You love the beauty industry and chose to become a nail technician but had no idea about the different types of opportunities and career paths that were available to you — that was until you had a trusted friend in the industry to tell you all about the dynamic career paths available through the lens of nail artistry. Not long ago, I was in your shoes. Once my network of industry friends started to grow, I realized the endless paths as a nail technician that were available to me.
The beauty industry is constantly growing and evolving with the times. Being a nail technician isn’t just about doing nails but a way to express, innovate and create new ideas in an artistic way. There are so many jobs available to you in the artistry of nails, so let’s explore five of them together for anyone trying to find their lane after nail school or needing some advice on what path to take next.
Nail Technician
The satisfying moments of bringing your tiny works of art to life on someone’s nails are mesmerizing. I’m a solo nail artist, but I have experienced salon life in so many different ways. I started my nail career by working from home. I came upon an opportunity to apprentice, work in a walk-in nail salon and have also had the pleasure of operating and building a team of my own. I realized that building a team wasn’t one of my dreams and being a solo nail artist is something that has brought me the most joy.
Working as a nail technician offers many options on where to work in the industry. You may be a person who loves to travel, so why not work on a cruise ship in their beauty salon? It's a great way to travel the world doing something you love. A spa/salon setting, walk-in nail salon or a specialty nail technician who may offer services to an exclusive VIP clientele or venue are only some examples that prove that where to work in the artistry of nails can be much more dynamic than you think. Don’t be afraid to think big when it comes to your career.
Nail Educator
It’s no secret that you learn so much as you develop into your role as a nail technician. Your passion may be educating other nail technicians about the knowledge and skills it takes to become a nail technician. Becoming a nail educator is an impactful career choice and opens up avenues to teach aspiring nail artists in beauty schools, workshops or online platforms.
Educators play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nail industry. These professionals do much more than teach the basics of nail care and design; they are at the forefront of beauty education, shaping the next generation of nail technicians with a blend of artistry and ideas on running a successful nail career.
Nail educators serve as the bridge between tradition and innovation. These educators emphasize the importance of health and safety, ensuring that new technicians understand how to maintain high standards of hygiene and client care, which is paramount in today's health-conscious society. This not only prepares students for the current market but also instills a sense of lifelong learning, pushing them to continuously evolve in their craft and never stop being a student.
Nail educators do not just contribute to the individual growth of their students but also elevate the standards and reputation of the nail industry as a whole, making them invaluable pillars of the beauty community.
Beauty Brand
Have you ever thought about the beautiful displays of products that sit on the shelf in a beauty supply store or that you come across online of your favorite nail brands? Someone behind it is the creator and that person could be you. Your love for nails could bring you to create leading industry products, carrying things from nail art supplies, gel polish lines, acrylic, nail tips, nail equipment and so much more. Although it may seem like the industry could be saturated with so many nail brands currently available, everyone has their target audience. It’s about who has the best marketing strategy for themselves and their products, so why not you?
Although you have a love for nails, that may not mean you love actually doing them. It could also be that you love creating new beauty products the industry may be missing. Product development isn’t an area I have explored to the fullest, but I am aware of the growing industry demand for beauty as time goes on. Use your creativity to create beautiful nail product displays, while showing your potential customers how to use your products without servicing nail clients.
Salon Owner
Opening my first nail studio was a little scary starting out in the beginning. If you’re someone who has always dreamed of working in a fun nail environment, you could be the one to create it! The amount of hats of a salon owner are endless. Your day-to-day activities may include payroll, handling salon finances, client scheduling and taxes all while also managing a team until you’re able to delegate a few tasks.
Salon ownership may be a tough job, but it isn’t something that you can’t handle. It is a highly respected and impactful career choice when you decide to lend a hand to other nail technicians. The dynamic career of a nail salon owner isn’t just about the salon offering manicures and pedicures but about creating a sanctuary where clients feel pampered, valued, and beautiful. Each client's smile is a testament to the salon's success. It's not just about the nails; it's about fostering a community, creating a space where clients and staff alike can express themselves freely, and the overall well-being of those who walk through the door.
Brand Ambassador
Who comes to mind when you think of your dream nail brands you would love to work with? I remember writing down a list of brands I couldn’t wait to try out. After using a product for so long, you begin to realize it’s a company that fits your brand aesthetic — a nail company that you're always bragging about and telling all your nail friends that you could see yourself being a part of.
Having a product line of your own may not be your thing, which is why promoting your favorite nail brands because of your genuine love for them could be a great way to earn you some extra cash. Affiliate marketing helps you earn a piece of the profit for each sale you help make. Making content about nail and beauty brands you love could help you earn some passive income on the side.
The process of becoming a nail brand ambassador is different for each individual, but becoming a brand ambassador has changed my business and mindset. It’s easy to talk about nail brands that have helped me level up my nail game, while earning me some extra cash.
Which Path Will You Take?
Each of these career paths within the nail artistry sector of the beauty industry offers unique challenges but also rewards. Whether one's passion lies in the hands-on creation of nail art, teaching, content creation or entrepreneurship, there's a plethora of opportunities to explore. With hard work, creativity and a commitment to staying on top of industry trends, a career in nail artistry can be as dynamic and colorful as the designs you create.
About the Author:
Brionna Moore (@brionnalmoore) is the creative behind A Nail Techs Beauty Guide! She loves sharing her passions, life and love for the beauty industry. Ten years ago, she turned her nail hobby into a full-time career, starting off doing nails on her bedroom floor and eventually ending up with her own private nail studio. Today, she enjoys educating beauty enthusiasts through her digital content on socials and her blog.
