Client Consultation and Communication
Before you touch the hands
A short, professional intake captures contact details, medications (blood thinners, isotretinoin, retinoids), allergies (acrylates, nickel, fragrance, latex), pregnancy, diabetes, circulatory problems, skin conditions, and any prior reaction to a nail product. Ask open questions - "How have your nails been since your last appointment?" - rather than yes/no questions that hide problems. Confirm the client's expectations, the service plan, and the price, and obtain consent.
What you observe during service
Look at the skin and nail plate for redness, swelling, breaks, discoloration, or separation. Note anything unusual in the record. Some products require a patch test 24–48 hours before the first application. If a client describes pain, throbbing, or pus, stop and refer - that is a medical matter.
Communication traps
- Diagnosing a condition or naming a disease to a client.
- Letting a client pressure you into a service that has a contraindication.
- Skipping documentation, then having no record of products used.
- Overpromising: enhancements do not "heal" nails, and a nail cannot be permanently reshaped.
- Discussing a client's health information with others.
Record keeping
Log the date, service, products and batch numbers, your observations, and any referral. Good records protect the client and defend you if a reaction is reported later.
Rule of thumb
When a client's history or your observation falls outside normal, say so plainly, offer an alternative service if safe, and refer. "When in doubt, don't" is the consultation rule that exam questions reward.