When a client mentions nail issues, a nail technician should begin with a thorough assessment before offering advice.

When a client mentions issues with their nails, the moment is about care, not just a quick filled-in service. The move that matters most is simple: conduct a thorough assessment before offering advice or starting any treatment. This isn’t about searching for the fastest fix; it’s about accuracy, safety, and building trust. Let me explain why this approach pays off—and how you can put it into practice every day.

Why a thorough assessment matters more than any product pitch

Think of nails as the body’s tiny weather report. Changes in color, texture, or edge can signal everything from dryness to an infection. If a nail tech jumps straight to a cosmetic fix—the most expensive product, a bold color, or a flashy technique—without listening and looking, you risk missing something real. A proper assessment helps you tailor your services, protect the client’s health, and set expectations honestly. It shows you’re attentive, not just motivated by a sale.

Let’s walk through what a solid assessment looks like in real life

Here’s the thing: you don’t need a grand ritual. You need a steady, respectful routine that blends questions, observation, and small tests. It’s about gathering enough information to decide what comes next.

What to ask

• Nail history: Have they had nail issues before? Do they bite, pick, or peel? Any recent changes in their routine or environment?

• Symptoms: Is there pain, heat, redness, or swelling? Is the nail thick, crumbly, or peeling?

• Routine and products: What do they use at home for nails and hands? Any new products, detergents, or chemicals?

• Medical context: Any skin conditions, diabetes, immune issues, or medications that affect nails? Any history of fungal infections?

• Lifestyle and goals: What would they like to see in the short term—strength, length, color—or a healthier natural look?

What you look for with your eyes and hands

• Color and translucence: Yellowing can hint at a fungal issue; blue or purplish tints may signal circulation problems.

• Nail plate quality: Brittle, ridged, or splitting nails tell a story about moisture, diet, or repeated trauma.

• Edge and cuticle: Inflammation, redness, or tenderness around the cuticle can reveal irritation or infection.

• Bed and surrounding skin: Any swelling, warmth, or oozing is a red flag.

• Attachment and growth: Loose nails or signs of ingrowth require careful handling and perhaps referral.

A few practical checks (without turning it into a lab session)

• Light touch test: Gently press the nail and surrounding skin to gauge sensitivity.

• Hygiene check: Are the tools clean and properly sterilized? Is the client’s hands clean before you start?

• Product interaction: If you plan to file, buff, or apply products, note how the client reacts to textures and smells—some people are sensitive to certain chemicals.

When to bring in a medical lens

Some signals mean you should pause and advise medical input:

• Severe pain with nail changes

• Red, hot, swollen skin around the nail

• Pus or drainage

• Sudden, rapid nail color changes, especially with pain

In these cases, a friendly, clear message is best: “Some signs require a medical check to rule out infection or other concerns.” It’s not fear-mongering; it’s safety and care.

How you tailor the next steps after the assessment

The goal is to align your service with what’s best for the nail’s health and the client’s aesthetic goals. Here’s a practical way to proceed:

1. Confirm the plan with the client

Summarize what you observed and what it means in plain language. Example: “Your nails look dry and the edges are a bit split. I can start with a gentle strengthening treatment and give you a simple home routine.” Give options, but be honest about what you can safely do today.

2. Adjust the treatment approach

• If nails are fragile: use gentler filing, avoid aggressive buffing, and choose non-irritating products. Consider a bonding or strengthening glaze rather than heavy overlays.

• If there’s discoloration but no pain: you might still add a light, breathable color for confidence, with a plan for future check-ins.

• If infection signs appear: pause cosmetic work, advise a medical consult, and focus on hygiene and protection rather than cosmetic fixes.

3. Recommend home care that supports health

• Hydration and moisture: lightweight cuticle oils or creams—applied daily.

• Gentle maintenance: avoid biting or tearing the edges; use protective gloves when washing dishes or cleaning.

• Product choices: breathable polishes, non-acetone removers, and nail-strengthening formulas that suit their skin and sensitivity.

4. Set expectations and a follow-up plan

• Explain realistic timelines for improvement and when to return for a re-check.

• If a change is in progress (like a strengthening treatment), outline what you’ll monitor at each visit.

• Offer a simple at-home routine to keep gains between visits.

How to talk to clients without turning it into a lecture

Communication is part of the service. You want clients to feel heard, not scolded. A few cues help:

• Use plain language. Replace jargon with everyday terms: “thickened nail” instead of “onychauxis,” for instance.

• Validate concerns: “I hear you’re worried about thinning nails after your last manicure. Let’s see what we can do to help.”

• Give you’re-here-now reassurance: “We’ll take it slow and adjust as needed.”

• Invite questions: “What matters most to you—color, durability, or nail health? We can aim for two of those today.”

Safety, hygiene, and standards you can stand behind

A solid assessment sets the stage for safe service. It also aligns with best-practice safety norms in salons:

• Sanitize tools between clients; use single-use implements when practical.

• Wear gloves if you’re monitoring sensitive skin and sanitize hands before and after each appointment.

• Use only approved products and check for allergies. If you’re not sure about a chemical, ask for a patch test on a small area.

• Document what you found and the plan in a brief note after the appointment. It helps in follow-ups and ensures consistency.

A little realism: not every issue is cosmetic

Some nail changes are purely cosmetic, sure. But many are early signs of deeper concerns. When in doubt, err on the cautious side. It’s okay to pause a chemical service, switch to a health-forward option, or refer out to a medical professional when needed. Clients appreciate that you put their well-being first—before the look.

A quick mental checklist you can keep in your apron pocket

• Did I ask about symptoms and history?

• Did I observe the nail and surrounding skin carefully?

• Did I check for safety signals like infection or allergy?

• Did I tailor the plan to health and aesthetics?

• Did I explain the next steps in clear terms?

• Did I document the findings and the agreed plan?

Real-world digressions that still stay on track

If you’re thinking about how this shows up in a busy day, here’s a relatable scenario: a client comes in with brittle nails and asks for a glossy color that lasts two weeks. You start with a quick look, ask about home care, and notice a bit of dryness around the cuticle. Rather than jumping to a color, you suggest a strengthening base coat and a lightweight moisturizer for daily use, plus a two-week check-in. The client leaves with nail health on the radar and a color they’ll still love later. That’s a win that feels good to both of you—and it’s repeatable.

Bottom line: the right approach earns trust and healthier nails

When clients mention nail issues, the best response is a thorough assessment followed by a thoughtful, health-conscious plan. This approach isn’t just about saving time; it’s about safeguarding well-being, building rapport, and delivering results that endure beyond the polish. You’ll find that clients stay longer, come back for maintenance, and even refer friends who respect how seriously you take nail health.

If you remember one thing, let it be this: listen first, look closely, and then decide what’s best for the nail. The rest—technique, color, shine—will naturally follow, because you’ve laid a solid foundation of care. And that, more than any dazzling finish, is what keeps nails—and clients—really thriving.