Five things to remember this season as a professional nail technician

The festive season can be such a magical time in the nail world; glitter, golds, and gorgeous sets everywhere! But it can also be one of the most stressful times for us techs. Between the long hours, endless messages, and product delays, it’s easy to burn out before the New Year even starts.

Here are 5 things every nail tech should keep in mind this Christmas season 

1. Increased Demand & Overbooking

Every client suddenly realises they need fresh nails for Christmas parties, dinners, and New Year’s Eve, and of course, they all want the same week! It’s tempting to squeeze everyone in, but overbooking can lead to rushed work, mistakes, and serious stress.

Tips:

• Announce your Christmas booking dates early.

• Offer a waitlist for last-minute cancellations instead of overloading your diary.

• Don’t be afraid to say no, or to charge a “rush fee” for late bookings.

Remember: you’re not being rude, you’re setting healthy boundaries and protecting your

2. Supply Shortages & Delays

It’s glitter season!  Everyone’s restocking their red gels, gold foils, and sparkly top coats at the same time, and that means delays, lost parcels, or out-of-stock products.

Tips:

• Stock up early on your must-haves: prep wipes, files, and base coats.

• Keep backups of your most-used bits — even if it’s just one extra bottle or file pack.

• Check delivery cut-off dates for your favourite brands to avoid disappointment.

It’s not just you — every nail tech feels the pinch this time of year. Plan ahead so you can focus on your clients, not your delivery tracker!

3. The Weather

Cold air + central heating = dry, dehydrated hands and cuticles. Clients come in with cracked skin, making prep longer and sometimes trickier. You might find yourself switching to finer prep bits, grits or doing extra cuticle work just to get a clean base.

Tips:

• Keep your room warm and consistent: cold products cure more slowly.

• Encourage clients to use cuticle oil daily, especially before their appointment.

• Retail your favourite oils or hand creams: it helps their nails and boosts your income!

A little education goes a long way; clients love learning how to care for their hands between appointments.

4. Personal Burnout & Work-Life Balance

The Christmas rush can hit hard. You’re juggling long days, late nights, and back-to-back appointments, and it’s easy to forget about yourself.

Tips:

• Block out time for lunch or a short walk each day.

• Drink your water and stretch those wrists!

• Take one full day off per week, even if it feels impossible.

Your clients will respect your boundaries more than you think. They’d rather come to a rested, happy tech than one running on fumes. 💜

5. Upselling & Add-Ons

Christmas is the perfect time to increase your income — and clients are more open to treating themselves.

Ideas:

• Offer festive nail art upgrades (“Fancy adding a snowflake or glitter accent?”).

• Sell gift vouchers for January appointments.

• Create little “Nail Care Kits” with cuticle oil, mini hand cream, and a cute note.

Keep it conversational and genuine; upselling should feel like part of the experience, not a sales pitch.

The Christmas season doesn’t have to drain you. With the right prep, boundaries, and mindset, you can enjoy the sparkle and protect your sanity. So light that candle, pour your coffee, and remember, you’re doing amazing. 💅🎄