Can a manicurist earn a good living?

By Laurie McLachlan Brown

Nail technicians, also known as manicurists, or even personal appearance professionals, are always in demand by clients who expect the best of themselves.  From artificial nail wraps to pedicures, these highly-skilled nail artists keep customers coming back for more by knowing the ins-and-outs of today’s hottest looks and techniques.

Today’s clients expect a lot from a professional manicurist, especially those who have graduated from an accredited cosmetology program.  Standard manicure techniques could include cleaning, cutting, filing, painting, and/or polishing fingernails, using an array of professional styling tools at hand.  These might include buffers, cuticle and nail trimmers, knives, and a variety of artificial nails, gels, wraps, etc. 

But a truly successful manicurist knows the best tips are gained by providing services above-and-beyond the standard, which may include deep tissue massage, nail artistry, foot soaks, deep moisturizing, skin treatments, and more.  By sweeping each client into a world of luxurious relaxation, you’ll be sure to maximize the potential for extra income.

Another way to enhance your skills as a trained beauty professional is to take additional courses while at a manicurist school.  Some manicurist schools offer extra classes in hair removal using razors, hot wax, and plucking tools, which expands the types of services a manicurist can offer, and thereby enhances his or her earnings potential.  A nail technician school might also offer classes in:

·    Nail artistry

·    Artificial nails, including gels, tips, capping, wraps, silk, fiberglass

·    Manicures and pedicures, including hot oil, paraffin, spa, French, American, etc.

·    Sanitation and Sterilization

·    Anatomy of the nails, cells, skin, skeletal, muscles, nerves, circulatory systems

·    Bacteriology, including diseases and disorders

·    Reflexology

·    Treatment of Hands and Feet

·    Ethics, salon management, customer service, marketing strategies

Regardless of the type of training you seek—hair stylist, nail technician, or make-up artist—it is critical to select a school, academy, or institute that is accredited by a national organization such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). An accredited program will not only ensure you get the experience you need to succeed, but is also most likely to offer financial aid, grants, scholarships, or loans to help cover tuition costs.

Once licensed, you’ll find plenty of professional opportunities at top salons, day spas, hotels, cruise ships, and more.  From bridal consultations, to product endorsements, simple manicures, to a complete reflexology massage, each day will bring new opportunities for you to express your creativity, and help others feel good about themselves.