If you’ve ever spent time in a nail salon, you know the technicians have witnessed it all. They may flash a polite smile, but behind the scenes, they’re battling the whirlwind of chaos some clients bring through the door.
So, we dug deep—scrolling through nail tech forums, binge-watching TikTok rants, scouring confession threads, and even sliding into DMs to get the inside scoop. The results? Raw, hilarious, and oh-so-relatable.
1.Walking in with three-week-old, chipped acrylics and casually asking, “Can you just fill these?” like it’s a quick fix.?”
Nope. These aren’t salvageable. At this stage, it’s less of a manicure and more of a full-blown excavation. Time to rebuild from scratch.
2. Wanting detailed nail art but forgetting to book extra time—your tech isn’t a magician!
When you book a “quick gel polish” but then whip out a picture of intricate 3D butterfly nails with jelly layers and gold leaf accents… your nail tech is silently screaming inside.
3.Walking in with broken, lifting acrylics and expecting a five-minute miracle.
Lifting acrylics mean one thing—bacteria having a free Airbnb under your nails. If your nails are literally trying to break up with you, it’s time for a full removal. No cheating the process, bestie.
4. Bringing in a Pinterest-worthy design but acting shocked when nail art isn’t free.
Chrome, 3D flowers, rhinestones, and marble? Gorgeous choice! Just a heads-up—that’s a little extra (okay, a lot extra) beyond the basic mani price.
5. Arriving fashionably late—or way too early—either way, it throws everything off.
Running late? You’re throwing off the whole schedule. Super early? Now you’re just awkwardly waiting while they scramble to finish another client.
6. Requesting “just a little more filing” over and over until your coffin shape mysteriously turns into a square.
You asked for almond, then switched to oval, then round—now we’re back to square one, literally. Choose a shape and trust your nail tech!
7. Walking in with a full set of acrylics and believing they’ll soak off in just 10 minutes—if only it were that easy!
Removing acrylics isn’t a two-minute popcorn situation. These are tough polymers—science needs time to do its thing.
8. Sneakily texting while your fresh nails are curing under the UV lamp—risky behavior!
Your thumb is only half-cured, your polish is on the move, and your nail tech is questioning their life choices.
9. Telling your nail tech, “I have no idea what I want, just surprise me!”—bold move, bestie
This isn’t a guessing game, and your nail tech isn’t psychic.Have a vision in mind, or don’t be shocked if it’s not what you pictured.
10. Walking out with a perfect set but “forgetting” to tip—yeah, they notice.
If you can drop $60 on your nails but somehow always “forget” to tip… trust me, they see it.
11.Ignoring your nail tech when they say a design won’t work—then acting surprised when it doesn’t.
Some of you will debate a licensed nail tech like you’ve got a degree in acrylics. If they say, “This won’t last,” believe them—they know their craft.
12. Drenching your hands in lotion right before your appointment—great for skin, terrible for nail prep.
Hydrated hands? Amazing. Oily, slippery nails? Not so much. Your polish won’t hold, and your tech will have to clean you up like a toddler after snack time.
13. Rolling in with your entire crew and turning the salon into a full-blown hangout spot
A little conversation is great, but if you’re in full speakerphone drama mode, bestie… remember, this is a salon, not a live taping of a reality show.
14. Walking in with months-old, crumbling acrylics and looking shocked when removal eats up most of your appointment
You knew these nails were barely hanging on. Let’s not be surprised when removal turns into a full rescue mission.
15. Waiting until the top coat is sealed to say, “Oh, can we add one more thing
So, you want chrome, a decal, a new shape, and a gem cluster… after it’s already sealed? Nail techs aren’t working with an undo button, bestie.
Your nail tech is already performing miracles—don’t make it tougher. Book correctly, stay still, and show some love with a tip. Now, be honest… which of these nail salon sins have you committed? 👀
