Nail Tech Spotlight Clare Greenwood
This month’s Nail Tech Spotlight is on Clare Greenwood @nailedbyclare a detail-focused nail tech with a photography eye and a real love for supporting fellow artists.
Clare found HONA at a time when gel allergies were becoming a big topic in the industry. Newly qualified and wanting to make the safest, most informed choices for her clients, she began researching alternative systems. After trying a few brands, she discovered HONA and instantly connected with the values. “It was so nice to find a brand that truly cared about nail health, making good products and their customers.” The branding may have caught her eye first, but it was the commitment to safer services and quality that made her stay.
Since converting, Clare has noticed a huge shift in her builder gel work. The self-levelling consistency has cut down her refinement time and shortened appointments, while still delivering structure and shine her clients love. It’s that balance of efficiency and finish that’s helped elevate both her sets and her content.
With inspiration saved in carefully curated Instagram folders and a habit of photographing every single set, Clare approaches her business with intention and creativity. Keep reading to hear her advice on switching systems, posting consistently, and the three HONA must-haves she couldn’t live without.
Q & A With Clare
Q: What made you decide to convert to HONA, and what advice would you give to a nail tech thinking about switching systems?
A: It was around the time when gel allergies were being talked about a lot, and I had only recently qualified. I started panicking and researching other brands, after trying a few I discovered HONA and just instantly fell in love with their image and values. It was so nice to find a brand that truly cared about nail health, making good products and their customers, and I also loved the branding of the packaging and bottles, which is something I'm really drawn to! I would say my advice to anyone thinking of switching is to not expect perfect results instantly. It will take time to learn the ways of a new system and to work out which clients' nails work best with which products.
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Q: What’s the biggest difference you’ve noticed in your work since using HONA?
A: The main difference I have found is with the builder gels. I love how easy they are to apply and the consistency is so nice. They self level beautifully which means i don't have to refine at all which I used to have to do with my previous brand. Even the hard gel which is a lot thicker still self levels so lovely. It has saved me so much time and I have managed to cut my appointment times down. Then after top coating my clients absolutely love the shine, which you can really see in my photos too.
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Q: Where do you pull inspiration from when you’re stuck (trends, nature, fashion, Pinterest, clients)?
A: Most of my inspiration comes from other nail techs on Instagram. I think its so important to support each other, so I follow a lot of techs from around the country. I have made lots of folders in my saved section on Instagram, and if i see something I love or would like to recreate one day i will save it and add it to different categories. That way if myself or a client doesn't really know what to have but knows that they want pastel nails, minimal, blue or pink etc, then i have a folder filled with lots of inspo to scroll through and choose something.
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Q: What’s one tip you’d give nail techs who want to post more consistently?
A: Literally take photos and videos of every set that you do, even if you don't end up posting it. Coming from a photography background I wanted to make sure I nailed the photo side of it so that I can help promote myself. I take photos in lots of angles and positions and I then choose the best one to move into a folder on my phone. Then each day when I've got 5 minutes I will go through the folder and choose one that I haven't posted yet. I don't currently have loads of clients so I still manage to post everything I do, but eventually I will get to point where I have to be more selective, though still taking photos of everything will just always give me options so I never run out of content.
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Q: What are your top 3 HONA must haves you’d replace immediately if they vanished tomorrow?
A: My long liner brush - i use it on every set for getting close to the sidewalls with colour, and for getting the perfect builder application.
Spotlight Summary
Clare converted to HONA early in her career after gel allergy concerns led her to search for a safer system. She instantly connected with HONA’s values, branding, and focus on nail health, and says while switching systems takes patience, the results are worth it.
The biggest change in her work has been builder gels. The self levelling formula has reduced refinement time, shortened appointments, and elevated the overall finish of her sets. With a photography background, she also captures every design, ensuring she always has content ready to share.
Her top HONA must haves are the long liner brush, Black Detail Paint for isolated chrome, and TrueFoundation Dainty as her go to base for French and nail art.