If you’ve ever sat in a nail salon, you know the techs have seen some things. They might be smiling on the outside, but deep down? They’re fighting for their lives against the chaos some clients bring in.
So, we did the research. We combed through nail tech forums, TikTok rants, confession threads—and even slid into the DMs of nail techs to get the tea straight from the source. Their responses? Hilarious, unfiltered, and very relatable.
If you recognize yourself in any of these… bestie, change your ways. Let’s get into it.
1. Showing up with chipped, three-week-old acrylics and saying, “Can you just fill these?”
No. These are beyond repair. At this point, it’s an archaeological dig. They’re starting over.
2. Expecting intricate nail art when you didn’t book for it
When your appointment is for a “simple gel polish” and you pull out a photo of a 3D butterfly encapsulated in jelly nails with gold leaf accents… Your tech is fighting the urge to scream.
3. Coming in with broken, lifting acrylics and expecting a “quick fix.”
Lifting acrylic = bacteria living rent-free under your nails. If your nails are trying to separate themselves from you, it’s time for a full removal. No shortcuts, bestie.
4. Bringing in a Pinterest design but refusing to pay for nail art
You want chrome, 3D flowers, rhinestones, and marble? Love that for you. Just know that’s not included in the basic mani price.
5. Showing up late… or too early
If you’re late, you’re messing up the whole schedule. If you’re super early, you’re just awkwardly hovering while they rush to finish with another client. Be on time or send a quick text—easy.
6. Asking for “just a little more filing” until your coffin shape becomes a square
You wanted almond. Now it’s oval. Then round. Next thing you know, we’re back to square. Pick a shape and trust your tech.
7. Coming in with full acrylics and expecting a 10-minute soak-off
Soaking off acrylics is not a microwave popcorn situation. These are strong polymers—science takes its sweet time.
8. Texting with your fresh nails under the UV lamp
Your thumb is half-cured. Your polish is sliding. Your nail tech is tired.
9. Saying, “I don’t know what I want, just surprise me!”
This isn’t a cooking show. Your nail tech is not a mind reader. Come prepared or prepare to be underwhelmed.
10. Not tipping, even when your set is flawless
If you can drop $80 on your set but “forget” to tip every time… yeah, they notice.
11. Not listening when they tell you a design won’t work
Some of you will argue with a licensed nail tech about what’s possible. If they say, “This won’t hold up,” trust them—they know.
12. Smothering your hands in hand cream right before your appointment
Moisturized hands? Love that. Slippery, greasy nails? Not so much. Your polish won’t stick, and your tech is gonna have to wipe you down like a toddler after spaghetti.
13. Bringing the whole squad and treating the salon like a house party
A little chat is fun, but if you’re on speakerphone drama mode, bestie… it’s a salon, not a reality show.
14. Showing up with months-old, half-broken acrylics… and acting surprised when removal takes half the session
You knew these nails were holding on for dear life. Let’s not act brand new when removal takes longer than expected.
15. Asking for one more thing after they finish top coat
So, you want to add chrome, a decal, a different shape, and a gemstone cluster… after they sealed it? Nail techs don’t have Ctrl + Z.
Your nail tech works magic on your hands—don’t make their life harder. Book properly, sit still, and tip your artist. Now, which of these nail salon crimes are you guilty of? 👀