Key Facts About Nail Technician Courses In The UK

The creation of nail beauty is an art. Just a few flattering nail designs and patterns can accentuate your look and turn you into a complexly different person. To be the one behind this art is a unique and fulfilling experience.

That’s why today, many people are expressing interest in taking nail technician courses to gain more experience and skill. Most nail technician experts admit that their passion lies in making others look good and feel good.

Nail technician courses for beginners and experts

If you live in the UK and want to learn more about the nail beauty industry, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are a variety of courses that can introduce you to the world of nail beauty.

Whether you want to learn about manicure, pedicure, gel extensions, acrylic extensions, fiberglass extensions or silk extensions, you can easily find a course or even a school that will guide you on your path to success. It’s up to you to decide which one you want to enroll in.

What are the benefits of taking a nail technician course?

Taking a nail technician course will give you the opportunity to acquire new skills in this area. It will also allow you to advance your skills, thus increasing your income.

Who should be interested?

There are three categories of students who can enroll in a nail technician course:

a.) Those that are just starting out: You want to learn something new. You’re thinking about plunging into the nail career. Well, all you need is a beginner nail technician course that will equip you with basic skills and build your confidence to practice safely and quietly at home.

b.) Those that want to start a small business: You have decided that you’d like to earn some money from offering nail services, perhaps starting with family and friends. Your goal is to work part time and earn additional income from home. All you need is an intermediate course that will teach you the practical skills you need to begin and take-off in this exciting and adventurous career.

c.) Those that want to become professionals: You want to become a fully qualified professional technician, working full time in a salon and eventually fulfill your dream of opening your own full-time business. You need an expert nail technician course that will equip you with manicure, pedicure, gel polish, acrylic and nail art skills.

Types of courses available

Becoming a nail technician is no longer just about manicures and pedicures. There are so many courses you can undertake in a nail school; it’s worth taking the time to familiarise with them. Take a look at the courses below to see just how many angles there are in this career:

• Manicures
• Pedicures
• Gels
• Acrylics
• Wraps
• Nail extensions
• Nail art and designs

Who are the typical providers?

Nail technician courses are available from a variety of schools. This includes specialised schools, online schools, esthetician schools and some colleges and universities. In order to enroll in a nail technician course, most require that an individual be 16 years or older and have completed secondary school or have GCSE.

During training, students will learn about hygiene, sanitation and sterilisation (although some people would like to learn how to grow your nails in a week). They will learn about nail disorders and the theory behind manicures and pedicures. Time will be spent on learning about certain massage techniques, ways to file and buff nails, and the anatomy and physiology of nails. They will also be familiarised with the UK laws and regulations pertaining their work.

Additional subjects may include hot stone massage, nail repair procedures, hand and feet massage, nail art and design and an array of other disciplines related to the care of nails.

How long does the training to be a nail technician take?

The training requirement to be a qualified nail technician takes between 200 to 600 hours before taking an exam. The average number of hours in the UK is approximately 350 hours.

Nail technician licenses

Once an individual has completed the requisite hours of training, they can take their licensing exam. If you pass the board exams, you will be issued a license, which is renewable on a regular basis.

What can I do after taking a nail technician course?

After taking a nail technician course, you can work in a salon, nail spa or health club in conjunction with other nail technicians. You can also work part-time from home or as a mobile technician treating clients in their own homes. You can even work on a cruise ship or with photographers, TV personalities and fashion designers.

Pros and Cons of nail technician courses

Pros

• Taking a nail technician course will give you the opportunity to acquire new skills
• It will also allow you to advance your skills
• It can also help you increase your income.

Cons

• Relatively modest pay (average salary of below £30000)
• You may work with toxic fumes and chemicals