Common nail tech interview questions and winning answers. What salons are really asking, red flags to watch for, and questions you should ask.
Ace your nail tech interview with these common questions and expert answers.
## Questions About Experience
### "Tell me about your nail tech experience."
**What they're really asking:** Can you do the work? Are you fast enough? Do you have a specialty?
**Good answer:**
"I've been a licensed nail technician for 3 years. I started at [Salon Name] doing primarily gel manicures and basic pedicures. In the past year, I've specialized in gel extensions and nail art, and I've built a clientele of about 60 regular clients who book 4-6 weeks in advance. I'm also certified in Russian manicure technique."
**Why it works:** Specific numbers, shows growth, mentions specialty.
### "What's your specialty?"
**Good answer:**
"I specialize in natural nail care and gel extensions. I'm really passionate about nail health, so I focus on gentle prep and educating clients on home care. About 70% of my clients come to me for gel-x extensions and detailed nail art."
**Why it works:** Shows passion and niche.
### "How many clients can you do in a day?"
**What they're really asking:** Are you efficient? Will you be productive?
**Good answer:**
"It depends on the services. For gel manicures, I can comfortably do 6-8 per day while maintaining quality. For full sets with nail art, I usually schedule 4-5 per day. I'm very efficient but never rush—client satisfaction is my priority."
**Why it works:** Realistic, quality-focused, shows awareness.
## Questions About Skills
### "What nail services are you most confident in?"
**Good answer:**
"I'm very confident in all gel services—gel polish, gel extensions, and builder gel. I'm also strong in nail art and can create custom designs. I'm comfortable with acrylic but I prefer gel systems. I'm currently working on mastering Russian manicure technique."
**Why it works:** Confident but honest about learning.
### "What services do you need more practice with?"
**Don't say:** "I can do everything perfectly."
**Good answer:**
"I'm comfortable with most services, but I'd love to improve my speed on intricate nail art. I can create beautiful designs but I'm working on efficiency. I'm also interested in learning more about medical-grade pedicures if that's something your salon offers."
**Why it works:** Shows self-awareness and desire to grow.
### "Are you comfortable with [specific technique]?"
**If yes:**
"Yes, I'm certified in that technique and use it regularly with clients."
**If no:**
"I haven't been trained in that specific technique yet, but I'm a fast learner and would love to receive training. I've been researching it and I'm excited to add it to my skill set."
## Questions About Clients
### "How do you handle difficult clients?"
**Good answer:**
"I've found that most 'difficult' situations come from miscommunication. I always start with a thorough consultation, showing pictures and managing expectations. If a client is unhappy, I listen carefully, apologize if needed, and offer solutions. I've had very few issues because I over-communicate upfront."
**Why it works:** Shows maturity and problem-solving.
### "How do you build client loyalty?"
**Good answer:**
"Consistency is key—same quality every time. I also remember details about my clients and follow up after appointments. I send reminders to rebook before they leave, and I stay active on social media so clients see my work regularly. My retention rate is about 85%."
**Why it works:** Specific strategies and metrics.
### "Do you have a client following?"
**If yes:**
"Yes, I have about 60-70 clients who book regularly with me. Many have been with me for 2+ years. If I were to move salons, I'm confident most would follow."
**If new:**
"I'm building my clientele. I currently have about 15-20 regulars, and I'm very active on social media which helps attract new clients. I'm focused on providing amazing service so clients want to return and refer friends."
## Questions About Business
### "What's your availability?"
**Be honest but flexible:**
"I'm available Tuesday through Saturday. I prefer not to work Sundays and Mondays, but I'm flexible for special events or if the salon needs coverage. I can work mornings or evenings."
### "What are your salary expectations?"
**Research first, then:**
"I'm looking for [commission %] or [$XX per hour] plus tips, which is in line with the market for someone with my experience and skills. I'm open to discussing the full compensation package including any benefits."
### "Why did you leave your last salon?"
**Never badmouth previous employer. Good answers:**
- "I'm looking for more growth opportunities."
- "I'm relocating to this area."
- "I'm looking for a salon that aligns better with my professional goals."
- "I'm seeking a more upscale client experience."
## Questions YOU Should Ask
### About Compensation
1. "What's the commission structure?" (40%, 50%, 60%?)
2. "Is there a guaranteed minimum or base pay?"
3. "How are tips handled?" (Keep 100%? Pooled?)
4. "Is there retail commission?"
5. "Are there any fees deducted?" (Product fees, credit card fees?)
6. "When and how often are you paid?"
7. "Is there potential for raises or commission increases?"
### About the Role
1. "What's the typical client demographic?"
2. "What's the average service price?"
3. "How are clients assigned?" (Fair rotation? Requests?)
4. "What's the booking process?" (Online? Call-in? Walk-ins?)
5. "Is there an assistant or front desk support?"
6. "What are the expectations for retail sales?"
### About Culture
1. "What's the team dynamic like?"
2. "How long have current nail techs been here?"
3. "What's the salon's approach to continuing education?"
4. "How does the salon handle client complaints?"
5. "What makes someone successful here?"
### About Schedule
1. "What are the typical working hours?"
2. "How far in advance is the schedule made?"
3. "What's the policy on time off?"
4. "Are there any required salon meetings or events?"
## Red Flags to Watch For
🚩 Owner/manager speaks badly about current or former staff
🚩 Vague answers about pay structure
🚩 No mention of sanitation or health department compliance
🚩 High staff turnover (ask how long current techs have been there)
🚩 Pressure to make a decision immediately
🚩 Unrealistic expectations ("You should do 15 clients per day")
🚩 Required purchase of products or inventory
🚩 Requiring you to bring all supplies
🚩 No written employment contract
🚩 Dirty or disorganized salon
## How to Stand Out
✓ Bring your portfolio (physical or iPad)
✓ Show your Instagram portfolio
✓ Bring your license and certifications
✓ Dress professionally
✓ Arrive 10 minutes early
✓ Bring questions written down
✓ Send thank-you email after interview
✓ Demonstrate enthusiasm
✓ Be confident but not arrogant
KwickStudio Vision: Know your worth. Our platform shows you market-rate compensation so you can negotiate with confidence.
## Questions About Experience
### "Tell me about your nail tech experience."
**What they're really asking:** Can you do the work? Are you fast enough? Do you have a specialty?
**Good answer:**
"I've been a licensed nail technician for 3 years. I started at [Salon Name] doing primarily gel manicures and basic pedicures. In the past year, I've specialized in gel extensions and nail art, and I've built a clientele of about 60 regular clients who book 4-6 weeks in advance. I'm also certified in Russian manicure technique."
**Why it works:** Specific numbers, shows growth, mentions specialty.
### "What's your specialty?"
**Good answer:**
"I specialize in natural nail care and gel extensions. I'm really passionate about nail health, so I focus on gentle prep and educating clients on home care. About 70% of my clients come to me for gel-x extensions and detailed nail art."
**Why it works:** Shows passion and niche.
### "How many clients can you do in a day?"
**What they're really asking:** Are you efficient? Will you be productive?
**Good answer:**
"It depends on the services. For gel manicures, I can comfortably do 6-8 per day while maintaining quality. For full sets with nail art, I usually schedule 4-5 per day. I'm very efficient but never rush—client satisfaction is my priority."
**Why it works:** Realistic, quality-focused, shows awareness.
## Questions About Skills
### "What nail services are you most confident in?"
**Good answer:**
"I'm very confident in all gel services—gel polish, gel extensions, and builder gel. I'm also strong in nail art and can create custom designs. I'm comfortable with acrylic but I prefer gel systems. I'm currently working on mastering Russian manicure technique."
**Why it works:** Confident but honest about learning.
### "What services do you need more practice with?"
**Don't say:** "I can do everything perfectly."
**Good answer:**
"I'm comfortable with most services, but I'd love to improve my speed on intricate nail art. I can create beautiful designs but I'm working on efficiency. I'm also interested in learning more about medical-grade pedicures if that's something your salon offers."
**Why it works:** Shows self-awareness and desire to grow.
### "Are you comfortable with [specific technique]?"
**If yes:**
"Yes, I'm certified in that technique and use it regularly with clients."
**If no:**
"I haven't been trained in that specific technique yet, but I'm a fast learner and would love to receive training. I've been researching it and I'm excited to add it to my skill set."
## Questions About Clients
### "How do you handle difficult clients?"
**Good answer:**
"I've found that most 'difficult' situations come from miscommunication. I always start with a thorough consultation, showing pictures and managing expectations. If a client is unhappy, I listen carefully, apologize if needed, and offer solutions. I've had very few issues because I over-communicate upfront."
**Why it works:** Shows maturity and problem-solving.
### "How do you build client loyalty?"
**Good answer:**
"Consistency is key—same quality every time. I also remember details about my clients and follow up after appointments. I send reminders to rebook before they leave, and I stay active on social media so clients see my work regularly. My retention rate is about 85%."
**Why it works:** Specific strategies and metrics.
### "Do you have a client following?"
**If yes:**
"Yes, I have about 60-70 clients who book regularly with me. Many have been with me for 2+ years. If I were to move salons, I'm confident most would follow."
**If new:**
"I'm building my clientele. I currently have about 15-20 regulars, and I'm very active on social media which helps attract new clients. I'm focused on providing amazing service so clients want to return and refer friends."
## Questions About Business
### "What's your availability?"
**Be honest but flexible:**
"I'm available Tuesday through Saturday. I prefer not to work Sundays and Mondays, but I'm flexible for special events or if the salon needs coverage. I can work mornings or evenings."
### "What are your salary expectations?"
**Research first, then:**
"I'm looking for [commission %] or [$XX per hour] plus tips, which is in line with the market for someone with my experience and skills. I'm open to discussing the full compensation package including any benefits."
### "Why did you leave your last salon?"
**Never badmouth previous employer. Good answers:**
- "I'm looking for more growth opportunities."
- "I'm relocating to this area."
- "I'm looking for a salon that aligns better with my professional goals."
- "I'm seeking a more upscale client experience."
## Questions YOU Should Ask
### About Compensation
1. "What's the commission structure?" (40%, 50%, 60%?)
2. "Is there a guaranteed minimum or base pay?"
3. "How are tips handled?" (Keep 100%? Pooled?)
4. "Is there retail commission?"
5. "Are there any fees deducted?" (Product fees, credit card fees?)
6. "When and how often are you paid?"
7. "Is there potential for raises or commission increases?"
### About the Role
1. "What's the typical client demographic?"
2. "What's the average service price?"
3. "How are clients assigned?" (Fair rotation? Requests?)
4. "What's the booking process?" (Online? Call-in? Walk-ins?)
5. "Is there an assistant or front desk support?"
6. "What are the expectations for retail sales?"
### About Culture
1. "What's the team dynamic like?"
2. "How long have current nail techs been here?"
3. "What's the salon's approach to continuing education?"
4. "How does the salon handle client complaints?"
5. "What makes someone successful here?"
### About Schedule
1. "What are the typical working hours?"
2. "How far in advance is the schedule made?"
3. "What's the policy on time off?"
4. "Are there any required salon meetings or events?"
## Red Flags to Watch For
🚩 Owner/manager speaks badly about current or former staff
🚩 Vague answers about pay structure
🚩 No mention of sanitation or health department compliance
🚩 High staff turnover (ask how long current techs have been there)
🚩 Pressure to make a decision immediately
🚩 Unrealistic expectations ("You should do 15 clients per day")
🚩 Required purchase of products or inventory
🚩 Requiring you to bring all supplies
🚩 No written employment contract
🚩 Dirty or disorganized salon
## How to Stand Out
✓ Bring your portfolio (physical or iPad)
✓ Show your Instagram portfolio
✓ Bring your license and certifications
✓ Dress professionally
✓ Arrive 10 minutes early
✓ Bring questions written down
✓ Send thank-you email after interview
✓ Demonstrate enthusiasm
✓ Be confident but not arrogant
KwickStudio Vision: Know your worth. Our platform shows you market-rate compensation so you can negotiate with confidence.