Beauty and Wellbeing - Nail Technician
Beauty and Wellbeing - Nail Technician
Amber
Nail technicians repair, paint and decorate clients' nails. They may shape the nails with a file, soak the hands or feet in warm water and then rub in creams or oils. They remove any hard bits of skin and paint the nails with a polish.
As a nail technician you might:
- Do basic treatments, like manicures and pedicures
- Clean and file nails
- Apply false nails or extensions
- Decorate nails with coloured polish, transfers, gems, or glitter
- Repair, look after and remove false nails and extensions
Nail technicians usually work indoors. This may be in a nail salon or in treatment rooms at a beauty salon. Technicians have to look smart, and they usually wear a simple uniform to protect their clothes. They sometimes wear a face mask when they are filing nails, as this can make a lot of dust. Some nail technicians travel to people’s homes to complete their work. For this kind of work, it helps if you can drive.
Nail Technicians can work up to 35-39 hours a week and may have to work some evenings and weekends. There are often opportunities for part-time work and flexible working.
Starting salary: £12,500
Experienced salary: up to £25,000
If you can show a real interest in nail art, you may be able to get a job as a trainee with a nail salon or beauty spa and learn on the job. You'll usually need some GCSEs, 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent to access a level 2 course however some employers may be more flexible. You could also apply for an apprenticeship. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the DfE exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry level 3 English and Maths qualifications.
The apprentice would have to be component enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship. College - you could start off on a Level 1 Certificate in Hair and Beauty Skills.