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You know that feeling when you leave the nail salon with a fresh set; fingers fluttering like you just got promoted to “that girl” status? But here’s a little reality check: if your nail tech skipped a few important steps before painting your nails, you might’ve just paid good money to wear bacteria in style.
Come with me.
Acrylics, Gels, BIAB — What’s What?
First, the basics. Acrylic nails are the O.G. of dramatic sets, a liquid-and-powder mix that hardens into that sculpted, clickety-clack perfection. They’re durable, they’re fierce, but if not applied or removed properly, they can wreck your natural nails.
Gel nails, on the other hand, are the glossy, low-drama cousin. Think shiny, flexible, and slightly more forgiving. The product cures under UV or LED light and typically lasts 2–3 weeks without chipping.
And then there’s BIAB — “Builder In A Bottle.” The minimalist girl’s dream. It’s like a gel but thicker, designed to strengthen your natural nails instead of covering them with fake tips. If acrylics are high-maintenance glam, BIAB is the clean-girl aesthetic with a strong grip.
So far, so good, until you realise that none of these matters if your nail tech skips prep.
The Prep Is Not Optional
Good prep is the foundation of every long-lasting, healthy nail set. That means:
• Cuticle care; Pushing back and trimming cuticles properly — not hacking at them aggressively.
• Buffing and dehydrating; Ensure the nail plate is clean, oil-free, and lightly roughened to ensure the product adheres properly.
• Dust removal; Because no one wants tiny bits of nail dust trapped under their new gel.
If your nail tech jumps straight to applying product, no cuticle softener, no dehydrator, no dusting brush in sight — that’s a red flag. The set might look cute for a few days, but the lifting, peeling, or green discolouration that comes after? Not so cute.
The Day I Learned My Lesson
I once visited a new nail salon because my regular technician was fully booked. It looked nice, clean seats, pretty colours, the whole Pinterest setup. But from the minute the guy sat me down, something felt off.
No soak-offs. No cotton, foil or acetone was in sight. He just grabbed a metal tool and started prying the old acrylic off. I felt a lot of tension in my fingertips. When I suggested he do it properly, he brushed it off, insisting he knew what he was doing. He didn’t trim my cuticles or prep my nails properly. He just started filing like he was trying to uncover treasure beneath my nail bed. I kept telling him it was too rough, that he needed to be gentler, but he brushed me off with that “I know what I’m doing” tone.
A few minutes later, the pain hit. My nails felt hot, like they were pulsing from the inside. When I started giving him specific instructions on how to do it right, he got visibly irritated. That was my cue. I picked up my bag, told him I was done, and left mid-session.
Was it awkward? Absolutely. But I’d rather walk out with unfinished nails than stay and leave with damaged ones.
The Hygiene Red Flags You Can’t Ignore
Let’s talk about tools — the unsung heroes (or villains) of the nail industry. Your nail tech’s metal tools should be sanitised and disinfected after every client. And not just wiped with a paper towel, but properly soaked in Barbicide or sterilised in an autoclave.
If you see:
• The same cuticle nipper or pusher is being pulled from a drawer without any disinfectant process
• Nail files or buffers that look “well-loved” (translation: used on multiple clients)
• Dust everywhere and no sign of fresh towels or disinfectant spray
You might want to politely exit. Infections, fungus, or cross-contamination are very real risks. Also, here’s the thing: if your nail tech doesn’t wash or sanitise their own hands before touching yours, that’s another sign of a rushed or careless setup.
Ask Questions, It’s Your Health
A good nail tech won’t mind you asking, “Do you sanitise your tools between clients?” or “Is that a new file?” The pros actually love it when clients care about hygiene; it means you’re serious about your nails and not just the colour on top. You deserve a clean, safe experience that doesn’t come with an uninvited bacterial bonus.
A perfect manicure should be part art and part science. The art is the shaping, the colour, the finish. The science is hygiene, prep, and aftercare. Don’t settle for one without the other.
Next time you sit down at the nail table, pay attention. Does your nail tech sanitise their tools? Are they prepping your nails properly? If not, your best move might be to pack up your cuticles and go.
Because nothing ruins a fresh set faster than realising you might’ve left with more than a pretty polish.
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