How to Become a Nail Technician: Your Complete Guide
How to Become a Nail Technician
Ready to embark on a career in the nail industry? Whether you're dreaming of working in a salon, setting up your own mobile business, or becoming a nail art influencer, being a nail technician opens up a world of creativity and connects you, not only with clients, but other like-minded nail lovers too.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know to become a successful nail tech, from the essential qualifications you'll need to top tips that will keep your clients coming back.
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What is a Nail Technician?
A nail technician is a trained professional who specialises in everything nails: nail care, manicures and pedicures, nail extensions, gel nails and BIAB™ nails as well as nail designs. As a nail tech, you'll work with clients to maintain their natural nail health and create crisp and clean nail looks. Depending on your training, you can work in various settings — at home, in a salon or visiting clients in their homes as a mobile nail tech.
The treatments you offer will largely depend on your qualifications, and the more training you have, the wider your range of services. Some nail techs focus on simple nail care and maintenance, while others specialise in advanced techniques like BIAB™ (Builder in a Bottle), gel extensions, or custom nail art.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
As a nail technician, your day-to-day tasks may include:
- Preparing and sanitising your workspace and tools.
- Filing, shaping, and buffing nails.
- Applying nail polish, gel polish, nail extensions or BIAB™.
- Creating nail art and custom designs.
- Providing cuticle care and nail treatments.
- Educating clients on aftercare to maintain their nails.
- Staying updated with the latest nail trends and techniques.
- Taking payments
- Booking clients
- Scheduling social media posts
- Admin & bookkeeping
- Managing client appointments and records.
Desirable Skills
As well as having refined technical skills, here are some useful skills to focus on that will help you stand out from the nail tech crowd.
Communication skills: You'll need to connect with your clients and make them feel comfortable during treatments.
Attention to detail: Precise application is crucial to delivering flawless results that clients will want to share on social media and with their friends and family.
Creativity: The best nail techs push the boundaries of nail art and design, keeping up with trends and experimenting with new ideas.
Time management: As a busy nail tech, balancing appointments while delivering quality services is essential.
Client relations: Remembering client preferences and offering personalised services builds long-term relationships.
Nail Tech Qualification and Training
What do you need to be a nail technician? Once you complete your accredited training, you need to set up as a sole trader and get insurance to cover you as a business.
REGISTERING AS A SOLE TRADER:
Step 1: Register with HMRC for self-assessment.
Step 2: Ensure you keep accurate financial records.
Step 3: Register for VAT if your business turnover exceeds £85,000 annually.
If you don’t want to set up as a sole trader, you have other options available to you, such as: a partnerships, an LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) or LTD (Limited Company. Each comes with its advantages and disadvantages so it’s important to explore all your options to find the best fit for you and your goals.
Training involves both practical and theoretical lessons, covering everything from basic nail anatomy to gel polish application and advanced techniques like BIAB™ gel and the BIAB™ bead. Explore our ABT and Guild-accredited courses at TGB Academy to start your career as a nail tech.
Essential Requirements:
- Accredited Nail Course: Choose from a range of nail tech courses such as gel nails, or nail art.
- Sole Trader Set Up: A sole trader is the simplest and most common business structure for small businesses, including nail technicians. In this setup, you are the sole owner and responsible for every aspect of the business.
- Insurance: Public liability and treatment risk insurance are crucial to protecting your business and clients.
Enhance Your Offering with Additional Courses
The more skills you have, the more valuable you become as a nail tech. Offering advanced services allows you to stand out in a competitive market and command higher prices.
At TGB Academy, we offer a range of nail tech courses designed to elevate your skills and career, from mastering BIAB™ to intricate nail art workshops. Graduates of our academy often praise the hands-on approach and the immediate results they see in their work.
TGB Academy Testimonial:
"After completing the **TGB BIAB™ course**, my clientele doubled within months. I gained confidence and a solid skill set that's helped me charge premium rates."
— Chloe, TGB Academy Graduate.
Is Being a Nail Technician a Good Career?
Being a nail technician can be incredibly rewarding if you're passionate about beauty, creativity, and client care. Here's why:
Earnings: Nail techs in the UK can expect to earn up to £5,000 a month depending on working hours, experience and location. Running your own business or working as a freelance nail artist offers even greater earning potential.
Job Flexibility: You can work in a salon, run your own mobile nail business, or even become an educator if you gain enough experience.
Client Relationships: Building a loyal client base can lead to regular repeat business, and word-of-mouth recommendations are key to success.
Skill Growth: The nail industry is constantly evolving, with new techniques and trends emerging all the time, giving you opportunities for lifelong learning and career development.
Become a Nail Master with TGB Academy
Ready to take your nail skills to the next level? At TGB Academy, we offer a variety of courses that cater to every level, from beginner to advanced. Whether you're interested in perfecting your BIAB™ application, mastering the latest nail art trends, or starting your own business, we've got you covered.
Our training courses are tailored to help you grow, and our expert educators are here to guide you every step of the way. Join us and become part of the TGB community, where we believe in empowering nail techs with the tools and knowledge to excel.
Explore our Academy Courses:
- TGB Academy Courses
- In-House Training
- BIAB™ Builder Gel Beginner Course
- Natural Nails Beginner Package: Gel Polish & BIAB™
- The Full GelBottle Package: Including Hard Gel Extensions
With the right training and dedication, a career as a nail technician offers creativity, independence, and the chance to build strong client relationships. Take the first step towards mastering your craft today by exploring our courses at TGB Academy!