Nails & cancer: a guide for nail techs
By Scratch Staff | 04 February 2026 | Expert Advice, Feature, Health
While everyone can appreciate the benefits of a pamper, indulging those fighting cancer can be a truly rewarding experience.
Here, experts answer nail professionals’ questions about caring for clients with cancer…
What insurance requirements are there?
“We offer one of the widest insurance covers available, and work tirelessly with insurers to remove any nasty small print,” explains a spokesperson from specialist beauty insurance provider, ABT. “Within the ABT package, there are no conditions in the insurance policy wording limiting who someone can or cannot treat. The policy is valid regardless of if a client does or does not have cancer.
“As with all treatments, it is advisable to check your policy wording, follow your training and if in doubt – seek advice from your insurance provider. ABT is here to assist and guide, and has the time, experience and contacts to aid clients if in doubt.”
What medical consent is needed before a nail treatment?
“With ABT there is no limitation for cancer sufferers, and medical consent is not required unless there are specific factors highlighted in the consultation, or contraindications that have come to light,” the ABT spokesperson continues. “A nail professional’s training is the benchmark for these matters.
“It is always wise to request clients with cancer seek advice from their GPs before having a treatment. If in doubt, get a medical referral and trust your instincts.”
How likely is a client to feel pain or discomfort during a service?
“It is possible for a client to experience pain or discomfort,” says Jennifer Young, skincare expert & founder of Jennifer Young Training School, which specialises in oncology therapy and wellbeing for cancer patients. “However, pain is more likely to be caused by the condition than the therapy.
“Professionals should check in with the client during their treatment, and reposition them if needed. Before the service, the client should be encouraged to share if they need anything.”
What might I see in the consultation stage?
“Treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy can affect nails, so techs needs to be aware that they may see changes,” explains Jennie Nippard, Glitterbels deputy head of education & Look Good Feel Better supporter. “These could present as discolouration, blemishes, nail separation and dryness. Also, the skin can become dry, itchy, sensitive or swollen. Be sure to avoid any harsh or abrasive products that may cause reactions.”
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Will I need specialist products or equipment?
“You do not require specialist products,” shares Jennifer Young. “But, some clients affected by cancer may prefer natural, specialist products. All will be reassured by their use, as this demonstrates an understanding of some of the issues facing many patients.”
How can I avoid any upset or awkwardness?
“Technicians should behave as they would with any other client,” Jennifer comments. “I usually recommend that therapists are led by the client. If they want a ‘cancer conversation’, the client will start it – the professional should not. Nail technicians listen, rather than offer advice.”
What should I charge?
“You shouldn’t make clients with cancer feel conscious that their treatments are different to other clients,” explains Jennie Nippard. “Unless a service is being adapted and reduced, it’s important to keep the treatment price the same to ensure the client feels comfortable.”
What will affect me, as the technician?
“A few of the drugs used in cancer treatment can cause harm to beauty therapists, as they are excreted through the skin at a specific interval after a chemotherapy session,” warns Jennifer Young. “The risk of harm to a professional is tiny, but most like to have detailed information so that they can make their own decision about the timing of treatments.”
Is there any training I can take part in?
TGB Academy runs free course, Nail Care During & After Chemotherapy, to provide techs with the ‘anatomy knowledge, technical skills, hygiene standards and client care strategies [they] need to safely work with clients during and after chemotherapy’. The one-hour training empowers pros to compassionately support clients, with an understanding of the impact of chemotherapy on nails, plus safe and suitable nailcare techniques and aftercare.
*Originally published 2019
