Nail Technician

Typical Salary

£12,500 To £25,000

Typical Hours

38 to 40 variable

evenings / weekends flexibly

How To Become a Nail Technician

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

You could take a level 2 or 3 Certificate in Nail Technology or Nail Treatments at a college or private training provider.

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could do a nail services technician intermediate apprenticeship.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

If you can show a real interest in nail art, you may be able to get a job as a trainee with a nail salon or beauty spa and learn on the job.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

the ability to work well with your hands
excellent verbal communication skills
active listening skills
customer service skills
to be flexible and open to change
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
concentration skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

In your day-to-day work you may:

do basic treatments, like manicures and pedicures
clean and file nails
apply false nails or extensions
decorate nails with coloured varnish, transfers, gems or glitter
repair, look after and remove false nails and extensions
check for any signs of skin or nail problems before treatment

Working Environment

You could work in a salon, at a health spa, on a cruise ship, from home or at a client's home.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

Working part time in a nail bar or beauty salon will help you learn about different treatments and how to look after customers in a more relaxed environment.

If you have the right skills, you could set up your own business. This could be a mobile service or a contract to go into leisure facilities like gyms, hotels and spas.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a nail technician from the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority.

Restrictions & Requirements

Some local authorities request that you are licensed to run a nail business.