Being a nail technician is an intriguing and fun profession, so many people consider making their career doing nails. Of course, there are some things you should know about being a nail tech, so we compiled a list of the main things to consider when you want to work as a nail tech!
What Is a Nail Technician?
A nail technician is considered a beauty specialist, who specializes in the grooming and appearance of the fingernails and toenails. Therefore, a nail technician will provide services such as manicures, pedicures, nail shaping, cuticle grooming, callus removal, nail treatments, nail polish application, French nails, nail design and countless other services related to nails.
In addition to caring for and designing nails, a nail tech can also provide services for the hands and feet. For example, footcare and hand care. So, as a nail tech, you will encounter more than just nails.
What Does the Typical Day of a Nail Technician Look Like?
Even though there is no typical day for a nail technician, because this job is incredibly versatile, there are some things nail technicians do more than others.
Most nail technicians will be responsible for basic treatments such as manicures and pedicures. They are also responsible for cleaning and filing nails. They will also apply false nails and nail extensions regularly.
Nail technicians who a self-employed – and the more experienced nail technicians in nail salons – will be responsible for decorating nails; this could include adding a coloured nail polish, executing transfers, adding gems, or glitter.
Another common task a nail technician will encounter regularly is the repair of the natural nails. In some cases, they might be called upon to maintain false nails and nail extensions.
Where Can I Work as a Nail Tech?
Most nail technicians will find a job at a nail salon, which is only focussed on the care and the design of nails. You could be working at a manicure or a pedicure station, but you could also work at several different stations depending on your employer and your experience.
Some nail technicians can become self-employed too; this could involve having their own nail salon or providing mobile nail tech services. You could also be doing nails for formal events such as weddings or even fashion shows. Naturally, the latter is a position that requires a lot of experience.
Nail technicians can also find a job at a spa or a hair salon. Some spas and hair salons provide various services to their clientele, subsequently attracting more customers by offering almost everything they need in the same place. Naturally, the wage you receive at a spa can be a little higher than the wage you get at a nail salon. However, you might be expected to perform additional services and may have to go to school again to learn more skills.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Be a Nail Technician?
To become a nail technician, you need the proper skills and knowledge relating to nail care and nail design. You must also have knowledge about skincare treatments for the hands and feet. These skills can be taught at a dedicated nail tech school.
Of course, there are some qualities a nail tech needs to succeed in their profession. The first skill vital for a nail tech is patience, since a nail technician needs to pay close attention to detail. Some of the work involved also requires a steady hand, so patience is certainly key to get the results the client wants.
Another quality a nail technician needs is creativity. If you do not have the necessary creativity, then it will be difficult to come up with unique nail designs, or to translate the wishes of the client onto the nails.
A good nail technician must also keep track of the latest trends, because nail styles and designs are constantly evolving. French nails used to be extremely popular, but soon got replaced with more intricate nail designs. As a nail tech, you must be willing to brush up on the latest trends and even go on another course to learn some new techniques.
Finally, a good nail technician also needs impeccable social skills, because nail tech is considered as quite a social profession. You must have the ability to talk to clients and engage them in interesting conversations while doing their nails. So, if you are a social butterfly, nail tech could be a good profession for you.
What Can I Earn as a Nail Tech?
The salary you earn as a nail technician can vary considerably, because your salary can depend on your experience, employer and even the location where you work.
In 2015, the median salary of a nail technician was determined on $20,820, which equals to approximately $10.01 per hour. However, the highest paid nail technicians went home with $33,940 in 2015, while the lowest-paid earners got less than $18,260. Therefore, nail technicians can certainly make a good living, providing they acquire the experience they need.
There are some areas in the United States where nail technicians earn more money. These areas are usually metropolitan areas such as Burlington, Vermont; Naples, Florida; and Brockton, Massachusetts.