Nail technician

You could take a level 2 or 3 Certificate in Nail Technology or Nail Treatments at a college or private training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could do a nail services technician intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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.

Career tips

Working part time in a nail bar or beauty salon will help you learn about different treatments and how to look after customers in a more relaxed environment.

If you have the right skills, you could set up your own business. This could be a mobile service or a contract to go into leisure facilities like gyms, hotels and spas.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a nail technician from the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority.

You'll need:

• the ability to work well with your hands
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• customer service skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• concentration skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Some local authorities request that you are licensed to run a nail business.

In your day-to-day work you may:

• do basic treatments, like manicures and pedicures
• clean and file nails
• apply false nails or extensions
• decorate nails with coloured varnish, transfers, gems or glitter
• repair, look after and remove false nails and extensions
• check for any signs of skin or nail problems before treatment

You could work in a salon, at a health spa, on a cruise ship, from home or at a client's home.