What Services Can a Nail Technician Provide?

Typically, when someone thinks of a nail technician, manicures and pedicures come to mind, but a nail tech can offer so much more. Read this article to learn about all the different kinds of services a nail tech can offer.

Nail Maintenance

Nail technicians foremost offer essential nail care and beauty upgrades. This includes cleaning and maintaining the cuticles, trimming and shaping nails, and any necessary care for the skin and nail bed. On top of this, clients usually opt to coat their nails in a polish or nail design. Nail techs will have a wide selection of colors and types of nail polish to offer their clients. Manicures and pedicures are the go-to packages for nail maintenance.

Nail Tips

Beyond the usual manicures and pedicures that are provided at a salon, patrons can also receive tips on their nails. This is completed by taking an acrylic or gel nail tip and attaching it to the nail with an adhesive. The nail tech then cuts and forms the extension to the desired shape. The nail tech can create a round, square, coffin, or stiletto shape.

Gel and Shellac Manicure

These manicures cover the entire nail to give the desired color and shape. They create a hard exterior to protect the nail and give a high shine. Gel differs from the traditional manicure as it contains different gel hardening polish and requires UV light to dry. These can last several weeks.

Shellac is a specific brand of polish that is a mix between nail polish and gel. It is also set with UV light. It is debated that shellac is closer to traditional polish but may not last quite as long as the gel manicures.

Acrylic Overlay

Acrylics are a combination of liquid monomer and powder polymer that are adhered to the nail to create a hard protective cover. This process not only protects the nail but builds the desired color, shape, or texture on the nail. These also can become the canvas for creating nail art. Acrylic nails follow similar steps to the gel and shellac manicure. The liquid monomer and powder polymer cover the natural nail before nail polish or gel is applied. Similarly, a UV light is used to dry a gel or shellac coat after this step. These also can last between two to three weeks and are best removed by a nail technician to prevent damaging the nail bed.

Nail Art

Nail art is a budding art form on its own and has become a global phenomenon with tv shows and expos taking place regularly. Nail salons can provide you with endless forms of nail art and creative nail design based on their materials and the extent of their services. Nail art includes creating patterns, pictures, logos, and jewelry applications on the nail. This service is all about specialization, precision, and design, so often, this is a more exclusive service.

Massage, Hot Wax, and Oil Treatments

Beyond nail polish and art, nail technicians also provide treatments for the overall care of the hands, including skin and nail treatments. Two common services involve using hot wax or oil to moisturize the hands, increase circulation, and improve skin texture and nail condition. Paraffin wax manicures are a great solution for dry and dehydrated skin.

The hand sits in the paraffin wax for a period of time and then is removed. A lotion or moisturizer is added after the wax is removed to nourish the skin. Hot oil involves a similar practice of soaking your hands in hot oil, often combined with essential oils. It is highly recommended as a cure for damaged or dry cuticles.

Salons also commonly provide some level of hand or foot massage. Massages not only are relaxing and provide the perfect way for clients to feel pampered, but they also can improve circulation and relieve pain and stress. Massage has been associated with numerous health benefits , such as reducing blood pressure, reducing muscle soreness and tension, and even improving immune function.

Becoming a nail technician can be a promising career for those passionate about nail care and design. A nail technician program can help you master all of these skills and even give you the requirements to become a professional. Colleges like PJ’s College of Cosmetology are currently enrolling. You can request information online and communicate with an enrollment advisor, or call at 800-62-SALON (72566).