Nails Courses

What is Nail Care and Nail Art?

Nail Care is the maintenance of the nails on fingers and toes and is very important for health reasons. Good Nail care can prevent infections of the nails from fungus, painful ingrown fingernails and toenails, and even infections of the skin in the hands and feet. Manicures and Pedicures are the most common forms of nail care and are beauty treatments that trim, shape, and polish the nails.

Nail Art is the art of painting, decorating, or embellishing the nails for cosmetic purposes on the fingernails and toenails.

What courses are available?

Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:

• Nail Technology – A comprehensive nail technology course that will prepare students to work as professionals in the industry.
• Acrylic Nail Enhancements – A beginners course for students who want to master the techniques of acrylic nails.
• Airbrush Nail Art – A comprehensive training and extensive practical experience in Airbrush application techniques and maintenance.
• Sculptured Nails / Nail Extensions – Develop the skills and techniques necessary for the application and design of sculptured nails and nail extensions.
• Nail Art Course – A study of nail art practices and techniques that covers classic styles and new trends.
• Gel Nail Technician Course – This online course covers the study of the techniques and processes for gel nail polish application.
• Acrylgel Nail Extension Course – This online course covers the techniques and processes for Acrylgel, a nail modeling product that combines the best properties of both acrylic and gel nails.
• Manicure and Pedicure Course – This online course covers the process of manicure and pedicure treatments as well as an understanding of the structure of the nail and hands and feet.

Studying Nail Art in college

Nail courses are available in a variety of options to suit many schedules; you can study part-time or full time and there are even extensive online training courses available.

Courses can run over a few days or nights for shorter courses or there are more in-depth courses that cover the span of a year and multiple modules. Assessments are both practical and theoretical to cover all aspects of nail care and maintenance and nail art depending on the course you have chosen.

Career options

Nail Technicians generally work at salons or spas or may work as a mobile technician or educator. If nail art and nail are something that you enjoy a career as a nail technician is relatively low stress and enjoyable and you will be able to have a good work-life balance.

Opportunities for nail professionals are readily available with a steady demand for their services. Nails continue to grow all through our lives meaning that continued nail care is necessary and a good regular customer base can be built.

Evening and weekend hours are common as in most parts of the business industry as many of your clients may not be available during typical office hours and have a need for service after hours. Some nail technicians may choose to sell products used during nail services directly to clients, earning a commission on each sale and increasing their business model.

Related jobs include:

• Nail Technician
• Manicurist
• Mobile Nail Technician
• Salon Owner
• Salon Manager
• Spa Owner
• Spa Manager
• Retail for Nail Care Products
• Consultant for Nail Care products
• Nail Educator

Further study

An undergraduate degree or certification in Nail Care is often the first step to go onto further postgraduate study often involving specialization in particular fields and areas of the Beauty Industry.

FAQ

Are there any tips on what I can do to care for my fingernails?

· Keep your fingernails clean and as dry as possible; repeated or prolonged contact with water can cause fingernails to split and allow bacteria to grow underneath them which can lead to many issues. If you work in an environment where your hands need to be wet or you are working with harsh chemicals, cotton-lined rubber gloves are a good way to protect your hands and nails.

· Use a sharp pair of clippers or manicure scissors if you cut your nails, blunt instruments can cause nail damage.

· Use a moisturizer for your hands and rub it into the cuticles and nails too.

· If you have very weak or brittle nails talk to your doctor about supplements that you may need and apply a nail hardener to your nails to help strengthen and protect them.

· Don’t bite your fingernails, pick at cuticles or pull off hangnails. All of these damage nails and can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause serious infection.

Are there any particular qualities you need to study Nails?

A successful nail technician should have:

· The patience and good nature to deal with clients regularly.

· The ability to pay close attention to details.

· A passion for nails and nail care.

· Creativity for nail styles and designs.

· Knowledge of the latest nail trends is very beneficial to stay up to date.

Where can I study Nail Art?

Explore your options here

Did You Know?

· Fingernails grow an average of 0.1mm per day and the fingernails on your dominant hand tend to grow faster.

· Fingernails are made out of a hard material called keratin. Keratin is a protein made of dead cells, which is why cutting your fingernails hurt.

· Nail-biting is known as Onychophagia.

· Your middle fingernail grows faster than your other fingers and your thumbnail grows the slowest.

· Nail polish originated in China as early as 3000 BC. It was made of egg whites, gelatine, vegetable dyes, and beeswax.