When people go to a nail salon, they are usually greeted by nail technicians. They bring in most of the money for the beauty industry, and their presence is vital for spas and salons to do well. It’s an exciting career, and it also pays well.
Since nail technicians always work with their hands, they are a part of a community that values hard work, commitment, and sharing the joy of a job well-done. This is an excellent opportunity for people who work in the nail industry. It’s not just about painting nails; it’s also about making people feel beautiful and confident.
Who Is a Nail Technician?
A client can see a nail technician for several nail-related cosmetic services, such as manicure, pedicure, and other treatments. Individuals can get these services in various locations. You may need a variety of instruments, such as cuticle shears, buffers, and cleaning supplies for such tasks. The technician will utilize these instruments during patient care.
An essential requirement to be a nail technician is the ability to provide excellent customer service. Moreover, excellent interpersonal skills and a comprehensive knowledge of the numerous salon products are essential. You must also be able to collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
In some states, a nail tech may only be allowed to practice if they have obtained a valid license. In a handful of places, manicurists are even required to pass an assessment test before they can begin charging for their services.
Individuals need to become a certified nail technician if they wish to take this path. To prepare for the actual test, some take a nail tech practice exam to assess their knowledge. This is an ideal way to familiarize themselves with the material and ensure that they can pass the exam on first attempt.
Why Become a Nail Technician?
Like with any occupation, there are numerous reasons why someone would want to work in the nail industry; however, the following are among the most prevalent:
1. The Demand for It Is Constantly Growing
Since the demand for nail services like manicure, pedicure, and other cosmetic treatments has increased substantially in recent years, there has never been a better moment to enter the nail care industry. As people become increasingly interested in aesthetic services, such as getting their nails done, the need for nail technicians will increase.
In recent years, many salons have emerged, so you can find work at various locations even without experience or training.
2. It Provides Flexible Schedules
Numerous individuals in the nail industry work full-time or part-time during the day or evening. This allows them to pursue other interests outside of their work.Â
Some people may want to avoid getting their nails done at nearby salons. They will instead travel to a location of their choosing. This means that nail professionals who already possess the necessary equipment are capable of offering home services. Not all costumers wish to get their nails done at a salon.
3. It’s Fun Work
If you like to get your nails done at salons, other people are more likely to enjoy having them done by a professional than by someone who does not possess the necessary skills. People go to nail salons because they like getting their nails done there. This may simplify things for you and your client who is sitting in front of you and increase the satisfaction you get from your work in general.
4. It’s A Secure Career Job
The nail industry has one of the most vital job growth rates in the United States. According to the BLS, the job market for manicurists and pedicurists is expected to grow by 22% between 2021 and 2031. Compared to what the majority of jobs pay, this is a significant improvement. An increase in the number of men and women who go for manicure, pedicure, and other nail services is the primary driver of this growth rate.
5. It’s an Outlet for Your Creative Side
The best part of being a nail tech is you can create something beautiful. Your nail art services are ideal for those who are getting ready for a special occasion or simply wanting to look their best every day of the week. This demographic provides you with ample opportunity to apply your creativity in addition to your deft handiwork.
6. It Makes People Feel Beautiful
Nothing beats seeing the look on a client’s face after giving them a beautiful manicure or pedicure. There is nothing like having professionally manicured nails to boost your confidence. Nail technicians have an innate ability to put their clients at ease and make them feel beautiful inside and out.
7. It Makes People Feel Good About Themselves
Nail technicians are trained to boost their clients’ confidence by giving them nail services that can help highlight their natural beauty. Clients report higher levels of self-esteem after getting their nails done. When individuals look in the mirror each morning and see their gorgeous new nails glittering back at them, you have helped them feel good about themselves.
8. It Provides a Variety of Work
Technology has enabled more people to accomplish more tasks than ever before.
As a nail tech, there are so many things that you can do with your hands since the job constantly evolves. This might be as basic as painting nails or as complex as using extensions or acrylics. It’s a terrific way to make money while utilizing your artistic abilities.
9. Earn a Substantial Sum of Money
Depending on the location of employment and the services they provide, nail technicians can earn $20-$30 or more per hour. The greater your ability to charge for your services, the greater the likelihood that those in need will seek you out.
10. It Creates Relationships
Technicians in the nail care industry have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on their customers’ lives. Several of their clients become lifelong companions. Most nail technicians visit their regular customers at least once a week, often for much longer than that. They become genuinely happy for one another and show genuine support in each other’s successes.
A nail tech and a client can create a bond, unlike any other service industry. This is why there are so many individuals working in the nail industry. Relationships are at the heart of the issue, not just nails.
11. It’s Not Affected by Economic Recession
During the current economic slump, the nail industry was one of the few that didn’t shift much. This is because the industry’s products and services will always be in demand. This makes it a career that will not be negatively affected by a recession.
Nail technicians are in high demand, with many salons constantly looking for qualified technicians to fill their open positions.
12. Get a Skill That Will Last For a Long Time
Nail technicians with outstanding expertise will always be in demand as long as people care about doing and maintaining their nails. As long as individuals enjoy taking care of their nails, nail salons will be needed.
How Does One Become a Certified Nail Technician?
Many people in the nail industry may not know that they need a nail technician license to do their job. Becoming a certified nail technician will require additional study, but in the long run, it will open doors for job advancement and increased earning potential.
You’ll need to prove your competence as a nail technician by completing a board exam before you can practice legally as one. The exam includes everything from basic anatomy to sanitation, safety, sanitary practices, product knowledge, and application abilities to gauge how well-versed you are in the nail industry.
To become pass the exam, here are things you can do:
- Start by learning as much information as possible about the field. To become a nail technician, you should speak with professionals in the area and attend an accredited nail tech school where you can finish the course. The most remarkable approach to learning about anything is experiencing it firsthand.
- Second, if you have never worked in this field, enroll in a cosmetology program or an apprenticeship. Working with seasoned experts is a terrific opportunity to be paid and learn new abilities simultaneously.
- Third, practice with close friends and family to become comfortable with the test environment and confident enough to answer questions without consulting online resources.
- Take a few nail technician practice tests before taking the actual nail technician exam. Doing this lets you figure out what possible questions will be asked and prepare for them. This practice test will boost your confidence for the exam and reduce anxiety.
- Gather with other students who are also preparing for the examinations. Whether you are having difficulties understanding something in class or if you are having trouble studying on your own at home, you can help one another.
- Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before the exam to feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle the work. Also, consume nutritious food and drink enough water. On the test day, eating whole, healthy food such as fruits, vegetables, and grains can improve your performance.Â
- Maintain a regular exercise routine. Regular exercise will facilitate learning new materials and improving memory function, concentration, and general health. Walking around the park or hitting the gym every morning before class will help you feel mentally refreshed when settling down and studying for your exam. This is a great way to get your heart rate up and your blood flowing.
Nail technician license examinations are notably challenging due to the scope of topics they cover, which includes anything from infection control and sanitation to nail anatomy and chemical lab operations. Spending adequate time preparing for and studying will make these issues less daunting.
Wrapping Up
Today is the best time to begin working in the nail industry. As the demand for nail services continues to surge, the number of people seeking employment as nail technicians is expected to rise as well. This implies that job opportunities are abundant while having reasonable pay rates.
If you want a career where you can use your hands and stay grounded simultaneously, being a nail technician is a realistic alternative to consider. The environment is exciting, dynamic, and fast-paced, with new possibilities and opportunities waiting for you.
