How to Become a Nail Technician
Here’s our guide on how to become a nail technician. The process only has five important steps but requires mostly professional training to master the skills and techniques.
We want to make sure you get the most accurate and relevant information about the profession. So, we searched online and got the specific details about becoming a nail tech.
Our research showed that each country has different regulations about studying the profession. Some places have various sets of qualifications depending on their states. Other countries don’t have regulations at all.
Here are the topics included in this article:
- Comply with the Requirements in Your Area
- Finish a Nail Tech Course
- Pass the Nail Technician License
- Proceed to Advanced Education
- Gain Experience and Develop Your Skills
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nail Tech?
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Nail Technician?
Professional Tips to Become a Successful Nail Technician
Always Have a Positive Attitude
Without further delay, let’s now learn the steps to become a nail tech, the length of study for the profession, and how much it costs.
1. Comply with the Requirements in Your Area
What are the requirements to be a nail technician? These depend on where you are. Each country has its own set of qualifications. Some are strict, while others are lenient.
What degree do you need to be a nail technician? Many places in the world only require a high school diploma and have age limits. In the US, a General Educational Development certificate is acceptable if you don’t have a high school diploma. You must also be at least 16 years old.
Some vocational high schools even provide basic training for nail technology before graduation.
Other institutions in some areas around the world require aspirants to take a screening test before enrollment.
2. Finish a Nail Tech Course
You must take a cosmetology course to get the education you need for the profession. The program teaches you professional skills and techniques for providing nail services. The subjects taught include are:
- Nail anatomy and chemistry
- Safety and sanitation
- Nail applications (coloring, filing, attaching extensions, and others)
- Business management
- Bacteriology and nail-related diseases
- Customer service
Many states/regions in different countries require aspiring nail techs to study in a licensed program. So, you must enroll in one to qualify for the licensure exam. You can take it through vocational schools or private providers.
Some states in the US offer an apprenticeship program instead of the traditional class course. But remember that if you choose this option, you’ll need to render many hours of practical training.
3. Pass the Nail Technician License
After completing the cosmetology course, you can already take the licensure examination. Expect to receive written and practical tests. You must pass both types to get your license.
One major prerequisite to take the exam is to get certified by a licensed cosmetology program. That’s why it’s crucial to train in a course that’s authorized by your state/region.
Some places even provide different languages for the examination. Also, expect to pay some fees and comply with other necessary documents to take the exam.
Once you’re successful and you have the license, make sure to renew it regularly.
4. Proceed to Advanced Education
Explore your career because there are many wonderful opportunities for it. Take advanced courses to upgrade your skills and gain more accreditations.
You can take courses for nail extensions or design and art. Because advanced programs focus on a specific skill, it may only take a few weeks or months to complete.
Your state/region may also require you to maintain your license if you study advanced courses.
5. Gain Experience and Develop Your Skills
Gaining experience with nail technology can start when you take the course. You can apply for assistant positions and work with a licensed nail technician.
Once you get your license, you can start serving your community. This helps you gain experience as well and develop your skills even further.
Start small by taking entry-level positions, so you can build your customer base. Once you do, you can opt for a freelance career or even build your own salon business.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nail Tech?
Completing the course depends on your local regulations. But usually, the required number of hours for the program is around 300-600. This can take you around three to nine months to finish.
Your schedule primarily affects the length of your study. If you choose to learn part time, it will take you longer to complete the training.
Lectures and practical training have a separate number of hours required to complete. Check with your local government’s requirements to know the exact number.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Nail Technician?
The cost of becoming a nail technician varies mainly on the location and school. Other factors that affect the expenses are:
- The number of hours required
- Whether you want to have it part or full time
- Equipment and facilities
Typically, you may spend around $3,000-$10,000 (USD) for the tuition fee. You also need to consider the prices for books and other supplies, which can be around $1,000-$5,000.
It’s important to allow some room for other expenses that may occur as you continue your training.
After the program, you also have to pay for the licensure exam, which is around $100-$200. Renewing your license may cost $25-$100.
Professional Tips to Become a Successful Nail Technician
Your nail tech career only starts at getting a certificate and a license. You need to grow professionally when you start working as a professional. So, it’s always helpful to learn some expert tips from a successful nail tech.
Vee Nailedit, a nail artist and YouTuber, shared in her video how you can be successful in your career.
Practice
She said to always practice what you’ve learned from school. Master the basics of nail services, such as prepping, shaping, application, and filing. This helps you create well-shaped nails that not every nail technician can achieve.
It’s also important to know the trends and master the techniques needed for them. So, you are up to date with the current nail fashion and style.
Promote Your Work
Advertise your own work on social media. You’ll gain interest from people who can be your potential clients. This is especially true if you’re using new products.
Vee Nailedit is using her Instagram to advertise her work. Ninety-five percent of her clients come from the platform.
Have a Strong Support System
Your family and friends are your best support system for your career. They can help you stay positive about becoming a successful nail tech.
Listen to Criticism
Listen to what people have to say because you can learn from them. Use their feedback to help improve your skills and techniques.
Always Have a Positive Attitude
This may be difficult sometimes, but try to be optimistic about your career. Customers feed off of your energy, so you should provide them with positivity. Make them feel happy!
What’s Next?
You’re now ready to begin your nail technician journey. Study cosmetology now, and become a successful nail tech!