What Does a Nail Technician Do?

First, it’s important to establish the services offered by nail technicians. Nail technicians perform both manicures and pedicures. These services go beyond simply “painting nails.” In addition to beautifying nails, professional manicure and pedicure services nourish and strengthen nails.

Manicure

A manicure is a beauty treatment that uses professional tools, waxes, and creams to nourish nails and skin. It helps improve the texture, appearance, and health of the entire hand. It also leaves nails and skin looking polished and fresh. A manicure experience is relaxing for the customer. While every manicurist has their own technique, a typical manicure consists of the following:

• Softening and removing dead skin from the cuticle.
• Shaping the nail with a file.
• Applying a base coat.
• Applying a final coat. Special designs can also be added.

Throughout the course of a manicure, a nail technician is cleaning, shaping, and strengthening the nail in anticipation of applying a long-lasting top coat. A manicure can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. A longer process called a “full manicure” adds artificial nails over existing nails to strengthen, lengthen, and enhance them.

Pedicure

A pedicure is “manicure” for the toes. When performing pedicures, nail technicians remove dead skin from the foot and heel to soften skin. A pedicure may also include a foot soak that helps to soothe and moisturize the rough skin on the feet. Here’s a look at what a standard pedicure entail:

• Exfoliating the feet with minerals and salts to eliminate dead skin.
• Moisturizing feet with soothing creams and oils.
• Cutting and shaping cuticles and toenails.
• Using hot stones or wraps to relax and soothe the feet.
• Applying long-lasting toenail polish.

Because of the added pampering provided, pedicures often take much longer than manicures. Each one can last for 30 to 90 minutes. Most nail salons offer different pedicure packages that include Classic French pedicures, gel pedicures, and full-service “spa” pedicures.

How Do You Learn to Give Manicures and Pedicures?

Manicures and pedicures are intensive beauty treatments that require certification and training. Training is needed because performing these treatments requires a great deal of precision and technical knowledge. Manicurists must know how to promote cuticle and nail-bed health using specialized cutting and cuticle-pushing techniques. They must also understand how different products work together to soften, exfoliate, and moisturize skin. Of course, there’s also an artistic skill that’s needed when applying polishes. However, there’s another important reason why nail technicians need to be formally educated.

During the training process, aspiring nail technicians learn about essential practices for hygiene and sanitation. Due to the invasive nature of a mani-pedis, it’s essential that nail technicians know how to safely and hygienically use tools and instruments that remove skin in the sensitive areas surrounding fingernails and toenails. This is one of the reasons why nail salons are so heavily regulated.

Where do nail technicians go to get trained? The diploma needed for becoming a manicurist can be obtained through a cosmetology program. The exciting part about enrolling in a cosmetology program is that it provides a variety of hands-on and academic training to equip future cosmetologists with what they need to thrive in a variety of settings. As part of a cosmetology program, students learn all aspects of hairstyling, facials, skincare, makeup application, and nail care.

How Can I Start a Manicure and Pedicure Business?

There are many paths to starting your own manicure and pedicure business. However, the journey starts by enrolling in a cosmetology program at a vocational school. A formal education is needed to obtain the state licensing required to operate as a professional nail technician. It’s important to note that attempting to run a manicure and pedicure business without proper licensing can result in fines, legal liability, and other repercussions.

The requirement for attending a vocational school to obtain a cosmetology diploma shouldn’t be thought of as a roadblock to a career. This small “barrier to entry” is important for distinguishing qualified, trained nail technicians from amateur nail technicians. Plus, instructors in a diploma program are there to help you turn your raw talent into marketable skills. A cosmetology program provides:

• Instruction from expert cosmetologists.
• Hands-on training designed to help you learn how to perform services for real clients.
• Training for a wide variety of skills that cover nails, hair, skin, makeup, and facials.
• Safety and hygiene training that will enable you to comply with all health and safety codes that are legally required when working in salon or spa environments.
• Education in business, marketing, customer service, and other subjects that can help you to develop a successful business.

Upon graduating from a cosmetology program, aspiring nail technicians have what they need to move forward with their career goals. They are also equipped to take the state licensing test that allows them to obtain certification. In Florida, you are able to sit for the Florida Cosmetology Exam only after graduating from a Florida cosmetology school. This exam is a two-part test that consists of a written theory exam and written clinical exam. Each part contains 65 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. Once you’ve successfully passed both portions, you will be issued your Florida cosmetology license.

Deciding What to Do After Graduating from Cosmetology School

Graduates have a world of possibilities after obtaining cosmetology licensing. While many plan to open their own nail salons, others decide to learn more about the industry by taking jobs at salons and spas. Learning the fundamentals of how to run a successful nail salon by working at a one after graduation can be an important part of formulating a business plan. However, it’s not required.

There’s no rule that says you must work as a salon employee for a certain number of years before you open your own business. As a licensed cosmetologist, you have an advantage over someone who simply wants to get into the nail salon business for profit instead of passion. That’s because salons must be owned by actual licensed cosmetologists. Next, let’s take a look at the other things needed to open your own nail salon.

What’s Needed to Open a Nail Salon?

After graduating from a Cosmetology program and getting your nail technician license, there are a few additional steps to opening your own nail salon.

Location. Location. Location.

The first step to opening your own nail salon is choosing a location. This is something that many business owners do with help from a real estate agent. Typically, business owners lease spaces from commercial landlords. This locks them into a long-term space without the need to actually purchase expensive real estate. In most cases, tenants can update the space to meet their specific needs. Expect to spend time and resources on “building out” the interior of the space you choose to turn it into a salon that meets all local code requirements. A real estate agent may be able to help you find an existing salon space that already has many of the features you’ll need for your business. However, it may be worth the investment of updating a space if you’re able to get a storefront in a highly desirable location.

A Salon License

It’s necessary to apply for a salon license when opening a salon in Florida. As part of the licensing process, an inspector will visit the salon space for an initial inspection. However, Florida salon owners are not required to wait to open until the inspection happens. A passing grade on your inspection simply means that your salon can stay open. If your salon does not pass, you’ll be given an opportunity to make necessary changes to keep your salon open. Recurring inspections will take place every other year.

Employees

A nail salon is rarely a one-person operation. That means that you’ll need to hire employees to help you get your doors open. Each salon owner can scale their operation based on their financial goals. However, it’s helpful to have a receptionist/scheduler, several nail technicians available for different shifts, and a general assistant. As a salon owner, you can handle inventory, vendor relationships, and marketing to save on costs during. Many nail salon owners also help clients because it allows them to save money while also keeping their skills sharp.

Marketing

It’s important to let your community know that your new salon is open for business. Many new salon owners choose to hire small marketing agencies that specialize in spreading the word about local businesses. It’s also possible to use online ads, social media, and local newspaper ads to spread the word. With location-based keywords, salon owners can use websites and social media to advertise their services. Don’t forget about great signage. Signs and banners that announce your grand opening can call attention your new nail salon.

Final Thoughts

Owning the best new nail salon in town always starts with the right training. Luckily, a cosmetology diploma can be obtained at a local vocational school. Learn more about this important step today.

Want to Learn More?

Are you ready to enjoy the many opportunities available in nail, hair, makeup, and facials? Meridian College offers a Cosmetology training program in Florida that prepares you to deliver high–quality beauty and hair services to both men and women. Their hands–on Cosmetology training program gives you the skills you need to start an exciting career and become a leader in the beauty industry.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a cosmetologist or nail technician.

The post How Can I Start a Manicure and Pedicure Business? appeared first on Meridian College.

Facials, Make-up and Hair Removal

A facial is a collection of skin care treatments for the face including steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels and massage. The facial is used for general skin health.

Steam Facial – a relaxing way to help increase circulation to the face and open up pores to cleanse away impurities.

Exfoliation – the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin’s outermost surface.

Extraction – clearing a clogged or compacted pore. Blackheads, pustules and pimples are the most common reason for facial extraction.

Facial Cream and Lotions – used to moisturize the skin or as an exfoliate.

Facial Masks – can help hydrate skin, remove excess oils and help improve the appearance of pores. There are three types of facial masks, they include:

• Deep-Cleansing – to penetrate and clean the pores
• Healing Acne Scars – hyper-pigmentation
• Brightening – for a gradual illumination of the skin tone

Peels – a treatment where an acid solution is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. It is effective on blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation.

Facial Massage – used to slow down the aging process and achieve younger, healthier looking skin. Facial massage can also help relieve stress, headaches, PMS and sinus congestion.

During a facial the following is done to improve skin care, remove hair, apply make-up and artificial eyelashes.

Test for skin sensitivity – it is recommended to do a patch test for compatibility prior to using any new products. Use the side of the neck for true compatibility as it is thinner and more reactive. If too sensitive, you may see an itchy, red rash.

Remove superfluous hair – the removal of unwanted hair by waxing, sugaring, tweezing, threading or depilatories.

• Waxing – the use of wax, mainly beeswax, being applied to the hair and placing a strip on top. The strip is pulled off and pulls the hair out by the follicle.
• Sugaring – temporary hair removal that involves the use of a thick, sugar-based paste.
• Tweezing – grabbing each hair at the root and pulling in the direction of hair growth to remove superfluous hair.
• Threading – twisting and rolling cotton thread along the surface of the skin, entwining the hair in the thread and lifting it from the follicle.
• Depilatories – a caustic alkali preparation used to remove superfluous hair by dissolving it at the skin surface level.

Lighten superfluous hair – Instead of removing the superfluous hair, the hair can be lightened with the use of hair dyes as hair tends to grow back and in need of repetitive removal.

Apply make-up – make the face of the client fresh and moisturized before putting on make-up. Then, apply primer to ensure the makeup lasts all day. Next, apply a foundation shade that matches the client’s skin tone. Add some concealer and blend it in. Follow up with some eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara. Finish with lipstick and blush.

Apply artificial eyelashes – start by applying mascara to curled natural lashes to create a shelf to support the weight of the false lashes. Cut the artificial eyelashes to fit the client’s natural eyelashes, add adhesive and put the artificial eyelashes on.

Manicuring and Pedicuring

The cosmetic beauty treatment for fingernails and toenails. A standard manicure or pedicure includes filling and shaping the nails and coating them with nail polish, as well as soaking and moisturizing the hands and feet.

Repair split or damaged fingernails – the fingernail can be trimmed away, then fill the nail and cover it.

File fingernails to desired shape – filing of the nail from the side to the center in one direction, lifting the file away from the nail, and returning to the starting point where the skin and nail connect. To soften or round the corners, shape by gently filing edges at a slight angle.

Give Plain or Oil Manicure or Pedicure – a plain manicure or pedicure cuts the nails, grooms them and then polishes the nails.  An oil manicure or pedicure gives relief to the nails and dries the cuticles. The oil can improve the hands and feet by leaving the skin soft and pliable.

Select and apply artificial nail tips (nail extensions) – First push back the cuticles. Buff the natural nail lightly so it doesn’t have any shine or moisture. Choose an appropriate size of nail tip. Apply glue on the hollow part of the tip and apply to the nails. Let the nail extensions set for at least 30 seconds to adhere.

Apply Acrylics or Porcelain to Sculpture Fingernails – Sculptured nails are built up and shaped around a form by the cosmetologist. A basic acrylic base is applied to keep the nail attached to the finger and the natural nail. The tip is built up to the specified shape using gel or acrylic powder, porcelain and/or chemicals.

Wrap Nails – apply a sheer base coat to all ten nails and wait until they are dry. Choose the wrap that best fits the client’s nail shape. Peel off the nail wrap and line up the rounded edge with the cuticle. Starting at the cuticle, press down and stretch the wrap toward the tip of the nail, removing all bubbles or ridges. Use a nail file to buff away any excess material. Finally, add a top coat to the nail wraps so they last longer.

Are these facial, make-up, hair removal, manicuring and pedicuring techniques interesting to you? Are you ready to earn your diploma in Cosmetology? Meridian College offers a Cosmetology training program in Florida that prepares you to deliver high-quality beauty and hair services to both men and women. Our hands-on Cosmetology training program gives you the skills you need to start an exciting career and become a leader in the beauty industry.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a cosmetologist.

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