How long for a full set when you started?

[BotoxNurse]

Hi everyone,
Just wondered how long it took you all to do a full set of acrylics when you first started. I am really pleased with the work I am producing and am gaining 3 new clients on average per week ( work FT too so quite chuffed) but I do have a degree of OCD and it is taking me 2 hours to do a full set. I know I spend quite a long time on the prep work, but when should I start to try and pick up the pace a bit? Will it just gradually increase or do I need to perhaps book another client in after to make myself speed up a bit. Everyone is v happy with their nails and there is no lifting etc and they have all referred other customers on. Perhaps I am just destined to be slow?! I did my course 2 months ago so I am VERY new!

 

[Natalie9009]

I wish I could do a set in 2 hours, I am about 2.45 - 3 hours and probably could be longer if I decided to file more. I trained in l&p in September. I don't have any regular l&p clients so it's really adhoc that I do a set and all my friends just have gelish so can't practice on them either. I tend to practice on myself when I get the time x

 

[boolou]

My first ever set when I qualified took 3 hours, I'm now down to an hour, 1.15 including set up, consultation forms paying and pack up

Sent from my GT-I9300 using SalonGeek mobile app

 

[LolliDolli]

When I first started it took me almost 3 hours. But I tried really hard and got
Down to 1hr 30 quite quickly.
Now I take 1hr 15 for natural Tip with gel colour. 1hr 10 for natural Tip with regular polish. And 1 hour for French tips.
It took me ages to get below 1 and half hours though.

I break it down into stages. Eg.
20 mins cuticle work and tip application.
20 mins product application.
20 mins to finish.


Laura xx

 

[Natalie9009]

It's that application and filing that takes me time. I think it's just getting the right consistency and application I need to work on that will hopefully reduce the filing time too

 

[boolou]

Do you mean filing before or after your acrylic?

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[Ashley Blakemore]

My first set was about 2-3 hours but I can do it within an hour now, it just comes with practise and you will soon realise your timings will get less and less

 

[amontez]

The reason it's taking so long may have a lot to do with using the efile or hand filing. It's vital you use an efile and get real good at it. I shadowed many other techs and their strategies.

 

[LolliDolli]

I have never used an efile and I'm happy with my timings.


Laura xx

 

[Natalie9009]

Do you mean filing before or after your acrylic?

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Filing after application, I find that takes me a while

 

[BotoxNurse]

So many excellent suggestions! I have another client tomorrow so will put into practice what has been recommended. I don't have training in efile, and am in 2 minds tbh. I think at the mo I would rather get to grips with it all by hand so I can get 'a feel' for the nail (does that make sense?!). I won't dismiss it in the future though.

 

[BotoxNurse]

I just find everyone's cuticles so time consuming! They are either half way down the nail bed, or they are children with no nails ( obviously just a polish ) or elderly clients with crippling arthritis! I am soooo loving it though!!

 

[boolou]

If you try and shape your nails using your brush it will cut off the filling time. Also using a superior product will help you, I found the cheaper brands are lot more lumpy bumpy.

Hugs!!!

Sent from my GT-I9300 using SalonGeek mobile app

 

[candy-pops]

Hi everyone,
Just wondered how long it took you all to do a full set of acrylics when you first started. I am really pleased with the work I am producing and am gaining 3 new clients on average per week ( work FT too so quite chuffed) but I do have a degree of OCD and it is taking me 2 hours to do a full set. I know I spend quite a long time on the prep work, but when should I start to try and pick up the pace a bit? Will it just gradually increase or do I need to perhaps book another client in after to make myself speed up a bit. Everyone is v happy with their nails and there is no lifting etc and they have all referred other customers on. Perhaps I am just destined to be slow?! I did my course 2 months ago so I am VERY new!

Hi I don't do acrylics, so can't answer on times etc... When you say you have a "degree of OCD" do you mean clinical OCD or just a personality quirk?

The only reason I ask is my friend had clinical OCD and took a long time to finish treatments out of fear she would get it wrong,but after she went on medication she was able to reduce her treatment time by 60%

 

[BotoxNurse]

Hi I don't do acrylics, so can't answer on times etc... When you say you have a "degree of OCD" do you mean clinical OCD or just a personality quirk?

The only reason I ask is my friend had clinical OCD and took a long time to finish treatments out of fear she would get it wrong,but after she went on medication she was able to reduce her treatment time by 60%

On them lol!!

 

[zuki_73]

If you are getting new clients and everyone is happy with your work, don't speed up too much or too quickly. Taking your time with people and doing a good job too is obviously working well for you 😃. If your clients keep coming back they must enjoy their time with you too 😃 Excellent excuse to just sit still for 2 hours 'me-time'. Bet they don't get to do that very often except when they come to see you 😊.
Me, I always give myself 2 hours. If I need it it's there, if not I have a brew 😃 x

 

[BotoxNurse]

If you are getting new clients and everyone is happy with your work, don't speed up too much or too quickly. Taking your time with people and doing a good job too is obviously working well for you 😃. If your clients keep coming back they must enjoy their time with you too 😃 Excellent excuse to just sit still for 2 hours 'me-time'. Bet they don't get to do that very often except when they come to see you 😊.
Me, I always give myself 2 hours. If I need it it's there, if not I have a brew 😃 x

Thank you x

 

[nails_by_dawn]

Hi Botox nurse, I literally took hours when I started, mostly on filing the acrylic, because my application was uneven and misplaced. Since then, I invested in a nail trainer and timed myself on each section, prep, application, finishing, polish and art etc. I practised my application technique a lot, and I can now apply acrylic that reduces the time I spend filing. I take anything from one and a half to two hrs, with nail art as well. I always go by the quality rather than the quantity approach. If your clients are happy with the nails you're doing, I wouldn't worry too much. With practice and time, you'll naturally get quicker anyway 😊

 

[Sarah89Nails]

I took 2.5-3hours at most but still take 2hours (with shellac on top) sometimes 2.15 if I have nail art too. I've been doing enhancements since my CND training in April. I think 2 hours is fine, my CND educator said its fine, in her salon it's 1.45-2hrs. Don't stress yourself out, just take what time you need and just make sure they know how long when they book.

Sounds like you're doing great gaining so many clients!

Xx