How to become a Nail Technician
Nail technicians perform manicures and pedicures, which may include nail art, application of artificial nails, nail repair and other specialised hand and foot treatments.
Personal requirements for a Nail Technician
- Neat personal appearance
- No allergies to products and chemicals used
- Pleasant and tactful manner
- A genuine interest in people
- Good interpersonal skills
- Excellent hand-eye coordination
- Patience
- Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- Creative and artistic ability
Education & Training for a Nail Technician
You can work as a nail technician without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications and you may like to consider a VET course. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.You can also become a nail technician through a traineeship in Nail Technology, Beauty Services or Beauty Therapy. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Additional information
Before selecting a course, check with potential employers to make sure the course meets their requirements. Employers are less likely to consider applicants who have completed a short course or have qualifications not recognised by the industry. Nail technicians with nationally accredited qualifications may work throughout Australia.Local councils have specific requirements regarding the establishment and delivery of mobile or salon beauty services, including adhering to occupational health and safety regulations and state guidelines relating to skin penetration.
Duties & Tasks of a Nail Technician
Nail technicians:
- Apply gel and acrylic nail enhancements and extensions
- Perform manicures and pedicures
- Use specialist tools and electrical equipment on nail enhancements
- Apply decorative and airbrushed nail art
- Maintain safe work practices and hygiene standards
- Read and interpret product information to make safe and appropriate recommendations to clients
- Conduct financial transactions
- Perform reception duties (receiving bookings and arranging appointments, for example)
- Perform routine housekeeping duties
- Maintain client records
- Provide advice about and sell nail products
- Maintain knowledge of current industry standards and practices.
Tasks
- Providing advice on and selling cosmetic products
- Receiving bookings, arranging appointments and maintaining client records
- Discussing client needs, analysing skin characteristics and advising on suitable skin care, treatments and application of make-up
- Evaluating beauty therapy processes and products
- Performing facial and body treatments such as massages
- Performing manicures and pedicures including decorative nail art, application of artificial nails, nail repair, and other specialised hand and foot treatments
- Treating unwanted hair through waxing, bleaching, tinting, depilation and electrolysis
- Applying general cosmetic and corrective make-up
Working conditions for a Nail Technician
Working as a nail technician can be physically demanding. Repetitive activities and sitting for long periods can cause strain, while chemicals such as those used in acrylics and polish removers may pose a health risk if not used correctly. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, aprons, dust masks and safety glasses may be worn to minimise risk. Safety considerations include the welfare of both the technician and the client. Nail technicians have a high level of public contact.
Employment Opportunities for a Nail Technician
Nail technicians work in nail salons or beauty salons alongside beauty therapists. Employment prospects in these salons may be improved if you have beauty therapy qualifications. Many nail technicians are self-employed and may visit clients' homes, work from mobile vans or work from home.
Specializations
Nail Technician
Nail technicians perform manicures and pedicures, which may include nail art, application of artificial nails, nail repair and other specialised hand and foot treatments.
Average age
32 years
Future Growth
Very strong
Gender Share
97% female
Average full-time
42 hours
Weekly Pay
$959
Skill level rating
Lower skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
39% Full-Time
Employment Size
36,100 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 1.4%
NSW: 32.6%
NT: 0.6%
QLD: 20.4%
SA: 6.3%
TAS: 1.5%
VIC: 25.2%
WA: 12.0%
Age brackets
15-19: 3.9%
20-24: 16.9%
25-34: 36.3%
35-44: 23.5%
45-54: 14%
55-59: 2.9%
60-64: 1.4%
65 and Over: 1%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 45.7%
Bachelor degree: 6.5%
Below Year 10: 0%
Certificate III/IV: 22.1%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 1.5%
Year 10 and below: 7.3%
Year 11: 2.4%
Year 12: 14.5%
Years 11 & 10: 5.6%
