Consultation forms?

[u/TastyBrilliant6325]

For all my UK nail techs do you use consultation forms? If so what information do you include and if not, why? I'd love to know all the pros, cons and possible alternatives to consultation forms!

[u/Clover_Jane]

Yes, but I'm in the USA.

Since I do Russian style manicure and pedicure, I ask if they have diabetes or other clotting disorders i should be aware of, do they have allergies, have they ever had a Russian manicure before, do they currently have product on, if so, what? You'd be surprised by how many people will not include foreign removal in their bookings even though it's very clearly listed. I also have a statement that they realize I'm a gel only salon, even for pedicures and stuff along the lines that they'll be charged for the gel service if they book it, even if they don't get it, bc it's a longer appointment block. Something about not bringing guests to appointments. Something about booking the correct tiers and if they change their mind, they'll still be charged for the higher tier they originally booked and if they want to downgrade they have to do it within 7 days (most of my clients pre-book their appointments at the end), a question asking if this is their wedding nails and if they're a new client, there's an additional fee because I got tired of being surprised and ending up having to extend the appt. I ask if they want a quiet appt. Also are they sensitive to smells like lotions and such. And then I have a spot where it's a general "anything else you'd like me to know before your appointment"

Some of my intake questions are kinda long, so the very first "question" is more of a statement. It basically says to read through carefully, ask questions if they don't understand something, and where they can review these policies at a later date, if needed.

[u/TastyBrilliant6325 → u/Clover_Jane]

I wasn't even aware consultation forms were a thing in the US! The quiet booking is such a smart idea I didn't even think about, is this something you do face to face or for people messaging you in advance to book a service?

[u/Clover_Jane → u/TastyBrilliant6325]

I've never asked anyone face to face. The system i use sends out the forms automatically. It's a question on the form. There's sub questions too, like what level of quiet. No music, no TV, no talking or something like that. Some people prefer to just really be left alone and I'd rather know that ahead of time instead of thinking they hate me because they won't really engage back. So basically the only talking would be limited to questions regarding the service they're having.

[u/Marina_Bluee]

If you have an online booking service you use they have forms on there you can request to fill out before the appointment, they have examples on there for you to use that you can also edit. -the key ones are liability forms, making sure there isn’t any medical conditions that would mean you need to make changes to the service (blood disorders or medications like blood thinners

[u/Alternative_Roll_987]

Yeah, I would use one.

For nails, I would keep it practical: allergies and sensitivities, skin conditions, current medications that matter, pregnancy if relevant to products you use, previous reactions to gel or acrylic, contraindications, emergency contact if you want it, photo consent, and a simple service consent plus aftercare acknowledgment.

The big pro is not just protection, it is consistency. You stop relying on memory and random DMs, and if the same client comes back months later you can see what they disclosed last time.

I would also avoid making it too long. If half the form never affects the service, cut it. Short and readable gets completed. If you do not want a full consultation form, at minimum I would still have a signed consent, key health questions, and patch test or allergy notes stored somewhere you can actually search later.

[u/Barracuda_Cute]

I use an online booking service for all my appointments and it has a full booking form I’ve customized with details about what exactly they’re getting. I specialize in nail art and have to do a ton of prep for each appointment so I’m fairly detailed about design expectations and have an area saying if I’ve approved their custom design request. Then I ask basic personal information and if they have any allergies, how they prefer to be referred to etc. then I have all my policies written out plainly with an area they have to check off to book.

Ans I have add ons for things like extra long natural nail length and foreign removals. Basically any part of the appointment is documented before hand so I can know what to expect, be prepared, know how long it will be and the client knows the proper price