What’s your idea of pursuing a career in the nail tech industry? If you’re an aspiring nail technician or artist, you likely think it’s all about giving manicures, pedicures, and massages. But the reality of this profession involves more than just dressing up your clients’ nails with pretty colors and embellishments.

Of course, you must possess a good aesthetic sense and have a knack for creativity. But making your mark as a nail technician requires a wide array of technical and interpersonal skills. It’s particularly crucial if you wish to attract celebrity clients or start your nail salon in the future.

The Reality of Being a Nail Technician in 2021

Considering that the global nail tech market is going to be worth $11.6 billion by 2027, expect to face stiff competition from other budding nail artists. The only way to stand out from the crowd is to find a nail tech training program that equips you with all the necessary skills.

From acrylic nail extensions and sculpting to nail anatomy and hygiene - a standard nail tech course will help you master a broad spectrum of nail techniques. For instance, if you check out FutureInBeauty.com, you’ll find that they offer accredited nail courses for technicians with different levels of experience and skillsets.

While a nail tech course will teach you the tricks of the trade, and even provide you with the necessary certification, you need more than that to flourish as a practicing nail technician. In the following sections, we’ll explore a few key skills you must inculcate to successfully pursue a career in nail tech. Let’s get started.

An Eye for Trendspotting

The nail tech industry is fairly volatile, with new trends and styles emerging now and then. If you want to impress your clients, you must stay up-to-date with the latest nail tech and art trends. Instead of waiting for your clients to come up with nail art ideas, you should have enough knowledge to tell them what’s in vogue.

From emerging colors and designs to new products and equipment - make sure you’re always abreast of what’s going on in the industry. It’s a good idea to follow beauty and fashion influencers on Instagram and YouTube. Also, keep an eye on leading brands that manufacture nail care products. 

No Fear of Experimentation

Following and implementing the latest nail care trends is essential for becoming a professional nail technician. But that doesn’t mean you should be afraid of going against the tide. If a client demands that their nails be painted in an outdated color, find designs and embellishments that’ll make the color look fashionable.

Also, instead of blindly following every trend, understand the needs of each client and identify what’s going to look good on them. The key is to be open to taking up new challenges and putting your own spin on the top trends. Remember that the best nail technicians are trendsetters in their own right.

The Gift of Communication

Here’s the thing - your clients aren’t just coming to you to get their nails done. It’s a way for them to feel pampered and relaxed. It emphasizes the need to deliver an awesome customer experience that goes beyond your duties as a professional nail technician.

In other words, you must carve an inviting personality that immediately makes your clients feel at home. Nurture your communication skills to strike up an interesting conversation with a client while giving them a foot massage. Also, learn to initiate a friendly chat without coming across as unprofessional.

Being a good communicator doesn’t mean you need to do all the talking. It’s just as essential to be a thoughtful listener, giving your clients a safe space to express themselves. Likewise, you should have the power to ask the right questions to them and identify the type of nail art/technique they want, when they aren’t sure about it.

A Knack for Leadership

Sometimes, it might be up to you to take charge of a client’s nail care regimen. Perhaps they aren’t sure about what nail color is going to look good on their complexion. Or they might think that a particular design doesn’t fit into their lifestyle. Alternatively, they could be skeptical about deviating from their go-to nail paint.

In such scenarios, you must chime in with your expert opinion and convince them to take the plunge. Instead of having your clients direct what you should do, you must be in a position to influence their choices. Be confident about your suggestions but don’t promise any results you can’t deliver.

The Best Nail Technicians Never Stop Learning

Apart from excellent communication skills and an eye for detail, professional nail technicians constantly upgrade their skills. That means revisiting the basis now and then, while also watching out for the newest trends. Whenever you get the feeling that your skills are getting rusty or stagnant, it might be time to join a nail technician course for a quick refresher.

What steps have you followed to pursue a career in nail tech? Share your suggestions in the comments section below.