Not a nail guru

[Somatologist]

Hi everyone

I qualified as a Somatologist (Beauty Therapist) 2 years ago and I really can't say I'm completely comfortable in my occupation.

As a beauty therapist one is expected to be an all-rounder, doing massage and face, nails & body care. I enjoy doing all except one - nails - and this makes me feel incompetent! I so wish I was good at nails (normal manicures as I didn't train in any nail systems) but I just don't find it intersting. I'm not sure if this is because i'm not good at it or if I'm not good at it because I'm not really interested in it.

Point is I need to be good at it cos I want to excel in my profession and not limit my career (and income!) opportunities because of this.

Please advise me how to become a Nail Geek

Cheers

 

[Bagpuss]

Cant you do a course that is just for nails...?

 

[catsaremad]

what is it that you find most frustrating ? is it the cuticle prep, the filing, the painting ??? Is it both hands and feet????

 

[geeg]

Hi everyone

I qualified as a Somatologist (Beauty Therapist) 2 years ago and I really can't say I'm completely comfortable in my occupation.

As a beauty therapist one is expected to be an all-rounder, doing massage and face, nails & body care. I enjoy doing all except one - nails - and this makes me feel incompetent! I so wish I was good at nails (normal manicures as I didn't train in any nail systems) but I just don't find it intersting. I'm not sure if this is because i'm not good at it or if I'm not good at it because I'm not really interested in it.

Point is I need to be good at it cos I want to excel in my profession and not limit my career (and income!) opportunities because of this.

Please advise me how to become a Nail Geek

Cheers

To me, nail enhancement is a profession on it's own and not a beauty service to be added on to others.

As with hair, nail enhancement requires skill, expertise, artistry and passion .. yes passion .. the same passion you feel about beauty.

If you do not have a passion for nails, then I suggest you offer something like soak off gels that require much less artistic ability to use (you basically just paint hem on) but using them will give you a nail option to add to your services. It is not full nail enhancement as in offering all the options or the longevity of L&P or buff of gels, but for colour for manicures and pedicures that is instantly dry and durable and gives a bit of protection they are great. Two of the most well know which are made right in your own country .. Bio Sculpture and Calgel.

 

[MissOwen]

I agree with Geeg. I'm sure if you took a few courses you could become more able at nail enhancements, but without a passion for it you will never be great. van Gogh would never have made beautiful paintings without a passion for it!!!! :lol:

Good luck with whatever you choose :hug:

 

[Somatologist]

Thanx everyone for your posts.

I do not have a passion for it, that's true, but where I live a lot of emphasis is placed on mani's and pedi's in this industry. If it were up to me I'd exclude them completely from my treatments, but I need to be good at 'em to land a well-paying job.

I find french painting most difficult. Cuticle work, etc I can do (even though it bores me) but the painting makes me nervous. Shall I just keep practising?

Thanx again n I admire you ladies for your passion in nails.

P.S i don't know nail systems... As I've stated before.

 

[catsaremad]

Keep practicing !!!! grab all your friends and your family and paint them !!!! Honestly the buzz you get when you have painted a good set is fantastic !!

 

[MissOwen]

Thanx everyone for your posts.

I do not have a passion for it, that's true, but where I live a lot of emphasis is placed on mani's and pedi's in this industry. If it were up to me I'd exclude them completely from my treatments, but I need to be good at 'em to land a well-paying job.

I find french painting most difficult. Cuticle work, etc I can do (even though it bores me) but the painting makes me nervous. Shall I just keep practising?

Thanx again n I admire you ladies for your passion in nails.

P.S i don't know nail systems... As I've stated before.

you could buy one of the cheap practise fingers to try painting on them if you havent got any willing models. Just remember to use acid free nail varnish to remove it. It might help build your confidence so you wont be too nervous :hug:

 

[Martin Duffy]

Point is I need to be good at it cos I want to excel in my profession and not limit my career (and income!) opportunities because of this.

I don't offer nail enhancements any more & make a good living. I trained in them & offered them in my employed days, but to be honest they bored me to tears & I dreaded the thought of being stuck there doing them (similar to my feelings towards lash extensions). Because I had no passion for them I decided it was far better for the client & I if they went to a person who actually enjoyed doing them, so took them off my menu. As a result I stick now to specialising in natural nail services, which is why I like Jessica, and have never looked back.

As for the nail painting - there are no short-cuts, just lots of practice! Have fun!!!

 

[pamper yourself]

I don't offer nail enhancements any more & make a good living. I trained in them & offered them in my employed days, but to be honest they bored me to tears & I dreaded the thought of being stuck there doing them (similar to my feelings towards lash extensions). Because I had no passion for them I decided it was far better for the client & I if they went to a person who actually enjoyed doing them, so took them off my menu. As a result I stick now to specialising in natural nail services, which is why I like Jessica, and have never looked back.

As for the nail painting - there are no short-cuts, just lots of practice! Have fun!!!

I think Martin has a point if the passion isn't there I don't think you should offer them. If you do and still not be passionate about then I'm afraid you'll get bored of your job and dislike them even more. Try sticking to natural nail care. As re french that comes with practice. There's a tutorial for french for gels but since it's brush on it's basically the same practice as paints. All you can do is practice and hopefully soon they won't be such a pain anymore. Here's a video that might give you some tips. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.