A nail technician is a professional who performs manicures and other treatments to improve the appearance of a person’s nails. A nail technician, for example, may apply acrylic nails or embellish nails with decorative elements. If you want to work as a nail technician, you’ll need to get a high school diploma and then enroll in a cosmetology school for training. Depending on the country in which you wish to work, you will most likely need to obtain licensing from your jurisdiction after completing a training program. You can also pursue an apprenticeship or other type of post-license training, though this isn’t usually required to work as a nail technician.
To work as a nail technician in most places, you’ll need some training. To work in this field, you’ll need a high school diploma or a general educational development (GED) diploma in many jurisdictions. There are some places, however, where you can work as a nail technician after only a few years of high school. You can contact potential employers or the licensing body in your jurisdiction to find out what level of education you’ll need to work as a nail technician.
After graduating from high school, earning a GED, or meeting the educational requirements of your jurisdiction, you’ll most likely enroll in a nail technology or cosmetology program. These courses are usually offered through beauty and vocational schools, and they usually culminate in the awarding of a certificate. The nail topics you’ll learn as you work toward becoming a nail technician will vary depending on where you go to school, but most programs will teach you how to give manicures and apply acrylic and gel nails. You’ll probably also learn how to do silk wraps and pedicures. Your training will most likely cover not only how to care for a person’s nails, but also how to interact with customers, follow health and safety regulations, and run a nail salon. You may be required to renew your license on a regular basis, usually every couple of years.
To work as a nail technician, you’ll usually need to obtain a license after completing your training. Graduation from a jurisdiction-approved training program is usually one of the requirements for licensing. Additional requirements vary by location, but you may be required to pay a fee and pass an exam.
You may choose to pursue post-licensing training in the form of an apprenticeship once you have obtained your license. A licensed nail or beauty salon may be able to provide you with such an opportunity. However, this is not always required, and you may choose to look for work or open your own salon immediately after finishing your training and licensing.