5 things to know as a beginner nail tech
By Guest Writer | 09 April 2026 | Business & Education
Nail pro, educator & founder of The Curated Club platform, Laurie Heath, shares lessons learned from nearly 16 years of industry experience…
About The Curated Club
I struggled a lot in the early days of my career, nearly quit a few times and spent years figuring things out the hard way. I started creating digital marketing resources in 2024 to help other techs, but it didn’t feel like enough.
At the same time, I’d found the joy in my business again. I was experimenting more, receiving products from brands and my clients were loving it. It reminded me how fun this industry can be, and that’s where The Curated Club came from: a space that blends business education with creativity and inspiration.
It’s designed to help nail techs, in particular newer pros, grow with confidence, stay motivated and fall back in love with what they do, while giving brands meaningful exposure.
The Curated Club offers a monthly subscription box for nail professionals. Each box includes a carefully selected mix of products from a range of brands, which have been tested in-house. Subscribers also receive monthly education, as well as a content calendar to support online marketing. Additional offerings include a pricing calculator with lifetime access, an education-only subscription and the option to purchase one-off boxes.
Community is a huge part of The Curated Club. Subscribers gain access to a WhatsApp group where they can connect with and support like-minded pros, and receive opportunities to collaborate with academies and educators.
The response so far has been incredible, and there’s more to come, including mentorship opportunities, coaching and nail art workshops. Many nail techs say they feel more motivated, inspired and supported. “The Curated Club is my favourite way to discover new brands. It’s like having a personal shopper for my nail kit,” says one pro.
Nail techs can get involved by visiting www.thecuratedclub.co.uk
5 things I wish I knew as a beginner nail tech
Starting out as a nail tech is exciting, overwhelming and honestly, a rollercoaster. You’re learning, building, second-guessing yourself and probably buying more products than you need.
Looking back, there are things I really wish someone had told me from day one:
1. Boundaries aren’t rude – they’re essential!
Just because you’re new doesn’t mean you have to say ‘yes’ to everything (and everyone). Set your working hours early and stick to them. Late nights, squeezing clients in and answering messages 24/7 are a fast track to burnout. And trust me, burnout is cruel and hard to come out of. Protect your time and energy, or you’ll lose love for what you do.
2. You don’t need a kit the size of a salon.
It’s easy to feel like you need everything straight away, but you don’t. Start with the essentials and build your kit as you grow. Let your clients fund your upgrades, and your profit be reinvested into your business. Even better, factor that growth into your pricing from the beginning. Slow, intentional growth always wins.
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3. Prep is everything.
You can create the most beautiful, intricate nail art but if it doesn’t last, your clients won’t either. Longevity is what keeps people coming back. Master your prep before anything else. A solid foundation will always outshine fancy designs that lift after a few days.
4. Know your numbers from the start.
Pricing can feel awkward when you’re new, but it’s so important to get it right early on. There’s nothing wrong with beginner prices while you build confidence, however be intentional. Understand your costs, time and worth. Start as you mean to go on, because under-pricing is a hard habit to break.
I got told to keep prices low, so I did this and burnt out. I made no profit and nearly walked away from my dream. It takes longer to succeed when you undervalue yourself.
5. Not every client is your client, and that’s OK!
This one took me a while to learn. If the vibe feels off, the appointments are draining or you find yourself dreading certain bookings, they’re probably not your ideal client. The right clients will respect your boundaries, value your work and help you enjoy what you do.
The wrong ones? They’re often the bargain hunters, the difficult ones, the ones who push limits. Knowing your ideal client changes everything: your business, confidence and day-to-day happiness. And remember, your ideal client can evolve as you grow. If you outgrow a client or outprice yourself from one, that’s not failure – that’s growth. Be proud of that.
If I could go back and tell myself anything, it would be this:
‘Build your business in a way that works for you. Not just in the short term, but in the long run. Success isn’t just about being fully booked; it’s about loving what you do when you get there.‘
And one more thing – celebrate it all: the first client, the fully booked week, the price increase you were scared to do, the moment you realise you’ve built something of your own. Those ‘small’ wins are everything.
