Jessica Vero
North America’s Star Nail Artist
– Season 2 champion,
Scratch
columnist, mobile nail artist & educator, based in
Vancouver, Canada www.jessicavero.com
@jessveronails
@jessica.vero
When treating mature clients, it’s important to acknowledge that their skin and nails often require a gentler approach. As we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner, drier and more delicate, and treatments like exfoliation or massage may feel uncomfortable. If a client is taking blood thinning medication, be extra cautious when using sharp tools or carrying out cuticle work. I tailor services to each client’s comfort level, adjusting pressure and omitting steps if needed.
I am a certified master pedicurist and have received advanced training in geriatric footcare. This has introduced me to several clients with severe or long-neglected foot conditions. It can be heartbreaking to see some people’s feet at their first appointment, knowing they have been living with discomfort for a while. Helping them regain comfort, improve their mobility and feel confident again is incredibly rewarding.
Age-inclusive accommodations
If a client has mobility issues, tasks like stepping onto or off a raised pedicure platform can prove challenging. In these situations, it is important to allow extra appointment time, never rush the client or leave them unattended, and offer support.
I don’t expect clients that aren’t comfortable with technology to book online. Once they are in the salon, I make sure to book their next appointment before they leave, and let them know that they can call to make changes. I write their appointment on a business card – and for some clients, a reminder phone call the day before is beneficial.
Lynn-Marie Johnson
Owner of L-M Beauty Therapist in Belford, Northumberland
@lmbeautytherapist
Lynn-Marie Johnson
Working in a small village means working with a wide range of clients, and this has shaped my business into what it is today. Throughout my 20 years in the beauty industry,
I have offered many treatments – but I always seem to return to natural nail services. Mature clients can present long-term nail damage, lifting nail plates and ridges, but they want the same as every client: well-manicured nails. This is only achievable when conditions are treated first.
Mature clients’ skin is delicate, putting it at higher risk of being bruised, burnt or cut, and cuticles are more prone to bleeding. Medical conditions may also require extra care to be taken. A gentle touch is incredibly important, as turning a mature client’s finger the wrong way with too much force can cause extreme and lasting discomfort.
Age-inclusive accommodations
I recommend having a stable, adjustable, comfortable and cushioned chair for mature clients to sit on, alongside padding on your desk to support their wrists and arms.
The best way to communicate with mature clients is to be available. If they have plucked up the courage to enquire about a treatment that you do five times per day, still explain it like it’s a brand-new innovation – because that’s probably what it is to them. Mature clients are more likely to become repeat customers if there’s a social aspect to your services.
CLIENT FILE
Betty Brown is a client I have treated since she was 89. She is now 97 and we have been through so much together. She even inspired my wedding bouquet with her love of sunflowers! Betty books a fortnightly manicure and pedicure, and we enjoy catching up. We lift each other up on difficult days, and Betty has become one of my best friends.
‘‘ Mature clients can present long-term nail damage, lifting nail plates and ridges, but they want the same as every client: well-manicured nails. ‘‘
Casey Hayzelden
Owner of The Nail Shed in Stafford, Staffordshire
@thenailshed_bycasey
Mature clients often have thinner, fragile nails that may have ridges, split easily or grow slowly. Their skin and cuticles can also be dry, delicate and prone to tearing, so every step of a treatment needs to be considered.
Age-inclusive accommodations
Before every service, I carry out a thorough consultation to understand any medical conditions, medications or nail and skin changes that may impact the treatment, so the health and integrity of the natural nail can be prioritised. For mature clients, accommodations such as using minimal pressure during cuticle work and choosing products for sensitive skin create a safe, comfortable experience.
Accessibility is about much more than physical access; it’s about making clients feel supported. I allow extra time where required and ensure my salon environment is calm. For clients with arthritis or reduced mobility, I adjust hand positioning throughout appointments and encourage breaks when needed.
Clear communication is also important. I explain each step of a treatment and check in regularly throughout, to ensure the service suits the client’s comfort level. I don’t believe technology should be a barrier, and I always make myself available via phone calls, text messages and Facebook Messenger. I keep communication straightforward and avoid unnecessary jargon that may confuse clients.
Casey transformed the health of this mature client’s natural nails.
Libbie Taylor
Owner of Tailored Beauty in Nether
Heyford, Northamptonshire
@tailored_beautyx
/tailoredbeautyx
@tailored.beauty
As clients age, the skin around their nails becomes thinner and loses elasticity, therefore a gentle approach to nail prep is essential to avoid unnecessary trauma. Even the smallest nick can take significantly longer to heal on mature skin. In contrast, toenails often become thicker with age, meaning pedicure treatments may require more time.
Age-inclusive accommodations
I was fortunate to find a salon space that is on one level, with no steps or raised thresholds and free parking close by, making it easy for clients to access independently. During appointments, I use additional cushions where needed to support customers’ backs, necks and knees, and I allow an extra 10 minutes for many of my mature clients’ appointments. Every person’s needs are different, so I check in with them regularly and make any adjustments that will improve comfort.
It’s important not to assume that every client wants to interact with your business in the same way. Some mature clients feel more comfortable booking over the phone, and I’m always happy to accommodate this. Where possible, I like to book future appointments before clients leave the salon, making the process simple and stress-free.
CLIENT FILE
A mature client who has had a big impact on me is ‘J’, who visits every month for a gel polish manicure and pedicure. She has a cochlear implant, so I adapt the way I communicate by facing her when I speak, allowing her to lip read more easily. She first came to me after having a poor experience elsewhere, and seeing the way she’s settled into my salon and the trust we’ve built over time has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that, regardless of age, everyone deserves to feel listened to, cared for and able to enjoy treatments that help them feel confident.