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Congratulations, you’ve decided to become a nail technician! It’s a rewarding career, and we’re sure you’ll be amazing.
But where do you start?
Funding, course length, provider — it’s a lot of information to process. Fortunately, we’re well educated on nail courses (we offer them!), so we’ll guide you through and help you make the right choice.
And hey, if you’re struggling you could always try the following career…[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”2109″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]
What is a Nail Technology Course?
Firstly, let’s go through the different types of nail technology courses so you’re aware of how you can get qualified:
Self-qualified
Imagine if your hairdresser told you they were self-taught, would you go anywhere near them?
While it is possible to be a self-taught nail technician, it’s not the route we would advise. You won’t learn anything about health and safety or have any formal qualifications to back up what you’re selling.
However, it can be done with a lot of commitment and determination.
College
Most local colleges have beauty schools, and you can usually attend in the day or the evening. Colleges judge what level you start at (NVQ 1, 2, 3) based on your academic performance at school, so consider that.
Also, consider how up-to-date the college are with industry practice, some curriculums can be outdated as they aren’t connected to salons and nail bars.
Salon/private school
Salons are worth considering because their practitioners usually work ‘in the field’, or have access to knowledge from salon nail techs that do. This means they’re always up-to-date with industry trends and developments.
You have to ensure you get a trustworthy provider. Because a salon is good at doing your nails, it doesn’t mean they’re good at teaching you how to do it.
Online course
If you’re strapped for time or prefer learning independently, you can study online and get a qualification. However, you should consider that you aren’t going to be around fellow professionals, and you could end up being isolated from the industry you want to go into.
What Are the Courses to Become a Nail Technician?
When you take a nail technology course, you’ll have to pick carefully. There’s a lot of choices out there, and some organisations are in it for the money.
If you go for a salon, check they’re registered with the beauty guild or their courses are approved by the CPD Certification Service.
If you go to college, all their NVQ qualifications are accredited. Here’s how each level differs:
- NVQ Level 1 — application of knowledge and skills performing a range of work activities which are mainly routine and predictable.
- NVQ Level 2 — application of knowledge and skills performing a range of work activities in a variety of contexts. Some activities are complex or non-routine, and there’s some individual responsibility. Collaboration with others through teamwork may be a requirement.
- NVQ Level 3 — application of knowledge and skills performing a broad range of varied work activities in a wide variety of contexts. Most activities are complex and non-routine, and there is considerable responsibility and autonomy, as well as control or guidance of others.
You’ll be judged on your ability to meet these criteria, and that’ll determine what course you take.
Other courses are accredited by different bodies, for example, ITEC, CIBTAC and VCTC.
Some courses may label themselves as level 3, but what does level 3 mean? Who has accredited the course? And is the accreditation going to help you get a job after you’ve completed it?
You need to think about this before you apply for anything.
What Do Courses Involve?
It would all depend on the course. Some courses offer an overview of different areas (NVQ), whereas others offer specialisations in acrylic nails, gel nails or nail art and design.
Whatever course you end up taking, look for courses with these core modules:
- Health & Safety/Insurance — you need to know how to care for your clients, whether it be for hygiene or emergency purposes
- Anatomy & Physiology — you have to understand the makeup of the hands and feet and how it works if you’re going to work with them
- Client Care & Communication — knowing how to care and communicate with your clients is essential if you want repeat business
- Practical Elements — check what practical elements the course offers, like mani and pedicure treatments, acrylic and gel applications and sculpting
What Equipment Do I Need?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]He’s right, a nail technician is more than a nail painter, and you need the tools to back it up.
Your course provider may provide your kit for you, always check beforehand. But here’s some basic equipment (if you haven’t already got it):
- Nail clippers
- Nail files
- Buffers
- Cuticle clippers
- Cuticle oil
- Sanitisers
- Glue
- Different types of nail
How Do I Secure Funding?
Unless you’re of school leaving age, you’ll need to fund your studies. This will usually mean taking out a loan, so you need to pick your provider carefully.
Consider your financial situation and whether you can afford monthly repayments on a personal loan.
You can also consider an Advanced Learner Loan, which is connected to Student Finance (who provide funding for university students)
With an Advanced Learner loan, you wouldn’t have pay anything back until you earn over £25,725 a year.
For more information on our courses, visit our FAQ.
Start Doing Your Research
It’s time to take all this information and use it! Don’t jump in head first and start something immediately. Take your time and weigh up your options, look at course providers, loan providers, and what course material suits you best.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner el_id=”blog-cta”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text el_class=”blog-cta”]
Do you want to start 2019 by learning a new skill?
Posh Nailz offer various, high standard courses that help you on your way to create you own profession career in the beauty industry. For course start dates for our training centres contact us now.
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