How can nail techs prioritise physical wellbeing in the salon?
By Jess Watts | 04 January 2026 | Expert Advice, Feature, Health & Wellbeing, Salon & Spas
Scratch turned to industry experts to curate a selection of products and practical tips to promote physical workplace wellbeing.
“Beauty professionals invest immense emotional and physical energy into their craft. “Long hours, repetitive movements and the constant pressure to show up for others can lead to emotional and physical depletion,” explains Beata Aleksandrowicz, massage, healing and wellbeing expert & founder of Beata Digital Academy.
“Many struggle with boundaries, burnout and balancing their own wellbeing with the demands of their clients. Because they’re so used to giving, they often overlook the signs that their own cup is empty.”
“Your body and mind are the foundation of your artistry. If you’re burnt out, in pain or overwhelmed, the quality of your work – and your enjoyment of it, drops,” says nail artist, influencer & brand owner, Kirsty Meakin.
“Prioritising wellbeing protects the longevity of your career. Looking after yourself means you can keep doing what you love for longer, and with more joy.”
Maintaining physical wellbeing directly influences energy levels, focus and overall performance. By consciously caring for physical health in daily routines and workplace culture, you can create a more sustainable, productive and positive environment.
Vibrant visuals
Peering at tiny canvases all day demands great lighting. Inefficient illumination can lead to eye strain, headaches and unwanted shadows – all of which make it harder to provide top-quality services. Effective lighting not only supports your wellbeing, but can elevate the precision and beauty of your nail work.
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Katie Brown, award-winning nail artist, educator & founder of Katie Brown Training Academy in Hawkhurst, Kent, says: “Lighting affects the quality, safety and speed of a nail professional’s work. Poor lighting can lead to uneven finishes, shoddy product application and over-filing: aspects that impact client retention and service quality.
“When investing in a light for your nail desk, look for daylight-balanced colour temperature (around 5,000-6,500K),” Katie continues. “This range mimics natural daylight and gives the most accurate colour representation.
“Prioritise adjustability such as angles, height and brightness. A flexible arm allows you to easily reposition the light throughout the day, adapting seamlessly to changing natural light conditions. Also, ensure low heat output, which is important for client comfort and prevents premature curing of any gels being used during the service.”
Safety essentials
From product fumes to filings, a nail space can be hazardous, therefore all pros should prioritise protection.
“My salon employees each have a dust extractor on their desks, and a supply of gloves, masks and aprons,” says Angie Salter, nail educator & owner of Belle Ame salon in Suffolk. “The working area is well ventilated, with air purifiers and fume dust extraction units.”
Home-based manicure and pedicure specialist & Scratch Stars Awards 2025 finalist, Amy Menzies comments: “I rely on a professional-grade VODEX dust extractor to capture dust at the source, especially for E-file work and heavy filing.
“I have also invested in a Saeyang Cyclone Vac machine for pedicures. It captures dust within the handpiece, collecting it in a disposable bag.”
Posture & positioning
As a nail technician, you spend a significant portion of the day seated at a desk, performing repetitive hand and wrist movements. Creating a workspace that supports both comfort and efficiency is essential. There are numerous ways to design your environment to reduce strain and make your actions easier on your body.
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“Before a busy day, I like to do gentle neck and shoulder rolls,” says Amy Menzies. She recommends regular wrist and ankle circles, as well as stretching the fingers and squeezing a stress ball. Amy also suggests massaging hands with cream or oil in the evenings, and adds: “It’s about moving often, and not waiting until you’re in pain.”
Grace Evans, junior marketing executive at HONA (Home Of Nail Art), shares her top tips for minimising repetitive strain injuries:
• “Bring the client’s hands closer to you, so you don’t twist or stretch your body over the nail desk.
• “Keep your upper body relaxed and avoid leaning forward.
• “Take short breaks. Stretch your wrists, hands and shoulders between clients.
• “Optimise your workstation. Ensure your chair and desk height support good posture.”
Course spotlight
The Balanced Beauty Pro is an online course that addresses common tension patterns for beauty professionals and aims to bring balance back to the body. It teaches a form of somatic movement, which is practiced consciously with the intention of focusing on the internal experience. It works with the nervous system to reduce tension and pain.
Click here to watch Scratch‘s interview with The Balanced Beauty Pro co-founder, Heather Hughes.
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