Speaking as someone who has waited tables and bartended with and without acrylic nails, it doesn't make two shits difference whether your nails are natural or fake. The important thing is that they look nice. long nails just get in the way. I would usually just put a coat of clear/slightly shimmery polish on and go with it. Don't let em look all nasty and chewed on or anything and you're fine. tips REALLY get in the way bartending.. dropping bottles and glasses like whoa cause you can't use your whole fingertip for grip, and when grabbing frozen glasses and then flipping/spinning them, you want all the grip you can get!

On the flip side of that, if having her nails done makes her feel better about her appearance and upkeep, which I can understand, then she will pass that good nature on to her tables and will be more pleasant, which can mean bigger tips. No one likes a sourpuss waitress. I tend to notice a servers' hands, but only because I was in the same business. If my server has nasty looking hands/fingers/nails, I will not hesitate to ask for another server... If you're in the back chompin on your nails, I sure as hell don't want your paws all over my plates/glasses... k thanks!