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Manicurist/Pedicurist

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AVG. SALARY

$27,410

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EDUCATION

Post-secondary training +

What They Do

Manicurists and Pedicurists Career Video

Insider Info

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.

Just the Facts

Want a quick overview of what this career is about?Check out Just the Facts for simple lists of characteristics.

At a Glance

Make hands beautiful

  • You have to know how to use various chemicals
  • You could work in salons, department stores, day spas, cruise ships, resorts or even the film industry
  • There are many opportunities in this field

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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