What should the practitioner do if a client requests a polish change but has a broken natural nail?

In the scenario where a client requests a polish change but has a broken natural nail, the most appropriate action is to leave the broken nail alone, especially if the focus is on maintaining the integrity of the nail and ensuring the client's comfort. Practitioners should assess the extent of the damage first. If the broken area does not pose a risk of further injury or discomfort to the client, keeping the nail as is can prevent further damage.

A polish change can typically be performed without interfering directly with the broken area, provided that it is not in a state that would worsen the client's situation or cause additional pain. This approach respects the natural nail’s structure while still allowing the client to enjoy the cosmetic benefit of polished nails.

In other cases, options such as filing down the nail or applying a tip may not be ideal; aggressive filing could lead to more damage and discomfort, while applying a tip might not address the client's immediate request for a simple polish change. Additionally, removal of the natural nail entirely could lead to unnecessary trauma or discomfort, which is not suitable for a straightforward polish change request.