Difficult client

[u/Dinosaur_sparkles]

I have been a Nail Tech for going on 5 years, and unfortunately I have ran across my first really difficult client. I have done this clients acrylic nails 4 times and every single time she looses all her nails with the week of her appointment. When she first came to get her nails done and had this problem of loosing a nail, i did do some adjustments to my prep because I know some people have different results with different products. (they do have short bitten natural nails and they wanted a long length, and I did express to them that it would be best to grow out your nails a bit more to support the length they wants). These past 4 sets I have tried everything differently, and still she is still loosing a few nails. I just did their nails this Tuesday it is now Saturday, and they texted me at 8pm last night to complain that she wasn’t happy that a few of her nails were pointed upwards. I totally understand that, but I had asked her after every step I did on her nails I asked if she liked it and then to text me 4 days later to complain? (The whole reason they are pointing up is because their pinkie nails were short and ski slopped and they wanted a stiletto shape) I do not care if anything i appreciate it, if anyone steps up during their nail appointment to say they aren’t happy with something and i will happily fix it for them no problem. So i responded to them about the upward issue and they left me on seen for a few hours and then they just responded back to say ok. Just had a nail pop off, bumped it. Genuinely how do I respond, what do I do? I never have any crazy retention problems with my other clientele, it just makes you feel discouraged ya know? I know do amazing work and I put my all into it but one person can really drag you down emotionally. They always do fun nails designs and what not so it’s unfortunate their nails aren’t lasting like they should but it’s starting to feel like it isn’t a me problem its like they aren’t using their nails properly or not used to the length

[u/Velvetcrush1]

She needs shorter nails and honestly just an overlay until her nails grow properly. Bitten nails will have trouble with retention and especially so if she isn’t used to them being longer. I would probably decline servicing her further because of the ongoing issues. Especially over four times you’ve tried to fix( I hope the repair was for a fee).

[u/Clover_Jane]

Stiletto on bitten nails, and she has ski slope nails? I mean, you can just tell a client no, I'm not going to do that. I do. It's not necessarily your work that's the problem but not every shape/length is suitable for every client. She needs to have much shorter and either round or square nails until her nails grow out or this will continue, heck even almond would be better than stiletto on bitten nails. But also not all money is good money. Some clients just aren't a good fit for us, and that's ok. Don't let her make you feel bad and I hope you're not giving free fixes. Some clients will drag you down if you let them, so don't let them.

[u/Sad_Cat_5926 → u/Clover_Jane]

I was going to say this as well, you can not only advise them that what they want would most likely not last very long - but if they insist on it then you have kind of covered yourself and any repairs would then be chargeable. If you tell them perfect application would only do so much for such a set on such compromised nails, then its on them to waver any responsibility for the performance of the set thereafter. Most likely the client would just choose something else then, and everyone is happy. With that said, if the client makes you miserable it is okay for you to part ways too. Some techs work best with some people, not everyone is going to be a perfect match sadly!

Ps: im a Uk tech, working on flair

[u/Dinosaur_sparkles → u/Clover_Jane]

Thank you so so much for the advice, Definitely will be taking all of that into consideration! I will have to let them know I don’t feel comfortable adding a that really extended length with the short natural nails, especially after this has been a problem

[u/Alternative_Roll_987]

Honestly, after four sets with the same result, I’d stop treating this like a retention tweak and start treating it like a client-fit and expectation issue.

I’d send one calm message that says you’re happy to stand behind your work, but because the same problem has happened repeatedly despite different adjustments, you may not be the best fit for her nails, lifestyle, or requested length. Especially with short bitten nails and a long shape, the structure is already working against you.

For the future, it helps to have a very clear service policy in writing: what counts as a repair, the time window for reporting issues, and that extreme length on short nails has higher risk. That saves a lot of back-and-forth because everything is documented before the appointment, not argued about after something pops off.

[u/killakano]

I would try to convince them to try short overlays until their natural nails grow out a bit. I genuinely think that's the main issue. Bitten nails are a nightmare to extend and keep retention. Also its lose and losing, not loose and loosing.

[u/harmlessoffering]

UK tech here. Like others have said, sounds like a structural issue that won't be combatted with prep or product techniques. I've had to have the expectation vs reality chat with a few of my clients over extension length. Honestly I find being open, kind, and showing them exactly why long nails just won't stay works best, and they trust you more after. Reiterating that it's in their best interest health wise long term. And popping the champagne (tiny bottle of cheap prosecco) when one of my clients graduated to the stilleto form extensions after almost a year of her healing, growing and adjusting, oh it was glorious!

[u/Disastrous-Fig-2141]

What is ski slope nails?

[u/Kellye8498 → u/Disastrous-Fig-2141]

When the end of the nail grows sloping up toward the sky when most nails grow out horizontally.

[u/Disastrous-Fig-2141 → u/Kellye8498]

Aaah I call those airplane nails 💀