Are you a people person? Do you enjoy being up close with people and getting to know them better? Do you like looking your best, and want to help others achieve that aim, too? If all that sounds like your cup of tea, then you would be a great fit for the beauty industry, a highly creative and social career choice. The industry is always looking for new talent, and there are a wide variety of positions available, like hair dresser and cosmetician.
One of the fastest growing sectors of the beauty business is nail art services. Beauty parlours, spas, and salons are all looking for people who have graduated from a nail technician course where you will receive special training and a license, and be ready to help them meet the rising demand among their customers for nail art services.
So, what exactly is a nail technician and what do they do?
Nail technicians are trained professionals that specialize in the care and beautification of their customer’s nails, and sometimes perform massage, moisturizing, and other beauty-related services. In addition to decorating and grooming toenails and fingernails, they also consult with their clients to form assessments of their nail health needs before offering treatments. The main nail technician responsibilities are:
- Fingernail and toenail art and decoration
- Fingernail and toenail trimming and maintenance
- Performing pedicures and manicures
- Performing foot and hand massages
- Applying artificial nails
- Scheduling appointments with their customers
- Sanitizing all of their equipment before each use
- Maintaining a clean and tidy workspace
- Offering samples of nail and skincare products to promote them
While the nail technician learns all of the technical aspects of the job during their course of study, there are some personal traits and skills they should either have in place or acquire to be the most effective they can be in this highly social and personalized profession:
Creativity – The best nail technicians are gifted with a feel for the different colours and textures that will best suit their individual clients. The ability to experiment with those to create attractive designs is an important part of giving your customers the best possible service so they look and feel great after their session!
Communication – The most successful nail technicians are those who have the gift of being good communicators. They can readily understand their client’s special needs and requests, and are able to create an atmosphere of fun and belonging that makes their clients feel welcome and appreciated. Salons are in part a social institution, and much like a bartender the nail technician is a good listener and has the gift of gab to make their clients comfortable and at ease, building trust and relationships that will last for years of service to come.
Organization – It is the responsibility of the nail technicians to keep careful track of appointments, payments, and any other necessary administrative tasks throughout their work day. They should have all of the tools of their trade clean and ready to go before the customer sits in the chair.
Being a nail technician is a very positive career, you can take pride in your client’s smile when your work is done.
