The introvert’s guide to NAIL TEKKING

LILLY DELMAGE gathers the experiences of introverted nail techs & shares top tips for thriving in a stereotypically extroverted industry

Do you love the creative aspects of being a nail professional: perfecting enhancements and getting arty, but find it challenging to converse with clients and colleagues? You’re not alone.

A need to recharge after client interactions or feeling most comfortable in quiet environments are signs of introversion. The word ‘introvert’ is rarely associated with nail techs, as due to the client-facing nature of the role, there is the assumption that pros thrive in social interactions – but this isn’t always the case. If you don’t fit within that mould, it doesn’t mean you can’t succeed in the role. In fact, this article unpacks how introversion can be a unique selling point.

Lucy Price-Marshall

Being an introvert in an ‘extroverted’ job Scratch Stars Awards winner 2023 & 2024 & OPI educator, Lucy Price-Marshall, comments: “Being extroverted is a stereotype that is witnessed a lot in the hair and beauty sectors. I think that because we spend a lot of time face-to-face with our clients, there is an expectation to be confident.” This poses the question: how does this stereotype impact techs who don’t resonate with the personality type?

Nicola Julian

Stereotype struggles

Nicola Julian of Oakwood Nails, Wymondham, shares how the expectation made her feel she wasn’t ‘built’ for a nail career. She says: “It made me hesitant about becoming a nail tech. I wanted to have a job that would allow me to express myself artistically, but the thought of being expressive in conversation with clients made me fearful.”

Dannika Bernadette

Scotland-based nail artist, Dannika Bernadette, adds: “At the beginning of my career, I was scared my quiet nature might be assumed by clients as a lack of interest, or that I wouldn’t be able to attract and retain them if I wasn’t constantly upbeat and chatty. It was challenging trying to balance that fear, while also remaining true to my nature.”

THROUGH THE LENS: introverted nail techs

Nail techs share the most common challenges they face in their roles, and how to overcome them:

Client connections

The challenge: Creating strong client relationships has evidenced itself as a common struggle, and one faced by Dannika Bernadette. “My introverted nature has made me hyper-aware of how I interact with clients,” she shares.

“I have been worried about coming across as awkward, which has affected how I’ve built connections with clients.”

Nicola Julian adds: “I used to get so worked up prior to the arrival of a new client that I would stutter, shake and sweat. By the end of the appointment, I would feel socially drained.”

The solution: “Clients don’t book an appointment with you because you’re the loudest or most outgoing – they do so because you’re good at what you do,” reminds Dannika. “Focus on honing your skills, being attentive and creating a calm, welcoming space.” In turn, this enables a client connection of another sense: a trust that you will deliver exceptional services.

Conflict

The challenge: Conflict is another troubling area for introverted nail professionals, who, due to common people-pleasing characteristics, can find handling confrontations and disputes with clients to be very uncomfortable.

Glitterbels ambassador Katie Turner, shares: “Due to my shy nature, I find it difficult to stand firm on my policies or pricing. It’s an area many nail techs find challenging, but being introverted adds another source of anxiety.”

The solution: Nicola Julian suggests a perspective flip: “Despite it being hard, be open to feedback. At the beginning of my Katie Turner career journey, the thought of doing something wrong used to terrify me, but I started to think of feedback as points to aid my development.”

Clearly display your policies on your website, social media pages and around your salon space, so clients are reminded of your business rules and you can refer to them when required. A booking software system can deal with finances: such as holding deposits for appointments or automatically taking money for no-shows, so you can avoid difficult conversations.

Nicola Julian tends to the nails of a client.

5 tips to prevent overwhelm

Dannika Bernadette share advice for handling back-to-back appointments: 1. Embrace your listening skills: Introverts tend to listen more than talk, and clients can really appreciate that. Use it as your strength. 2. Prepare talking points: If you’re nervous about keeping a conversation going, prepare a few light topics to discuss if needed. 3. Set boundaries: It’s okay to politely steer away from personal or draining conversations. You’re in control of the atmosphere. 4. Schedule breaks: If your day’s schedule is hectic, ensure you plan for quiet time in between appointments or after work. 5. Focus on your craft: When in doubt, let your work speak for itself. Perfecting your techniques can help build confidence. 6. Be authentic and transparent with clients: You don’t need to conform to stereotypes about what a nail technician should be. Embrace your individuality, as clients will appreciate and connect with that.

Conversation starters 101

Lucy Price-Marshall shares her go-to conversation starter with clients: “‘How have you been?’ Is one of my favourites, as it allows me to gauge how much my client wants to chat. I may get back a ‘fine thanks’ or a ‘I have got so much to tell you!’” She also notes that discussing the client’s preferred nail colour, design and inspiration can take up a proportion of service time.

Chesterton-based tech, Isabelle Longmore of Drop Dead Beauty, shares questions to ask clients:

• “What do you do for work? Do you enjoy it?

• Do you have any plans for the weekend?

• Are the nails for a special occasion?

• Have you got any holidays planned?

• What do you like to do in your free time?”

Navigating social media as an introverted business owner

Social media is a handy way for nail techs to attract new clients, and regular posts can give the impression of an outgoing personality. “I think a lot of people assume nail techs are extroverted because of their social media presences,” Katie Turner shares. “These platforms highlight and boost the profiles of users, showcasing their ‘highlight moments’, but I think this is why many introverted techs feel social media isn’t suited to them.”

Dannika Bernadette notes the opportunities that social platforms offer to techs: “Social media can be a useful tool for quiet, introverted expression; you don’t need to mimic extroverted influencers,” she reveals. “It’s a great way to showcase your work without forcing yourself into uncomfortable social interactions.”

Offline marketing

“If you don’t wish to post on social media, utilise the power of word of mouth for marketing,” advises Dannika. “Clients will naturally talk to others about their nail experiences if they love their nails. You can also collaborate with local businesses, offer promotions to attract new clients, join industry groups and attend community events.”

“I don’t have the confidence to create Instagram reels with a voiceover,” Katie Turner shares. “Instead, I find my own way of making my social media fun, and often post step-by-steps showing how I craft a set of nails. Create your page as a portfolio and, as your confidence builds, you can experiment further.”

Clawgasmic Nail Network

This monthly membership website contains over 550 nail tutorials, with new nail styles added every weekend. “The site covers builder gel, gel and gel polish application,

Chantelle Johnson the latest trends and a wide range of nail art techniques,” comments co-founder, Chantelle Johnson. “Members also receive a weekly coaching call to help with any business-related issues they may be facing.

“Having a community of like-minded people to learn from, turn to, connect and grow with ensures sure you never feel alone, even when working solo,” she continues. “Nail techs can utilise community groups by being active. Free content only requires dedication and time to be involved. No question is a silly question, and as a brand, we want to stand for positivity, inclusivity, community and all the good things that the nail industry has to offer.”

www.clawgasmic.com @clawgasmic @clawgasmic

“You don’t need to conform to stereotypes about what a nail technician should be. Embrace your individuality, as clients will appreciate and connect with that.”

Niche Nail Network

Launched in 2023, Niche Nail Network is an annual event for nail professionals to ‘shop, learn and network’. Nail pros & business owners, Gaynor McCann, Ashleigh Reid and Isabel Surtees, have ‘created a welcoming space, niche to the nail industry, for all to thrive’. The trade show, taking place on 22 June 2025, brings small businesses and nail artists together, helping them to connect and level up their nail skills. Niche Nail Network founders. www.nichenailnetwork.co.uk @nichenailnetwork

The Nail Desk Co.

Manchester nail tech, Olivia Annice, founded The Nail Desk Co. after experiencing a lack of support within the industry. In August this year, she hosted the community’s first meet-up: a day of educational talks from guests, games and networking.

www.thenaildesk.com @thenaildeskco

Isabelle Longmore of Drop Dead Beauty at The Nail Desk Co.’s 2024 event, forming friendships with fellow techs.

Joanna Tompkins

Nail Tech Tribe

Nail Tech Tribe is a free Facebook community for sole trader nail technicians and beauty pros seeking business success. It is run by Joanna Tompkins, Scratch Stars Nail Business Mentor of the Year 2023.

The community includes 18,000 nail techs who seek to gain confidence in their beauty businesses, boost income and attract more clients. Joanna offers access to the mindset and strategy they need for their businesses to succeed.

“The benefits of nail communities such as Nail Tech Tribe are the inspiration and motivation they provide,” Joanna comments. You can source answers to your questions from a variety of people, who offer different viewpoints, suggestions and support.

“Community groups can be incredible, but you need to be careful who you listen to,” she warns. “It would be much more beneficial to be in one or two communities that focus on the areas relevant to your needs, rather than many different groups that be overwhelming.”

Scan to join the free Facebook group www.nailtechtribe.com @thenailtechtribe

The Scratch Stars Party

Annual event, The Scratch Stars Party, is one of the most anticipated dates in the nail industry calendar. It celebrates the talent within the sector and allows nail techs to mingle in a fun-filled, welcoming and relaxed space.

The 2025 event will take place on Sunday 6 July at The Underglobe, London.

Scan for more information or visit www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars

“Clients don’t book an appointment with you because you’re the loudest or most outgoing – they do so because you’re good at what you do. Focus on honing your skills, being attentive and creating a calm, welcoming space.”

The Nail Tech Org

The Nail Tech Org was established in 2020 by Liverpool-based nail technician, Amy Guy. Following eight years’ experience in the nail industry, she felt there was an opportunity to inspire fellow pros via a community-based, supportive online platform. The foundations of The Nail Tech Org are built on true comradeship, offering a safe online space for nail technicians to grow and learn together, regardless of their location, age, experience or circumstances.

Membership includes nail tutorials, an online forum to connect and build relationships, ongoing business support, live group Zoom classes, business growth sessions and more.

www.thenailtech.org @thenailtechorg

Jacqueline Reid

Networking: first steps

So, you want to attend events or join a nail tech community, but are worried about making conversation? Jacqueline Reid, manager of @beauty_by_tahira, Stratford, East London, shares her top conversation starters to use with fellow pros:

• “Where did you train?

• Which nail brand do you use?

• How long have you been in the industry?

• Are you self-employed or do you work in a salon?

• Do you know of or recommend any further training or networking events?”