To become a nail technician, you have to undergo specific training at a cosmetology school or program. Each state has different specifications as to the training and licenses you need, but you typically will undergo around 1600 hours of training before sitting for the state license exam. The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology offers information on the different licensing requirements in each state.
In this training, you will want to be sure to take certain classes to ensure that you will be able to offer your future clients exactly what they want. Each beauty school offers a slightly different curriculum for nail technicians, but most will have feature fairly similar courses.
Acrylic Nails, Extensions, Tips, Gels, Forms and Wraps
One of the most popular services provided by nail technicians are false nails and tips. Therefore, you have to learn the proper techniques for applying acrylic nails, extensions, and tips. Additionally, you may use gels, forms, and wraps to improve the client’s natural nail, including strengthening it. These products have some innate risks, although they are fairly minimal. However, you still need to know the proper techniques to ensure that you not only provide the best service to your clients, but also keep you and your clients safe.
Shaping, Filing, Painting
Another important service you will offer as a nail technical is shaping, filing, and painting nails. Although some of these practices are fairly simple, to provide a professional service, you need to know the best practices and specialty techniques.
As a nail technician, you need to know how to use the tools of your trade
Your training will teach you about the different tools to ensure that you know how to use them, and how to keep them clean and sanitized. It will also cover how to adapt your practice to clients with nail disorders and other problems.
Manicures and Pedicures
Manicures and pedicures include many of the techniques already covered, but there is a certain procedure that most clients will expect you to follow.
You need to learn the right process for manicures and pedicures
For example, most manicures or pedicures start with soaking the nails, followed by filling and shaping the nails, and finishing with painting them. You may also include massaging, moisturizing, working on the cuticles, and other services.
Health and Safety
The most important information you will learn to become a nail technician is the health and safety standards, guidelines, and techniques. You will have to learn about normal and abnormal nails, including how to mitigate the risk of passing on diseases from one client to another. You need to know about the different bacteria and disorders that affect the nails to reduce any chance of your clients contracting nail fungus, bacteria, or other problems.
The most important part of your training is learning to mitigate risks
Additionally, there are certain guidelines you must follow in your personal hygiene and the sanitization of your station to ensure that you keep everyone safe. According to the information on nail technician training in the Chronicle, health and safety is a required part of any program, no matter what the licensure and other state requirements list.
Calf and Foot Massages
Some salons offer calf, foot, hand, and arm massages as part of manicure and pedicure services. If you plan to offer these services, then you need to learn the massage techniques for this part of the body. That is why most nail technician programs will include a module on massage.
Art and Science of Nail Art and Design
Nail art has become a popular trend, making it a lucrative addition to add to your services. Although some of the artistry is an innate talent, you still have to learn certain techniques to create the best nail art. Not all programs will offer a special module covering nail art, but if you can find one or take on as part of your continuing education, then you can expand your services.
Expand your services by learning nail art
A basic nail technician course will cover all the necessary things you need to learn, including how to properly use the different tools, machines, apparatuses, chemicals, and other instruments of the trade. You should check your state’s requirements before choosing your nail technician program to ensure it will properly prepare you for the state license exam, as well as your future career