Overview
Nail technicians repair, paint and decorate clients’ nails. They may shape the nails with a file, soak the hands or feet in warm water and then rub in creams or oils. They remove any hard bits of skin and paint the nails with a polish.
Activities
- Do basic treatments, like manicures and pedicures
- Clean and file nails
- Apply false nails or extensions
- Decorate nails with coloured varnish, transfers, gems or glitter
- Repair, look after and remove false nails and extensions
- Check for any signs of skin or nail problems before treatment
Organisations
Nail technicians may be employed by a number of different work places such as nail salons, nail bars, beauty salons, health spas, fitness clubs, hairdressing salons and hotels. Some nail technicians are self-employed so they may have their own business premises, or they might rent space in a beauty salon, a hairdressers, or in a health and fitness club.
Workplace
Nail technicians usually work indoors. This may be in a nail salon or in treatment rooms at a beauty salon. Technicians have to look smart and they usually wear a simple uniform to protect their clothes. They sometimes wear a face mask when they are filing nails, as this can make a lot of dust. Some nail technicians travel to people’s homes to complete their work. For this kind of work it helps if you can drive.
Salary
Starting salary £12,500. Future trends predict a -1.5% job decline leading to: 1,583 fewer jobs by 2027.
Qualifications
If you can show a real interest in nail art, you may be able to get a job as a trainee with a nail salon or beauty spa and learn on the job. You’ll usually need some GCSEs, 2 or more GCSEs at Grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent to access a Level 2 course, however some employers may be more flexible.
You could also apply for an apprenticeship. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the DfE exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry Level 3 English and Maths qualifications. The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.
College – you could start off on a Level 1 Certificate in Hair and Beauty Skills