Nail Technicians shape and style people’s nails, providing manicures, pedicures and other nail treatments. Also called Manicurists/Pedicurists, Nail Technicians usually work in salons and spas.

Nail Technician Duties and Responsibilities

To accomplish their primary goal of providing nail care treatments, Nail Technicians perform many tasks. We analyzed several job listings to identify these core Nail Technician duties and responsibilities.

Provide Manicures and Pedicures

Nail Technicians provide individualized nail services and treatments to clients, including manicures and pedicures. They remove previously applied nail polish, shape and smooth the ends of nails, clean the nails, soften, push back and trim nail cuticles, and apply polish onto nails. They may also apply artificial nails or paint designs onto nails.

Maintain Sanitary Workstation

Nail Technicians are responsible for maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment. They must uphold strict standards of sanitation and sterilization as directed by law and established policies and procedures.

Build Customer Relationships

Nail Technicians work to ensure their guests are satisfied, so that they will become repeat customers. They work to build a relationship with customers and guide them toward other services or products they offer.

Nail Technician Skills

Successful Nail Technicians are creative and artistic, with a very strong eye for detail.  They work carefully and take pride in meeting customer expectations. They also have good interpersonal skills and can carry on a conversation with anyone. In addition to these general skills and personality traits, employers are looking for Nail Technician candidates with the following skills.

Core skills: Based on job listings we looked at, employers want Nail Technicians with these core skills. If you want to work as a Nail Technician, focus on the following.

Current state manicurist or cosmetology license

Basic computer skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Basic math skills with ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide

Ability to work a flexible schedule

Up-to-date knowledge of cosmetology trends and skills

Advanced skills: While most employers did not require the following skills, multiple job listings included them as preferred. Add these to your Nail Technician toolbox and broaden your career options.

Previous salon experience

Customer service, hospitality or retail sales experience

Comfortable with product recommendation