I’m a DIY-er and have looked into getting a license. It was a turn off when I heard schools charging thousands of dollars just to pass the board and not really teach you the skills to do nails. I also agree that a license doesn’t guarantee a good tech. That’s the whole reason I started doing my own nails - I got tired of mediocre results from professional chop shops.
I totally agree w u.. that's why I started doing my own nails cuz the salons in my area were not very good and charging me up the wazoo for ugly results.. 🤔
Anika Gabrielle I agree! Because of YN and The Nail Hub and Hillary Dawn Herrera, I’m very interested in getting my license so I could justify charging what I would charge vs being a unlicensed tech just trying to get by. However in my state it’s 600 hrs of schooling! I have a 9 to 5 job (M thru F). It would take me forever to complete 600 hrs (training and practice). Plus I’ve heard a lot of schools in my area are shady - scheduling training outside of availability which puts a student behind; therefore causing the student to add more training time at the end of her/his expected end date. (Which means more loans being applied to the training.)
I got licensed but it was a total waste of time and money. The money I spent could have gone to buying product. All I learned was sanitation, anatomy of nails and the VERY VERY basics on enhancements. I didn’t learn how to properly do an apex for longer nails and how the apex placement varies by length, how to do other shapes, how to use forms, why my gel polish kept wrinkling or why the nails kept lifting. I learned more online than I did in school. They just handed me the book, I did tests on how to properly disinfect, and when it came to hands-on practice they would just throw clients at me who wanted a free set to do their nails and I had to learn things myself. Having a license doesn’t mean you’re better. I think the US should either drop that requirement or make it less expensive and actually improve what is taught.
Right, I think it is pretty standard that schools don't teach much technique more so just client safety and sterilization. The US is one of the few countries that requires licensing. Of course it is most important to continue education after school to perfect your craft. I always say school is like high school and the education you seek out after is like college.
Really true. You invest a lot of money only get the paper or permission To work in the beauty industry just like in any other profession. Time and dedication to keep learning makes a difference in what you can do with it.
Seems like it is harder to become a nail tech in America than in South Africa 🇿🇦 which is sad as if you qualified nail tech in SA u won't be able to practice in America for instance
I think that states should give you the option of taking the exam even without the 400+ hour school that does not teach you nails but disinfection, or online courses to teach those things so people were not doing nails without a license. If you can pass, great here you go.
I'm sorry I disagree. I went through the process of going to school. I went through manicure part first then got a full cosmetology education. You really need the education. You really learn aot more in school than watching online videos. There is no regulation on TH-cam if it is correct or not.I What if other occupations allowed to test out? Nurse? Fire Fighting? Dentist? I'm speaking of the US. Other countries probably have some training programs. They have different regulations and ways of doing things.
Not if you get fined or sued. There are nasty people in the world who will slander, accuse you of untrue things like injury. If someone attempted to sue you they can use having no license against you, and it will be counted against you. It takes one person the destroy everything that you worked for.
I definitely agree with you but in some states like mine New York it is illegal to practice cosmetology without a license so all somebody has to do is get mad and Report you and just because you have no license you will go to jail it is against the law it's sad
I’m 16 and I’m self-taught. I’m old enough to get a license, but unfortunately I have to graduate high school first in order to get my license. I’ve spent many hours on researching and educating myself on sanitation, nail products, and technique. I love your channel, it has helped me improve a lot. I hope to get my license as soon as I graduate high school. I think it will be a good side job for me while I’m studying in college for my other degrees. In the meantime I have 4 sisters, my mom, family, and friends that I have been practicing on. I started off with learning how to work with press-on nails just to learn the basics of how to prep the nail and apply gel polish and dip powder. Then, I started learning how to work with nail-tips. I am now working on perfecting hard gel, next I will work on acrylics. I’m very thankful to have parents that can invest in me. I feel like a lot of it comes so natural to me though, I’m very impressed and excited with how amazing my sets are turning out already!! I honestly don’t think that a license should be necessary to be a nail tech, I think that self-taught nail techs should just really enunciate that they are self-taught if they are providing services and be careful with those in their clientele/who they choose to provide services for. But unfortunately the U.S. doesn’t work this way, so for legal reasons I must abide to the law since I would like to have a larger clientele someday (And not get fined for it.) 😅
I always enjoy these discussions . I think why the USA requires a license in all 50 states is because it’s such a sue happy country . You can get sued for doing the wrong thing to someone if they get an infection. That’s again , probably one of the main reasons there’s so much Emphasis put on sanitation in schools . They teach what we as nail technicians are allowed to do in our scope of practice as well . Seems like every trade has a license in the USA . It’s to cover yourself and you can get insurance to protect yourself if you get sued . You can open a business legally .... and pay taxes ! 🤣 But yeah , coming straight out of nail tech school doesn’t Guarantee you will know how to do nail enhancements of all kinds .... sadly ...
Attending nail school can be a great experience if you're open minded! Most people who are "self taught" are not open to learning new things. I speak from experience. However when I did open my mind to learning especially because I was paying for it I learned more than just safety and sanitation. Yes a license covers people while practicing, but you forget liability insurance, and safeguarding the public from the spread of diseases and infection, what nails to work on which ones not to. TH-cam has a lot of resources, but people don't know the videos are edited and say nothing to techs on videos reusing files and buffers, reusing the same efile bits. I'd say if you're interested in getting a license do it, visit the school and get a vibe for the environment. What experience does the instructor have? Be open to learning and look forward to becoming a lifetime learner. Continuing education is key in our industry.
Exclusive nails with Vonne ....It might as well be all 50 , because come October this year 2020 , Connecticut will need a license. Then , YES it will be all 50 states .
I've always thought it was a little hypocritical how people look down on someone that is self taught because aren't we all self taught? I can't think of 1 person that never practiced or played around with nail products before deciding to go to school and honestly even after going to school 90% are still self taught bc school didn't teach them to do nails only what they needed to pass state. I think a lot of the people that criticize forget that. The school in my area was up front and told me they would only teach what we needed to pass our test and the rest was up to us.
I totally agree w u.. just cuz someone has a license doesnf make them an actual pro.. out of school there real education begins.. so me being self taught I already have a lot of the tools I need and get my license after lol if that makes sense haha.😅
Getting licensed opens doors for nail tech as you can work anywhere!! Specially when just starting off . You can work in a salon to get real hands on experience !! And also built a clientele. If you do a good job your clients will follow you anywhere you go!!
There is a clear learning curve happening regarding the internet/today’s educational resources and licensing laws. There should be a way to loosen up licensing laws without endangering customers. For example; allowing for quick safety certifications in different artistic fields so more people have the ability to work from home without fear of being fined or sued. They can use the internet to learn the craft and just get certified in safety.
I'm a DIYer. There are some companies that will not sell gel polish to anyone non-licensed. Fortunately I can get really good products on line. The products are getting better too. I keep learning through TH-cam, so keep up the great videos.
Thank you for doing this video. I fall into the no license. I don't work on others unless it's just a friend begging me for some fun nails (for free). I only use professional products to protect myself. We all want to be healthy and use safe products on ourselves too.
I work in a salon without a license. I feel as though I learned more in the salon than I ever would with schooling. I've researched codes and laws and everything about sanitation (because they didnt tell me anything about that when I first started). For me personally I don't see a license meaning much about professionalism. I work with people who are licensed and do terrible work and aren't clean. I am now apprenticing and will be doing hours so I can get a license but that's only so I dont have to stress when state board comes in.
I'm in the UK I spent just over 2 thousand pounds and done a diploma in nail technology which covered all contra indications and sanitation and lots more. to get insurance you need a qualification but you don't need a license..I think you can still be a professional nail tech without a license as long as you've done a course that enables you to get insurance
There are SO MANY talented non licensed nail techs. I do think it is important to get your license, just to open more doors. I’m in the process of getting my GED so I can go to school. I’m not expecting to learn how to do nails at all, but that’s what I have the YN courses for! 🥳👏🏻
Well, licensed nail techs are running a business and charge reasonable prices for the art, the non licensed nail artist usually don't have to run it like a proper business. They don't want to deal with liability insurance, permits, and other licenses to be legal. They don't know or don't charge for designs because they don't understand the costs of labor and materials. We do, because we need to pay taxes and everything else.
Esmeralda Loredo Absolutely. It’s 100% necessary to be licensed and do it legally. Not only will it open doors but personally, I would feel better knowing I’ve made the necessary steps to make sure I’m well trained and knowledgeable about the service I’ll be giving people.
even though i don’t want to become a pro licensed nail tech, i’d still go out of my way to learn sanitation and everything that you would need a license for just to protect myself, i only want to learn how to do nails for myself and maybe as a small side hussle instead of it being my entire career
There’s so many people in CA doing nails in there homes and offering services thru IG and other platforms. I don’t agree with not being licensed in states that require this..get a license and insurance to protect yourself and your client! At least in the states that require it..🙌☺️ great discussion guys!
It should never be mandatory to attend a nail school to pass a liscensing exam. Educating oneself online and being allowed to take the exam only without paying out thousands should be allowed. I therefore sympathize with the non liscensed group in this respect. The state should never make it near impossible to get said liscense in the current situation in the USA.
I love this conversation and really all of the knowledge you guys are willing to impart. I'm a nail tech novice (unlicensed) using polygel as my medium bc I don't like the smell from acrylic. I want to start taking on clients and charging but have this hangup about not having a license. From what I have been able to gather from your videos and others is that the sanitation is the biggest thing you learn with obtaining the license. Thank you so much for this conversation and including your audience.
I'm a Chef turned nail tech and I actually used a lot of the knowledge from my Sanitation classes and passing the board for that on Sanitation for nails. It sounds kinda weird but that's what I did.
In Canada, you don’t need a license/certification. A certified course here in one of the beauty schools in Orlando, Florida is charging a little over $1,500 for a short course.
Commenting a year later. Last year due to quarantine I got into nails. Thanks to TH-cam, TikTok, Google, IG and FB I’ve learned a lot. Amazon knows me personally. I went to a licensed nail tech in a salon and got a horrible infection and never went back. I say the key is sanitation. I would be willing to take classes for that. Not spend 4500 for certification. I could get that paper and suck!
I’m a Nail Tech in the UK, I have a licence as it’s required here. I only did a weeks course though so it’s fair to say I’m self taught. I’ve just watched a lot of TH-cam and practised designs on a practice hand. We need a license so we can purchase public liability insurance to cover our backs. It was a long time after I did the course that I was at a point I could take money for a service. My nails were finished to a good, hygienic standard, but I was far too slow. Thanks for all your education, you’ve taught me a great deal. Xxx
I live in NJ, the hours you need for the nail course is 300. I was only taught to pass state board, & my teacher that taught me is a licensed cosmetologist and has never done nails. License or no license I believe anyone who teaches you should know what they are teaching. ( real life skills) Also NJ has no apprenticeship program and doesn’t require nail techs to take classes for there license.
I’m also in NJ and experienced a similar situation. My school’s administration was a mess; over the course of 6 months-I only took classes 3 days a week 4 hrs a day-I had FOUR different teachers. Only one of which was a nail technician. It was a classic case of promises with no follow through. No proper instruction, our kits were incomplete, and the administration/staff was understaffed & disorganized. Thankfully there’s plenty of video instruction and classes through the internet now. If we didn’t have all these resources I would’ve gone into the industry severely unprepared.
This was a great discussion and I totally agree! I saw a post on Instagram a few weeks ago where a professional nail tech posted a blog about why she thought licensing wasn't necessary and the people in the comments (even licensed nail techs who know they didn't learn a damn thing in nail school) were hammering into her like "it is so important to be licensed. That's what guarantees your client's safety." But the flaw with that logic is that while keeping your tools sterile is one way to protect you client, you're also protecting your client by keeping their nails healthy and damage-free, which is what a lot of licensed nail techs are NOT doing because as mentioned over and over again... they didn't learn anything in nail school! I just graduated nail school about a month ago and while I was fortunate to go to a school that I learned more than other people did, there is still a lot of things that I don't know and I'm learning as I go. My school was also on the cheaper end at only $2500 (though most nail students who went to my school only paid $1900 because the school gave most of them, including me, a $600 grant), and I'm sure that also takes into account that in Florida, the state I live in, only requires 240 hours, which is only between 2 and 4 months. How much material can people really learn in that small amount of time? I'm so glad that you guys did this discussion because it's a really complicated concept for people to accept.
@YoungNailsInc I wish there was an online nail tech course for licensure in all 50 states for a reasonable price like they have in Canada. That could be adjusted to each states hour preference. Because most beauty school dont really let you use products you normally would use besides gel due to the smell. Because the odorless acrylics just doesnt work as well or the same. I dont just have 3-4 gs to go fulltime and work full time and not see my kids or husband. And theres only like 4 schools in the entire state that even offer a nail program in my state. They want all the money up front. No financial aid because its under 600 hours. Only 350 hrs. They dont teach you what most clients really want, new fads etc, you learn those from youtube and trade shows and other veteran techs. But mostly practicing on fake hands and other students. You really get more pedicures and manicures than anything in a school setting. I think if Young Nails/ OPI/ CND or other professional nail organizations could dominate if they could somehow figure an online self paced education system thats reasonably priced (with there own student kit) that would work for all 50 states cosmetology licensing boards for ppl to become nail techs and become more knowledgeable about the profession and client safety. Whether its meant to be there only income or a secondary income. I would be first to sign up!!!!
There isn't such a thing in my country (in Europe) as an official licence. You just finish a tranining in a salon that offers that, they teach you how to sanitize stuff, do nails on real models, you can pay extra if you want to learn nail art and then you get a certificate. This training lasts for about 4-5 days and I would say you are ready to work in a salon after that. But that is not an official "licence" like you guys have it in the US. So technically speaking, in some countries it is impossible to be "a licenced nail tech", which doesn't mean we are not going a good job. Btw this was a great video, as always ❤️
It's the same with hair. You are taught the basics, cleanliness/disinfection, the science and how to pass the state board. But the advanced things that are done everyday are not taught. And the artistry isn't taught at all. so there are many stylists that can't do a basic layers cut, or the more advanced coloring techniques like balayage. and even pros don't know how to use bleach properly because thats a whole thing unto itself. I didn't know Connecticut didn't require licensing for nails though.
I'm in Ireland and l am self-thought. I have being thinking about getting my licences for mouths now so l can set up my own business and to buy products online as there is so much more to choose from if your licensed.
Actually in Mexico I know they do need a license but many don’t really care, it applies only if you are working in a comercial place like a personal salon or a professional salon depending the place , if you want to be professional you need one to be able to get top price on yr work, I go to tj to get my nails done. That’s why I mentioned it!
You guys are so inspiring and a great mentors... I used to go to a license nail tech in Amsterdam. They would buff my nails for enhancement and file till my nails started to burn. When I told them it hurts more pressure they buffed. I am not talking about how my cuticle was chopped. I was traumatized and never went to a salon. Instead I started doing my own and after some course I started to do clients. First I practiced first before I did my first set.
In the UK, you are required to have a licence and insurance if want to work in a salon or own a salon whether you have a premises or work at home, if you are mobile nail salon no licence or even qualification is needed..
I totally agree with Habib & Tracey on this topic. I'm all the way here in Guyana, South America (Not sure if you guys ever visited here before) but the art and profession of nails are usually done by persons who are without license. Those persons are exceptionally talented and gifted and they were actually self-taught individuals so it is really not the service problem of unlicensed VS license giving a bad name but you generally find persons who are gifted and really skilled practicing across the world without a license and they Craft are is way better than some who go to school to study the art.
I think it should be required for every one. I also think they need to implement a continued education policy at renewal. There so many people working and not staying current on laws and diseases. You have to stay current on the craft, and continue to be an expert in the field.
im starting school in may. I dread 400 hours of learning things ive already researched and taught myself. Plus the 4000 dollars to learn things I already know with people who are starting with zero knowledge. BUT because I am business minded, it's so so important to be licensed.
I have gone onto my states Department of Safety and Professional Services and you can actually SEE all salon's and Individuals who have gotten FINES for not having a license!!! Or where the health inspector has made a visit ... yikes! No way man! Pretty embarrassing for them!
I believe you can. I do my own nails. I would like to.have a license but the prices just for manicure classes is extremely EXPENSIVE and no financial aid is available for it.
Thank you for what you do to help the nail industry! I actually began doing my nails at home because "salon licensed nail techs" always have their tools extremely dirty with other clients nail dusts, and they would do the famous "rings of fire" which I had a felling was wrong cause it hurt. Happy to have left salons before getting an infection or fungus on my nails, also my nails look more professionals and have no lifting with the little training I have gotten from you guys than what a "salon licensed tech" does as their always in a hurry.
Exactly! I put nails on and remove them often and my natural nails are just fine. When I was going to salons? I’d get cuts, got the geeenies a few times, was always freaked out bc the filth, etc.
“Always have there tools dirty....”. No! I learned sanitation in depth and I can answer any questions regarding that which I’m sure some who are self taught cannot.
Really wish they based the license on sanitation test vs time worked in a class (since you can't work on others.... but need practice hours?) I want to do as a side hustle to my corporate 9 to 5 but I'm not trying to do full time school to learn about the nail and sanitation when I could just do a sanitation course and pass an exam. I'm pro regulation/certification but idk about license.
I live in Kentucky and since they lowered the hours to 450 I have found 3 nail tech programs but all are at least a hour away from me, oh and they don’t accept financial assistance bc the length of the program. So I feel like in a few years in order to be a licensed nail tech in ky you will have to take an entire cosmetology program (10 months +) just to do nails! It sucks for those of us who are great unlicensed nail artist bc I’m almost certain I’ll never get a nail tech license due to the “rules” they have 😫
I know this video is a year old, but Connecticut does now require licensing. Minimum of 100 hours from a school or 2 years experience as a nail technician.
You may not need a license in the UK but you sometimes do and it’s heavily stressed to get a government recognised level 3 diploma in nail technology etc cause it’s insurable and makes it easier to work in nail salons or freelance. People in the UK regard certification as a reassurance but that’s if you’re saying your a pro nail tech vs a hobbyist or just for you, friends and family
Hi guys I love your videos. I’m from Puerto Rico and here they don’t license Nail Techs, they give us a diploma. I really enjoyed my year of study. It was so worth it. We have the same laws from the states in Puerto Rico required but this is pretty much cowboy land.
I am self-taught as well and on the school there's so much for that you need to know aside from the acrylic application or the gel application that a lot of DIY you're so self-taught don't even research or think about. for instance safety and sanitation what to look for in the different issues of the nails. As with any school they are there to teach you the basics and give you a foundation to build on. Schools do not teach you skill, experience cultivates and sharpens your skills.
I'm both an esthetician and nail tech of 21yrs in New Brunswick Canada, I buy your gel system from Can West. I have to show that I have a license. I have 2 fees, 1 for my salon and 1 for me due yearly. So; in Canada,some provinces and territories need valid licensing. Love love love all your content. And just did a price raise. long overdue.Thanks for the push.
My mother really wants to learn how to become a nail tech. We don't have the money for school. Is there a way she can learn the basics by being an apprentice somewhere? How can she do nails with no license
Thank you for this video. The topics you touch on are so important. I wish more people were open minded like you about nail techs whether licensed or not. You are right license or not, everyone doing nails should know proper sanitation and other important things that impact the client and tech. I agree with people's comments about letting the client know in advance if you dont have a license, we are all adults and should be responsible and ethical no matter if you work put of a salon or ur home. Thank you Young Nails for everything you do, you are appreciated!
I'm in Florida and I was licensed here as well. 600 hour course and I've had my license since 1993. I do not know what kind of information some are getting, but the state of Florida **requires** a license to own, operate, or work in a salon to do nails and absolutely requires continued education every two years. That education involves a course on sanitation/diseases and such, and the other course is on the nail business itself. When you've had your license a number of years, you are required to take the sanitation/disease course every two years. I wish every state required a license and every salon--no matter where they are located--required some kind of learning to earn and keep a license.
I am not licensed but I certainly would love too!! I just want to have the knowledge of how to do it right on myself and eventually others . I have learnt soooooo much from your channel as well as other you tubers and I definitely see an improvement in my nails.
It's not only the US: Romania, Europe requires both a qualification (nail school/course recognised by the government) and a license for business. You need to be a legitimate business here to charge money even if you work from home.
I've was getting my nails done for over 20 years in nail salons throughout/up and down the East Coast and not 1 time have any tech ever sanitized my hands/nails. As a self-taught tech I sanitize every hand I touch!
I'm in a nail school right now and my teacher told me that the health department will be going around this year to find out if your licensed or not. There will be a 1000 dollar fine if they catch you without a license practicing in a salon or even home base. I hope a lot if people in CT understand this.
I’m so happy I found this channel, what you guys do is amazing and sooo informational , every little question I had for nail school was answered on here 💯
I just love you guys! I have been learning so much about the nail tech industry. I'm not a nail tech but came here to learn what to look for in salons. I'm still waiting to find a good tech in my area, it almost makes me want to just learn how to do my own nails at home. You guys are great! Love your channel!!! 💕💕
New South Wales is a state of Australia (the state Sydney is in), and NSW doesn't regulate the industry very well, but nail techs are required to be certified. You need to have done Certificate III Nail Technology to register your business with local council and be legit. There are way too many nail tech who don't get the training and I think it's really, really wrong. Although, I'm doing my certification through the state run vocational education institution, TAFE, and it's an absolute joke. At least that's the way it is at the regional TAFE I go to. Maybe Sydney is different. They cut an entire day a week from our program and I'm being made to do assessments on advanced art that I've never even been shown how to do. The teachers are also just not really interested. I've taught myself how to do the majority of what I already know. I'm really unimpressed with the training and now I know I'm going to need to probably go to an nail educator through a private company, so that I can unlearn all the terrible habits TAFE has taught me.
Great information.. I do my own nails and no one else other than my daughter. I have a few friends and a family member that is hounding me to do other people's nails. All they talk about is how much money I can get by doing nails. I'm not in it for the money!! That is why I don't do other people's nails or open up a nail salon. I do my own nails because one I like doing it and two it gives me something creative to do. Now don't get me wrong I appreciate my friends and family member for their support, but I don't want to take what I like to do and turn it into a money making business. It's way too much BS getting licensed, business license, accounting and government taxes.
Hi love all of your stuff here on TH-cam, but I just feel the need to clarify... I am from Denmark and the fact that we call it a course instead of calling it beauty school doesn't mean that we learn less than you do in the US. The course we take here is also about two months long and the exam can be taken within a year where you can reherse and get better before you get your license. We cannot buy professional products without a license and it even sounds like we learn the same stuff that you do in beauty school in the states. Here we are able to buy additional courses to learn even more about different styles and techniques :)
I'm kind of glad I sought out a certified beauty school where I obtained my license first because it had me learn the importance of cleaning and sanititation. But all schools have limitations to certain nail techniques unfortunately, I would still accept tips and compensations from only family and friends when practicing. I used that compensation to pay for school supplies. Did I consider myself as a nail tech at that time? Well now I can say having a license can cover you as a tech and it helps with getting jobs. All I can say is practice, practice, practice and don't let nothing stop you. Glad you guys share this topic 👌
I am so happy I saved up in cash and supplies I needed to do nail school and happily get the pro prices and when I finish college fully commit myself to taking pedicures and nails courses from yn and LCN pedicures experts.
I'm in Ontario Canada, you don't need a license to do nail. I have been doing nails since the 80's. I took a nail coarse back then for 3 months. I continue my education all the time with different product lines. I'm down to just doing a few clients now for the last few years. Really thinking of increasing my business again. I do believe that it should be regulated here. You guys are awesome with these informative videos
i’m so glad i went to cosmo school during high school so i didn’t have to pay for it because i would not be able to afford it. it’s so expensive now. if i didn’t do it during high school i don’t know if i’d have my license right now
Just FYI lol so you know in the state of NH esthetician can do nails they get a 2 day course on nails mind you it’s just regular manicure pedicure though!
Wisconsin is debating getting rid of their state board of cosmetology last I knew, so they maybe added to the list of no license. I read about it a while back on a professional FB page I'm in for Cosmetologists. North Carolina was 1500 hours when I got mine 3 yrs ago. I think some people need to leave it to the pros, because of the amount of sanitation, disinfection, client protection and safety that we have to learn in school.
I work as a nail tech and no license and I pride myself on my standards. School wasn't worth the money in my area and an apprenticeship wasn't really an option.
I watched this video the other day & thought to share that before I started school I was looking into doing an apprenticeship & I found out in my state in Texas there's no such thing but there's actually shops doing this & people don't even realize the laws in their states. I almost paid someone to teach me thinking I'd get those hours & go take my test. Apparently you can even pay to get fake licenses, There's a lot of illegal activity going on so make sure y'all know the laws & save yourself from being scammed & getting in trouble. This was a great video. I started off doing nails on my own for several years then went to school so I got lessons from both sides.
When schools an hour away and makes it hard to be able to work and do school I really wish that it was just something that they could do as an apprenticeship or something like that that way you can learn what you need to learn so you can pass the state test and you know to make sure that you do know how to keep your clients safe with sanitation but at least be able to still get certification.
Thanks for this! I went school 20 years ago, started again in 2016 at Marinello then they closed down. I still want to do nails but can't afford the schooling.
In the USA it’s most likely a big yes , not in my home country, but they are some people that does nails better than a licensed nail tech And yess the amount of money alone do get the license from start to finish is a lot for a lot of people
No absolutely not, you need to take your state board, and take it seriously. It's fo e to start out as an apprentice, assistant, mani, pedi, painting...learning cuticles, chemicals etc but you can not legally last in the field here in the US
I only do nails as a hobby and only on myself and rarely family and friends. I love these videos though and find them so interesting and informative! Thanks!
In South Africa when you go to nail tech school the first thing you learn is how to sanitise! Then application of acrylic, filling another very very imported thing AND teach the client it self how to take care of her nails. You can also learn how to do art etc. I know of people that don't go to a Salon for there nails and they get fungi specially on there toes! This was a very interesting conversation! 💞💅🏼😻🇿🇦
Here in California is required because there are unfortunately clients who love to sue unlicensed techs, I learned the hard way, and you can backup yourself with your license and you feel more confident and secure if you do have one, I was doing nails years before I got a license and it protect me from many many issues. But like you said most of the techs aren’t licensed and are extremely professional techs!
In the state on NH, Estheticians can do natural nail services i.e. manicures, pedicures, and gel manicures. However, they may not do any enhancement services or use an e-file. Those do not fall under their licensing. Cosmetologists May do manicures, pedicures, gel manicures and Enhancements but may not use an e-file. State requirement for Manicurists is 300 hours of education at an accredited school or you may apprentice under a Manicurist whom has completed and filed a special form granting them the right to teach and mentor for 600 hours.
49 U.S. states now require nail technicians to be licensed, the same does not hold true for Canada..... BUT four provinces out of 10 provinces and three territories - British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia - require formal certification, though Nova Scotia only requires it for manicuring and does not yet address nail enhancements. In order to obtain certification, nail technicians must enroll in formal training and pass a final written exam.
It is true I live in ct and I was seeking for the extra education because I do have a license from New York City but is always new things to learn that doesn’t hurts especially when is something that you really love and enjoy do it. But in Connecticut they will give you a whole cosmetology school and includes some general knowledge but they not for someone who is only interested on acrylic or gel or fiber glass nails.
Where i live there is nowhere for a person to attend school part time. I work full time and cannot just quit my job. Can you give ideas on what to do in that situation
I’m in Utah and the estetician are allow to do nails with their license. I work in a nail salon that work only in the natural nail. Manicures regular polish and gel polish.
In many places if you are doing it comercial or on a salon , it mostly is covered by the salon owners insurance license so I guess is here the USA the place where it needs to be legally licensed if you want to make it a job or profit from it, it coves you from getting sued ...
I’m almost 52 and would love to be able to be a nail tech, I’ve loved and had acrylic nails on and off since high school, but here’s my sad little (not really) story. My ex wouldn’t support me in going to school so I didn’t go and my now hubby would, even though he feels it’s too expensive too, but now I live on an island in alaska where there is no school so I can’t go. I’m a DIYer too and I can’t get enough, partly because I NEED the practice, I’m not very good and I just want to learn by doing the hands on part and I love it. I don’t have anyone to practice on here so I don’t know how to get the practice needed to get better. By the time my hubs retires from this job and we move to where I could go to school I would be in my 60’s and I feel by then we’ll be doing the retirement thing, traveling and doing other things. So I’m really bummed 🙁 Any advice? I know I could buy a practice hand I guess and make my own press on nails and practice that way.
Practice hand or practicing on yourself are hands down the best ways to get practice in. & as for your age you are never too old to start something you have a passion for!
First and foremost, we would recommend checking with your local state board (if you are in the US) to see what the licensing requirements are and if apprenticing is an option. Most states require you to go to school but you can apprentice once you are licensed to get more experience. If apprenticing is an option, it can be very valuable to get the in-salon experience, but make sure you are also learning the the basics of safety/sanitation/product knowledge and chemistry/anatomy/etc.
I’m seeing so many self taught nail techs on ig and it’s so confusing. I’ve been wanting to nail tech for years but couldn’t afford it. I really want to say screw it.
Yes, a lot of schools teach bare minimum in order to pass state boards. The important things to take from them are not just the sanitation & things along those lines, which are super important. The other is the anatomy & chemistry aspects. Knowing about non-living tissue on the nail plate, whether your state allows you to cut that tissue that's non-living & raised. What nail disorders, fungus, bacteria, infections, etc all look like & so many other things. Most states also require so many hours of continuing education credits to maintain your license. There are so many incredible educators from all around the world that you can learn from after ensuring you're legally permitted to practice. I started learning on my own. I was doing design work before I even walked in the school building. I wanted to be able to make money, compete in competitions, & so on, so I went to school. This is an ever-changing industry, so we should always be learning. Sorry so long lol.💕
I am a licensed cosmetologist. I Was taught nail anatomy, diseases, conditions, and acrylic basics in addition to hair. I continued my education in nail and nail enhancements over the years. A lot. As well as keeping up to speed with techniques and sanitation. I’m transitioning from behind the chair to behind the table so to speak. Is my cosmetology license sufficient to professionally perform nail services incl nail inhancements?
In the UK you have to have the right qualifications, & you need a qualification for each thing. I am qualified in acrylic overlay, and maintenance, which, give me the ability to sculpt, but if I wanted to do a gel polish manicure ,that's another qualification I have to get, as well as efile courses, which are so important nowadays, and it's all flipping expensive. That's why, I've chosen not to persue it a career, because of all this, but I don't trust anyone else enough to do them. Plus, some suppliers, such as yourselves, in the UK, require you to show your qualifications, before you can make a purchase.
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I’m a DIY-er and have looked into getting a license. It was a turn off when I heard schools charging thousands of dollars just to pass the board and not really teach you the skills to do nails. I also agree that a license doesn’t guarantee a good tech. That’s the whole reason I started doing my own nails - I got tired of mediocre results from professional chop shops.
I totally agree w u.. that's why I started doing my own nails cuz the salons in my area were not very good and charging me up the wazoo for ugly results.. 🤔
So if you don't want to get a license, then you BETTER understand the golden rules to Nailcare!!!
Right, the education is more for sanitation and client safety
Anika Gabrielle I agree! Because of YN and The Nail Hub and Hillary Dawn Herrera, I’m very interested in getting my license so I could justify charging what I would charge vs being a unlicensed tech just trying to get by. However in my state it’s 600 hrs of schooling! I have a 9 to 5 job (M thru F). It would take me forever to complete 600 hrs (training and practice). Plus I’ve heard a lot of schools in my area are shady - scheduling training outside of availability which puts a student behind; therefore causing the student to add more training time at the end of her/his expected end date. (Which means more loans being applied to the training.)
Talecia P - Same for me!! $7,500 for the class. 🤦♀️
I got licensed but it was a total waste of time and money. The money I spent could have gone to buying product. All I learned was sanitation, anatomy of nails and the VERY VERY basics on enhancements. I didn’t learn how to properly do an apex for longer nails and how the apex placement varies by length, how to do other shapes, how to use forms, why my gel polish kept wrinkling or why the nails kept lifting. I learned more online than I did in school. They just handed me the book, I did tests on how to properly disinfect, and when it came to hands-on practice they would just throw clients at me who wanted a free set to do their nails and I had to learn things myself.
Having a license doesn’t mean you’re better. I think the US should either drop that requirement or make it less expensive and actually improve what is taught.
Right, I think it is pretty standard that schools don't teach much technique more so just client safety and sterilization. The US is one of the few countries that requires licensing. Of course it is most important to continue education after school to perfect your craft. I always say school is like high school and the education you seek out after is like college.
Really true. You invest a lot of money only get the paper or permission To work in the beauty industry just like in any other profession. Time and dedication to keep learning makes a difference in what you can do with it.
Exactly
Seems like it is harder to become a nail tech in America than in South Africa 🇿🇦 which is sad as if you qualified nail tech in SA u won't be able to practice in America for instance
I think that states should give you the option of taking the exam even without the 400+ hour school that does not teach you nails but disinfection, or online courses to teach those things so people were not doing nails without a license. If you can pass, great here you go.
That would be an interesting option.
My thoughts exactly. I wouldn't mind paying for the exam. That would be awesome.
In England.....a computer and 50quid($65) is all that's needed to become a tech.
I'm sorry I disagree. I went through the process of going to school. I went through manicure part first then got a full cosmetology education. You really need the education. You really learn aot more in school than watching online videos. There is no regulation on TH-cam if it is correct or not.I
What if other occupations allowed to test out? Nurse? Fire Fighting? Dentist?
I'm speaking of the US. Other countries probably have some training programs. They have different regulations and ways of doing things.
as long as you pay taxes, keep your tools sterile and keep learning to better yourself, i think there is 0 issue
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👍🥰❤
Not in the state of NY 1500$ fine 😒
Not if you get fined or sued. There are nasty people in the world who will slander, accuse you of untrue things like injury. If someone attempted to sue you they can use having no license against you, and it will be counted against you. It takes one person the destroy everything that you worked for.
I definitely agree with you but in some states like mine New York it is illegal to practice cosmetology without a license so all somebody has to do is get mad and Report you and just because you have no license you will go to jail it is against the law it's sad
I’m 16 and I’m self-taught. I’m old enough to get a license, but unfortunately I have to graduate high school first in order to get my license. I’ve spent many hours on researching and educating myself on sanitation, nail products, and technique. I love your channel, it has helped me improve a lot. I hope to get my license as soon as I graduate high school. I think it will be a good side job for me while I’m studying in college for my other degrees. In the meantime I have 4 sisters, my mom, family, and friends that I have been practicing on. I started off with learning how to work with press-on nails just to learn the basics of how to prep the nail and apply gel polish and dip powder. Then, I started learning how to work with nail-tips. I am now working on perfecting hard gel, next I will work on acrylics. I’m very thankful to have parents that can invest in me. I feel like a lot of it comes so natural to me though, I’m very impressed and excited with how amazing my sets are turning out already!! I honestly don’t think that a license should be necessary to be a nail tech, I think that self-taught nail techs should just really enunciate that they are self-taught if they are providing services and be careful with those in their clientele/who they choose to provide services for. But unfortunately the U.S. doesn’t work this way, so for legal reasons I must abide to the law since I would like to have a larger clientele someday (And not get fined for it.) 😅
I always enjoy these discussions . I think why the USA requires a license in all 50 states is because it’s such a sue happy country . You can get sued for doing the wrong thing to someone if they get an infection. That’s again , probably one of the main reasons there’s so much Emphasis put on sanitation in schools . They teach what we as nail technicians are allowed to do in our scope of practice as well . Seems like every trade has a license in the USA . It’s to cover yourself and you can get insurance to protect yourself if you get sued . You can open a business legally .... and pay taxes ! 🤣 But yeah , coming straight out of nail tech school doesn’t Guarantee you will know how to do nail enhancements of all kinds .... sadly ...
Haha so true
Very true
It only 49 ct is not a license state just yet
Attending nail school can be a great experience if you're open minded! Most people who are "self taught" are not open to learning new things. I speak from experience. However when I did open my mind to learning especially because I was paying for it I learned more than just safety and sanitation. Yes a license covers people while practicing, but you forget liability insurance, and safeguarding the public from the spread of diseases and infection, what nails to work on which ones not to. TH-cam has a lot of resources, but people don't know the videos are edited and say nothing to techs on videos reusing files and buffers, reusing the same efile bits. I'd say if you're interested in getting a license do it, visit the school and get a vibe for the environment. What experience does the instructor have? Be open to learning and look forward to becoming a lifetime learner. Continuing education is key in our industry.
Exclusive nails with Vonne ....It might as well be all 50 , because come October this year 2020 , Connecticut will need a license. Then , YES it will be all 50 states .
I've always thought it was a little hypocritical how people look down on someone that is self taught because aren't we all self taught? I can't think of 1 person that never practiced or played around with nail products before deciding to go to school and honestly even after going to school 90% are still self taught bc school didn't teach them to do nails only what they needed to pass state. I think a lot of the people that criticize forget that. The school in my area was up front and told me they would only teach what we needed to pass our test and the rest was up to us.
I totally agree w u.. just cuz someone has a license doesnf make them an actual pro.. out of school there real education begins.. so me being self taught I already have a lot of the tools I need and get my license after lol if that makes sense haha.😅
Totally agree with this
People that are self taught should be seen as champions, they never gave up and they didn’t have to go to nail tech school
They did it on their own 😊
Getting licensed opens doors for nail tech as you can work anywhere!! Specially when just starting off . You can work in a salon to get real hands on experience !! And also built a clientele. If you do a good job your clients will follow you anywhere you go!!
There is a clear learning curve happening regarding the internet/today’s educational resources and licensing laws. There should be a way to loosen up licensing laws without endangering customers. For example; allowing for quick safety certifications in different artistic fields so more people have the ability to work from home without fear of being fined or sued. They can use the internet to learn the craft and just get certified in safety.
I'm a DIYer. There are some companies that will not sell gel polish to anyone non-licensed. Fortunately I can get really good products on line. The products are getting better too. I keep learning through TH-cam, so keep up the great videos.
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Thank you for doing this video. I fall into the no license. I don't work on others unless it's just a friend begging me for some fun nails (for free). I only use professional products to protect myself. We all want to be healthy and use safe products on ourselves too.
For sure
I work in a salon without a license. I feel as though I learned more in the salon than I ever would with schooling. I've researched codes and laws and everything about sanitation (because they didnt tell me anything about that when I first started). For me personally I don't see a license meaning much about professionalism. I work with people who are licensed and do terrible work and aren't clean. I am now apprenticing and will be doing hours so I can get a license but that's only so I dont have to stress when state board comes in.
That works. Abiding by the regulations in your area is whats important
I'm in the UK I spent just over 2 thousand pounds and done a diploma in nail technology which covered all contra indications and sanitation and lots more. to get insurance you need a qualification but you don't need a license..I think you can still be a professional nail tech without a license as long as you've done a course that enables you to get insurance
For sure
It is the same in the Netherlands. You need do do a course of a couple of months to get your diploma. Without it you can not get an insurance.
There are SO MANY talented non licensed nail techs. I do think it is important to get your license, just to open more doors. I’m in the process of getting my GED so I can go to school. I’m not expecting to learn how to do nails at all, but that’s what I have the YN courses for! 🥳👏🏻
Well, licensed nail techs are running a business and charge reasonable prices for the art, the non licensed nail artist usually don't have to run it like a proper business. They don't want to deal with liability insurance, permits, and other licenses to be legal. They don't know or don't charge for designs because they don't understand the costs of labor and materials. We do, because we need to pay taxes and everything else.
For sure
Esmeralda Loredo Absolutely. It’s 100% necessary to be licensed and do it legally. Not only will it open doors but personally, I would feel better knowing I’ve made the necessary steps to make sure I’m well trained and knowledgeable about the service I’ll be giving people.
even though i don’t want to become a pro licensed nail tech, i’d still go out of my way to learn sanitation and everything that you would need a license for just to protect myself, i only want to learn how to do nails for myself and maybe as a small side hussle instead of it being my entire career
Nice
A license is a great thing to have to future your self but practice makes perfect
There’s so many people in CA doing nails in there homes and offering services thru IG and other platforms. I don’t agree with not being licensed in states that require this..get a license and insurance to protect yourself and your client! At least in the states that require it..🙌☺️ great discussion guys!
For sure
audreypaigey I agree
I agreee
It should never be mandatory to attend a nail school to pass a liscensing exam. Educating oneself online and being allowed to take the exam only without paying out thousands should be allowed. I therefore sympathize with the non liscensed group in this respect.
The state should never make it near impossible to get said liscense in the current situation in the USA.
I love this conversation and really all of the knowledge you guys are willing to impart. I'm a nail tech novice (unlicensed) using polygel as my medium bc I don't like the smell from acrylic. I want to start taking on clients and charging but have this hangup about not having a license. From what I have been able to gather from your videos and others is that the sanitation is the biggest thing you learn with obtaining the license. Thank you so much for this conversation and including your audience.
I'm a Chef turned nail tech and I actually used a lot of the knowledge from my Sanitation classes and passing the board for that on Sanitation for nails. It sounds kinda weird but that's what I did.
Nice
Been a practicing licensed nail tech for 28 years! State of Florida... thank you for these discussions!! 🥰
Thanks for watching
How many hours did you have to accrue back then? And has the price point changed?
In Canada, you don’t need a license/certification. A certified course here in one of the beauty schools in Orlando, Florida is charging a little over $1,500 for a short course.
Commenting a year later. Last year due to quarantine I got into nails. Thanks to TH-cam, TikTok, Google, IG and FB I’ve learned a lot. Amazon knows me personally. I went to a licensed nail tech in a salon and got a horrible infection and never went back. I say the key is sanitation. I would be willing to take classes for that. Not spend 4500 for certification. I could get that paper and suck!
I’m a Nail Tech in the UK, I have a licence as it’s required here. I only did a weeks course though so it’s fair to say I’m self taught. I’ve just watched a lot of TH-cam and practised designs on a practice hand.
We need a license so we can purchase public liability insurance to cover our backs. It was a long time after I did the course that I was at a point I could take money for a service. My nails were finished to a good, hygienic standard, but I was far too slow.
Thanks for all your education, you’ve taught me a great deal. Xxx
Thank you for watching!
I live in NJ, the hours you need for the nail course is 300. I was only taught to pass state board, & my teacher that taught me is a licensed cosmetologist and has never done nails. License or no license I believe anyone who teaches you should know what they are teaching. ( real life skills) Also NJ has no apprenticeship program and doesn’t require nail techs to take classes for there license.
For sure
I’m also in NJ and experienced a similar situation. My school’s administration was a mess; over the course of 6 months-I only took classes 3 days a week 4 hrs a day-I had FOUR different teachers. Only one of which was a nail technician. It was a classic case of promises with no follow through. No proper instruction, our kits were incomplete, and the administration/staff was understaffed & disorganized. Thankfully there’s plenty of video instruction and classes through the internet now. If we didn’t have all these resources I would’ve gone into the industry severely unprepared.
This was a great discussion and I totally agree! I saw a post on Instagram a few weeks ago where a professional nail tech posted a blog about why she thought licensing wasn't necessary and the people in the comments (even licensed nail techs who know they didn't learn a damn thing in nail school) were hammering into her like "it is so important to be licensed. That's what guarantees your client's safety." But the flaw with that logic is that while keeping your tools sterile is one way to protect you client, you're also protecting your client by keeping their nails healthy and damage-free, which is what a lot of licensed nail techs are NOT doing because as mentioned over and over again... they didn't learn anything in nail school!
I just graduated nail school about a month ago and while I was fortunate to go to a school that I learned more than other people did, there is still a lot of things that I don't know and I'm learning as I go. My school was also on the cheaper end at only $2500 (though most nail students who went to my school only paid $1900 because the school gave most of them, including me, a $600 grant), and I'm sure that also takes into account that in Florida, the state I live in, only requires 240 hours, which is only between 2 and 4 months. How much material can people really learn in that small amount of time?
I'm so glad that you guys did this discussion because it's a really complicated concept for people to accept.
what school did you go to in Flordia! im interested
@@darrrkangel I live in Miami, and I went to Celebrity School of Beauty :)
@YoungNailsInc I wish there was an online nail tech course for licensure in all 50 states for a reasonable price like they have in Canada. That could be adjusted to each states hour preference. Because most beauty school dont really let you use products you normally would use besides gel due to the smell. Because the odorless acrylics just doesnt work as well or the same. I dont just have 3-4 gs to go fulltime and work full time and not see my kids or husband. And theres only like 4 schools in the entire state that even offer a nail program in my state. They want all the money up front. No financial aid because its under 600 hours. Only 350 hrs. They dont teach you what most clients really want, new fads etc, you learn those from youtube and trade shows and other veteran techs. But mostly practicing on fake hands and other students. You really get more pedicures and manicures than anything in a school setting. I think if Young Nails/ OPI/ CND or other professional nail organizations could dominate if they could somehow figure an online self paced education system thats reasonably priced (with there own student kit) that would work for all 50 states cosmetology licensing boards for ppl to become nail techs and become more knowledgeable about the profession and client safety. Whether its meant to be there only income or a secondary income. I would be first to sign up!!!!
❤️ THIS!
I would instantly enroll to young nails school should they do it Iverson internet based learning from the best is always the best
There isn't such a thing in my country (in Europe) as an official licence. You just finish a tranining in a salon that offers that, they teach you how to sanitize stuff, do nails on real models, you can pay extra if you want to learn nail art and then you get a certificate. This training lasts for about 4-5 days and I would say you are ready to work in a salon after that. But that is not an official "licence" like you guys have it in the US. So technically speaking, in some countries it is impossible to be "a licenced nail tech", which doesn't mean we are not going a good job. Btw this was a great video, as always ❤️
It's the same with hair. You are taught the basics, cleanliness/disinfection, the science and how to pass the state board. But the advanced things that are done everyday are not taught. And the artistry isn't taught at all. so there are many stylists that can't do a basic layers cut, or the more advanced coloring techniques like balayage. and even pros don't know how to use bleach properly because thats a whole thing unto itself. I didn't know Connecticut didn't require licensing for nails though.
For sure
I been learning from watching him n his brother n other you tubers like vee n mimi
I'm in Ireland and l am self-thought. I have being thinking about getting my licences for mouths now so l can set up my own business and to buy products online as there is so much more to choose from if your licensed.
Actually in Mexico I know they do need a license but many don’t really care, it applies only if you are working in a comercial place like a personal salon or a professional salon depending the place , if you want to be professional you need one to be able to get top price on yr work, I go to tj to get my nails done. That’s why I mentioned it!
For sure
You guys are so inspiring and a great mentors... I used to go to a license nail tech in Amsterdam. They would buff my nails for enhancement and file till my nails started to burn. When I told them it hurts more pressure they buffed. I am not talking about how my cuticle was chopped. I was traumatized and never went to a salon. Instead I started doing my own and after some course I started to do clients. First I practiced first before I did my first set.
For sure
In the UK, you are required to have a licence and insurance if want to work in a salon or own a salon whether you have a premises or work at home, if you are mobile nail salon no licence or even qualification is needed..
Trinidad and Tobago mostly have a lot have brief courses, fast money but i learn more here .
I totally agree with Habib & Tracey on this topic. I'm all the way here in Guyana, South America (Not sure if you guys ever visited here before) but the art and profession of nails are usually done by persons who are without license. Those persons are exceptionally talented and gifted and they were actually self-taught individuals so it is really not the service problem of unlicensed VS license giving a bad name but you generally find persons who are gifted and really skilled practicing across the world without a license and they Craft are is way better than some who go to school to study the art.
For sure
I think it should be required for every one. I also think they need to implement a continued education policy at renewal. There so many people working and not staying current on laws and diseases. You have to stay current on the craft, and continue to be an expert in the field.
For sure
im starting school in may. I dread 400 hours of learning things ive already researched and taught myself. Plus the 4000 dollars to learn things I already know with people who are starting with zero knowledge. BUT because I am business minded, it's so so important to be licensed.
Just there to log hrs and get your license you can do it. It's worth it
Just cause you got a license dosnt mean me your great tech..
True
True but it does mean you’re not certified to do it in some states.
That's true actually experience n practice does
I have gone onto my states Department of Safety and Professional Services and you can actually SEE all salon's and Individuals who have gotten FINES for not having a license!!! Or where the health inspector has made a visit ... yikes! No way man! Pretty embarrassing for them!
For sure, all public record
Great information,I'm teaching myself through you guys,but I wanna go for a license.. tysmfs 😉
Nice
I believe you can. I do my own nails. I would like to.have a license but the prices just for manicure classes is extremely EXPENSIVE and no financial aid is available for it.
This rule changed for CT as of January 1st 2021 you will need to be licensed. No exceptions.
Thank you for what you do to help the nail industry! I actually began doing my nails at home because "salon licensed nail techs" always have their tools extremely dirty with other clients nail dusts, and they would do the famous "rings of fire" which I had a felling was wrong cause it hurt.
Happy to have left salons before getting an infection or fungus on my nails, also my nails look more professionals and have no lifting with the little training I have gotten from you guys than what a "salon licensed tech" does as their always in a hurry.
For sure, some salons can give licensed techs a bad name
What's rings of fire? Lol..
Layla W Yes that’s what it is
Exactly! I put nails on and remove them often and my natural nails are just fine. When I was going to salons? I’d get cuts, got the geeenies a few times, was always freaked out bc the filth, etc.
“Always have there tools dirty....”. No! I learned sanitation in depth and I can answer any questions regarding that which I’m sure some who are self taught cannot.
Really wish they based the license on sanitation test vs time worked in a class (since you can't work on others.... but need practice hours?)
I want to do as a side hustle to my corporate 9 to 5 but I'm not trying to do full time school to learn about the nail and sanitation when I could just do a sanitation course and pass an exam. I'm pro regulation/certification but idk about license.
I live in Kentucky and since they lowered the hours to 450 I have found 3 nail tech programs but all are at least a hour away from me, oh and they don’t accept financial assistance bc the length of the program.
So I feel like in a few years in order to be a licensed nail tech in ky you will have to take an entire cosmetology program (10 months +) just to do nails!
It sucks for those of us who are great unlicensed nail artist bc I’m almost certain I’ll never get a nail tech license due to the “rules” they have 😫
I know this video is a year old, but Connecticut does now require licensing. Minimum of 100 hours from a school or 2 years experience as a nail technician.
You may not need a license in the UK but you sometimes do and it’s heavily stressed to get a government recognised level 3 diploma in nail technology etc cause it’s insurable and makes it easier to work in nail salons or freelance. People in the UK regard certification as a reassurance but that’s if you’re saying your a pro nail tech vs a hobbyist or just for you, friends and family
Hi guys I love your videos. I’m from Puerto Rico and here they don’t license Nail Techs, they give us a diploma. I really enjoyed my year of study. It was so worth it. We have the same laws from the states in Puerto Rico required but this is pretty much cowboy land.
For sure
I am self-taught as well and on the school there's so much for that you need to know aside from the acrylic application or the gel application that a lot of DIY you're so self-taught don't even research or think about. for instance safety and sanitation what to look for in the different issues of the nails. As with any school they are there to teach you the basics and give you a foundation to build on. Schools do not teach you skill, experience cultivates and sharpens your skills.
Correct
I'm both an esthetician and nail tech of 21yrs in New Brunswick Canada, I buy your gel system from Can West. I have to show that I have a license. I have 2 fees, 1 for my salon and 1 for me due yearly. So; in Canada,some provinces and territories need valid licensing. Love love love all your content. And just did a price raise. long overdue.Thanks for the push.
Nice good for you
My mother really wants to learn how to become a nail tech. We don't have the money for school. Is there a way she can learn the basics by being an apprentice somewhere? How can she do nails with no license
Thank you for this video. The topics you touch on are so important. I wish more people were open minded like you about nail techs whether licensed or not. You are right license or not, everyone doing nails should know proper sanitation and other important things that impact the client and tech. I agree with people's comments about letting the client know in advance if you dont have a license, we are all adults and should be responsible and ethical no matter if you work put of a salon or ur home. Thank you Young Nails for everything you do, you are appreciated!
Agreed. Thank you for sharing your perspective as well.
I'm in Florida and I was licensed here as well. 600 hour course and I've had my license since 1993. I do not know what kind of information some are getting, but the state of Florida **requires** a license to own, operate, or work in a salon to do nails and absolutely requires continued education every two years. That education involves a course on sanitation/diseases and such, and the other course is on the nail business itself. When you've had your license a number of years, you are required to take the sanitation/disease course every two years. I wish every state required a license and every salon--no matter where they are located--required some kind of learning to earn and keep a license.
I am not licensed but I certainly would love too!! I just want to have the knowledge of how to do it right on myself and eventually others . I have learnt soooooo much from your channel as well as other you tubers and I definitely see an improvement in my nails.
Happy you are enjoying our videos
It's not only the US: Romania, Europe requires both a qualification (nail school/course recognised by the government) and a license for business. You need to be a legitimate business here to charge money even if you work from home.
I've was getting my nails done for over 20 years in nail salons throughout/up and down the East Coast and not 1 time have any tech ever sanitized my hands/nails. As a self-taught tech I sanitize every hand I touch!
Better safe than sorry right
Update: Connecticut now requires a license and it is 100 hours to acquire. Same for lashes which previously did not require one and now does.
Thanks for letting us know!
I'm in a nail school right now and my teacher told me that the health department will be going around this year to find out if your licensed or not. There will be a 1000 dollar fine if they catch you without a license practicing in a salon or even home base. I hope a lot if people in CT understand this.
I’m so happy I found this channel, what you guys do is amazing and sooo informational , every little question I had for nail school was answered on here 💯
I just love you guys! I have been learning so much about the nail tech industry. I'm not a nail tech but came here to learn what to look for in salons. I'm still waiting to find a good tech in my area, it almost makes me want to just learn how to do my own nails at home. You guys are great! Love your channel!!! 💕💕
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I have been doing nails for years and now that I want to get licensed it’s 9,000 at my nearest school. Like wtf?
Loooooooove Tracy’s jacket!
New South Wales is a state of Australia (the state Sydney is in), and NSW doesn't regulate the industry very well, but nail techs are required to be certified. You need to have done Certificate III Nail Technology to register your business with local council and be legit. There are way too many nail tech who don't get the training and I think it's really, really wrong.
Although, I'm doing my certification through the state run vocational education institution, TAFE, and it's an absolute joke. At least that's the way it is at the regional TAFE I go to. Maybe Sydney is different.
They cut an entire day a week from our program and I'm being made to do assessments on advanced art that I've never even been shown how to do. The teachers are also just not really interested. I've taught myself how to do the majority of what I already know. I'm really unimpressed with the training and now I know I'm going to need to probably go to an nail educator through a private company, so that I can unlearn all the terrible habits TAFE has taught me.
its 400 for nails and 1600 for cosmo well here in san jose ca
Great information.. I do my own nails and no one else other than my daughter. I have a few friends and a family member that is hounding me to do other people's nails. All they talk about is how much money I can get by doing nails. I'm not in it for the money!! That is why I don't do other people's nails or open up a nail salon. I do my own nails because one I like doing it and two it gives me something creative to do.
Now don't get me wrong I appreciate my friends and family member for their support, but I don't want to take what I like to do and turn it into a money making business. It's way too much BS getting licensed, business license, accounting and government taxes.
Hi love all of your stuff here on TH-cam, but I just feel the need to clarify... I am from Denmark and the fact that we call it a course instead of calling it beauty school doesn't mean that we learn less than you do in the US. The course we take here is also about two months long and the exam can be taken within a year where you can reherse and get better before you get your license. We cannot buy professional products without a license and it even sounds like we learn the same stuff that you do in beauty school in the states. Here we are able to buy additional courses to learn even more about different styles and techniques :)
I'm kind of glad I sought out a certified beauty school where I obtained my license first because it had me learn the importance of cleaning and sanititation. But all schools have limitations to certain nail techniques unfortunately, I would still accept tips and compensations from only family and friends when practicing. I used that compensation to pay for school supplies. Did I consider myself as a nail tech at that time? Well now I can say having a license can cover you as a tech and it helps with getting jobs. All I can say is practice, practice, practice and don't let nothing stop you. Glad you guys share this topic 👌
Great advice
I am so happy I saved up in cash and supplies I needed to do nail school and happily get the pro prices and when I finish college fully commit myself to taking pedicures and nails courses from yn and LCN pedicures experts.
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I'm in Ontario Canada, you don't need a license to do nail. I have been doing nails since the 80's. I took a nail coarse back then for 3 months. I continue my education all the time with different product lines. I'm down to just doing a few clients now for the last few years. Really thinking of increasing my business again. I do believe that it should be regulated here. You guys are awesome with these informative videos
Good for you!
How do you buy supplies without a cert/license? I really wanna teach myself but everywhere requires a license
i’m so glad i went to cosmo school during high school so i didn’t have to pay for it because i would
not be able to afford it. it’s so expensive now. if i didn’t do it during high school i don’t
know if i’d have my license right now
For sure
SAME!
The prices I was quoted for nail tech school ranged from $12-15k. Absolutely ridiculous.
what grade were u in
Just FYI lol so you know in the state of NH esthetician can do nails they get a 2 day course on nails mind you it’s just regular manicure pedicure though!
Wisconsin is debating getting rid of their state board of cosmetology last I knew, so they maybe added to the list of no license. I read about it a while back on a professional FB page I'm in for Cosmetologists. North Carolina was 1500 hours when I got mine 3 yrs ago. I think some people need to leave it to the pros, because of the amount of sanitation, disinfection, client protection and safety that we have to learn in school.
For sure
Yes but just because you’re a “pro” doesn’t mean you’re actually good !! You just passed a test .
I work as a nail tech and no license and I pride myself on my standards. School wasn't worth the money in my area and an apprenticeship wasn't really an option.
I watched this video the other day & thought to share that before I started school I was looking into doing an apprenticeship & I found out in my state in Texas there's no such thing but there's actually shops doing this & people don't even realize the laws in their states. I almost paid someone to teach me thinking I'd get those hours & go take my test. Apparently you can even pay to get fake licenses, There's a lot of illegal activity going on so make sure y'all know the laws & save yourself from being scammed & getting in trouble. This was a great video. I started off doing nails on my own for several years then went to school so I got lessons from both sides.
Definitely have to look into regulations in your state
When schools an hour away and makes it hard to be able to work and do school I really wish that it was just something that they could do as an apprenticeship or something like that that way you can learn what you need to learn so you can pass the state test and you know to make sure that you do know how to keep your clients safe with sanitation but at least be able to still get certification.
Thanks for this! I went school 20 years ago, started again in 2016 at Marinello then they closed down. I still want to do nails but can't afford the schooling.
That was such a terrible situation for all the students
I am with you on that 😔
Look up scholarships! Beauty changes lives, you can see if a salon would sponsor you, IDA savings accounts.
@@MissANailArtist thanks for the info!
In the USA it’s most likely a big yes , not in my home country, but they are some people that does nails better than a licensed nail tech
And yess the amount of money alone do get the license from start to finish is a lot for a lot of people
For sure
Layla W exactly my point
No absolutely not, you need to take your state board, and take it seriously. It's fo e to start out as an apprentice, assistant, mani, pedi, painting...learning cuticles, chemicals etc but you can not legally last in the field here in the US
I only do nails as a hobby and only on myself and rarely family and friends. I love these videos though and find them so interesting and informative! Thanks!
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In South Africa when you go to nail tech school the first thing you learn is how to sanitise! Then application of acrylic, filling another very very imported thing AND teach the client it self how to take care of her nails. You can also learn how to do art etc. I know of people that don't go to a Salon for there nails and they get fungi specially on there toes! This was a very interesting conversation! 💞💅🏼😻🇿🇦
For sure
Here in California is required because there are unfortunately clients who love to sue unlicensed techs, I learned the hard way, and you can backup yourself with your license and you feel more confident and secure if you do have one, I was doing nails years before I got a license and it protect me from many many issues.
But like you said most of the techs aren’t licensed and are extremely professional techs!
All scenarios are different for sure
What happens if you get sued and not licensed and no insurance ??
You are required to hold a license in two provinces in Canada. Nova Scotia as well as New Brunswick.
Good to know
Ima be whatever I want 🤣 And insured as well. 10k for a piece of paper in Cali! No ma’am, ima ride this one out bby🙃
In the state on NH, Estheticians can do natural nail services i.e. manicures, pedicures, and gel manicures. However, they may not do any enhancement services or use an e-file. Those do not fall under their licensing. Cosmetologists May do manicures, pedicures, gel manicures and Enhancements but may not use an e-file.
State requirement for Manicurists is 300 hours of education at an accredited school or you may apprentice under a Manicurist whom has completed and filed a special form granting them the right to teach and mentor for 600 hours.
For sure
49 U.S. states now require nail technicians to be licensed, the same does not hold true for Canada..... BUT four provinces out of 10 provinces and three territories - British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia - require formal certification, though Nova Scotia only requires it for manicuring and does not yet address nail enhancements. In order to obtain certification, nail technicians must enroll in formal training and pass a final written exam.
All good information thank you for sharing
It is true I live in ct and I was seeking for the extra education because I do have a license from New York City but is always new things to learn that doesn’t hurts especially when is something that you really love and enjoy do it. But in Connecticut they will give you a whole cosmetology school and includes some general knowledge but they not for someone who is only interested on acrylic or gel or fiber glass nails.
For sure
Do you have to go to school to get license in NY?
Where i live there is nowhere for a person to attend school part time. I work full time and cannot just quit my job. Can you give ideas on what to do in that situation
I’m in Utah and the estetician are allow to do nails with their license. I work in a nail salon that work only in the natural nail. Manicures regular polish and gel polish.
Right, often salon licenses are interchangeable like cosmo to nails cosmo to esthetics etc.
In many places if you are doing it comercial or on a salon , it mostly is covered by the salon owners insurance license so I guess is here the USA the place where it needs to be legally licensed if you want to make it a job or profit from it, it coves you from getting sued ...
For sure
Hi. What about licensed and doing nails but the license needs to be renewed??
I’m almost 52 and would love to be able to be a nail tech, I’ve loved and had acrylic nails on and off since high school, but here’s my sad little (not really) story. My ex wouldn’t support me in going to school so I didn’t go and my now hubby would, even though he feels it’s too expensive too, but now I live on an island in alaska where there is no school so I can’t go. I’m a DIYer too and I can’t get enough, partly because I NEED the practice, I’m not very good and I just want to learn by doing the hands on part and I love it. I don’t have anyone to practice on here so I don’t know how to get the practice needed to get better. By the time my hubs retires from this job and we move to where I could go to school I would be in my 60’s and I feel by then we’ll be doing the retirement thing, traveling and doing other things. So I’m really bummed 🙁 Any advice? I know I could buy a practice hand I guess and make my own press on nails and practice that way.
Practice hand or practicing on yourself are hands down the best ways to get practice in. & as for your age you are never too old to start something you have a passion for!
I am learning i am young but i know thats what i wanna be ! Thanks for this video :)
In Australia most nail supply stores require a certificate to it their products and some require a ABN number.
Right
is it better to work as an apprentice than go to school?
First and foremost, we would recommend checking with your local state board (if you are in the US) to see what the licensing requirements are and if apprenticing is an option. Most states require you to go to school but you can apprentice once you are licensed to get more experience. If apprenticing is an option, it can be very valuable to get the in-salon experience, but make sure you are also learning the the basics of safety/sanitation/product knowledge and chemistry/anatomy/etc.
I’m seeing so many self taught nail techs on ig and it’s so confusing. I’ve been wanting to nail tech for years but couldn’t afford it. I really want to say screw it.
What if you're a college student and doing nails is like something you do on yourself and every now and then you do for other people
I’ve been on the fence about getting a license. This is great information!
Guys I've learned more from your videos than the 71615 courses I took 😂 Thanks for your contribution to the community ❤🇱🇧
Our pleasure!
Yes, a lot of schools teach bare minimum in order to pass state boards. The important things to take from them are not just the sanitation & things along those lines, which are super important. The other is the anatomy & chemistry aspects. Knowing about non-living tissue on the nail plate, whether your state allows you to cut that tissue that's non-living & raised. What nail disorders, fungus, bacteria, infections, etc all look like & so many other things. Most states also require so many hours of continuing education credits to maintain your license. There are so many incredible educators from all around the world that you can learn from after ensuring you're legally permitted to practice. I started learning on my own. I was doing design work before I even walked in the school building. I wanted to be able to make money, compete in competitions, & so on, so I went to school. This is an ever-changing industry, so we should always be learning. Sorry so long lol.💕
Exactly, school is to log hrs and learn sanitation the education you seek out after is where you perfect your craft
I am a licensed cosmetologist. I Was taught nail anatomy, diseases, conditions, and acrylic basics in addition to hair. I continued my education in nail and nail enhancements over the years. A lot. As well as keeping up to speed with techniques and sanitation. I’m transitioning from behind the chair to behind the table so to speak. Is my cosmetology license sufficient to professionally perform nail services incl nail inhancements?
Yes with cosmo you are licensed in all
In the UK you have to have the right qualifications, & you need a qualification for each thing. I am qualified in acrylic overlay, and maintenance, which, give me the ability to sculpt, but if I wanted to do a gel polish manicure ,that's another qualification I have to get, as well as efile courses, which are so important nowadays, and it's all flipping expensive. That's why, I've chosen not to persue it a career, because of all this, but I don't trust anyone else enough to do them. Plus, some suppliers, such as yourselves, in the UK, require you to show your qualifications, before you can make a purchase.