How to Find the Best Nail Tech: Your Complete Guide to Nailing It

Finding the perfect nail tech is like discovering a beauty gem. Your nails are an important part of your style, and whether you’re going for a chic minimalist look or something bold and artsy, having the right person working on your nails can make all the difference. But how do you know you’ve found the best nail tech for you? From skill level to creativity, and even personality, here’s your guide to finding a nail tech who will leave your nails looking flawless every time.

Jump to the Section You Like

• Look for Experience and Certifications
• Check Out Nail Tech Portfolio
• Pay Attention to Cleanliness
• Find Someone Who Listens to What You Want
• Nail Art Expertise Matters
• Reviews and Recommendations
• Look for Creativity and Willingness to Innovate
• Make Sure They Use Quality Products
• Find Your Nail Tech on Belliata Marketplace
• Comfort and Vibe Are Important
• Recommendations

Look for Experience and Certifications

The best nail techs have experience under their belt. You want someone who’s been in the industry long enough to have honed their skills but is also up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques. Certifications are also important—they show that your nail tech has undergone proper training and is committed to maintaining high standards in their work. Don’t be shy about asking your nail tech where they trained or how long they’ve been working. A solid background is a great foundation for beautiful nails.

Tip: Look for a nail tech with specific certifications in areas like gel nails, acrylic nails, or nail art. This will give you peace of mind that they know their stuff.

Check Out Nail Tech Portfolio

A nail tech’s portfolio is like their resume, so take a good look at it. Whether it’s on Instagram, Facebook, or a website, their portfolio will give you a clear idea of what they can do. Check out the nail shapes they’ve worked with, their nail art skills, and their ability to create different looks. If you’re into gel nails or acrylics, make sure they have plenty of examples of those styles in their portfolio.

Tip: Look for variety in their work—this shows that they’re versatile and capable of customizing a design just for you.

Do not miss our post on How Much to Tip for a Mani and Pedi.

Pay Attention to Cleanliness

Hygiene is non-negotiable when it comes to nail services. The best nail techs prioritize cleanliness to ensure your nails stay healthy and free from infection. A great nail tech will always sanitize their tools, use fresh supplies, and maintain a clean workspace. When you sit down for your appointment, take a moment to observe whether your tech is following proper hygiene practices, like using disposable nail files or disinfecting reusable tools.

Tip: Ask about their sterilization process, especially if they’re using reusable tools. Autoclaves or UV sanitizers are a great indicator that your tech takes hygiene seriously.

Find A Nail Tech Who Listens to What You Want

A great nail tech doesn’t just do what they think looks good—they listen to your preferences and understand your style. Whether you want something simple or bold, your nail tech should be able to offer suggestions based on what you like while considering nail health and longevity. Look for someone who asks questions about your nail care routine and what type of manicure you’re interested in.

Tip: Communication is key! A great tech will make sure you’re on the same page before they start working on your nails.

Nail Art Expertise Matters

If you love getting creative with your nails, finding a nail tech who’s skilled in nail art is a must. Not all nail techs are experts at intricate designs, so it’s important to find someone who can bring your ideas to life. Whether you’re into minimalist lines, florals, or something totally unique, make sure your nail tech has experience in nail art.

Tip: Look through their portfolio or social media to see examples of their nail art. If they can work with different colors, shapes, and styles, you’re in good hands.

Customer Reviews and Recommendations

One of the easiest ways to find the best nail tech is by checking out reviews. Whether it’s Google reviews, Yelp, or a booking platform like Belliata Marketplace, other clients' experiences can give you valuable insight into a nail tech’s skills, professionalism, and customer service. Recommendations from friends or family are also golden—if they’ve had a great experience, you likely will too.

Tip: Look for recent reviews, and pay attention to how the nail tech or salon responds to feedback. Professionalism and communication matter!

Look for Creativity and Willingness to Innovate

A nail tech who’s always experimenting with new techniques and designs is a great sign! Creativity is essential for nail techs who want to stand out. They should be able to offer suggestions, trends, and unique ideas that match your style. Whether it’s nail art, gel nails, or something special for the season, the best nail techs stay on top of the latest trends and aren’t afraid to try something new.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask your nail tech what’s trending or if they’ve been working with new techniques. It shows they’re passionate about their craft.

Make Sure Your Nail Tech Uses Quality Products

Your nails are an investment, so make sure your nail tech is using high-quality products that will keep them looking great and staying healthy. Whether it’s gel polish, acrylics, or nail strengtheners, ask your tech about the brands they use. The best nail techs will have no problem explaining why they use certain products and how they benefit your nails.

Tip: If you prefer vegan or cruelty-free products, ask if your tech can accommodate. More and more salons are offering non-toxic, eco-friendly options that are gentle on your nails.

Find Your Nail Tech on Belliata Marketplace

One of the easiest ways to find a trusted nail tech is by using the Belliata Marketplace, a beauty and wellness booking directory. Belliata allows you to search for nail techs in your area, read verified reviews, and view their portfolios all in one place. It’s a great way to compare services, pricing, and availability. The platform also lets you book directly online, making the process hassle-free. You can even filter results by services like nail art, gel nails, and acrylics to find the perfect tech for your needs.

Tip: Use Belliata to check out your nail tech’s reviews and portfolio before booking. It’s a reliable way to find the best nail techs near you and make an appointment with confidence.

Comfort and Vibe Are Important

Let’s not forget the importance of how you feel during your appointment. Your nail tech should create a comfortable environment where you can relax and enjoy your experience. Whether it’s their friendly personality, the music they play, or the overall atmosphere of the space, it should be an enjoyable experience. A nail tech who makes you feel at ease is someone you’ll want to keep going back to.

Tip: If the vibe feels right, you’ve probably found a great match! Your nail tech should make the appointment feel as relaxing as it is productive.

Recommendations

When it comes to finding the perfect nail tech, pay attention to their experience, portfolio, and creativity. A great nail tech listens to your needs, offers suggestions, and uses high-quality products. Check out reviews on platforms like Belliata Marketplace and make sure you feel comfortable during your appointment. With the right research and recommendations, you’ll find a nail tech who makes every visit a fabulous one.