Learn the Art of Nail Manicure with a Nail Tech Program in Beauty College

The manicure has never been so popular, and many salons need trained manicurists to fill positions as soon as possible. By seeking a beauty education as a nail tech, you can start a career that is flexible and creative, and allows you to travel and meet people from all walks of life. This is a beauty career for those who love to create gorgeous hands and nails while interacting with a variety of personality types.

Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann counts celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Cher, Beyonce, and Mariah Carey among her clientele, and now has her own product line--Lippmann Collection. A manicurist with perseverance, creativity, and acute business skills can enjoy unlimited earning potential.

How to Become a Manicurist

To begin your journey toward a beauty education in nail design and a career as a manicurist, find a cosmetology school that offers a diploma in manicuring or a nail technician qualification. Each state has its own licensing requirements, but all manicurists must pass exams (practical and theory) before they can get permission to work as a licensed nail tech. Inquire at your chosen cosmetology school about specific licensing requirements in your state.

What Does a Manicurist Do?

A manicurist has trained to expertly perform the following services:

Cleaning, filing, and shaping nails
Trimming the cuticles and exfoliating skin on the hands
Hand and nail massage
Gel and acrylic nail application
Nail art and design

Manicurists can work freelance or open their own establishments, in which case they need to know about business practices, health and safety codes, inventory and product control, marketing, and advertising.

Beauty Career Outlook for Manicurists

The opportunities for manicurists continue to grow as the beauty industry enjoys success; however, there is increased competition for top jobs as the number of trained manicurists also continues to rise. The average salary for a manicurist as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is in the low- to mid-$20,000s, but this figure can vary greatly with tips, hours worked, and the clientele the manicurist serves.