Everything You Need to Know About Beginning Your Nail Technician Career
KEY TAKEAWAYS: A creative mind and a commitment to hard work can get you far, but building up your nail tech career via education, licensing, and professional tutelage can get you even farther. We've done the research, and our top five picks for the best nail technician programs are below!
So, you want to be a nail technician?
We don’t blame you – it’s a pretty sweet job. Being a nail tech allows you to be creative, passionate, and utilize your smarts as you build up your business the way you envison. It grants you the freedom to use your creative eye and offers you prime opportunities to be up close and personal with customers, as well as pursue and build your own career path.
The problem?
You have all the skills required, but you don’t have the nail technician education you need.
You know that being a nail tech or a manicurist is much, much more than simply slapping a pretty pink onto someone’s nails. You know it takes precision, training, and a bunch of natural talent to form yourself into the nail tech you know you can be – and that starts with the right program.
The Top 5 Nail Technician Programs for Beauty Pros
Paul Mitchell Nail Academy
Want to be a business-savvy creative genius? The Paul Mitchell Nail Academy is not only one of the top choices amongst nail technicians and manicurists, but it’s also one of the most well-respected programs in the country.
With over 90 locations, this program graduates about 10,000 nail technicians every year.
You’ll have access to some of the best teachers in the industry, get premium hands-on experience, and build the technical and business tools you need to succeed!
This program ensures that you’re well-equipped to deal with your exam and state boards, as well as offering plenty of financial aid opportunities.
Milan Institute of Cosmetology
If you’re looking for the best of the best, this program is up there on the list. This is a family-owned school that’s been up and running since 1985, graduating over 25,000 students, and providing hands-on training (no pun intended) unlike any other programs in the game.
This school is an accredited establishment that has huge clout in the beauty industry – that’s not to say that mentioning that you’re a Milan Institute graduate will instantly land you a job, but there’s plenty of name recognition when it comes to this program.
Milan Institute students are able to attend the manicurist and nail tech programs at 13 of the Institute’s locations in the states of California, Nevada, and Texas.
The Elaine Sterling Institute
A famous Atlanta, Georgia school, this nail technician establishment is an accelerated program that allows students and prospective nail techs to become licensed professionals in as little as 6-9 months.
With a 600-hour program (an affordable one, to boot), students receive all the training and specialized skills they’ll need to pass their state board and licensure exams.
The Elaine Sterling Institute offers students classes at night and during the day, and is highly recommended for nail techs and manicurists. While it is undeniably vigorous, this renowned program is well worth it for people looking to accelerate their careers.
The Ogle School of Hair, Skin, And Nails
This establishment has been setting prospective nail techs and manicurists up for success since the early 1970s. It offers students a high-quality education, an amazing academic experience, an introduction to marketing, and the clout needed to land their dream jobs after graduation.
With several locations in Texas and one in Atlanta, Georgia, the Ogle nail tech program, which is covered in their cosmetology program, can be completed in under one year. You’ll have to undergo 1500 hours of rigorous training, but at the end of your program, you’ll be ready to pass your exams, land a job, and build the nail technician career you’ve always wanted!
Artistic Nails and Beauty Academy
If you’re located in Florida and are looking for a top-notch nail tech education, you can’t get much better than the Artistic Nails and Beauty Academy in Tampa or Lakeland. With a history dating back to 1985, this program has a proven track record of excellence.
The special perk of this program? It’s accelerated to the extreme. You can become a nail tech in just 9-15 weeks (with 300 hours, which exceeds Florida’s minimum requirement of 240). There’s a year-round schedule, as well as flexibility for part-time and full-time students.
You’ll learn all the basics of nail art, create a niche for yourself, and learn the ropes of the business. By the time you graduate (which won’t be long!), you’ll be prepared to craft the nail tech career you’ve always dreamed of.
Honorable Mentions: A Few More Nail Tech Schools to Keep on Your Radar
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture
Founded by world-renowned hairstylist Mario Tricoci, this Midwest-based beauty school is a staple in the cosmetology world – and, of course, their nail tech program is no exception.
With modern training, high-quality products, and business-savvy instruction for real-world business application, Tricoci gives future nail techs everything they need to thrive after they graduate.
You’ll dive into nail enhancements, spa manicures, nail art, and client service techniques, all while prepping for your state board exam. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, reputable education with high standards, this one’s a no-brainer.
Aveda Institute
Known worldwide for its holistic approach to beauty and wellness, Aveda offers an elevated experience for nail tech students.
Here's something important to note though – not all locations offer a dedicated nail program. But the campuses that do provide students with a high-end education that are focused on natural products, spa-grade techniques, and guest services.
If you're drawn to eco-conscious brands, luxury service environments, and wellness-based beauty practices, the Aveda Institute is an ideal place to kick off your nail tech career.
Bellus Academy
This award-winning beauty and wellness academy has earned national acclaim for its excellence in education. The nail tech program follows suit! Bellus combines creative artistry with real-world business training to give students a serious edge in the nail industry.
With cutting-edge techniques, professional product lines, and mentorship from experienced instructors, this program will leave you feeling more than prepared to crush your board exams and thrive in a salon (or your own business).
Academy of Nail Technology (ANT)
This Arizona-based school is all about nails – and when we say all about nails, we mean only nails. The Academy of Nail Technology is a specialty program focused entirely on turning nail tech students into licensed, highly skilled professionals.
You won’t get lost in a broad cosmetology curriculum here; instead, you'll go deep into nail care, enhancements, sanitation, safety, and design.
With flexible scheduling and a laser-focused approach, ANT is a perfect choice for those who want to immerse themselves in nail technology without distractions.
Bonus Tip: Protect Yourself from the Start with Nail Tech Liability Insurance
Pursuing your passion as a nail tech is exciting, and any of the programs mentioned above will help you achieve your goals and kickstart your career the right way. Before you let the excitement carry you away, however, it’s important to consider the potential risks of not just your future career, but your time in a nail technician program.
Just as you go to school to receive proper education and training, as well as the professional certifications and licenses you need to practice your craft legally and safely, beauty liability insurance is a necessary step to protect you, your livelihood, and your reputation.
Accidents and mistakes happen, even in school. Imagine practicing your new skills on someone and accidentally giving them a minor cut. No big deal, right? A few weeks later, you are on the hook for damages because that tiny little cut is now infected and causing health issues. Your entire career and future in the industry could be in jeopardy.
Beauty student insurance is an affordable safety net that protects you both during your schooling and after. With professional and general liability coverage for students, alongside a handful of other important coverages, Elite Beauty Society is there for you when the unexpected happens.
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