Anyone who has visited a salon and has wondered what it takes to become a nail tech is not alone. The skills required to apply acrylic sets and remove calluses must be learned and practiced. Future students of nail technology should visit their nearest technology center to get the training they will need in this lucrative career. Two examples of technology centers in the United States are Francis Tuttle and Metro Tech Beauty Academy, which are located in Oklahoma . Those who are interested in nail studies may also attend a local beauty school.
How to Become a Technician
The technology center or cosmetology school must be accredited by its region’s board of cosmetology. This insures that the nail tech program is adequately preparing students to become licensed and able to legally practice the trade. Most nail technology schools will require students to wear a simple uniform such as a white t-shirt, black slacks, closed toed shoes, and a smock in order to mimic a professional salon atmosphere.
Students may expect to purchase a nail kit as well. It can include things such as hand and foot mannequins, acrylic powders, and files. These kits usually cost $100 or more and are extensive, so it’s especially helpful to purchase one that contains a large, protective train case. Some beauty colleges may ask attendants to have a nail technician textbook and pay for the region’s cosmetology board registration before classes begin.
Nail Tech Requirements
Each state or region will have slightly different requirements for nail technician licensure. The Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology’s manicurist license requirements are as follows:
- Complete 600 hours of study
- Pass a written and practical exam
- Be over the age of 16
- Complete the 8th grade
- Renew license annually by the last day of birth month
Oklahoma charges an exam fee of $15, license application and renewal fees of $25, and a delinquency fee of $10 when one’s license has been expired for over two months.
Nail Technology Classes
Courses can usually be completely during the daytime or evenings and there are ways to obtain college credit through attendance, too. High school students may be able to attend beauty school during their regular school hours through a district partnership. Technology schools like Francis Tuttle do not charge high school students tuition and offer them discounts on nail kits and textbooks.
Metro Tech requires its high school students to be age 16 or older, in the 11th or 12th grade, and proficient in the English language. Here are their course offerings for this major of study:
- 40 hours each – Introduction to Nail Technology; Cosmetology Laws, Rules and Regulations
- 60 hours each – Nail Structure: Composition Disorders and Diseases; Nail Art
- 80 hours each – Manicures; Pedicures; Salon Development
- 160 hours – Artificial Nails
For an adult student, these programs will cost approximately $1500 for in-state tuition and $3900 for out of region tuition. Books and supplies may additionally cost $360.
Nail Tech Career
After the experience of beauty school and board licensing has been completed, most technicians proceed to find employment in their field. According to Metro Tech, graduates can expect to earn at least $9/hour in an Oklahoma salon which will usually pay for the student’s education within a few months. A nail technician program takes no longer than one year to complete.
 |
 |
 |
