The 9 to 5 used to be all the rage, but times are changing! A lot of people don’t want an office job anymore, and they definitely don’t want to follow the hours assigned to them by people higher up. Employees around the UK are starting to search for something different. They want flexible hours, the ability to take holidays whenever they want, and they don’t think that working 9 to 5 is a way to make a living. 

If you’re one of these bold people looking to break the mould and be your own boss, there are plenty of options out there. The world of freelancing has never been so full of opportunity! But, without a doubt, one of the most popular is becoming a nail technician, and it’s an industry that’s ripe with opportunity.

If you’re looking into taking nail technician courses, we’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know. 

Why Choose Nail Technician Courses?

It seems as though beauty has never been so popular as it is now. With influencers flashing their new nails on Instagram and salons popping up across the country, it’s obvious that beauty services are in demand! In fact, British women spend a whopping £161 million every year on their nails alone. So, if you’re looking into becoming a nail technician you’ll definitely have a big audience to market to.

The demand for nail technicians hasn’t been stopped by the pandemic, either. While it is impossible to have them done in lockdown, once people can they’ll be flooding straight back into salons! That means that now is the perfect time to become a nail technician, and it’s no wonder so many people are thinking the same. Online Nail Technician courses in particular are on the rise. These classes are great for helping you become a qualified technician without having to leave your home, so you can stick to the government rules and stay safe. 

Can I Pick Any Nail Technician Course?

There are tons of nail technician courses out there, but not all of them are the same. Some will offer a different approach to learning, or cover different things in their courses. It’s also wise to remember that you need to be working towards qualifications to become a nail technician, and picking a course that will help you with this is a must! So, rather than joining the first course you see, take some time to weigh up your options and find the best one for you.

To help you out, here are some tips for picking the perfect nail technician course. 

1. Know the Qualifications You Need

If you want to become a professional nail technician, you can do so without receiving a professional qualification. This means that you can simply take nail courses that teach you how to do different techniques and, once you’ve learnt them, you can get out there and start earning money. But, in the UK, if you want to work in a salon or make yourself more marketable, opt for a VCTC Level 2 Diploma in Nail Services (NVQ), which again can be done online. The majority of nail technicians in the UK are trained to level 2, and it’s a great way to gain all the knowledge you need to become a professional. 

2. Check the Accreditations

To gain the insurance you need as a nail technician, you have to have taken an accredited course. These courses have reached a standard of quality that will educate you well enough to become a professional in the UK. Look out for accreditations by ABT, The Guild, HABIA, and more as a stamp of approval. 

3. Know What You’d Like to Specialise In

If you’re not taking a Level 2 NVQ course, it’s a good idea to know what you want to specialise in. Not all online courses cover everything, so this is important! If you want to do acrylic nails, for example, you may have to look for a course that specialises in teaching this method. 

4. Always Check the Reviews

If you’ve found a course that looks perfect for you, don’t sign up before checking the reviews! These are a great way to judge the reliability of your course and learn more about what you’ll get from it. If you see tons of negative comments, you’ll know to steer clear of that particular course. 

Becoming a qualified nail technician opens up a world of opportunities! You can work when you want and be your own boss, or start working in a fun, friendly beauty salon. Whatever you choose, make sure you pick the right online nail technician course to help set you on your way.