Nail Technician Training & Careers

It's often been said that a woman's age can be given away by her hands, so it's no wonder that many women spend a lot of time and effort keeping their hands--and nails--in top condition. Since maintaining long, natural nails is a lot of work, many individuals seek out the help of nail technicians who can create and maintain beautiful nails for them.

1) What Do Nail Technicians Do?

The terms nail technicians and manicurists are used interchangeably in most places, and refer to specialized beauty professionals who focus on nail care. If you attend a nail technician school, usually you learn how to:

• Shape and size nails
• Lengthen nails, adding nail extensions
• Sculpt nails
• Add polish or designs

In addition, nail technicians are usually trained to teach others how to care for their nails and how to spot nails that aren't healthy, including those that may have infections. If you are working as a manicurist or pedicurist, you may also be caring for clients' hands and feet.

2) Career Education in Nail Technician Schools

Nail technician schools are usually found in the cosmetology or personal services education sectors. Depending on your area, they may be found in:

• Cosmetics schools
• Community colleges
• Technical colleges

Generally, requirements to study at a nail technician school include a high school diploma or a GED. Some schools also have a minimum age limit that is usually 18 years old, but can sometimes be 16 years old. Online education for nail technicians may be possible for those who are looking to update or refresh their knowledge.

Graduates from nail technician schools usually get a certificate or diploma, depending on the school. This allows you to apply for a license in the state in which you want to work.

3) How to Prepare for Nail Technician School

Being a nail technician means you work with people all day. Some may become regulars, others you may see only once. People who hire nail technicians want them have good people skills. Here are some examples of the desired skills:

• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Good marketing skills, to bring clients in, keep them coming back, and to sell salon products
• Personal style sense
• Physical ability to sit and use your hands for long periods
• Flexibility regarding work schedules
• Being able to keep calm in a hectic environment

4) Job Outlook for Nail Technician School Graduates

The future seems bright for licensed nail technicians, according to government statistics. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that nail technician professionals should see a 19 percent rise in employment by 2018. Almost half of personal appearance workers work for themselves, giving them lots of flexibility. Manicurists and pedicurists earned a median annual wage of $19,670 in 2008, although earnings vary considerably depending on the type of industry in which you work, and in the location of your business. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $32,570, while the lowest 10 percent made less than $15,510.

5) Obtaining a State License After Nail Technician School

Once you have successfully completed a program at a nail technician school, you may apply for state licensing to get permission to work as a nail technician or manicurist. The title you use depends on your state.

Each state has its own rules about who can apply, so it's important to check your state for its particular requirements. They also have their own testing procedures which can include:

• Written exams
• Oral exams
• Practical exams

Each state's licensing body decides:

• Minimum age for licensing
• Who can train and grant certificates or diplomas for consideration for license
• What type of training you must have
• How many hours of training you must have
• How long the licenses are valid and how often you must renew

Although being a nail technician may allow you to move around and bring your skills with you, not all states recognize each other's licenses. Some states may require that you go through the licensing procedure before granting you permission to work as a nail technician. In some cases, this might be possible through online education. You can get this information from the licensing boards.