A New Career in Beauty with Nail Tech Training Courses

Nail Technician jobs are among the most in-demand in the beauty industry, and the demand is expected to continue growing in the next decade. Right now, many new nail tech jobs are opening up all over the place, even with people who have been in the field for a while. That has a lot of people looking into different nail tech schools.

How to get started with nail tech training courses?

Training to be a Nail Technician is available at beginner, advanced, and diploma levels. You’ll learn how to perform manicures and pedicures at the primary level and carry out essential treatments, such as filing and cuticle care.

The more advanced courses include more complex treatments, such as gel nails and acrylic nails, which require specific training. If you want to nail tech training courses, you may have to enroll in full-time classes. These kind of courses last between 10 and 12 weeks, although you can also opt for part-time and distance learning options. 

There are also shorter, intensive 2-3 day courses available as well, which pack all the training and practical experience you need to become qualified into a much shorter course – which can be great for those looking to fit their training in with their other work and life commitments.

Most nail tech training courses cost between £400 and £1,000, although you may be able to find cheaper options if you shop around. Once you’ve completed your nail tech training course, you’re likely to need to undergo further training, either at a local salon or by attending classes on specific treatments.

If you’re hoping to start a nail tech career, you may want to consider voluntary work in the form of work experience, which gives you a chance to observe more experienced nail techs at work. This can help you get a better idea of whether you’d like to carry on with a career as a nail tech.

What to expect when you want to become a nail technician 

When you want to change your career from IT or engineering to Beauty, the first step is to gain some practical beauty industry experience. There are several courses available in the UK, including Apprenticeships and Diplomas, which offer a mixture of practical and theoretical training.

Once you have gained some experience in the industry, there are various routes that you could take. You could train as a nail technician, beautician, or spa therapist at college, or you could take a short course in a beauty therapy subject (such as manicures, pedicures, lash extensions, make-up, waxing, facials, and so on).

The beauty industry offers a number of opportunities, including self-employment, working for a salon or spa, working for an independent beauty therapist, working for a beauty salon chain, working for a beauty product manufacturer, working for a make-up company, working for a beauty distributor, working for a beauty retailer or working for a beauty company.

A self-employed route is an attractive option because the hours can be flexible, although the working hours can be long, as can the traveling between clients. Working in a salon or spa can be an excellent way to gain experience, but the downside can be the long hours (especially at the weekend), low wages, and long commute. Independent beauty therapists are more independent but have less support, pay, and hours. 

Know the ins and outs of acrylic nails

Acrylic nails or nail extensions are a type of nail enhancement technique that mimics the natural nail with a durable, artificial nail. Acrylic nails often feature a single color, or they may be glittered or embedded with small gems or jewels.

Generally, acrylic nails are applied liquid acrylic to a base coat and then covered with a gel topcoat. The liquid acrylic helps the nail extend and fills in any gaps in the natural nail. The gel top coat hardens the acrylic.

Picking the best courses for a Nail Technician 

The best courses for a nail technician in the UK are able to match the right level of training to the skill level of the student, from beginners to advanced. Some courses offer additional beauty therapy training, such as facial massage, eye treatments, waxing, and tinting. 

When choosing the best courses for a nail technician, consider that certifications and diplomas only demonstrate you have completed the course. Qualification alone is not enough to guarantee employment.

Look for a course that offers a hands-on practical approach to learning, with discussion, demonstrations, and practical work.

For students interested in a career in beauty therapy, the right qualification can go a long way to helping you get started. We recommend students look at courses that will also help them gain knowledge of anatomy and physiology, health and safety, and client service techniques – especially if your aim is to run you own business once qualified.