Maddi Cook. “Pop your Santa hat on, switch on the fairy lights and show your followers your grotto – sorry – I mean, workplace.”

TOP TIP: prevent physical strain

“Physical strain due to long working hours is a huge challenge for techs during the festive season,” notes Monika Ferreira. “Ensure your workstation is comfortable and promotes good posture, and schedule regular breaks to stretch and rest your hands and back.”

Alice Knight

Trend spot

“I believe the coquette Christmas trend will be popular this festive period,” predicts Alice Knight (@alicepaintsnails). “This includes nails painted in soft whites and milky pinks, adorned with bows and pearls. There will be pops of colour with vintage reds, alongside plenty of shimmer.”

Gemma Siverns

TOP TIPS: Five ways to use glitter to enhance nail art designs

“Glittery nails are timeless and add a touch of glamour to manicures, without overwhelming a look,” shares nail artist & educator, Gemma Siverns. Here, she reveals some of the ways she enjoys incorporating glitter into her artistry:

1. Full glitter nails: “Apply glitter to all 10 nails for a dazzling, glamorous effect that catches attention.”

2. Accent nails: “Add glitter to one or two nails on each hand for a dash of glamour.”

3. Glitter tips: “Create a gradient effect by applying glitter to the tips of nails, mimicking a sparkling French manicure.”

4. Festive designs: “Use glitter as a base or accent for festive designs like snowflakes and stars.”

5. Ombre ‘ glitter: “Blend glitter with a solid colour to create a beautiful ombré effect.”