Ever wondered what it takes to become a nail technician? In this article, we cover all of the information you need to choose the right nail technician training and qualifications and how you can start your own thriving business in under a week!
Are you ready to work the hours that fit in with your life rather than trying to fit your life around the hours you work? Maybe it’s time to turn your passion for beautiful nails into a successful nail business.
The Nail Business Boom in the UK
In recent years, the nail industry in the UK has seen a boom in demand for skilled nail technicians. Clients are no longer satisfied with plain, monotone nails; they crave intricate designs, trendy styles, and expert nail care.
Many women and an increasing number of men view their nails as a blank canvas where they can showcase their personalities, moods, and passions. Whether it’s vibrant neon colours, elegant French tips, or intricate nail art featuring everything from floral motifs to geometric patterns, nails have become a way to make a statement and showcase individual style.
A trip to the nail salon is not just about aesthetics; it’s a chance to unwind, relax, and indulge in some “me-time.” The experience of getting one’s nails done has become therapeutic, and it’s often seen as an essential aspect of maintaining mental and emotional well-being. This evolution in the perception of nail care has significantly contributed to the surge in demand for nail services and the countless opportunities it presents to aspiring nail technicians.
UK Nail Technician Courses
While it is not mandatory to complete any specific qualifications, completing a high-quality nail technician course is very worthwhile unless you are already an expert at gel or acrylic nail extensions and know people who will pay you to do their nails.
Although you can complete virtual nail technician courses online, you will unlikely learn how to produce the best results with online learning. This isn’t a career you can do virtually, so why would you want to train virtually? Having an experienced trainer show you the techniques face-to-face is invaluable. Nail care is extremely competitive. With more and more nail businesses opening, if you want to be successful and make a full-time income rather than just earn a little extra each month, you will need to be good at what you do!
But how do you find a good nail technician course?
Here are three ideas:
- Follow successful nail technicians on social media and look at their qualifications — look for those who post regular photos of their client’s nails with good reviews and check out their profiles. If they have qualifications or training, they will want to let potential customers know about them!
- Look for an accredited nail technician course in your area and check reviews on Google and TrustPilot. Look for recent reviews and look up those people on social media. If you can’t find them, it’s likely they are not real. Also, if someone does a good nail course and works as an independent nail technician, they will probably be utilising social media to promote their services.
- Get your nails done at a five-star hotel and ask the nail technician where they trained. This may seem like a lot of effort, but a five-star hotel will likely only employ nail technicians with training and qualifications who are good at what they do!
Ensure the course covers everything you need to get started, including knowledge of nail anatomy and sanitation, plus advice on getting insurance and launching a business.
Unlocking the Secrets of a Thriving Nail Business
The nail business boom in the UK results from the changing perception of nails from a routine grooming task to an essential element of self-expression, confidence, and wellness. Nails are now more than just a beauty accessory; they are integral to many people’s routines and identities. A nail technician training course can be completed in just a day or two, and it is possible to have your business up and running in less than a week!
Once you’ve honed your skills, it’s time to turn your passion into profit. Here are the key things you need to know to start a successful nail business.
Business Plan
Develop a detailed business plan that outlines your niche, target audience, pricing strategy, and marketing tactics. Take time to decide whether you want to be a mobile nail technician, run a high street nail salon, or a home nail business. Consider the pros and cons of each and your profit margins.
Competition
Assess your competition and find out how much they charge. This will help you determine whether there is potential to make a profit in your area or if you need to expand your reach.
Branding and Marketing
Create a brand identity that reflects your target audience and the services you want to provide. Social media and a professional website are vital in attracting clients. Showcase your nail artistry through stunning visuals.
Client Relationships
Build strong relationships with your clients by providing exceptional and personalised service. Encourage clients to sign up with an email for incentives such as loyalty cards and special discounts. This will enable you to utilise email marketing to keep in touch with your clients.
Expand Your Skills
Never stop learning. Attend workshops, seminars, and trade shows to expand your knowledge and keep up with the latest nail trends and techniques. As you build your client base, consider learning other skills that are in demand, such as eyelash extensions. Combine this with your nail services to increase profit margins per appointment.
Nail Business FAQ
What are the recognised accreditation bodies for nail technician courses?
Many courses will say they are accredited, but unless it’s by a recognised organisation, it really isn’t worth anything. The three main accreditation bodies for nail technician courses are:
- NVQ (National Vocational Qualifications)
- SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications)
- ABT (Associated Beauty Therapists).
Do you need a licence to be a nail tech in the UK?
If you want to start a home salon offering manicure services or open a nail salon, you must get a licence for your premises from your local council. This is relatively straightforward, and you can use this link to find your local council.
Do you need insurance to work as a nail technician?
To work as a mobile nail technician or from a salon (even at home), you will require treatment and public liability insurance. This is relatively inexpensive — normally costing around £45 per year. If you want to cover stock in a salon, you will also need business insurance. This is more expensive and will vary depending on the size of your salon and the stock and equipment you want to cover.