#117 Asking for Recommended Nail Designs at a Nail Salon｜French Daily-Life Phrases

When visiting a nail salon, you may not always have a clear idea of what design you want. In such cases, it can be helpful to ask the nail technician for recommended styles.

In French, even if your preferences are not fully defined, there are several polite expressions you can use to ask for advice or inquire about colors, moods, and current trends.

This article introduces useful French phrases for discussing recommended nail designs with a technician, along with tips on how to ask appropriate questions depending on the situation.

Dialogue

A

Bonjour, je viens pour ma séance de manucure. Pourriez-vous me conseiller pour le choix du design ?
（Hello, I have an appointment for a manicure. Could you advise me on choosing a design?）

B

Oui, bien sûr.
（Yes, of course.）

A

Pas vraiment. Pourriez-vous me conseiller un design qui irait bien avec la saison ?
（Not really. Could you recommend a design that would suit the season?）

B

En ce moment, les tons pastel sont très demandés, surtout les dégradés légers.
（Pastel tones are very popular at the moment, especially soft gradients.）

A

Ça me plaît beaucoup. Et est-ce que vous proposez aussi des décorations discrètes ?
（I like that a lot. And do you also offer more understated designs?）

B

Oui, nous avons de petits motifs floraux ou des lignes dorées très élégantes.
（Yes, we have delicate floral patterns and thin gold lines, which are very elegant.）

A

J’aimerais essayer quelque chose d’élégant mais simple.
（I would like to try something elegant but simple.）

B

Très bien, je vous prépare quelques exemples.
（Very well, I will prepare some samples for you.）

1. Greeting and Beginning the Consultation

Upon arriving at the nail salon, it is important to confirm your appointment and mention that you would like to discuss design options.

The structure “Je viens pour ～” means “I have come for ～” and can also be used in places such as hair salons, spas, or massage clinics.

The verb “conseiller” means “to give advice,” and “choix du design” refers to the act of choosing a design. Clearly stating your intention to consult helps the technician propose suitable options.

2. Saying You Haven’t Decided on a Design Yet

If your preferences are not yet decided, you can express this by saying:

This short expression clearly communicates that you do not have a fixed idea yet.

You can follow with a phrase asking for recommendations:

The phrase “irait bien” uses the conditional form “irait” (from aller) to express “would suit” or “would go well with,” indicating a polite suggestion.

3. Asking About Colors and Style Preferences

By asking more specific questions, you can guide the technician toward a design that better matches your taste.

Expressing the atmosphere or style you prefer helps the technician suggest suitable options.

Useful adjectives for describing style:

Common vocabulary for nail designs:

4. Communicating a More Specific Image of the Desired Design

Once you have heard the technician’s suggestions, expressing your preference clearly will help you share an accurate image of the final design.

The phrase “quelque chose d’élégant” gives a clear direction for the style you want. Adding “mais simple” indicates your desire for a balanced, refined look.

Summary