Complete policy template
Copy this template and edit the details in brackets:
Short version (for booking pages)
Section-by-section breakdown
| Section | What it covers | Essential? |
|---|---|---|
| Deposits | Amount, when collected, what happens to it | Yes |
| Cancellations | Notice period, deposit handling | Yes |
| Rescheduling | Same as cancellation or different rules | Yes |
| No-shows | What happens if client doesn't arrive | Yes |
| Late arrivals | Grace period, shortened service policy | Recommended |
| How to cancel | Specific contact method | Recommended |
| Exceptions clause | Genuine emergencies at nail tech's discretion | Optional |
Where to use each version
| Location | Version to use |
|---|---|
| Booking page (before client books) | Short version — visible before commitment |
| Booking confirmation message | Full version — client can read in detail after booking |
| 24-hour reminder | Brief mention only: "As a reminder, late cancellations forfeit the deposit" |
| Instagram highlights / bio | Short version or link to your booking page |
How to customise it
✓ Customisation checklist
- ✓Replace £[X] with your actual deposit amount
- ✓Replace 48 hours with your notice period if different
- ✓Replace 15 minutes with your actual late grace period
- ✓Replace [@your_handle] with your Instagram handle
- ✓Adjust the tone to match your brand voice (warmer or more formal)
- ✓Add any service-specific policies (e.g. different notice for long bookings)
- ✓Review annually — update if your policies change
Generate a customised version automatically: nail tech cancellation policy generator. For individual policy guides: cancellation policy guide | no-show policy examples.
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Start free →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a written booking policy as a nail tech?
Yes — for your protection and your client's clarity. A visible written policy you can point to is much more useful than a verbal understanding if a dispute arises. It also sets professional expectations that make most issues less likely to occur in the first place.
Can I use the same policy for all clients?
Yes — a uniform policy is better than case-by-case decisions. Consistency prevents the perception of favouritism and makes enforcing the policy much easier. You can use discretion in genuine emergencies, but the written policy should apply equally to all clients.
What if a client says they didn't see my policy?
This is why it needs to be on your booking page (visible before booking is completed), in your confirmation message, and mentioned in the reminder. Three touchpoints makes "I didn't know" very hard to sustain. If the policy was visible before they booked, they agreed to it by completing the booking.
