How to Become a Nail Tech in 6 Steps

Key Takeaways

• Beyond styling, nail techs are licensed professionals responsible for nail health, chemical safety, and sanitation.
• Nail tech duties include manicures/pedicures, acrylic/gel applications, hand/foot massages, exfoliating scrubs, and paraffin wax treatments.
• Training hours and requirements vary by state, but nail techs must get licensed to perform professional services. 
• GlossGenius offers features to support independent business owners and nail salon teams, starting at $24/mo with processing fees at an industry low, flat rate of 2.6%. 

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What Is a Nail Tech and What Do They Do?

Sometimes referred to as a “manicurist,” a nail technician is a licensed professional who provides different types of health and/or styling services for their clients’ nails. But a nail tech has to know more than just painting and filing nails, they must have extensive knowledge about safety, sanitation, chemicals, and products, as well as have a knack for customer service and sales. It’s a multifaceted job that requires skill, patience, and of course, a steady hand. 

With your nail tech certification, you may perform the following duties: 

• Manicures and pedicures: Filing, cutting, buffing, shaping, and polishing fingernails and toenails, as well as cuticle care. Your services may also include applying gel or acrylic nails, which fetches a higher price than a standard manicure. 
• Massages, scrubs, and wax: Some nail technicians go beyond the basic nail care to provide hand and foot exfoliation and/or massage services, helping relax the client while also promoting skin health and circulation. A nail tech can also provide paraffin wax services, which involves coating the clients’ hands and feet in a soothing, hot wax to encourage softness. This is not the same as hair waxing for removal, which requires additional certification as an esthetician. 
• Nail art: For clients who want to go beyond a standard manicure and get true masterpieces on their fingers. Depending on the design, nail art appointments can take several hours, and require both illustration and application talent (for embellishments like rhinestones or foil). 
• Sterilization: A clean salon is a successful one, and as a nail professional you are responsible for keeping your station immaculately clean. Part of the job is continuously wiping down and disinfecting your tools (and seating area) to ensure clients get serviced in a clean, bacteria-free environment, lowering the risk of infection or other potential nail diseases. 

As a nail technician, there are a number of different working environments outside of the nail salon you may find yourself in such as spas, malls, cruise ships, movie or commercial sets, or even airports. You can also turn a space in your home into a dedicated office for clients, or take your nail services mobile by making house calls. Starting in a salon allows you to gain real work experience and get you started building up loyal clientele if and when you decide to venture out solo in the future.

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6 Steps to Becoming a Nail Technician

Before your professional nail tech career takes off, there are several steps you’ll need to take to ensure you have the right training, licensing, and requirements to offer your nail services. 

1. Check your state requirements

If you’re curious about what education is required to be a nail technician, be aware that different states have different requirements. In certain states, aspiring nail techs simply have to meet the age minimum, while in others, nail techs will also need a high school diploma or completed GED. In California, for example, nail techs must be at least 17 years of age and have completed the 10th grade. In Florida, however, nail techs only need to be 16 years of age, but have their high school diploma or equivalent.

2. Complete a nail technician training program or apprenticeship

Once you’ve met the minimum requirements as mandated by your state, you can apply to the nail tech school or nail tech program of your choice. Some cosmetology schools and beauty schools will also offer nail tech courses, which might be a smart choice for those looking to train in several areas of the beauty industry. 

Those who want to train outside the classroom experience may do so through a nail tech apprenticeship (if your state allows it). Nail tech apprenticeships may offer better flexibility in working hours, which is great for those with kids or other commitments. In states like Delaware, you can opt to complete a 600-hour apprenticeship as opposed to spending 300 hours in a classroom. In Hawaii, you need either 350 hours of nail school training, or 700 nail tech apprenticeship hours. In states like California, however, you must complete at least 400 hours of training with no option for a standalone nail tech apprenticeship. (Though California nail techs may complete a state-approved cosmetology apprenticeship.)

While nail technician courses vary in their specific curriculums, many programs will teach you about nail anatomy, chemistry, product and occupational safety, infection control, hygiene, massage theory, salon equipment, and nail diseases. At the end of the program, you may be required to pass a written and/or practical state exam before you can qualify for a professional nail license. 

3. Obtain a nail technician license or certification

Once you’ve completed your professional nail technician program or apprenticeship, it’s time to get certified. If your nail tech school doesn’t offer licensure at the time of graduation, you’ll need to fill out an application (usually with a fee ranging between $25 and a little over $100) certifying you’ve completed the required training and put in the minimum hours. Some professional license requirements also involve taking a state board exam, so check with your state of residence to make sure you’re in compliance with their regulations. 

Be aware that some states require renewal of your nail technician license every one to two years, and there may be a fee involved. These fees can be as low as $10, but in some states may be over $100.

4. Gain practical experience 

When it comes to manicures and pedicures, the best experience is hands-on! Finding internships or entry-level positions in the nail technician field (even just working the reception desk at a nail salon) is a great way to immerse yourself in the environment of your future career. While nail tech school may have taught you the basics, nothing can truly prepare you for the job like in-person experience. Learning from your fellow nail tech professionals and watching their day-to-day is an invaluable opportunity that will not only help improve your own skills, but teach you what else you need to know about working as a professional nail technician.

5. Build a portfolio of nail designs and techniques

While you search for a fulfilling role, you should also compile a portfolio to back up your skills. An online website or social media account that contains any manicure/pedicure work you’ve done on yourself (or on friends/family)--whether it be nail art, sculpting, or cuticle care–can be helpful in your quest to promote your services. Keep in mind, however, that some states frown upon providing services outside of a licensed environment.

6. Continue your education 

Once you’ve become a licensed nail tech, your journey isn’t over. It’s important to keep up with industry trends and techniques so that your skills continue to grow with market demand. Completing continuing education courses means you can stay up-to-date with the latest business practices or management styles so that you can offer the latest and greatest in nail tech services and customer experience. 

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How Much Do Nail Techs Make?

Nail technician salaries vary depending on location, customer base, salon type, services provided, and whether you’re full-time or part-time. Other factors such as whether you work as an independent contractor, a salaried salon employee, or manage your own business will also impact your income potential. 

• Some salons pay licensed nail techs an hourly rate plus gratuity, a percentage of the service cost, and commission on retail sales. With this payment model, a nail tech’s salary might vary from week to week, depending on how many clients they have.
• Some nail techs might work eight or nine hours a day and average $20-$35 per hour, or may make anywhere from $80 to $120 on a slow day to $350 on a busy day. Slow seasons, cancellations, and the speed of service all impact the pay.
  
  • Pro tip: If you’re going to work in a salon, spa, or other group environment, ask the owner about their deposit, waitlist, and cancellation fees. It’s important to know how much you’ll earn if clients cancel last-minute or no-show entirely. 
• Manicurists with specialized expertise – say, in gel nails – can earn $800 to $1,200 per week or more.
• For nail salon owners, some make an average salary between $40,000 and $75,000 per year. 

Start Your Nail Tech Journey with GlossGenius

If you have the skill, patience, and customer service chops, becoming a nail technician can be an amazing and rewarding career opportunity. Whether your joy is filing nails, applying acrylics, or creating unbelievably intricate nail designs, there is a market for you out there. 

When you’re ready to take your professional nail tech talents to the next level, let GlossGenius be your one-stop-shop to help manage your day-to-day nail business operations, such as appointment scheduling, Client Management, and Marketing. Pricing plans start at $24/mo, with a low, flat payment processing fee of 2.6% per transaction. 

Start your free trial today to try out our software and find out how GlossGenius can help you nail it!

FAQs

What education is required to be a nail technician?

While it is state dependent, nail technicians must complete anywhere between 250 and 600 hours of training at a certified nail tech program or cosmetology/beauty school. Nail techs can also opt to complete an apprenticeship, where they need to complete even more hours of training (but in lieu of sitting in a classroom). 

How much does it cost to become a nail tech?

So you know how much you can earn, but how much does it cost to become a nail tech? Though prices of tuition, course fees, and kits vary widely depending on location and program, aspiring nail techs can expect to pay anywhere from four to $10,000 for their education. 

How do I get a license to do nails at home?

If you’re wondering how to get a license to do nails at home, the answer is that state licensing requirements vary – and some may require additional certification to open a home salon. For instance, in California, you must apply for a Board-issued establishment license, as well as meet certain criteria–such as distinct entrances for the salon vs. your private quarters, local government or HOA approval, and sanitary conditions

How do you start as a nail technician? 

To start as a nail technician, you must first enroll in a nail tech program (or in some locations, a cosmetology or beauty school) to satisfy the minimum training hour requirements of your state. Once you’ve completed the program, you must pass one or two exams (again, depending on your state), and then apply for your nail tech license so that you may legally provide paid nail services. 

Do I need qualifications to do gel nails? 

There are specialized courses if you’d like to specifically learn about gel application, however the legal qualification you need to do gel nails are the same standard requirements to obtain your initial nail tech certification. You do not need an additional or special license to provide gel manicure services.

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