Nail technology is the art of decorating and improving nails. It is the Art and Science of beautifying and improving the nails hair and skin in the study of cosmetics and their applications. Nail technology refers to the techniques, tools, and other products used to treat and take care of nails, while also making them look aesthetically pleasing. This field involves cosmetic beauty treatments for fingernails, hands, toenails, and feet. Typically, nail technology is divided into two areas: manicures for hands and pedicures for feet. Lotions, decals, gels, and acrylics are all products used in this field.
History of Nail Technology
The art of nail care, finds its roots thousands of years ago. For more than 5000 years, both men and women have managed to have well kept nails, with the assistance of nail technicians.
In 3000 BC, the nail polish a person selected in China, actually reflected their social status, for an example, Royalty wore red and black to indicate their power, and authority.
The mid-1800s saw the opening of the first salons with nail technicians. With the ‘Sitts Method’ gaining popularity, women of all income levels began to take care of their nails and cuticles.
During the 1920s, the art of nail care began to broaden in America and Europe, at around the same time the Simplex Manicuring Kit came into existence, with the kit consisting of nail polish, cuticle remover, nail whitener, an orange stick and an emery board. This kit provided an opportunity to aspiring women who longed to become nail technicians as, it afforded them the opportunity to practice their skills at home.
In 1924, the Association of Accredited Cosmetology School was created. This set forth some standards that manicurists and nail technicians adhere to in the present day.
Acrylic nails were born in the early 1970s. This marked the growth and interest in the field, resulting in many nail technicians being trained and qualified around the world. Currently, the field continues to follow the latest manicure trends of celebrities and help ordinary women achieve these styles in their everyday experiences.
Nail technology refers to the techniques, tools, and other products used to treat and take care of nails, while also making them look aesthetically pleasing. This field involves cosmetic beauty treatments for fingernails, hands, toenails, and feet.
Typically, nail technology is divided into two areas: manicures for hands and pedicures for feet. Lotions, decals, gels, and acrylics are all products used in this field. Therefore, a nail technician would be someone who care for every aspect of their clients’ hands, from cuticle to tip!
What is a Nail Technician?
A nail technician is a beauty specialist who is responsible for the grooming and appearance of a client’s fingernails and toenails. He or she provides manicures, pedicures, nail shaping, cuticle grooming, callus removal, synthetic nail treatments, and application of nail polish for their clients.
A nail technician is trained in the techniques of cleaning, filing and grooming fingernails and toenails which includes the trimming and removal of the cuticle, moisturizing the skin of the hands and feet, removal of dead skin in both areas and a light massage to improve circulation and relaxation.
Nail professionals can treat the natural nails of the hands and feet as well as add on acrylic nails, gel coverings, or a silk strengthener. After these treatments, the nails can have a simple polish, a French manicure or a decorative airbrush design applied. Small jewelry and decals can also be added if the customer is so inclined.
What is the workplace of a Nail Technician like?
Nail technicians usually work at a nail salon where there are several other nail technicians. There are typically several manicure and pedicure stations, and each technician working at the salon usually rents out a station of their own. Rent would either be a set amount each month or a percentage of what the nail technician earns, and each person would be responsible for building and maintaining their own clientele. Nail technicians can also work within a spa atmosphere, a hairdressing salon, or from home.
The atmosphere of a nail salon, whether it be at a proper shop or at home, should be one of cleanliness and professionalism. Technicians should wear white lab coats to promote a professional attitude, and they must always observe the local health codes and regulations. It is vital to also give the impression of relaxation and pampering, as clients go to a nail salon not only for grooming purposes, but to also take a break from their hectic lives.
What’s it like working in Nail Technology?
To become a nail technician, you will need creativity and patience. You will also need an organised approach. Customer service and ‘people’ skills will be important, to enable you to talk to customers and find out what type of nail treatment they want. You’ll also need to keep up to date with the latest fashion trends. As a nail technician, your work will usually include:
carrying out basic treatments, such as manicures and pedicures
cleaning and filing nails
applying false nails or extensions
decorating nails with coloured varnish, transfers, gems or glitter
painting designs onto nails with an airbrush (by hand or using a stencil)
repairing, looking after and removing false nails and extensions
checking for any signs of skin or nail problems before treatment.
You will also give clients advice about looking after their nails and recommend nail care products. Health and safety is an extremely important part of the work. You need to make sure that you use and store chemicals and varnishes correctly, use tools carefully and follow strict hygiene procedures to prevent damage or infection to your clients’ natural nails.
Essential Skills
Central to the role of nail technician is creativity and a flair for the work which will ensure you stand out. As with all careers, a willingness and desire to build a career in the beauty industry is the platform that you need to take the first steps on the ladder. There are other qualities that will aid you in your work.
Concentration
This is a big part of working in the beauty industry in general. It’s important to always remember that you’re working on someone’s appearance, so being able to focus for long periods of time is essential to ensure no costly mistakes are made!
Organisational ability
When it comes to booking appointments and dealing with regular customers, organisation is paramount. Time management is essential, and you’ll need to handle quick decisions if there are cancellations or appointments need to be moved.
Customer service and social skills
Being a nail technician is a social job. It goes without saying that you’ll need to be courteous and responsive, but one thing that will really impress employers is being able to build a rapport with regular customers and offering a friendly and professional service at all times.
Cleanliness
As with most roles that involve beauty, cleanliness is important. You’re going to be working very closely with people, so it’s important to make sure you’re presentable and that you take the proper steps to ensure your workplace is clean and tidy.
Willingness to learn
Fashion moves constantly. New products come and go and trends are constantly evolving. Just because you’ve gained a qualification or certificate doesn’t mean you’ve learned everything there is to know. Be open and willing to learn from others, as well as your own mistakes.
Job Opportunities
There are more jobs for nail technicians across the UK than many people realise. It’s easy to think that nail technicians only work in beauty salons and dedicated nail bars, but in actual fact, it’s a booming profession. Here are some of the places you can expect to find employment as a nail technician:
Salon
Many beauty salons in the UK now have dedicated nail bars in them. It’s a perfect place to work if you’re interested in the industry in general, working alongside hairdressers and other beauty professionals.
Travel and leisure
From hotels to cruise ships, people enjoy a good pampering when they’re taking a break. Nail technicians can be found in many of these places too – even airports.
Fashion
It goes without saying the fashion industry needs nail technicians. Whether you’re working in a studio with actors or prepping somebody’s nails before a photoshoot.
Mobile working
Many nail technicians have made a successful career out of being mobile, going to people’s houses and even setting up in offices to offer manicures and nail art. Once you’ve got a customer as a mobile nail technician, they’re likely to be customers for a while.
Renting a chair
If you want to do things professionally and be your own boss but can’t afford to open your own premises, renting a chair might be the answer.
Opening a salon
Not easy at the beginning of your career, but it’s something which many nail technicians aspire to.
Entering the business
Once you feel equipped to try and find work as a nail technician, things can seem a little daunting. Once you’ve got your qualification and a little bit of experience, where do you start? First, you really need to get yourself a good, solid CV.
A CV should include your contact details, education and qualifications, related experience, work history and references. You should also include a brief personal statement which outlines your interest in the industry.
Tailor your CV for the role you’re applying for, displaying the relevant qualifications you think a nail technician would want to see prominently. You should aim to be professional, but don’t be afraid to add a personal touch in your personal statement to show that you have a creative side.
Regardless of whether or not you think they’re relevant, always include extracurricular activities and pursuits; these can show a real willingness to learn and develop.
You should include accurate details about your employment history, but if you’ve had a lot of work keep this to the 3 most relevant positions. Even if some of these roles aren’t necessarily relevant, display them proudly. There are many transferable skills in the workplace, from punctuality to organisation, which may impress.
When you include references, don’t forget to add contact details for them. Ideally, your references will be previous employers and you should ask for their permission before putting them on your CV. It’s amazing how far a kind word from a previous employer will go to securing you an interview.
What can I expect to earn?
According to the National Career Service, the average starting salary for a nail technician in the UK is between £12,500 to £18,250, but experienced technicians can easily earn up to £25,000. The highest salaries go to the top professionals who work in TV, film, and fashion will often earn more.
Nail technology is the art of decorating and improving nails. It is the Art and Science of beautifying and improving the nails hair and skin in the study of cosmetics and their applications. Nail technology refers to the techniques, tools, and other products used to treat and take care of nails, while also making them look aesthetically pleasing. This field involves cosmetic beauty treatments for fingernails, hands, toenails, and feet. Typically, nail technology is divided into two areas: manicures for hands and pedicures for feet. Lotions, decals, gels, and acrylics are all products used in this field.
History of Nail Technology
The art of nail care, finds its roots thousands of years ago. For more than 5000 years, both men and women have managed to have well kept nails, with the assistance of nail technicians.
In 3000 BC, the nail polish a person selected in China, actually reflected their social status, for an example, Royalty wore red and black to indicate their power, and authority.
The mid-1800s saw the opening of the first salons with nail technicians. With the ‘Sitts Method’ gaining popularity, women of all income levels began to take care of their nails and cuticles.
During the 1920s, the art of nail care began to broaden in America and Europe, at around the same time the Simplex Manicuring Kit came into existence, with the kit consisting of nail polish, cuticle remover, nail whitener, an orange stick and an emery board. This kit provided an opportunity to aspiring women who longed to become nail technicians as, it afforded them the opportunity to practice their skills at home.
In 1924, the Association of Accredited Cosmetology School was created. This set forth some standards that manicurists and nail technicians adhere to in the present day.
Acrylic nails were born in the early 1970s. This marked the growth and interest in the field, resulting in many nail technicians being trained and qualified around the world. Currently, the field continues to follow the latest manicure trends of celebrities and help ordinary women achieve these styles in their everyday experiences.
Nail technology refers to the techniques, tools, and other products used to treat and take care of nails, while also making them look aesthetically pleasing. This field involves cosmetic beauty treatments for fingernails, hands, toenails, and feet.
Typically, nail technology is divided into two areas: manicures for hands and pedicures for feet. Lotions, decals, gels, and acrylics are all products used in this field. Therefore, a nail technician would be someone who care for every aspect of their clients’ hands, from cuticle to tip!
What is a Nail Technician?
A nail technician is a beauty specialist who is responsible for the grooming and appearance of a client’s fingernails and toenails. He or she provides manicures, pedicures, nail shaping, cuticle grooming, callus removal, synthetic nail treatments, and application of nail polish for their clients.
A nail technician is trained in the techniques of cleaning, filing and grooming fingernails and toenails which includes the trimming and removal of the cuticle, moisturizing the skin of the hands and feet, removal of dead skin in both areas and a light massage to improve circulation and relaxation.
Nail professionals can treat the natural nails of the hands and feet as well as add on acrylic nails, gel coverings, or a silk strengthener. After these treatments, the nails can have a simple polish, a French manicure or a decorative airbrush design applied. Small jewelry and decals can also be added if the customer is so inclined.
What is the workplace of a Nail Technician like?
Nail technicians usually work at a nail salon where there are several other nail technicians. There are typically several manicure and pedicure stations, and each technician working at the salon usually rents out a station of their own. Rent would either be a set amount each month or a percentage of what the nail technician earns, and each person would be responsible for building and maintaining their own clientele. Nail technicians can also work within a spa atmosphere, a hairdressing salon, or from home.
The atmosphere of a nail salon, whether it be at a proper shop or at home, should be one of cleanliness and professionalism. Technicians should wear white lab coats to promote a professional attitude, and they must always observe the local health codes and regulations. It is vital to also give the impression of relaxation and pampering, as clients go to a nail salon not only for grooming purposes, but to also take a break from their hectic lives.
What’s it like working in Nail Technology?
To become a nail technician, you will need creativity and patience. You will also need an organised approach. Customer service and ‘people’ skills will be important, to enable you to talk to customers and find out what type of nail treatment they want. You’ll also need to keep up to date with the latest fashion trends. As a nail technician, your work will usually include:
You will also give clients advice about looking after their nails and recommend nail care products. Health and safety is an extremely important part of the work. You need to make sure that you use and store chemicals and varnishes correctly, use tools carefully and follow strict hygiene procedures to prevent damage or infection to your clients’ natural nails.
Essential Skills
Central to the role of nail technician is creativity and a flair for the work which will ensure you stand out. As with all careers, a willingness and desire to build a career in the beauty industry is the platform that you need to take the first steps on the ladder. There are other qualities that will aid you in your work.
Concentration
This is a big part of working in the beauty industry in general. It’s important to always remember that you’re working on someone’s appearance, so being able to focus for long periods of time is essential to ensure no costly mistakes are made!
Organisational ability
When it comes to booking appointments and dealing with regular customers, organisation is paramount. Time management is essential, and you’ll need to handle quick decisions if there are cancellations or appointments need to be moved.
Customer service and social skills
Being a nail technician is a social job. It goes without saying that you’ll need to be courteous and responsive, but one thing that will really impress employers is being able to build a rapport with regular customers and offering a friendly and professional service at all times.
Cleanliness
As with most roles that involve beauty, cleanliness is important. You’re going to be working very closely with people, so it’s important to make sure you’re presentable and that you take the proper steps to ensure your workplace is clean and tidy.
Willingness to learn
Fashion moves constantly. New products come and go and trends are constantly evolving. Just because you’ve gained a qualification or certificate doesn’t mean you’ve learned everything there is to know. Be open and willing to learn from others, as well as your own mistakes.
Job Opportunities
There are more jobs for nail technicians across the UK than many people realise. It’s easy to think that nail technicians only work in beauty salons and dedicated nail bars, but in actual fact, it’s a booming profession. Here are some of the places you can expect to find employment as a nail technician:
Salon
Many beauty salons in the UK now have dedicated nail bars in them. It’s a perfect place to work if you’re interested in the industry in general, working alongside hairdressers and other beauty professionals.
Travel and leisure
From hotels to cruise ships, people enjoy a good pampering when they’re taking a break. Nail technicians can be found in many of these places too – even airports.
Fashion
It goes without saying the fashion industry needs nail technicians. Whether you’re working in a studio with actors or prepping somebody’s nails before a photoshoot.
Mobile working
Many nail technicians have made a successful career out of being mobile, going to people’s houses and even setting up in offices to offer manicures and nail art. Once you’ve got a customer as a mobile nail technician, they’re likely to be customers for a while.
Renting a chair
If you want to do things professionally and be your own boss but can’t afford to open your own premises, renting a chair might be the answer.
Opening a salon
Not easy at the beginning of your career, but it’s something which many nail technicians aspire to.
Entering the business
Once you feel equipped to try and find work as a nail technician, things can seem a little daunting. Once you’ve got your qualification and a little bit of experience, where do you start? First, you really need to get yourself a good, solid CV.
A CV should include your contact details, education and qualifications, related experience, work history and references. You should also include a brief personal statement which outlines your interest in the industry.
Tailor your CV for the role you’re applying for, displaying the relevant qualifications you think a nail technician would want to see prominently. You should aim to be professional, but don’t be afraid to add a personal touch in your personal statement to show that you have a creative side.
Regardless of whether or not you think they’re relevant, always include extracurricular activities and pursuits; these can show a real willingness to learn and develop.
You should include accurate details about your employment history, but if you’ve had a lot of work keep this to the 3 most relevant positions. Even if some of these roles aren’t necessarily relevant, display them proudly. There are many transferable skills in the workplace, from punctuality to organisation, which may impress.
When you include references, don’t forget to add contact details for them. Ideally, your references will be previous employers and you should ask for their permission before putting them on your CV. It’s amazing how far a kind word from a previous employer will go to securing you an interview.
What can I expect to earn?
According to the National Career Service, the average starting salary for a nail technician in the UK is between £12,500 to £18,250, but experienced technicians can easily earn up to £25,000. The highest salaries go to the top professionals who work in TV, film, and fashion will often earn more.
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