How to become a nail technician
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
Courses relevant to this role include:
- level 2 or 3 Certificate in Nail Technology
- level 1 or 2 Certificate in Nail Treatments
- level 2 Award in Nail Art
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
Apprenticeship
You could do a nail services technician intermediate apprenticeship.
This typically takes 12 months to complete as a mix of learning in the workplace and off-the-job study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
Work
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.
More Information
Career tips
Working part-time in a nail bar or beauty salon will help you learn about different treatments and help you to develop your customer service and salon skills.
If you're thinking about being self-employed it's useful to find out what sort of business skills you'll need. Nail technicians often work freelance in places like people's homes or 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.