Nail Schools: An Overview

Nail Schools

From the popular detox pedicures to the fashionable stiletto nails, the nail care industry is constantly evolving. Your career as a nail technician will be full of exciting challenges and popular trends, as well as cozy conversation with loyal clients. It's important to begin your career by choosing a good nail school. You'll learn here what to expect in a nail school program.

Nail School Overview

Most nail schools offer a diploma in Nail Technology. You may also pursue a diploma as a Nail Specialist. These programs are essentially the same. Either one will prepare you for nail technologist licensing and entry-level employment in a beauty salon or day spa.

You may also want to consider a more comprehensive cosmetology school education. This lengthier program of study will teach you about hair styling, skin-care, and make-up, as well as nail care. Read more about choosing between nail school and cosmetology school.

What You'll Study in Nail School

Here are some of the many things you'll learn when pursuing a nail school diploma:

• Nail structure and health
• Chemicals and products used in nail care
• Manicure and pedicure techniques
• Polish and nail art techniques, including the following:

• • Application of nail tips with acrylic overlay
  • Application of sculptured nails using a form
  • Application of silk and fiberglass nail wraps

• Customer service and client development skills
• Basic retailing and sales skills
• Professional business skills
• Relevant legal guidelines and ethics
• Standards for cleanliness, health and safety

Nail School Program Length

The length of a nail school program varies because states have different licensing requirements. Depending on the state where you plan to work, you may need anywhere from 100 to 1000 hours of training. Most states require 300 to 600 school hours. On average, nail school programs are three to six months in length.

Nail School Tuition Costs

Tuition costs for nail schools can vary widely from state to state. The length of your nail school program, as well as the location of the school and the types of courses offered, will affect tuition costs. Some nail schools cost as little as a few hundred dollars. Others require an investment of thousands of dollars. Most nail schools cost at least $1,000.

Starting Your Nail Technology Career

After completing the coursework at a nail school, you'll need to follow your state's requirements for licensing as a nail technician, nail specialist or manicurist. With this license and your nail school education, you'll be ready to start work in a nail salon, day spa, or other beauty care establishment. Landing your first job is just the beginning of this exciting career. One day you could be running your own salon!

Return to the Spa & Massage Career Center home page.

Looking for Spa and Massage Schools?

Try our Spa, Massage & Beauty Schools page. There you will find a comprehensive list of schools which offer program descriptions. You can also request information from the schools that interest you most.

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009
Nails Magazine, 2009