Your session styling questions: answered!

Session stylist and Scratch columnist, Robbie Tomkins, invited you to ask him any questions about the session world. Here, he answers those questions with the help of session techs Michelle Humphrey and Michelle Class.

Kaycie Kyle asks: What career level do you need to be at to start session work?

RT: I started assisting about six months after I began painting nails as a hobby and then got a City & Guilds qualification to obtain insurance to work freelance. I learnt a lot as I went along and pretty much winged it, but you do need to be skilled in mani/pedi to be able to work at speed to make it in the session world. What is most important is to have a can-do, positive attitude and be willing to get stuck in.

MH: I would say its best to be qualified and well experienced in everything nail-related, such as acrylic, gel polish, mani, pedi, nail art, etc. The qualifications are also essential for your insurance.

MC: Be confident in all techniques and skills, as you don’t know what the next job will entail. A celebrity may need acrylic infills or a creative editorial could want a full-on extreme nail with design. You could lose out on a job if you can’t do something. Always keep up-to-date with your CPD as this will keep you ahead of the game and skills.

@beauticlebychristie asks: How do you ensure you avoid back ache with session work?

RT: Invest in a strong bag with good wheels that is easy to pull along. Always take the lift, especially if you live in London and take public transport. It can be really tricky but I always try to sit on a chair to work when I can and ask hair and make-up if they can move the model so we can all work together. I also stretch my back in between models/clients.

MH: I personally find transporting kit the most physically demanding part of my job as my kit is so heavy – this can lead to backache. I have dealt with this issue by separating my kit into sections so I can customise which bags I need to bring to each job. I have a polish kit, gel polish kit, nail art kit, etc. I also drive to most jobs or get cars as public transport is often full of stairs/long walks. A fold-up stool is good for doing toes with so you’re not seated on the floor – which is better for your back, knees and hips – and always ask for a chair when working as sometimes you won’t have one until you ask.

MC: My back has definitely not benefited from lugging heavy cases around over the years. As well as taking every precaution, for example condensing when I can and being able to have somewhere to sit (which is not always that easy), I do get regular adjustments at the chiropractor and do pilates to ensure I have a strong core. Prevention is always better than cure!

Sarah Poulten asks: How do you manage your diary?

RT: I’ve personally found juggling private clients and session work hard. I’ve had close friends head straight to the nearest salon, as I’ve been booked on a shoot last minute on the day they needed their holiday nails done. In terms of juggling my diary, I would say one of the most crucial things you need to work as a session tech is patience and flexibility because you never know where you’re going to work from one day to the next.

MC: Life is a constant juggle between session, regular clients and the kids! But with a great support network it always works out. Yes, still to this day I have private clients and occasionally will take on new ones because they always help during quiet times and keep you fresh with your speed and techniques. Thankfully, they all know that I do session work and I’ve trained them well to be flexible if I need to move them last minute, likewise I’ll always help fit them in as close to their appointment even if it means coming back from a job and doing them in the evening! Respect and mutual understanding is key!