Nail technician jobs

Type of Job

Working as a nail technician, you will use your creativity and skill to improve the appearance and condition of your clients' nails.

What is the job about?

Nail technicians work with clients to provide the nail treatment they want.

Work typically involves:

• Performing basic treatments, such as manicures and pedicures
• Cleaning and filing nails
• Applying false nails or extensions
• Decorating customers' nails - this can involve the use of coloured varnish, transfers, gems or glitter, or painting designs onto the nails. Painting can be with an airbrush, either free-hand or using a stencil
• Repairing, maintaining and removing false nails and extensions.

Key Skills & Knowledge needed

Nail technicians need to be creative, and have an up-to-date knowledge of fashion trends. They also need:

• Creativity
• Good 'people' skills
• Patience
• To be well organised and methodical
• To be aware of health and safety procedures

Qualifications and experience needed

Employers expect nail technicians to have basic qualifications such as:

• Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Nail Services
• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Nail Services.
• CIBTAC Nail Technician Diploma
• ITEC Level 2 Certificate and Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology
• VCTC Level 2 Certificate Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology.
  
  

Training is available either at local colleges or with private training providers.

You can also qualify via an Apprenticeship scheme. As these vary depending on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers, check out the Apprenticeships website.

What other training and development could I do?

If you want to broaden your skills, you'll find short City & Guilds vocational qualifications available areas of nail technology such as wraps, acrylics and UV gels. In addition, manufacturers of nail products offer short courses in new products and techniques.

Salary and benefit expectations

Starting salaries are typically from ?12,000 to around ?16,000 a year, while experienced nail technicians can earn up to ?25,000.

Where else can I go for more information?

You'll find more information available at:

International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC)
4 Heathfield Terrace
Chiswick
London
W4 4JE
Tel : 020 8994 4141
Web : www.itecworld.co.uk

Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT)
3rd Floor, Eastleigh House
Upper Market Street
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO50 9FD
Tel : 023 8068 4500
Web : www.vtct.org.uk

Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA)
www.habia.org

CIBTAC
www.cibtac.com/

City & Guilds
Tel : 0844 543 0033
Web : www.cityandguilds.com