The Nail Steps You Have to Master as a Nail Tech
- Maya
- Oct 6
- 4 min read
The Nail Steps You Have to Master as a Nail Tech
When you’re doing nails, there’s no room for error.
Miss one step, and nails can lift, break, look bumpy - and worst of all, your client won’t come back.
The pressure? It’s real.
But when you break it down step by step, you’ll see exactly what needs mastering.
1. Nail Prep
This is the foundation of everything. Perfect prep = perfect adhesion + a flawless cuticle area.
If you rush or skip prep, no product will last.
That said, nail prep should not take you an hour! For basic prep, 10–15 minutes is plenty. If you’re performing a full Russian manicure, this can take slightly longer - but the key is to be precise, not to drag it out.
2. Base Coat (not for acrylic nails)
The base coat isn’t “just another layer.” It makes or breaks retention.
Choosing the right base for each client’s nails can prevent lifting. If your clients keep experiencing lifting, check your base coat choice (and your technique).
3. Choosing the Right Product
Not every client needs the same thing. This is where your client forms come in.
Office worker? BIAB overlays can be enough.
Weekend gardener? Hard gel or acrylic might serve better.
Someone tough on their hands? Acrylics will hold up.
These are general recommendations, but don’t forget: you also need to consider the health and needs of the natural nail.
Read more about what product choose for your clients here ⬇️
4. Application
Instagram perfection isn’t the standard. Product can always be filed into shape.
That said, mastering smooth application will save you time on filing and give you cleaner results right away. Perfect application takes time to master, this nail takes less then a minute to file for example. I still like to file even tho application is nearly perfect.
5. Shaping
Shaping isn’t just about looks - it’s about structure (apex, stress point, convex/concave)
A well-structured nail lasts weeks.
A badly structured one might break in days.
Clients notice when nails look balanced, smooth, and flattering to their hands.
My clients are getting most compliments when their nails are due to be done again, why? Because the nails I did are smooth and perfectly shaped. Others and your clients can see the imperfections when nails grow out!
6. Gel Polish Application
It might look like the “easy” part, but polish is the finishing touch.
Painting neatly, close to the cuticle, not only looks better but also gives your client that extra week before regrowth shows.
Here we can see a new nail tech struggling with prep. The main issue is the proximal fold wasn't lifted properly, which makes it impossible to trim the cuticle properly. the skin is still sitting on the natural nail, and instead of using scissors, she used nippers. they need little bit more of a skill to trim lifted cuticle properly.
Proper nail prep is everything - without it, the application won't last or look good. You can also see the polish wasn't applied close enough to the cuticle, which makes this brand-new set look like it already has two weeks of growth.
Want to learn how to prep nails the right way and paint perfectly close to the cuticle. Grab my free downloadable eBooks by subscribing to my newsletter - the link gets sent to you automatically!
Why These Steps Matter
Every single stage is crucial. Skip one or do it half-heartedly, and you’ll face:
Longer appointment times
Lifting or breaking
Unhappy clients who don’t come back
Master the steps → save time, build trust, and keep your clients coming back with nails they love.
Let’s Talk About Education
Here’s the truth: in many basic courses, these steps are not explained properly. And if you are self-taught, it is even harder, you end up learning trough trial and error far more than someone who takes a proper course.
They’ll say “apply base coat” - but not which base coat, why it matters, or how to apply it. Without that knowledge, you will fail. And that’s not your fault. The information simply wasn’t good enough.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: education is everything.
It’s disheartening to see talented techs leave the industry too soon, thinking they “can’t do nails,” when really, they were never given the right foundation in the first place.
Anyone can do nails - but it has to be properly explained.
So if you’ve ever finished a course with more questions than answers, the problem wasn’t you. The course wasn’t good enough. Find someone who can explain things clearly, someone who’s been in your shoes - not someone who’s been in the industry for 30 years with the same nail quality they had on day one.
Because with the right guidance, you can master these steps. And when you do, nails stop being stressful - and start being fun.
That’s exactly why I created my manuals. My favourite one is Nailing It - Real Life Skills
It’s packed with real-life skills, case studies, and pictures that explain the why and how behind every step - so you’re never left with more questions than answers.
If you’re ready to finally feel confident in your work, this manual is for you.
