Nail Technician

Nail technicians care for, repair and sometimes extend nails to improve their appearance. They may also use nail art techniques to decorate nails. They offer a range of treatments, such as:

• manicures and pedicures
• applying artificial nail systems and extensions
• repairing, maintaining and removing artificial nail systems
• applying nail art, such as painted designs, stones and transfers.

Nail technicians need to:

• prepare and clean their work area
• talk to the client and make sure that their client is comfortable
• follow health and safety rules
• give advice about aftercare and suitable nail care products.

Salaries range from around £10,000 a year for a newly qualified nail technician up to £28,000 a year for some experienced technicians with management responsibilities.

Technicians' working week often includes some evenings and weekends. They work indoors, mostly sitting at a manicure workstation. Some self-employed technicians visit customers at home, or offer their services to businesses such as spas.

A nail technician should:

• be confident
• be able to get on well with people of all ages and backgrounds
• have good listening skills
• enjoy working with people
• have an interest in fashion and accessories.

Around 17,000 UK businesses employ nail technicians, including specialist nail salons and nail bars, beauty and hairdressing salons, health clubs, spas, large department stores, hospitals, airports, luxury hotels and shopping malls. Some nail technicians are self-employed. There are opportunities to work overseas in spas, hotels and on cruise ships.

There are no set entry requirements for this work, but in many areas nail treatment businesses have to be licensed, so all employees have to be qualified. There are recognised qualifications, including NVQs, Diplomas and Certificates.

The Diploma in hair and beauty studies may be relevant. There may be Apprenticeships available. Apprentices work towards NVQ Level 2 or 3 in nail services.

All nail technicians have to keep up to date often by attending short courses offered by product manufacturers. They can take additional qualifications in areas such as nail art, skin painting, make-up, massage, ear piercing and waxing.

Some nail technicians become managers of nail salons. Many technicians aim to become self-employed. Some technicians teach nail techniques in further education colleges, or for private training providers or nail product manufacturers.

A few technicians work with photographers and fashion designers. With further training and qualifications nail technicians may go into beauty therapy or spa therapy.

Further details