Nail Technician
What is the work like?
Nail technicians use their creativity and skill to improve the appearance and condition of clients’ nails.
As a nail technician you would first discuss with clients the type of nail treatment they want, and check for any signs of skin or nail disease which could be affected by the treatment.
Your work would typically include:
- basic treatments, such as manicures and pedicures
- preparing the natural nails by cleaning and filing them
- applying false nails or extensions
- decorating the nails with coloured varnish, transfers, gems or glitter
- painting designs onto the nails with an airbrush, either free-hand or using a stencil
- repairing, maintaining and removing false nails and extensions.
You would also advise clients about aftercare, and recommend nail care products.
Health and safety is an extremely important part of the work. You would need to make sure that you use and store chemicals and varnishes correctly. You would also need to use tools carefully and follow strict hygiene procedures to prevent damage or infection to your client's natural nails.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
In most areas of the country there are no minimum qualifications to be a nail technician, although professional salons are likely to expect you to have the following qualifications:
- NVQ Level 2 in Nail Services (for junior nail technicians)
- NVQ Level 3 in Nail Services (for senior/salon nail technicians).
These are awarded by City & Guilds, VTCT and Edexcel.
You can train at colleges and with private training providers. See the Association of Nail Technicians website for advice on choosing courses. Some colleges may expect you to have completed a course in manicure before studying advanced nail techniques.
If you plan to set up your own business, you may need a license from your local environmental health department. Qualifications for licensing vary – some authorities will accept any nationally recognised qualification, while others will insist that you have an NVQ.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk (link opens in new window).
For general information on careers, NVQs and Apprenticeships in the hair and beauty industry, see the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) website.
Note: HABIA do not provide courses and are not able to supply lists of course providers.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a nail technician, you could take further courses and qualifications to develop your skills in nail art and technology.
For example you can complete short City & Guilds vocational qualifications in various aspects of nail technology, such as wraps, acrylics and UV gels.
You can keep up to date with new products and techniques by doing short courses run by manufacturers of nail products. You may find out about courses from the suppliers you work with or from your employer.
You can also find out about new developments and courses by reading trade magazines and newsletters (such as those issued by the Association of Nail Technicians) and attending trade shows and exhibitions.
If you are self-employed, you could take additional qualifications so that you can offer services such as massage, ear piercing or beauty therapy.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 020 7294 2800Eastleigh House
Upper Market Street
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO50 9FD
Tel: 023 8068 4500
Sixth Avenue
Sky Business Park
Robin Hood Airport
Doncaster
DN9 3GG
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Nail technicians may earn from around £10,500 to around £15,000 a year.
- Experienced nail technicians can earn up to £25,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work around 37 hours a week, often including weekends and evenings.You could work alone, or in a salon with other technicians, beauticians, hairdressers or therapists.
Alternatively, you could be self-employed, working from home or visiting clients in their own homes.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- creativity
- patience
- a well organised and methodical approach
- awareness of the need to keep rigidly to health and safety procedures
- up-to-date knowledge of fashion trends
- customer service and 'people' skills.
What opportunities are there?
You could find work in specialist nail salons and nail bars, beauty and hairdressing salons, spas, health clubs and on cruise liners.
Once you have experience as a nail technician you could start your own business. Your options are to open your own salon, rent space in a salon or run a mobile business (which normally involves visiting customers in their homes). Alternatively, you may be able to progress to salon management.
You may find occasional opportunities to work with photographers, fashion designers or TV companies, preparing nails for photo shoots or fashion shows.
You could move into teaching in local or private colleges or with nail product manufacturers, and/or assessing NVQs.
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