Client Consultation, Communication, and Professional Ethics
Intake before implements
A consultation starts with a written intake form covering medical history, medications, allergies, occupation, hobbies, prior nail services, and expectations. Read it, ask follow-up questions, and document what you agreed to. The form is your record if a question ever arises about a reaction or an injury.
Contraindications and referrals
Local infection, open sores, rashes, and suspicious lesions mean no service on that area. Clients with diabetes, circulatory disease, or neuropathy need caution and often a physician's clearance before aggressive cuticle or callus work. Clients on blood thinners bruise and bleed easily - be conservative. Note allergies to acrylics, adhesives, nickel, or latex before you open a product. This is scope of practice: you identify, you do not diagnose or treat.
Communication that works
Ask open-ended questions, repeat back what the client said, and show a sample or swatch rather than arguing about color. Explain what the service can and cannot achieve. Confidentiality is absolute - no discussing one client's health or habits with another, and no photographing a client's hands without permission.
Ethics in practice
Quote the price before starting, do not add surprise charges, and do not perform a service you believe is unsafe because the client insists. Refuse politely, explain the reason, and offer an alternative. Follow Board rules and manufacturer directions over a salon owner's shortcut or a client's request. Keep your own license current and work only within it.
Traps
“Client asks you to cut away fungus” (refuse and refer), “client wants to skip disinfection to save time” (refuse), and “client asks you not to record a reaction” (document anyway).
Rule of thumb
When in doubt, refer out - and write down that you did.