Client Consultation, Communication, and Professional Conduct
The consultation is a record and a relationship
A defensible consultation has three parts: a health history questionnaire and client record card, a visual inspection of hands and feet, and a clear conversation about what the client wants and what the service can realistically deliver. Ask open-ended questions ("What bothers you most about your nails?"), repeat back what you heard, and set expectations for durability, maintenance appointments and cost before you begin. Record allergies, medications, prior reactions to acrylics or adhesives, skin conditions and pregnancy-related concerns; note anything you observed and any referral you made. Patch-test clients with known sensitivities to adhesive or resin at least 24–48 hours ahead.
Scope of practice is a favorite exam theme. A nail technician may describe what she sees, may decline a service, and may refer, but may not diagnose a fungus, prescribe a treatment, or lance, cut or drain anything. Confidentiality is absolute: no discussing a client's medical history, no photographs without permission, no gossip across the station.
Professional conduct covers punctuality, clean uniform and hands, no phone use during service, respectful handling of complaints (listen, apologize for the experience, offer a remedy, document it), and honest pricing. If a client asks for something unsafe - a credo blade, product over an open cut, a longer soak to "soften" an ingrown nail - explain the reason and offer the safe alternative.
Worked example: a client says, "Just cover it, I'm in a wedding." You see green staining. You explain that covering it will make it worse, decline the enhancement, refer her to a physician, and offer a polish-free natural manicure or a different nail instead. That answer - decline plus refer plus alternative - is almost always the correct response.