The world of nail care is constantly evolving, and the line between fact and fiction can sometimes seem as thin as a freshly filed nail. One challenge that professionals and enthusiasts alike constantly face is the amount of misinformation swirling throughout the industry, from fellow nail technicians to tool and product manufacturers. A common concern, poignantly expressed by our readers, captures the essence of this struggle: “I do my research, but there’s just so much misinformation out there, even from other nail technicians and manufacturers. How do I separate fact from myth?”
At NailKnowledge, we are constantly clearing up myths and clarifying doubts through the many questions submitted by our readers, and today we are going to dig into some of the most persistent misconceptions to uncover the truths hidden beneath the shiny veneer of the surface.
Dispelling misconceptions: The Socratic method in nail care
Distinguishing fact from fiction is an age-old problem that has existed since the beginning of civilization. In other words, misinformation has always been a problem. The best solution to this dilemma was discovered about 2500 years ago by a Greek philosopher named Socrates. While Socrates and the people who lived during his time didn’t have to deal with all the bullshit spread on the internet and in the news media, they certainly had to deal with myths and misinformation. So Socrates developed a method to help him get to the facts, and he taught this method to his followers.
His method was so successful that people still use it regularly to this day. The method is used by judges, lawyers, reporters, detectives, and scientists who are looking for facts and clues about facts, but it’s so simple, yet so effective, that anyone can use it.
The Socratic method can be summed up in two words: questions and answers. Yes, so simple, but so powerful. Don’t just accept what you’re told – nail technicians often get fooled. Instead, ask lots of questions, and keep asking until you’re satisfied you fully understand. It’s the type of questions you ask that matters. Here are some examples to try:
Hone in on the truth: The power of open-ended questions in nail care
The best way to get answers is to ask open-ended questions. Let’s start with the easiest one… “why”? If someone says something that you suspect is wrong, ask this question. “Why do you believe this is true?” And listen carefully to their answers for clues as to what they’re really saying.
Or ask “How do you know that?” Another interesting question is: “Where does your information come from?” and “What does this mean?” Or my favorite, “Please help me understand why I should believe this.” or “Why is this information important?” If you don’t understand the explanation, say so. “Please explain it in another way so that I can understand.” or “What does that mean?” These are just a few examples of open-ended questions that can help you research better and gain a deeper understanding of any issue.
Unravelling the Layers: The Power of Persistent Questions in Nail Care
Someone who doesn’t know what they’re talking about will have a hard time answering a question like this. Someone who is trying to deceive you will hate being asked questions. Either way, if someone doesn’t know the facts, asking a question like this will make it clear. And anyone who doesn’t want you to know the facts will be annoyed.
I love it when people ask me questions like this. It’s an opportunity to elaborate and to see that the person asking is interested. It’s an opportunity to provide more information, which I always appreciate. Don’t stop asking “why” and “how” until you get to the root of the issue and feel that you understand the facts. I understand that some people don’t know why they believe something, and some people just believe it and don’t have a clear answer to their question.
Beyond the Surface: The Importance of Asking Questions in Nail Care
Finally, don’t just accept what you hear or read and expect to know the facts just by looking at the headline. Headlines are often written to trick people because the people who write them know that most people won’t have time to read the article or ask questions. Many people are afraid to ask questions, but now you understand the trick used by experts who make a living asking questions.
With practice, you’ll find it’s easy. Take your time asking and answering questions, and you’ll get smarter. Like anything, it takes practice, so keep working at it until you get the answers to your questions.
