How to become A Nail Technician

Nail Technicians use their artistic flair and creative genius to bring to life the inherent beauty in their client’s hands and feet - to create a work of art that surpasses the expectations of the clients in the best possible manner.

• Manicurist
• Pedicurist
• Beauty Specialist
• Nail Artist
• Certified Nail Technician
• Artificial Nail Technician

What do Nail Technicians do? 

A Nail Technician would typically need to:

• Groom and enhance the appearance of a client’s fingernails and toenails as per the client’s expectations
• Greet the client and get to know their needs; evaluate the condition of the client’s fingernails and toenails
• Discuss various nail treatments and services available; ensure the service begins and ends within a given time frame
• Assess any contraindications before starting the service; follow valid safety guidelines 
• Remove nail polish, if any; clean, file and groom fingernail and toenails
• Trim and remove cuticles; reduce calluses and rough skin
• Exfoliate the hands and feet; moisturise and massage them lightly to improve circulation and relaxation
• Polish or buff the nails; perform a French manicure or apply a decorative airbrush design, if the client desires one
• Add on acrylic nails, gel coverings or a silk strengthener; add small jewellery or decals, if the client wants them
• Offer after-treatment recommendations and advice; promote and sell nail and skincare products as well as other services of the spa or sister spas
• Clean and disinfect work stations and tools regularly; maintain inventory of required products; inform the supervisor of any lack
• Safeguard customer experience, build a productive relationship and maintain notes of treatments to retain clients
• Maintain a weekly client schedule; report any changes in the plan to the manager or supervisor
• Stay abreast of the latest trends and services in nail care and massages
• Attend scheduled meetings and report any untoward incidents or accidents to a member of the management team

Most Nail Technicians have designated workstations in the salon or spa that employs them. Quiet music is often played to enhance the client’s spa experience in a calm and stress-free environment. Nail Technicians often work as part of a team comprising the other employees, all of whom come together to offer quality personal care services.

Freelancing and self-employed Nail Technicians may choose to work out of their home, go directly to the client or offer their services to spas on a rolling basis.

The work schedule of Nail Technicians is usually dependent on the clients who may request the service in the evening or during the weekend. A full-time shift may last around eight hours from early or mid-morning until late evening. Part-time work is a viable option.

Some establishments may keep the business open for less time over the weekends and close one or two days a week. Self-employed/freelance Nail Technicians can have a Flexi-schedule, so would be the case with speciality facilities, as well.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Nail Technicians can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media and inquiring at staffing agencies. Self-employment and freelancing are possible options.

Nail Technicians are generally employed by:

• Spas
• Nail & Hair Salons
• Nail Tech Institutions
• Airports 
• Cruise Ships
• Physicians’ Offices

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Nail Technicians Association (INTA), are crucial for Nail Technicians interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Being open to criticism from clients while remaining professionally secure
• Disruption in supply of available products by distributors
• Exposure to harmful chemicals if not protected by gloves and masks

Any training program that potential Nail Technicians take up ideally requires the students to practice their skills on each other or the general public under the supervision of a qualified professional.

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

However, some locations will allow students to take on three- to nine-month-long internships in place of a traditional cosmetology program. Take note that the internship may include more training hours, in addition to regular classes, where you will get to practice your skills on real-life clients under the supervision of an instructor.

For additional practice in technical and customer relationship skills, perform your professional magic on friends and family members.

Read about the profession and interview/shadow experts working in cosmetology to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. Volunteer at a salon to observe and gain deeper insight into the profession before you decide in its favour.

Although some Nail Technicians manage to get an entry-level job without one, an accredited certificate in cosmetology will help you gain adequate experience and lucrative employment. 

Make sure the typically four- to eight-month-long program covers practical and academic training in nail anatomy & technology, nail art, nail care, artificial nails, chemistry, customer service and hygiene.

Furthermore, you will be trained to offer hand and foot massages as well as manicures and pedicures. Legitimate business practices and light book-keeping may also form part of the curriculum.

Accredited certification may give you a better chance of obtaining employment in salons and high-end spas of your choice, which look for candidates with the requisite education and hands-on experience required to wow their clients.

Aspiring Nail Technicians require a license to practice their profession. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience. Check-in with local or national licensing organisations for exact details.

Nail Technicians who demonstrate exemplary professional knowledge and customer care skills will develop a loyal clientele that will increase tips and, most probably, a higher salary.

With several years of experience, you could take over salon management or open your own nail care business. Your work may be sought after by photographers, fashion designers or TV companies - you will prepare nails for photoshoots or fashion shows. Those with a passion for passing on their skills could become Cosmetologists or Estheticians.

Candidates with several hours of training and experience in the nail tech industry should have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Nail Technician build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. CPD is mandatory for the regular renewal of desirable certifications and licenses.

Short courses can help you discover or develop novel ideas and inspirations, courtesy of the trainer and other course participants. You might also learn about a better tool or method.

Undertake business management courses if you wish to open your own business; look into additional training in the personal appearance industry from a trade school or community college if you want to become a cosmetologist or esthetician.

A Work Of Art

In case you thought painting nails could get boring, Nail Technicians use various methods and techniques when painting nails.

Acrylic is a liquid and powder mixture used to coat the nails and attach artificial nails or tips. Acrylics can be filled or removed by soaking them in nail polish remover as the natural nails grow out.

Gel is applied to the nails or nail tips with a brush and then dried under UV light. It may be filled or removed using nail polish remover, much like acrylics.

The nail is dipped in a powder after a base coat has been applied. Dip powder dries quickly and may be removed using nail paint remover. The procedure is repeated, and then a sealant is applied.

Nail Technicians use silk wraps to help a cracked nail grow out properly. They are wrapped around the nail and bonded in place, to be removed or reapplied as required.

Warm paraffin wax is applied to the client's hands or feet to deliver a soothing and moisturising experience. It is frequently followed by a regular manicure or pedicure and a light massage of the targeted areas.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Nail Technicians have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Nail Technician has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Before heading into war, ancient Egyptian and later Roman military commanders painted their nails to match their lips.

There is nothing simple about a Nail Technician’s role in the life of their clients - the ones that have a loyal clientele offer much more than the grooming of hands and feet. They may wear the hat of a friend, therapist or a one-person support system during their workday. 

Customer service begins long before your customer walks through the door. It all begins with creating the ideal environment, one in which people will feel at ease, welcomed, safe, and respected.