Generally, a nail salon’s target audience is female clients since they’re more inclined to get their nails done regularly. While this is typically true, there is an increasing trend of male clients visiting nail salons for grooming and maintenance. Getting your nails done is a form of self-care, and it’s not exclusive to any group of people.
Extending your services to male clients opens up a new market for your salon and potentially increases your profits. Let’s discuss must-know tips for maintaining your male clients’ nails.
Trim the Nails
As with any manicure, you should begin by soaking your male clients’ hands in warm water to help soften the nails so that you can trim them. This step can reduce the risk of nails splitting or breaking. After a few minutes, gently remove the hands from the water and pat them dry with a towel.
Trim the nails to their desired length using sanitized nail clippers or scissors. While male clients may prefer shorter nails than most female customers, avoid going too short because this can cause discomfort or pain.
Pro Tip
Ask your client how long they want their nails to be before trimming them. This way, you can ensure that the result is precisely what they’re looking for and avoid any unwanted surprises.
Clean Up Cuticles
Once you’ve trimmed the nails, it’s time to clean up the cuticles. Begin by softening the cuticles with a cuticle cream or soaking your clients’ fingers in warm water for another few minutes. Once softened, use a clean cuticle pusher to gently push back the cuticles toward the base of the nail. Remove hangnails or dead skin around the cuticles with sanitized cuticle nippers.
File Nails to Shape
The next tip on how to help maintain your male clients’ nails is to file the nails to shape. Choose an emery board or glass file for better control and effectiveness. Always file in one direction, starting from the outer edge and moving toward the center. Filing back and forth can weaken the nails, causing splits or cracks.
As you file the nails, ask the client whether they prefer a specific shape, such as square, round, or oval. This allows you to customize the manicure to their liking and provide a more personalized experience.
Moisturize
Hydration is key to maintaining strong, flexible nails and cuticles; once the fingernails are cut and filed, have the client wash their hands to remove any residue. Then, apply a moisturizing lotion or oil to the hands and cuticles. Massage it in thoroughly to nourish the skin and promote healthy nail growth.
As you apply moisturizer, pay special attention to the knuckles, between the fingers, and around the nail beds. Dry, flaky skin can detract from the overall appearance of your hands, while consistent moisturizing keeps your skin smooth and healthy.
Use Quality Products
Quality nail services come down to your ability and the products you use. Invest in high-quality clippers, files, and creams from reputable brands. Quality tools reduce the likelihood of splitting or damaging nails, making the grooming process smoother.
Read Reviews
Reading reviews and recommendations can help you make informed decisions about products and services. Look for reviews from other male clients to gain valuable insight into what works best for them. Note any recurring issues or concerns mentioned in the reviews and use this information when seeking out new products or services.
Evaluate Ingredients Used
When ordering products such as cuticle oil, read the ingredient list carefully. Avoid products containing harsh chemicals or additives that are potentially harmful to the nails and skin. Everything you use should nourish your clients’ nails so that they can stay healthy and strong.
Carefully Consider Product Scents
Male clients may prefer products without a strong fragrance or scent. When possible, offer unscented options for lotions, cuticle oils, and other nail care essentials. This allows your client to enjoy the benefits of quality products without any unwanted scents.
Don’t Overlook Toenails
When most of us think of nail care, manicures are the first to come to mind since we see our hands more frequently. However, toenail care is just as important for both men and women. If a male client comes to your salon for a manicure, it’s also a great opportunity to offer a pedicure.
Soak the Feet
Like a manicure, every pedicure should start with a warm soak to soften the nails and skin. Consider adding essential oil to the water for a relaxing and calming experience. You may also use a footbath with features like waterjets to enhance customer experience.
Exfoliate the Skin
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin, leaving your feet smooth and refreshed. Use a foot scrub with small, gentle granules to exfoliate while ensuring the skin remains intact. Work the scrub onto damp feet in circular motions, focusing on the heels and other tougher areas. You may also have to use a foot file to remove calluses from the bottom of the feet.
Trim Nails and Cuticles
After the feet have soaked, dry them off and trim the nails. Use sanitized nail clippers to trim the toenails, following their natural shape. Once trimmed, use a cuticle pusher to gently clean up the cuticles.
Check for Nail Related Issues
For some men, nail care may seem unimportant, and they may not pay much attention to their nails. As a nail technician, take this opportunity to check for any potential issues with your male clients’ nails. Look for dryness, brittleness, discoloration, or irregularities in the shape or texture of the nails.
If you notice any issues, you can recommend a treatment plan or refer your client to a medical professional. This practice shows that you care about their nail health and build trust with your clients.
Recommend Regular Appointments
While some aspects of nail care can be done at home, it’s essential to emphasize the benefits of regular appointments with a professional nail technician. For instance, the average customer may not know how to properly cut their cuticles, and attempting to do so could damage the nail bed.
At the end of an appointment, ask your client whether they want to schedule a second one and recommend when they should return based on the condition of their nails. Clearly communicating the importance of regular care also helps you maintain a consistent client base while providing optimal nail care for your male clients.
Shop at Mia Secret
As a nail supply store, Mia Secret is committed to selling the best products for nail professionals. We have everything you need, from nail tools to polishes. Stock up on necessary products so that you can offer top-of-the-line services to every customer in your nail salon.