Nail technicians care for and repair nails to enhance their overall appearance. They may also use their creativity to decorate nails using painted designs, transfers and stones.
Employers and recruiters will seek candidates with nationally recognised beauty qualifications, such as NVQs in Nail Services or BTEC National Awards, Certificates and Diplomas in Beauty Therapy Sciences. No set formal academic qualifications are required to study for these courses, but GCSE passes are often helpful. It is possible to become a nail technician through an apprenticeship in nail services. These apprenticeships often lead to NVQs. Since nail art trends change with the seasons, nail technicians seeking employment must be able to demonstrate evidence of up-to-date skills.
Nail technician jobs can be found in beauty salons, hairdressing salons, nail salons, luxury hotels, department store beauty counters, and spas. There are opportunities to work on photo shoots with photographers and fashion stylists and to work in overseas hotels, cruise ships and spas. Full-time, part-time and freelance jobs are available, with vacancies being advertised by employers and recruitment agencies.