Nail technician
Care for people's hands and feet, giving manicures and pedicures to keep them looking their best and feeling healthy.
Also known as: nail artist
About the job
What it's like
You would care for people’s hands and feet, giving manicures and pedicures to keep them looking their best and feeling healthy.
You would:
Do basic treatments, such as manicures and pedicures
Clean and file nails
Put on false nails or extensions
Decorate nails with coloured varnish, transfers, gems or glitter
Paint designs onto nails with an airbrush (by hand or using a stencil)
Repair, look after and remove false nails and extensions
Check for any signs of skin or nail problems before treatment
Give advice about nail care and recommend useful products
Health and safety is an extremely important part of the work. You would need to make sure that you use chemicals and tools correctly and follow strict hygiene procedures.
Hours
You would normally work around 37 hours a week, often including weekends and evenings.
Environment
You would work in a salon.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- manicure
- upselling
- pedicure
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- attention to detail
- respecting
- creative
- verbal communication
- building relationships
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Skills for Work: Beauty
You could do a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Nail Services (SVQ level 2/3).
You do not need any particular qualifications to work as a nail technician, although a qualification in nail services or beauty techniques may give you an advantage. Most employers value a good general education.
It may be helpful to complete a Beauty Therapy Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) course which offers modules in Nail Extensions and Hand and Foot Therapy.
An interest in fashion to keep up with the latest trends. You'll also need a good eye for detail to recreate intricate nail designs.
Some local authorities will require you to have a licence from the environmental health department. The requirements for a licence will vary between local authority.
You need normal colour vision.
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