If you’re a nail tech in Cape Town, Johannesburg, or anywhere in South Africa, you know that your clients keep coming back because you give them nails that feel strong, smooth, and ready to shine.
Today we’ll share ten quick tips that work every time and can help you see better results for your clients (and for your own hands if you do your own nails too).
1. Hydrate Your Hands
Wet skin is a weak spot for nails.
After washing, rub a light hand lotion into your nails and cuticles.
A cheap lotion can be found for around R20 in most drugstores.
2. Let Nails Breathe
Polish is great, but long‑term wear can weaken nails.
Give every client a break of a week or two between full‑color sets.
If you’re doing a quick touch‑up for a client who needs it fast, use a clear base coat and a thin top coat, not a full polish each time.
3. Apply a Base Coat
A base coat seals the nail and gives the polish a solid grip.
It’s about R30 a bottle and can save time because polish sticks better and lasts longer.
4. Treat Cuticles Gently
Cuticles are your nail’s natural shield.
Push them back with a cuticle stick after a warm shower or a hand bath.
Never cut them with scissors – that invites splits and infections.
5. Buffer, Don’t Polish
If nails look dull, buffer them lightly.
A small buffer can be purchased for R15.
Buffering removes the top layer of the nail’s natural growth, giving it a clean “painted” look without any chemical polish.
6. Brush Off Dust
If you’re at a salon, a tiny nail brush on the register drawer is handy.
Rinse your hands with lukewarm water and run the brush over each nail to lift any leftover polish flakes before you apply fresh coat.
7. Eat Right for Nail Growth
Protein, biotin, and iron help nails grow steady and strong.
A simple daily routine might look at a balanced breakfast with a boiled egg or a slice of bread and a fruit.
If you or a client needs a boost, a vitamin B12 injection or a biotin supplement can cost about R80 each month.
8. Wear Gloves When Doing Household Work
Dishwater and detergents can strip oils from your nails.
Disposable latex gloves cost R20–R40, while reusable nitrile gloves are around R70 for a pair and last a long time.
9. Choose Non‑Harsh Ingredients
Many nail polishes contain acetone or harsh solvents that can break nails.
Look for “nail‑friendly” or “zero‑toxin” brands – they often cost a little more but offer better protection.
A bottle of a safer brand can be bought for about R90–R120.
10. Massage With Oil
A heart‑warming finish: rub a short chain oil or a few drops of coconut oil into the nail beds.
You can use a dropper bottle that comes for R25.
It increases circulation, keeps nails supple, and adds a nice scent.
By putting these ten habits into practice, you’ll help keep nails looking their best every time they’re in front of a mirror.
Your clients will notice the difference, and you’ll gain repeat business while keeping your own looks sharp too.