Discover the professional requirements of a nail technician. Get information on education, licensing, employment growth, and wages to determine if this is the right fit for you. Schools offering nail technology degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
What is nail technician?
Nail technicians work with clients for nail polish, polishing, and epidermis care. Moreover, they only work on hands and feet, providing some special care for nails. They must be comfortable and alert using a number of sharp tools, including but not limited to cutters, files, and specialized cutting tools. Keeping clean tools and cleaning is important. Many have their own property. Please refer to the following table for more information.
What does nail technician do?
As a nail technician or nail technician, you will prune and polish clients’ nails, repair broken nails, and open the nail. In addition, you will assess the skin condition of the patient’s hands, take care of the epidermis, and shape the nail. Some skilled technicians even create designs or small images on the client’s nails. To become a nail technician, you must complete a training program and get a permit from the state you want to work for.
- Step 1: Complete the Nail Technician Training Program
– To become a nail technician, you need to have a high school diploma or GED, at least 16 or 17 years old, complete nail technology or nail program and pass the licensing exam. You can complete a three month course in nail technology or you may choose to pursue a master’s degree in aesthetics, which may take one to two years to complete.
– Programs are offered through many community colleges, vocational schools, and private schools about beauty or aesthetics. You will learn technical skills, including manicuring, pedicuring, applying artificial nails, anatomy of the hands and feet, and treatment of nails and skin disorders. It is important to learn about safety and hygiene, in addition to having a basic knowledge of nail products. - Step 2: Get the license
Most degree programs or degrees prepare you to take the state licensing exam. Licensing requirements usually include completing an approved training program and passing the licensing exam. The practice exams are administered so that you can demonstrate your knowledge. Some states offer reciprocity and will accept permits from other states, but you will need to check with the state. - Step 3: Find a job as a nail technician
Nail technicians are hired at nail salons, beauty salons, spas and resorts, with California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania having the highest employment levels by 2015. And spas increased, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noted that the employment of nail technicians is expected to increase by 10% between 2014 and 2024 (www.bls.gov). - Step 4: Grow Clientele
Many technicians advance by developing a loyal customer. Skills and attributes such as communication, self-reliance, problem solving, creativity, adaptation to change and hand and eye coordination will help you stand out. Once your client is established, you can consider opening your own salon. - Step 5: Opportunity for promotion
Once you graduate from the nail technician program and get your license, you will start in the entry position under supervision. As you gain experience, you can move on to supervisory or manager roles. You can also choose to train in other areas of aesthetics so that you can provide additional services. Another career path option is to become a teacher and teach other nail technicians.
What are some alternative occupations?
Barbers, hairdressers, and beauty salons cut and style hair in addition to offering a number of other beauty-related services depending on the environment. Often nail technicians will work with these individuals. Skin care experts focus on maintaining healthy skin and beautiful skin throughout the body and face. All these tasks require communication skills and the ability to work with clients beyond the technical skills that have been identified.