Working in the beauty industry is more than a job. It’s an art form. As such, it takes a lot of practice, education, and skill to master the craft of manicuring nails. If you’re someone that’s been into beauty for a while and likes painting nails, then becoming a nail technician may be the job for you. So, how long does it take to become a manicurist in Tennessee? It can take time to become a manicurist, but not as long as you may think.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Manicurist?

While being a nail technician may seem like a simple job, you’d probably be surprised at just how much training and time you have to put into developing your skills. After all, being a manicurist is about more than just painting nails. 

 

Becoming a nail technician takes months of hard work to qualify. Nail art professionals and manicurists are highly skilled professionals with many responsibilities. While making a client’s nails beautiful is a large part of a manicurist’s job, there are a lot of safety precautions to make sure that they can do so safely. 

 

Training for practicing manicuring safely is considered so important that 49 states require you to have a professional license to be a manicurist. And, as fashion trends and beauty technology evolve, knowing how to paint nails is no longer enough. 

 

A good manicurist has to keep up with popular styles, techniques, and trends. They have to do what it takes to make their clients look and feel their absolute best. 

What will I need to Know to Become a Nail Artist?

If you’re looking to answer the question “how long does it take to become a manicurist”, you’re probably also wondering what you’ll learn. There are several things that a manicurist needs to know how to do, because simply painting nails isn’t enough. Here are a few of the primary skills that a manicurist will need to master before they can expect to get a license. 

 

1. How to Give Manicures and Pedicures

Manicures and pedicures are probably two of the most common services for which people will go to a nail salon. The main steps of a manicure include:

 

• Cleaning the nails and sterilizing the equipment
• Clipping the nails to the necessary length, filing the tips, and buffing the surface
• Pushing back the cuticles in a safe and painless manner
• Exfoliating the skin
• Moisturizing the hands and cuticles
• Applying artificial nails, if being used
• Using a base coat
• Applying the first color coat
• Applying the second coat of color
• Sealing it with a clear topcoat
• Cleaning up the rough edges and letting the polish dry

 

2. Nail Art and Design

Next, you have to learn how to do more than a simple, solid color manicure. You need to be able to do more intricate art patterns and designs. It’s crucial that you practice any current or upcoming nail art trends, so that you can offer your clients the best service. 

 

3. Customer Service Skills

As with any service industry, you need to work well with customers and provide them with a pleasant experience. No customer wants to return to a place that offers poor service. Before becoming a manicurist, it’s essential to practice and hone your people skills. 

How do I Obtain my License?

When you’re answering the question “how long does it take to become a manicurist”, licensing is another huge factor. Most states require you to get a license before manicuring nails professionally. There are a few steps to obtaining that license, but if nail art is something you’re passionate about then, it’s worth it in the end. 

 

Firstly, most states require you to commit a minimum number of practical training and experience before you can try for your license. This number usually ranges from 300 to 600 hours and a 3- to 9-month training program.

 

Before going to school to be a nail technician, you must have either your GED (graduated early diploma) or have completed all four years of high school and graduated. You also must be at least 16 years of age.

 

Lastly, you must pass a state board exam or the National Institute of Cosmetology exam. Alternatively, you could try reaching your state’s minimum hours of apprenticeship. 

Thinking About Becoming a Manicurist?

So, how long does it take to become a manicurist? All in all, becoming a licensed nail art professional can take you anywhere from 3 months to a year, depending on your state and local licensing requirements. Manicurist training is a detailed and in-depth process. It’s important to make sure you have all of the skills you need before doing nails in a professional setting.

 

If you are unsure where to go for nail art or other beauty industry training, or are struggling to find a place at all, check out Career Beauty College. At Career Beauty College, you can become a manicurist in 9 months which is FAST compared to other schools in the area. You can learn everything you need to know about manicuring requirements, training, and more!