I'm so slow... How to speed up?

[Chic*digits]

I am ridiculously slow. I do good work but it takes me forever to finish it. I know part of the problem is that if I see something wrong I go back and fix it. I just know It's going to be a huge problem when I start working because nobody wants to sit still for 2-3 hours for acrylics (I know I wouldn't, I could barely sit still for 45 min when I would get mine done). I wanted to hear from somebody else who maybe had the same problem. If so, did you get faster over time? Is there such thing as a course that helps you with speed without sacrificing quality? I'm freaking out because I'm pretty much done with school and my pace hasn't changed much.

 

[yeahyeah]

When i first started it took be a good two hours to sculpt a full set, but dont worry, you'll get faster, it takes me about an hour now, from prep to finish my advice would be not to worry too much about your time yet, just work on perfecting your technique and when youre comfortable then you'll start to pick up speed good luck!

 

[poshpinks]

Hi I had the same problem and I was worrying about it, but you find that clients dont seem to mind exspecially when they see the result. Many of my clients say that the nails stay on and look great so they are really happy and dont mind that I take two hours. I do think the more you do the quiker you get as when I was working in a salon I did get my timing down to 1h 1/2 so the more practise you do at doing nails the quicker you get so dont worrie about timing as long as the nails are great you should have nothing to worry about we all have to start somewhere.

 

[Christine81]

I've been doing nails for approx. 2,5 years now and in the beginning I needed from 4-8 hours to do a set of nails :lol: But lately I've "only" needed around 2 hours :green: But the clients have never complained about the time, as they appreciate me being a perfectionist rather than smacking on an ugly set of nails that won't last for very long (or so they say) :hug: And they love to chat, so the time flies anyway!

 

[geeg]

Believe me that speed and quality will come together the more people you have through your hands. There is nothing like knowing you have another client coming in an hour to make you do nails faster. :green:

Your best bet is to concentrate on doing beautiful nails slowly now and then the more you work the quicker you will become.

 

[RedAdmiral]

The more people you do the faster you get is true but that doesnt excuse you of your practice. You should aim to practice every day, I get my students to buy a nail trainer or practice on flour filled rubber gloves tipping and blending until it isnt an issue. t'ing & b'ing should take 20 mins max even if you customise leaving you with 1 hr or so for application and finishing. If you can get this part down then you can start to speed up with application. Finishing should not take you that long if you sculpt with your brush and NOT your file.

 

[Chic*digits]

Cool thank you for the input! I'll keep trying to get some sort of practice in everyday. You guys made me feel so much better about it <3 :hug:
Hopefully I can stop losing sleep over it. haha

 

[RedAdmiral]

Dont be worrying we have all been there sometimes I am still there!

 

[magsham]

Cool thank you for the input! I'll keep trying to get some sort of practice in everyday. You guys made me feel so much better about it <3 :hug:
Hopefully I can stop losing sleep over it. haha

There is always the wonderful well less tip to cut a little time off!

 

[Bagpuss]

whats helped me is having a routine when filing...we where show at The Event.

I used to free file and just start wherever and there was no structure to my filing....now i always start with the side walls...then the free edge....then around the sides and cuticle and leave the middle bit till last.

 

[Jessicles]

Having a perfectly set routine helps the most, I think. Knowing exactly what you're doing each and every time makes it much easier, for you and also the client will get used to the routine and help rather than hinder. But I wouldn't worry too much about 2-3 hours, that's not ridiculous. I have been doing nails in a salon for almost 5 years...I take from 1.5-2 hours for a full set. In my experience, clients appreciate quality over speed, as do I. I never rush myself because I hate the work that I do when I am. They also appreciate being able to sit in your chair and dry for a few minutes before being kicked out because you have another waiting already. But that may be because over the years I have honed my clientele so that the ones that are left are ones that I can please the best. No nail tech (or hair sylist) is going to be right for everyone. Let the ones that want a speedy service rather than a perfect service go somewhere else. You'll appreciate doing that now, early in your career, once you are established and fully booked. I know I do, and I am solidly booked through January (I work 5 days a week, 8 hours a day). I appreciate the break if I get done early Just get down a perfect routine and let speed come naturally, don't force it.

 

[deanosnana]

whats helped me is having a routine when filing...we where show at The Event.

I used to free file and just start wherever and there was no structure to my filing....now i always start with the side walls...then the free edge....then around the sides and cuticle and leave the middle bit till last.

I totally agree! Having a filing 'system' has cut down on my time, too. Also, that whole 'sculpting with your brush' thing... That makes a HUGE difference time wise! Not nearly as much filing to do.

I wish you the best!

 

[Exquisite Touch]

I think we all have worried about our timings at one stage or another..... I went and had a brush up day to see how i could cut down my times im down to an hour now if i get my head down and work.

like bagpuss said having a routine helps, keep smiling chick it will all come to you x:hug:

 

[geeg]

The book, 'nailclass' by gigi rouse, explains all the routines for filing and finishing and application for the most efficient working practises.

It is available from Sweet Squared on 0845 210 60 60 and if you use it, and learnfrom it, it will change your timing hugely.