Nail technician
Care for people's hands and feet as you give manicures and pedicures to keep them healthy.
Also known as: nail specialist, nail artist
About the job
What it's like
Great nails don't happen by accident, it's by appointment! As a nail technician, you'll care for people's hands and feet – giving them manicures and pedicures to keep them looking their best.
Nail technicians don't just provide manicures and pedicures. You'll use your skills and creative streak to offer a range of services, from applying acrylics to expressive nail art. As an expert in everything nail-related, you'll tell your clients how to maintain their nails between appointments.
Most nail technicians start their career in a nail bar or beauty salon. Although, many later become self-employed – either working from their own premises, renting a chair in a salon or travelling to customers' homes to carry out treatments.
Health and safety is an extremely important part of this role. You'll make sure that you use chemicals and tools correctly while following strict hygiene procedures.
Your tasks might include:
doing basic treatments, such as manicures and pedicures
cleaning and filing nails
putting on false nails or extensions – you'll then decorate them 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 or extensions
giving advice about nail care and recommending useful products to clients
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Hair and Beauty Industry Authority (Habia) – check out the ‘standard-setting organisation’ for the hair and beauty industry
British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) – explore the country's premier beauty membership association
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- attention to detail
- respecting
- creative
- verbal communication
- building relationships
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Skills for Work: Beauty
Technically, you don't need any qualifications to start working as a nail technician in Scotland. Although, having a qualification is recommended and will give you an advantage over others.
Let's explore all the routes you can take to get into this career.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find a job. Useful subjects include:
Beauty Therapy
Make-Up Artistry (look for a course that offers nails as part of its curriculum)
Business (useful if you want to become self-employed)
Fashion Design (can help if you want to combine nail artistry with fashion or other work in the creative industries)
Use the My World of Work course search to find HNCs and HNDs.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You'll get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Retail (covers health and beauty)
Hairdressing and Barbering (many salons train apprentices in hair alongside other beauty skills, like nails)
Trainee roles
Do you already have some nail art skills, paired with a strong interest in the beauty industry? If so, you may be able to apply for a trainee position within a nail salon or beauty spa and learn on the job.
Use the My World of Work job search to discover trainee roles.
It's handy to have experience of working in a nail bar or beauty salon. This'll help you learn about different treatments and develop your customer service skills.
Volunteering in a beauty-based role will allow you to build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a nail technician. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
You should have an interest in fashion and be up to date with the latest trends.
Nail technicians need a good eye for detail – this'll help you recreate intricate nail designs.
Some local authorities insist you have a licence from the environmental health department. Licence requirements vary depending on the area.
You should have normal colour vision.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Nail technician'
