5 Things You MUST Know Before You Become a Nail Technician

There are plenty of great reasons to enroll in a nail tech program and work in today’s ever-evolving beauty industry.

As a nail technician, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, client-focused environment. In addition, you’ll get to use your creative skills daily as you apply your own artistic touch on the nails of your clients.

If you wish to become a nail technician, there are a few important things you’ll need to know before getting started. Here are five crucial tips for starting a successful nail technician career.

1.    How to Groom Nails

Your role as a nail technician will go beyond the ability to construct beautiful nails. You’ll also be responsible for maintaining your customer’s nail health.

To do this, you’ll need to be observant and be able to recognize your customer’s overall nail health simply based on appearance. If you see anything that needs attention, such as a cracked cuticle, you need to address it.

You will also be expected to understand how to clean and trim nails. Basically, you’ll need to master proper nail care in every service you perform, from putting on nail extensions, applying acrylics, and removing artificial nails.

Since proper grooming and nail care are essential, nail tech programs cover these concepts in-depth.

2.    How to Shape, File, and Polish

As a nail technician, you must master the art of shaping, filing, and polishing nails. It’s essential to execute these techniques with ease and confidence to deliver the results your clients want.

The processes of shaping, filing, and polishing the nails all require knowledge of the proper techniques, tools, and products to use. You can harm your client’s nails if you use the wrong tools or improper methods. In addition, using substandard products can cause polishing to peel faster or smudge easily, which leads to unsatisfactory results.

A nail school will teach how to efficiently shape, file, and polish nails using the appropriate tools and techniques. Developing these skills through a quality nail tech program is essential to your future success as a nail technician.

3.    Manicure and Pedicure Techniques

There is a certain procedure most clients will expect from you when they receive a manicure or pedicure. Although the level of formality and polish type may vary depending on the client, you should adhere to these basic steps:

• Prepare nails.
• Cleanse and massage hands or feet.
• Shape nails.
• Cuticle treatment (if needed).
• Buff or even out ridges with a file. Apply cuticle oil.
• Remove the cuticle oil with a damp towel. Cleanse hands or feet again to remove residue.
• Apply nail color.

Most clients will also want a massage as part of their service. A manicuring program will teach you all of the techniques needed to perform a professional manicure and pedicure.

4.    Health and Safety Standards

Regardless of what nail service you are performing, you must follow health and safety regulations to protect the well-being of clients. If you violate these standards, it could have severe consequences for you and your salon.

Good hygiene is a must in the beauty industry, especially when working with clients’ hands and feet. You’ll need to practice basic infection control measures, such as wearing disposable gloves during all nail services, using sanitized utensils, and practicing safe chemical handling.

Nail schools will teach you how to abide by health and safety laws in your state, as well as federal regulations.

5.    Proper Education

The first step towards becoming a licensed nail technician is to enroll in a state-accredited nail school.

Each state requires a certain amount of training hours before students take their licensing exam. For instance, nail tech programs in California require students to complete 400 training hours before graduating and pursuing their license.

You will learn a variety of techniques, skills, and concepts at your nail school. Our manicuring program, for instance, covers the following topics:

• Sanitation
• Safety
• Nail enhancements
• Nail design
• Gel nails
• Spa manicures

Ready to Get Started?

American Beauty College is a nail school in California that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of nail care, the theory behind nail procedures, as well as hands-on training.

From day one, we create a learning experience that prepares our students for their future careers. For example, our students practice with real clients in a salon environment under the guidance of licensed instructors. This builds confidence and instills a sense of professionalism.

For more information on our nail school program and how to enroll, contact us today!