How to check a tech's work and hygiene before booking

Booking a nail tech is a gamble if you're working blind. You might end up with infected nails, chipped work that won't last, or a salon where cross-contamination is routine. The trade-off is real: getting a bargain appointment could cost you more in damage and corrections later. Thorough vetting up front — checking qualifications, seeing real examples of their work, and asking the right questions about their hygiene protocols — is the only way to stack the odds in your favour.

Search their credentials and registration

Start with what's verifiable. Ask the tech whether they hold a qualification in nail care or beauty therapy, and request proof — a diploma or certificate. In South Africa, check whether they're registered with the relevant professional body if one exists; ask for the registration number and verify it independently online. A tech who's reluctant to provide this information is a red flag, even if their work looks polished on Instagram.

Also ask whether they've completed any training in sanitisation and infection control. This matters as much as application skill, and it's a question many techs won't have anticipated — which is telling. If they answer vaguely or seem defensive, move on.

Request portfolio proof and ask specific questions

Ask to see before-and-after photos of their own work — not just finished nails, but close-ups of the application line, the sidewalls, and the tip. Look for neatness, consistency, and whether the work extends all the way to the edge without leaving gaps. Ask whether the photos are recent and from real clients, not stock images. Many techs will have a WhatsApp album or Instagram; don't book based on a handful of shots that could be heavily filtered or cherry-picked.

Then ask the harder questions. How long do their gel sets typically last before chipping? What's their removal process? Do they use a drill or soak-off method? Have any clients come back with nail damage, and if so, how do they handle it? A confident tech will answer these directly. Evasion or defensiveness suggests they're hiding something.

Call their references and ask about hygiene

Request contact details for two or three recent clients. Yes, they'll probably give you their best customers, but that's fine — you're listening for consistency and cleanliness. Call or message them. Ask: Did the tech use fresh tools for you, or did they come from a steriliser? Did they sanitise their hands between clients? Was the salon clean? Did the work last as promised? Were you comfortable with how they handled your natural nails?

Don't ask generic questions like "Were you happy?" Instead ask about specific moments: Did they file your nails before application? Did they ask about any allergies or sensitivities? Did they explain what they were doing? References are most useful when you're listening for what they remember — and what made them feel safe or unsafe.

Inspect the salon space and tools before you sit down

On your first visit, arrive a few minutes early and observe the salon. Are surfaces wiped between clients? Are single-use items like file bits and nail tips opened fresh from new packets in front of you? Are tools stored in a clean, covered steriliser or container? Is there a hand-washing station, and does the tech use it? Watch how they set up for you. These aren't abstract hygiene concerns — they're the difference between healthy nails and fungal or bacterial infections that can take months to clear.

Ask why they use the tools and products they do. A tech who can name their sanitiser, explain their sterilisation process, and talk about the products on their nails is one who's thought about safety, not just aesthetics.

Finding a trustworthy nail tech takes time, but the verification steps — credentials, portfolio specifics, client references, and in-person observation — are non-negotiable. When you're ready to book, use Strove to compare verified techs in your area, read detailed reviews from real clients, and message questions before committing. The tech who passes all your checks is the one worth returning to.