How to Become a Nail Tech
If you have ever had a manicure or a pedicure, you’ve interacted with a nail technician. This is the person who cleans and files your nails, and applies acrylics or nail color if you want it. But while you sit in your chair getting pampered, have you ever wondered about the person who makes you feel so pretty? How does one break into this industry? What are the education and certification requirements? Could you ever pursue a career doing nails? Here are the basic requirements:
- Most salons and beauty schools will require that the tech’s have at least a High School Diploma or GED, so if you need to, consider night school or taking your GED test.
- Become a certified nail technician by attending a beauty, cosmetology, vocational or trade school that offers the certification program. You can check with your local listings to find a program in your area that fits your budget.
- Become an intern/apprentice at a salon to gain experience. If you went to a cosmetology school, your program coordinator can often help you land a spot working with former students or partner businesses.
- Get licensed. In order to work in a salon, you must be licensed. The requirements vary by location, but they usually involve a combination of education, work experience and a skills test of some sort.
- Find a job with a salon. Often you will go back to the place where you apprenticed, or your school can help you network with salons in the area to find a job.
Once you land your dream nail technician job, you’ll be giving manicures and pedicures alongside some of the best cosmetologists in the world. If you work hard, you might even work your way up to owning your own nail salon or working with celebrity clients.
Categorised as: Education, Skills Training