To be successful in the workplace, one must take control of their tasks for quality and efficiency. Doing a task well in the shortest time possible is especially important in the beauty industry—the more services we can do in a given time, the more money we make. But that means they also all must be done in the highest quality of care possible to justify a fair price.
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To be successful in the workplace, one must take control of their tasks for quality and efficiency. Doing a task well in the shortest time possible is especially important in the beauty industry—the more services we can do in a given time, the more money we make. But that means they also all must be done in the highest quality of care possible to justify a fair price.
The Mathematics of Time
Time and money correlation is easily demonstrated. For example, one technician takes an hour and a half to perform a pedicure (or fill, etc.), and another takes one hour. Both work 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and charge $50 per service. Lunch is a ghost for these two techs—eating when they can. Sound familiar? The first service technician can take six clients in these nine hours, while the second tech can take eight in the same amount of time. In addition, she has time to eat, take a break or squeeze in an extra client. The first technician brings in $300, while the second technician brings in more than $400. The difference? Time of service.
The Problem May Not Be Speed
The difference between the two technicians is not their speed; it is conquering the nuances of performing services. These are the usual time-eaters in performing services.
- Looking up to communicate while performing a service. Americans are taught it is polite to look the person you are talking to in the eye. In services, if a technician talks a lot, a half-hour is eaten up fast. This is a habit easily broken, and your service time is lowered quickly if someone is willing to help you with “time stress sessions.” During the service, a co-worker or boss sits somewhere near but not where the client can see her. Then when the skill part of the service starts, the friend taps the table two or three times when the technician looks up. You, the technician, will be tuned into the sound and know you must look back down at the hands or feet you are working on. The client will not usually hear it—unless you consciously look at the tapping person (a no-no.)
- Applying too much product, especially when building enhancements, often leads to a time-consuming finish. Another example is applying too much lotion or oil because massaging it in takes more time. Let us also mention the wasted products.
- Setting up after the client gets into the chair. Ever wonder why you need to arrive at the start of your shift at least 15 minutes early? To get your implements and products ready for the day and into a fast and easy-to-set-up range. If everything is ready, all you need to do is clean your station or pedicure area and re-set up in a flash, then you can get into the next service mode with ease. No hunting for things, no borrowing things, no “Are we out of ….” You can be ready with no hassles. The stress of this process is an energy zapper also.
- Gossiping is a time killer in a service. Admit it; your mind is not where it should be when gossiping during a service. If this is what your table or pedicure chair is known for during services, you are wasting time and being unprofessional. It is a difficult habit to break…The clients are accustomed to it as you have made it an appointment norm. Not to mention, it is costing you (and the business as a whole) real money.
Techs have truly arrived when they become so fast and efficient, that they can take a break between clients—and even enjoy a meal.
About the Author
Janet McCormick has been a nail technician for 40 years, author, co-founder of Nailcare Academy and a Nailpro 2022 advisory board member. She is a CIDESCO Diplomat, holds a master’s degree in allied health management, has written over 400 articles on nail and skin care topics since 1978 and is co-author of the Nailcare Academy Programs.
This article was originally published in the June 2022 issue of Nailpro magazine.
