Who doesn't admire a gorgeous set of nails? Nail technicians are part chemists
and part artists. Their job is to make hands beautiful.
A nail tech first assesses the client's skin and nails to determine the
best service for that client. This includes learning about any medical conditions
that a client might have.
Nail technicians perform routine manicures and pedicures. They make cuticles
more presentable, file and shape nails, paint nails, massage hands and more.
They prepare fingernails and apply different types of artificial nails.
It's extremely important that they know how and when to use various products
and chemicals.
Nail technicians may even do nail art. Kathy Kirkland is a former executive
editor of Nailpro Magazine. "It can be as simple as a couple of swirls of
different-colored polish -- even sponging two colors together -- or complicated
scenes."
She adds that nail art is a great income producer.
Once a nail technician makes a client's nails beautiful, they give advice
on how to keep them that way. Other general duties include bookkeeping and
booking appointments.
Nail technicians work in a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. Their work area
should be clean with good ventilation and lighting.
"A good room ventilation system would be in order to keep any fumes [from
nail chemicals] from lingering in the air," says technician Kathy Lynn Payne.
Nail techs may work in salons, department stores, day spas, cruise ships,
resorts or boutiques. Some even work in the film industry. Mobile nail techs
may travel to a client's home.
A nail technician usually works by appointment, so their schedules can
vary. "Saturdays sometimes can be the busiest days," says technician Vicki
Peters. "Evening appointments are prime time, especially Thursday and Friday
nights."
In order to succeed in this profession, a nail tech must have great hand-eye
coordination and good eyesight. Their work is very detailed. It is also important
for them to be neatly groomed and keep their own nails well manicured.