Nevertheless, this whole situation has brought some deep and effective industry-wide concerns to light, and according to nail technology, we have brought us to real problems. Whether they work in a private studio, rent a booth or hire a salon, nail technicians pay mostly from their pockets for materials including polishes, tools, hygiene and safety items. The cost of these materials has increased significantly in recent years. Even the most basic things like nail files and latex gloves “trimmed the price,” she says. For example, she says she paid an average of $8 for a gallon of acetone five years ago, but now she’s paid $30. Her prices are rising in conjunction with these operating costs. She charged $40 for a gel nail polish in 2019, and now she charges $60.
Carmen Blake, an engineer from Ocala, Florida, points out that for professional nail artists it’s not just the cost of supplies that is rising. “The prices of not only nail products, but also booth and salon rent, licensing, continuing education, booking costs and advertising costs continue to rise,” she says. “The main factor in my prices was that I wanted to make a living after paying the rent for the booth and paying for supplies.”
This is a well-known story to anyone currently working in any industry, and may actually affect the livelihoods of nail technicians, Benino says. “I know a few nail technicians, including myself, who had to get a second job to subsidize their income. They can’t thrive when brands go out of business.”
And that’s the main reason why you currently have professional paint on your nails or are very expensive to attach fake nails to your real nails. Beningo claims that if you also do these operating costs, the prices of professional nail services will drop.
If there is one thing that nail technicians think they have fully agreed is that they want people to understand the impact of using certain products, including germanicure, using appropriate precautions and application techniques. “The main potential issue that could posed by gel products that are more readily available to consumers is framing. I think the DIY kit looks very casual,” says Blake. “I’m worried that this will lead to people treating these potentially harmful chemicals with the same care as applying their nails with air-dry lacquer.”
