Nail Technician Careers

One of the fastest growing sectors within the cosmetology industry is nail care. These specialized services, once confined to hair salons and spas, are now offered in an expanded number of locations, some even occupying their own salons.

Although recently growing in demand among cosmetology professions, the multi-billion dollar nail care industry actually dates back to ancient civilizations. The fascination with having long nails first began during the Ming Dynasty in China (1368-1644) when upper class women grew their nails up to ten inches long as a testament to their unfamiliarity with work. Here, men also grew their nails as a sign of their masculinity. Since then women throughout the world have maintained an interest with having long shaped, polished nails.

Today, though, women don't have to wait for their nails to grow or even file them themselves. Even soft, thin, and/or brittle nails can instantly grow with the help of artificial nail services provided by an experienced nail technician.

Here are some of the services nail care technicians may provide:

• Artificial nails: These services generally use acrylic-based products and can be applied in one of two ways:
• Acrylic nails- This traditional two-part system involves the application of a liquid (monomer) and a powder (polymer) to create a workable substance that is spread completely over top the nail bed and hardened to lengthen nails.
• Gel nails- Like traditional acrylic nails gel products use acrylic products, but in gel form. This one-part system involves the application of a thick acrylic gel which is hardened under UV light.

• Manicures: This service is used to enhance the appearance of an individuals natural fingernails by means of filing, cutting or removing the cuticle, buffing, polishing, and massaging the hand and forearms.
• Pedicures: Pedicures are designed to enhance the appearance of toenails with a similar array of techniques as manicures, but with the inclusion of a foot bath and a foot and calf massage.
• Airbrushing: A service that is only twelve years old, airbrushing involves spraying paint onto nails. Unlike the time-consuming task of hand painted nail art, airbrushing can be applied by either freehand or the use of stencils. Once completed, the paint dries 80% quicker and won't chip like ordinary nail polish.

Nail care technicians, like all cosmetologists, must undergo training and complete both a written and practical state board examination test before becoming licensed to legally practice nails on the general public. Since licensing can only be earned on the state level (there currently is not a national test) nail care technicians and any other profession within the cosmetology industry must retake the state examination in every state he/she wishes to practice in.