So, you want to be a barista? Great! There are a few things you should know before you start your job search.
One of those things is whether or not having acrylic nails is an option.
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of having acrylic nails as a barista.
As a barista, having acrylic nails has the benefit of improving the appearance of your hands.
Furthermore, they might aid in preventing the chipping and cracking of your nails.
As a barista, having acrylic nails has the downside that they might be challenging to deal with.
Moreover, they could make it difficult to hold the milk jug or coffee cup.
Can a barista actually have acrylic nails?
It varies. While working as a barista, some cafe’s allow you the option to have acrylic nails, while other cafe’s have rules that state you aren’t allowed to have them.
Safety Measures to Take When Working as a Barista With Acrylic Nails
As long as you take a few necessary precautions, you can definitely wear acrylic nails as a barista.
For starters, your nails should be neatly filed and free of any sharp edges that could potentially cause harm.
It’s also important to keep in mind that all forms of fake nails are not allowed for Starbucks employees.
This includes acrylic nails, gel nails, and press-on nails.
If you’re currently wearing any of these, I recommend removing them before coming in for your interview.
Finally, artificial nails must be worn with clean and good condition gloves when handling food.
This is for the safety of both you and our customers.
What to Know Before Getting Acrylic Nails as a Barista
If you’re considering getting acrylic nails as a barista, there are a few things you need to know first.
The biggest advantage of having acrylic nails as a barista is that they look great and can boost your confidence.
They’re also an excellent way to show your customers that you take your job seriously.
However, there are some disadvantages to having acrylic nails as a barista.
For starters, they can make it difficult to do certain tasks, like pouring coffee or scooping ice cream.
They can also make it more difficult to type on a keyboard or use a cash register.
Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not getting acrylic nails is the right decision for you.
But be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Having Acrylic Nails in the Coffee Industry
There are pros and cons to having acrylic nails as a barista.
On the one hand, they look neat and tidy and give your hands a professional appearance.
They’re also durable and can last up to four weeks without chipping or peeling.
This is something that your customers will appreciate, as they’ll be more likely to trust your skills as a barista if you have immaculately groomed nails.
Acrylic nails are also great for gripping steaming hot cups of coffee, which means you’re less likely to drop them.
On the downside, having acrylic nails can be a little cumbersome when it comes to coffee preparation.
You may find that you can’t do some of the more delicate tasks, like frothing milk or making latte art.
And if you do need to remove an espresso shot, you run the risk of your acrylic nails popping off.
Personal Strategies to Make Working With Acrylic Nails Easier
If you have your heart set on having acrylic nails as a barista, then it’s possible to find ways to make it work.
Here are some strategies that you can use to make working with them easier.
- Invest in soft cushioning grips for the portafilter handle. This will ensure that you get a better grip and reduce the likelihood of dropping cups or espresso shots, as well as decreasing strain on your arms and wrists.
- Wear gloves underneath your acrylic nails for extra protection. This will help protect your hands from hot water, steam, and any other potential irritants.
- Keep your nails neat and short. This will help you have more control over the tools that you’re using and make it easier to move them around. It will also reduce the chances of accidentally hitting customers or other objects around your workspace.
Additional Tips and Advice for Working With Acrylic Nails as a Barista
If you decide to go ahead with acrylic nails as a barista, there are a few other things you should consider.
Firstly, it’s important to ensure that your nails are properly fitted and don’t impair your ability to move around easily.
If they’re too long or sharp, they could cause issues when you’re handling hot drinks and food items.
Also, make sure that your nails aren’t chipped or damaged.
Even if it’s the tiniest chip, it could be a potential hazard that should be avoided.
Finally, it’s also worth investing in some protective gloves and oil-proof gloves so that you can keep them looking nice and smooth without having to worry about oils or other liquids getting stuck beneath them.
Conclusion
So, overall, having acrylic nails as a barista has both advantages and disadvantages.
If you’re comfortable with the possible disadvantages and can manage them, then having acrylic nails can give you a professional look and make your work easier.
If you’re not comfortable with the disadvantages or can’t manage them, then it might be better to forgo acrylic nails.
Whichever route you choose, make sure you take care of your nails and keep them healthy so that you can continue to do your best work.
FAQs
Can a barista have acrylic nails?
Yes, a barista can wear acrylic nails as long as they are not distracting or endangering their work.
Do baristas need to wear gloves?
Yes, wearing any kind of artificial nail must be accompanied by gloves in order to work safely.
How much does it cost for acrylic nails for a barista?
It depends, but typically it can cost over $50 for an acrylic nail service.
