Nail technician

A manicurist or nail technician is a person whose occupation is to style and shape a person's nails. This is achieved using a combination of decorating nails with coloured varnish, transfers, gems or glitter.[1] Basic treatments include manicures and pedicures, as well as cleaning and filing nails and applying overlays or extensions.

Nail technicians can also paint designs onto nails with an airbrush, by hand, using a stencil or stamping. A nail technician will often complete a consultation with the client to check for any signs of skin problems, deformities or nail disease before treatment and give clients advice about looking after their hands and nails, and recommend nail care products.[2]

Training to become a nail technician involves doing a professional course that normally takes at least a year to complete.[3] Courses will more than likely cover anatomy and physiology of the nails, hands, arms, feet and legs, contraindications that may arise, identifying diseases and disorders, proper sanitation and sterilizing techniques, how to perform nail services safely, gel polish application, liquid and powder enhancements and hard gel enhancements. The work itself tends to take place in a beauty salon although some nail technicians will make house calls to clients.[4] Once licensed, many nail technicians will keep their own regular client list.[5]The basic equipment needed to carry out Nail services can be easily obtained. Specialist equipment will be needed for specific nail applications. [6]