If a client has nail fungus, a manicurist should advise seeing a physician and avoid providing service

What to do when a client has a nail fungus: a practical guide for manicurists

If you’ve spent time in a salon, you know nails can tell a story. A clean shine, a bold polish, a little nail art—these are easy wins. But sometimes a nail whispers trouble: a fungus that’s creeping in under the surface. Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, isn’t something to ignore. It’s contagious and can spread to other nails or people if we’re not careful. So, what should a manicurist do in this moment? The right move is clear: advise the client to see a physician and avoid service.

Here’s the thing: quick fixes don’t fix fungus. A physician or dermatologist is trained to diagnose the infection, weigh the best treatment options, and monitor for side effects. As a professional in a nail studio, your priority is safety—yours, your staff’s, and your clients’. That often means stepping back from the service and guiding the client toward medical care.

Spotting the signs without overreacting

Nail fungus isn’t always dramatic at first, which is why trained eyes matter. You might notice:

• Nail discoloration (yellow, white, or brownish tint)

• Thickening or crumbling edges

• Distorted nail shape or separation from the nail bed

• A crumbly, chalky texture under or on the nail

• A foul taste in the mouth—okay, that one’s funny in the break room, but you get the idea

If you see any combination of these signs, pause. Don’t proceed with filing, cuticle work, or polish; you’re protecting the rest of your clients and your shop.

The correct action: safety first, then referral

The straightforward choice is B: Advise the client to see a physician and avoid service. It isn’t just “don’t do the service.” It’s about redirecting the client to someone who can diagnose and treat the infection properly. Applying an antifungal cream or giving a nail polish touch-up doesn’t address the root problem and can complicate things—not to mention risk spreading the infection to others.

So, what should you tell the client? A respectful, clear message goes a long way. You might say:

• “I’m concerned you might have a nail fungus. To keep you and everyone safe, I should pause the service and recommend you see a doctor or dermatologist.”

• “A medical professional can give you a diagnosis and the right treatment plan.”

• “Once you’re cleared, we can resume your nails with a fresh start.”

Always avoid diagnosing yourself. That’s a job for the clinician, and you’re the hygienic guardian of the salon.

What you can do right now to keep things safe

Even though you’re stopping the service, you’re not leaving the client hanging. Here are practical steps you can take:

• Isolate the area: don’t perform any nail service (manicure, pedicure, polish, or art) on this client. Move them away from shared stations if possible.

• Protect yourself: wear gloves if you’re handling the client while you’re explaining the plan, and practice strong hand hygiene before and after.

• Check your infection-control routine: ensure tools that touched the affected nails aren’t used on other clients without proper disinfection. Use a high-level disinfection process for implements; consider disposable options if feasible.

• Clean and sanitize the station: wipe down surfaces with an EPA-registered disinfectant, and follow your state rules for waiting times and contact times.

• Communicate with the client about next steps: provide a clear path—see a physician, come back for re-evaluation after medical clearance, and we can plan a safe rescue service later.

Talking to the client—clear, compassionate communication

You’re balancing professionalism and empathy here. A few easy phrases can keep the conversation smooth:

• “I’m glad you came in so we can catch this early.”

• “To protect your health and everyone else here, I can’t perform nail services today. A doctor can diagnose and treat this.”

• “If you’d like, I can give you a checklist of questions to ask your clinician about nail fungus treatments and recovery timelines.”

A little reassurance goes a long way. People get anxious about infections, and your calm, practical approach helps them feel supported rather than shamed.

Why antifungal cream or polish isn’t the fix in this moment

You’ll hear clients say, “Can we just try antifungal cream here?” It’s a reasonable question, but it misses the mark for two reasons:

• Diagnosis is key: fungal infections can mirror other nail issues. A clinician can confirm whether it’s fungus and choose the right treatment.

• Healing needs medical oversight: some infections require prescription meds, possibly oral antifungals, and even liver function monitoring. The salon isn’t the place to manage that.

Polish and nail art can wait. After medical clearance, you can reintroduce color and design with a clean slate.

A quick primer on infection control and professional responsibility

Safety isn’t just about the obvious actions; it’s built into every step of the service. Here are essential habits to reinforce:

• Hand hygiene is non-negotiable. Wash hands with soap and water, then sanitize before and after every client.

• Personal protective equipment matters. Gloves, masks (when appropriate), and clean aprons help.

• Tool integrity matters. Use properly sterilized or single-use tools. If you reuse implements, follow your salon’s sterilization protocol to the letter.

• Surfaces aren’t silent partners. Wipe and disinfect chairs, armrests, and waiting areas regularly, especially after client contact with the hands.

• Documentation helps everyone. A brief, respectful note in the client file about the observed signs and the referral request can be useful, particularly if the client returns after medical clearance.

When to decline and what happens next

There are moments when you must decline service beyond the present case. If you notice severe nail discoloration, spreading redness, swelling, or pain, treat it as a red flag. Suggest immediate medical care and, if needed, contact your salon’s manager or safety officer to review the policy.

Once a client has been to the doctor and has medical clearance to return, you can plan a safe, staged reintroduction. Sometimes that means a simple, non-invasive treatment plan: cuticle care, gentle cleansing, and a light buff—without aggressive filing or cutting at the nail edge. It’s a fresh start that respects the healing timeline.

A practical, humane script you can adapt

• “I’ve paused your service today so you can see a doctor. When you’re cleared, we’ll pick up right where we left off—safely and slowly.”

• “If you’re unsure what to ask the doctor, I can help you brainstorm questions about antifungal options and recovery time.”

• “We want to minimize any risk of spreading the infection, so we’ll keep your nails pampered in a way that’s safe for everyone.”

The big picture: health, trust, and the salon vibe

You’re not just shaping nails; you’re shaping trust. Clients come to you for beauty and care. Showing that you prioritize health—even when it means saying no to a service for now—builds confidence. They’ll remember that you looked out for them and the other clients who sit in your chair every day.

A few lines of guidance through the day-to-day

• Train your team to spot red flags during intake or while performing minimal maintenance tasks. Quick checks can prevent bigger issues.

• Keep visible signage about when a service can’t be offered due to a health concern. It lowers potential awkwardness and sets expectations.

• Establish a smooth referral network with local doctors or dermatology clinics. A prepared list of nearby options makes referrals fast and less stressful for the client.

• Consider a simple aftercare handout. It can include signs of worsening symptoms, when to return to the clinic, and a gentle reminder to schedule a follow-up once medically cleared.

A closing thought

Nail fungus is a common, manageable challenge in any nail studio setting. The most responsible action isn’t dramatic; it’s practical care. Pause the service, encourage medical evaluation, and keep the client informed with warmth and clarity. In the end, you’re doing more than protecting nails—you’re protecting health, comfort, and trust.

If you’re building your own toolkit of best practices, this moment is a reminder: a strong salon culture rests on clear communication, rigorous hygiene, and a readiness to guide clients toward the care they need. And when the time is right, you’ll greet them back with confident hands and a fresh, safe plan for their nails.