Nail technicians are a unique profession nowadays, helping people express their style through their nails. Becoming a nail technician is easier in the UK than ever.
This career path allows you to unleash your creativity and earn money with more flexibility and independence. All these factors make this path the best career choice.
Nail technician courses are more demanding in the UK, so they are available in facilities centres, educational institutions, and all major towns and cities in the UK.
Right from simple manicures to complex nail art, there is a growing demand for skilled nail technicians who can offer high-quality nail services.
This guide explores how to become a nail technician in the UK. The proper course or training you will need to do, which involves the potential earnings.
This guide also teaches you how to become a nail technician from home.
So let’s discuss in detail.
What does a nail technician do?
Before you enrol in a nail technician course and training, one thing you should clear up is what nail technicians actually do:
A nail technician’s job requires technical skills, creative skills. Also need social interactions while working with your clients.
Nail technicians are beauty professionals who are experts in nail care, design, and improvement.
- Doing manicures and pedicures to keep nails healthy and tidy.
- Improve your style with acrylics, nails, and shellac nails on your nails.
- To create nail art from simple patterns to detailed designs.
- Give advice to clients on nail care and its better health.
- Advice about sanitising tools and maintaining strict hygiene.
How to become a nail technician in the UK: step-by-step guide:
1. Get proper training and qualification:
This career stream doesn’t need a university degree, but needs the proper training to get the skill as well as credibility with clients and salon. Here are some most common routes to become an expert nail technician:
Nail technology courses in the city & profession:
- They offer the practical qualifications and knowledge respected by employers.
- This course is right for those who want to work in a salon or start as a freelancer.
NVQ/VRQ diploma in nail technology:
- This course is widely recognised and offers with industry standard.
- The course includes manicure, pedicure, nail extension health, and safety with nail art.
- Level 3 of this course makes you a professional nail technician.
Private training organisations:
- It’s just a few weeks’ course, but it delivers highly professional training.
- Perfect for those who want to have a flexible schedule.
2. Decide on your learning method:
There is a path, just like one size fits all; you need to choose your own method that suits your lifestyle.
- College courses: This is a structured and in-depth course, and this is ideal for those who want deep knowledge and proper training.
- Online learning: This is flexible and cheapest way. perfect for those who have a job and responsibilities of family responsibilities.
- Workshops: These are the shortest courses, which mainly focus on specific skills like acrylic or gel extensions.
3. Get insured:
Nail technicians don’t need a government-issued license like other professions and businesses in the UK, so they need to take insurance like:
- Public liability insurance: It protects you when the client makes a claim.
- Treatment liability insurance: This type of insurance covers accidents or allergic reactions during treatments.
- The policies range between £50 to £100 per year but offer you peace of mind.
4. Gain work experience:
You can’t become an expert nail technician overnight; you need to have experience, like:
- Work as a trainee in a salon: You can work as a trainee in a salon, which offers you a steady income and experience in a more professional environment.
- Practice on your family and friends: You can practice on your friends’ nails, which helps you build your confidence and build a portfolio.
- Offer a discount at the start: A Discount attracts more clients and makes you perfect with experience. It develops your speed, precision over time.
5. Choose your path:
You should choose your own career path so that things will be exciting for you, like you can:
- Work in a salon and spa: This path offers you a steady income and a professional atmosphere.
- Work in nail parlours: Nail bars are usually trend-driven and have rush all the time so it can be the best path.
- Work as a freelancer: It offers you flexibility so you can choose your clients and working hours too.
- Open your own nail parlour: Open your own nail salon and build your own brand and business.
How much does it cost to become a nail technician in the UK?
The price range to take a course to become a nail technician in the UK is different, based on the course you choose, and the total estimated price to become a nail technician is as below:
- Online or short course: This course is the most affordable, which ranges from £100 to £300
- NVQ/VRQ diploma: This is a diploma course and ranges from £500 to £3000
- Starter nail kit: This course includes lamps, polishes, brushes, and tools, which range from £100 to £200.
- Insurance: The insurance per year needed ranges from £50 to £100.
How much do nail technicians earn?
The earning of a nail technician depends on the location, experience, and where you are working:
- Entry-level nail technician: An entry-level or trainee technician can earn £15,000 to £18,000 per year.
- Experienced and who work in a salon: If you have some experience and work in a salon, then you can earn £20,000 to £25,000 per year.
- Working as a freelancer or owning a salon: If you are a freelancer or a salon owner, you can earn £30,000+ per year.
How to become a nail technician from home?
Not every nail technician can work in a salon; some prefer working from home, and many of the nail technicians in the UK are working from home, so here is how you can work from home as a nail technician:
- Set up a home studio: Choose a perfect location in your home which should be clean, well-managed, and ventilated are including a desk, chair, and storage to store your tools and essentials.
- Take an authorised online course: Many providers deliver virtual or online training that is fully authorised.
- Buy quality equipment: Always in quality investment, like UV or LED lamps, nail drills, specialised units, and high-quality polishes are great to invest in.
- Take insurance: Even if you have set up at your home, you need to take insurance for your peace of mind.
- Promote your services: Promote your services using Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook Marketplace place which help you attract clients. You can post the photos before and after nail treatment, so it helps the client choose your services.
- Always stick to hygiene and standards: Properly wash your hands before treatment, sanitise the tools, and keep your workspace neat and clean.
Conclusion:
To become a nail technician in the UK is not just a job; it is a full career path that includes flexibility, creativity, and more opportunities.
If you are a nail technician in the UK, you can work in a salon, nail parlours, mobile, or as a freelancer and can have your setup at your home; you can choose the path that suits you.
The course to become a nail technician is are short-term course, so you don’t need to invest too much time in it. So if you love beauty and creativity, enjoy meeting different people, then here is your way to become a nail technician.