Nail Technician
The English word "manicure" comes from the French word "manucure". It originates from the Latin manus, meaning "hand," and cura, meaning "care" A manicurist or nail technician knows everything about beautifying the hands. They push cuticles back, shape the nails, apply nail polish, and can offer spa treatments for the hands. If you are a hard worker, like the beauty industry, and want to start a career where you will have room for creativity, you can consider this position. By the way, recently the ProfGuide career guidance center has developed a precise career orientation test, which will tell you which professions are suitable for you, provide a conclusion about your personality type and intelligence.
A manicurist is a professional who gives nails and hands a well-groomed look, helps solve aesthetic problems with nails, can make nails bright as an accent colour in the image, or leave them natural.
Features
People often think that manicure means only nail design. This is wrong because beauty is impossible without cleanliness and grooming.
There are different types of manicure.
A nail tech starts off with the very hygienic treatment of the nails, and it can be done in different ways. For example:
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Soaked cuticles can be cut with special scissors - a classic manicure;
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Cuticles can be pulled back with orange sticks - an European manicure;
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Cuticles can be removed with a especial machine - a hardware manicure;
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A complex of care and design with the help of special natural solutions - a Japanese manicure.
A manicure can be supplemented with hand baths and massage at the client's request.
There are also a great variety of design:
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French manicure is about drawing a free edge in white with a thin brush when applying nail polish (draw a smile line);
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Spanish manicure differs from other types of nail design with rich colours.
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American manicure is about matching colours of nails and lipstick; also, it is characterized by bright designs and extreme length of nails.
Nail design is not limited to different types of nail polish. There are many techniques to extend the length of the nail or correct defects of the nail. A technician can extend the length using nail forms, acrylic, gel, or polygel. They see nails as a canvas for an artist.
Modern fashion and the popularity and prevalence of the nail industry today allow a manicurist to show their imagination by developing unique designs, decorating nails with rhinestones and applying different design techniques.
A creative approach is appropriate not only in design. Treatment for weak nails also requires special skills and the ability to apply them in a particular situation. For example, peeling nails can be treated with special solutions, such as IBX, brittle nails can be strengthened by covering with nail polish, and nail shape can be corrected.
Nail technicians have to constantly improve their skills. This is due to the rapid development of the industry, various new techniques and styles in design, and new materials. Therefore, you need to follow new trends and attend courses and masterclasses.
Employment
A manicurist master can work at:
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beauty salons;
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manicure and pedicure studios;
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clinics;
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cosmetology centers;
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or visit clients' homes.
Important Qualities
This career requires developed fine motor skills, good coordination, normal color perception, and the ability to do laborious work and connect with different people.
Salary
A salary of a nail technician depends on where they work. The price for services depends on training, experience, quality of work, portfolio, etc. If they work at a salon, they usually get a percentage of the gross. Many people do believe that it is not profitable, although different salons offer different rates. Nevertheless, working in salons has advantages: a specialist gets a net profit because they do not need to purchase furniture, equipment, tools, materials and supplies, and they do not waste time on making appointments and accounting. But being your own boss also has an advantage which is a flexible schedule.
Professional Knowledge
A nail technician must know and comply with health and hygiene regulations; master hygienic manicure and skincare; understand the properties of different care solutions; know the features of different nail polishes, gels, and techniques. You also need to identify nail diseases and understand the specifics of working with damaged nails.
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