Manicurists

Career summary

Manicurists may also be called nail technicians.

Manicurists work only on nails. They provide clients with:

• Manicures
• Nail extensions
• Pedicures

Manicurists talk to clients to find out what they want. They remove any previously applied nail polish from the fingernails. They clean the nails in soapy water, using swabs and orange sticks. They soften the nail cuticles (the skin around the nails) with water and oil. They push back or clip the cuticles. They also shape and smooth the ends of the nails, using:

• Emery boards
• Files
• Scissors

Manicurists may apply clear or colored polish onto the nails. They may also polish the nails using powdered polish and a buffer. This process leaves nails shiny without liquid polish.

Manicurists apply nail extensions for clients who want them. They attach paper forms to the tips of the fingernails. They apply glue to the nails and create the artificial nails over the forms. They remove the paper forms and shape and smooth the edges of the nail extensions. Manicurists also can apply special designs or even ornaments to clients' nails.

Manicurists also give pedicures to clients' toenails. They go through many of the same steps as for manicures. They also make sure that their tools and work space are clean and sanitized.

Related careers

This career is part of the Human Services cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Barbers
• Hairstylists and Cosmetologists
• Skin Care Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to manicurists.

• Talk to clients to find out what they want.
• Remove previously applied nail polish, using liquid remover and swabs.
• Clean clients' nails with soapy water.
• Soften nail cuticles with water and oil. Trim cuticles using scissors or clippers.
• Shape and smooth ends of nails, using scissors, files, and emery boards.
• Polish nails using powdered polish and buffer.
• Apply clear or colored liquid polish onto nails, using brush.
• Apply nail extensions to clients' fingernails. Shape and smooth edges using rotary abrasive wheel.
• Give pedicures to clients' toenails, using many of the steps for manicures.
• Schedule client appointments and accept payments.
• Clean and sanitize tools and work space.
• Decorate clients' nails with ornaments or special designs.

Common work activities

Manicurists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Perform for or work with the public
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, manicurists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Communicate daily by telephone and in person.
• Have a high level of social contact with clients.
• May work as part of a team of stylists and estheticians.
• Have limited responsibility for their clients' health. They must be careful not to injure clients when using manicure tools.
• Have limited responsibility for the work done by other manicurists.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Work very near others, as they must come in physical contact with customers.
• Are regularly exposed to contaminants, such as cleansers and nail polish remover.
• Are sometimes exposed to customers' diseases and infections.
• Often wear protective gear such as latex gloves.

Work performance

• Must be sure all details are done and their work is exact so that clients are happy.
• Work in a competitive atmosphere where they compete for business.
• Make decisions about treatments and techniques without consulting a supervisor.
• Set their daily tasks and appointments independently.
• Repeat the same physical tasks.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time.
• May work evening and weekend hours, when beauty salons are busiest.
• May work variable schedules.

Physical demands

Manicurists frequently:

• Repeat the same movements.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for manicurists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for manicurists to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

Skills and abilities

Manicurists need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Look for ways to help people.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Cosmetology and Hair Design

Other programs of study to consider

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Training

To work as a manicurist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete the manicure courses in a cosmetology program; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Most manicurists complete a formal training program. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer cosmetology programs. These programs include classroom and hands-on training. During training you learn to shape and polish nails. You also learn how to sterilize equipment and recognize skin problems.

It takes three months to complete a manicure program.

On-the-job training

At first you practice on other students in your training program. Later, you work with customers in a salon that offers discounted services for work done by trainees. You may receive additional training at your first job.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#removed DOL link as no longer active. 5/26/16 lh. Removed DOL apprenticeship entry requirements/statments as couldn't confirm. Put L&I link/info instead since did find references to manicurist apprenticeship on L&I website, 11/15/16 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Cosmetology
• Health Education

Many manicurists are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for manicurists who follow clients' instructions and enjoy dealing with the public. They also look for people who can communicate well with clients. Image and attitude are also very important. Any employee in a beauty salon must have an upbeat, helpful attitude and a good sense of style.

Business skills are helpful for those who operate their own salon or lease their own booth. In addition, the ability to be a good salesperson is becoming necessary for all cosmetologists, including manicurists.

Some salons prefer to hire manicurists who have an established clientele they will bring to the salon.

Tips

Since manicurists handle chemical nail products regularly, knowledge of the safe and proper use, storage, and disposal of these products is important.

#Comment in Tips section based on Seattle PI 12/4/06 article on possible hazards to which nail salon workers and clients are at risk of being exposed.

Licensing/certification

Manicurists must be licensed by the State of Washington. All training must occur at state licensed schools. Credit will be given for out-of-state credentials but the written examination is still required. Licensing requirements include:

• being age 17 or older;
• completion of a 600-hour manicurist course or a 800-hour, state-approved apprenticeship training program; and
• passing a state-approved national written and practical examination.

Manicurists who let their license expire and do not renew it within one year, will have their license cancelled. To reactivate their license, they must take the exam again.

For more information on licensing applications, fees and testing, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Cosmetology Licensing Program 
PO Box 9026
Olympia, WA 98507-9026
360.664.6626

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Manicurists and Pedicurists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Manicurists receive income from a variety of sources. They may receive a commission, which is a portion of the price of the service. They may receive a salary for the number of hours they work. All receive tips, and some receive commissions on the products they sell. In addition, some salons pay bonuses to employees who bring in new business.

Many factors determine the total income for manicurists. These include the size and location of the shop, the number of hours they work, and clients' tipping habits. A manicurist's ability to attract and hold regular clients is a key factor that affects earnings.

Some salons offer paid vacations and health insurance to full-time employees. Part-time and self-employed manicurists must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 28% of manicurists are self-employed. This often means they lease a booth or chair in a salon.

Major employers:

• Beauty shops

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will remain strong. New types of nail sessions are now offered (quick sessions and home services) and this increases demand. As people continue to seek healthier life styles with better grooming, manicurists will be in demand.

Job openings will occur as people leave the occupation.

Other resources

Careers in Beauty 

Professional Beauty Association 
7755 East Grey Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
800.468.2274
480.281.0424

References

Career cluster

• Human Services

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Manicurists and Pedicurists (39-5092.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Fingernail Former (331.674-014) 
• Manicurist (331.674-010) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Enterprising/Conventional
• Realistic/Enterprising/Social

COPSystem

• Service Skilled