How to become a nail technician
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
You could begin by taking a college course, for example:
- nail technology
- nail treatments
- nail art
Some colleges will offer nail services as part of a beauty therapy course.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could take a Nail Services Technician Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
This typically takes 1 year to complete and is a mix of workplace learning and day-release for study.
Entry requirements
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Work
If you can show a real interest in nail art and have some skills in it, you may be able to get a job as a trainee with a nail salon or beauty spa and learn on the job.
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Career tips
Working part time in a nail bar or beauty salon will help you learn about different treatments and allow you to develop your customer service and salon skills.
Nail technicians often work freelance. If you're thinking about being self-employed it's useful to find out what sort of business skills you'll need.
Further information
You can find out more about working in the beauty industry from the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority.