How To Become A Nail Technician - NCC Home Learning

What Is A Nail Technician?

A nail technician, also known as a nail tech, is a skilled professional specialising in the care and enhancement of clients' fingernails and toenails. Their expertise lies in grooming, shaping, and painting nails to perfection. In addition to performing manicures and pedicures on natural nails, nail techs also excel in applying and crafting beautiful designs using acrylic and gel false nails. They skillfully tend to cuticles, remove calluses and dead skin, eliminate shellac nail polish, and offer soothing arm and leg massages.

Engaging in this vibrant and imaginative industry allows individuals to embrace their creativity while staying abreast of the latest art and fashion trends. Nail technicians enjoy the flexibility of setting their own working hours, making it a fulfilling and adaptable profession.

What Does A Nail Technician Do?

On a day to day basis, a nail technician will see many clients for pedicures, manicures, polish changes, acrylic nail application, and paraffin wax treatments. They will clean, fill and groom their clients’ fingernails and toenails, including removing cuticles, buffing calluses, sloughing away dead skin, moisturising hands and feet, and providing light relaxation massages. They can also provide advice on the treatment of fungal infections of the nails.

Nail technicians treat and care for natural nails, but they also add acrylic nails, gel nails, and silk strengthen wraps. The most common polish requests are for solid colours or for a French manicure. While traditional manicures and pedicures included simple applications of one colour, today nail art is becoming more and more popular. Nail technicians are tasked with creating increasingly bold and creative designs for their clients’ nails. They do this with specialised brushes and airbrushing tools. They can also add diamantes, jewels or other appliques.

How Much Does A Nail Technician Earn?

In London, the average nail technician salary is £11.81 per hour. This amount will vary depending on a nail tech’s clientele and the level of salon at which they work. A nail technician working in a high end spa or hotel can earn triple this amount, while freelancing nail technicians set their own rates.

Remember, some nail studios operate with a ‘chair rental’ policy. This means that you will earn a percentage of the money paid by each client, but you will need to pay the salon a rental fee for your space each month.

Some nail technicians do supplement their income with tips from clients, as a few pounds per treatment is customary at the lower end. At the higher end, nail technicians can expect to earn an additional 10 – 15% per treatment.

What Qualifications Does A Nail Technician Need?

While nail technicians do not need any formal qualifications in the UK, experience and beauty services qualifications are very desirable. By taking courses to be a nail technician you will improve your chances of landing a well-paying position in a nail studio.

You can begin by taking a nail treatment course at your local college. This will provide you with the initial skills and experience that you need to get started. These are offered at level 1 and 2, and can require GCSE passes. At a college level, look at the curriculum for some of the general beauty therapy level 2 and level 3 courses, as some do include nail therapy options. You can also seek an apprenticeship with an established nail technician.

NCC offers a wide array of nail tech courses than you can take from home. These courses will give you a solid foundation in this exciting and creative career, including fibreglass nails, airbrush nail art, and acrylic tips.

See courses related to this career