The twofold benefit of expressing yourself through art while creating a positive self-image for your guest is among the many reasons you should consider a career as a nail technician. Nail care claims a sizeable chunk of the billion-dollar beauty insurance. The United States holds the world’s largest share at 20%, and according to trends, will continue to grow at a rate of 5% in the net decade. Even in slow economic periods, the beauty industry has and will continue to hold its own as consumers look to their manicures, facials, and hair care to give them an emotional lift.
The stability of the beauty industry should give you some comfort if you’re considering a career, or even a part-time gig, as a nail technician. The practice itself is as diverse as the industry. You can go the traditional route and work in a salon. An alternative is to take the specialist approach and work exclusively with brides, on movie sets, fashion shows, spas, or with manufacturers.
Nail technicians in Texas must obtain a license to practice. State-approved nail technician programs cover 600 hours of theory and hands-on training in the services that technicians provide. The training will also include preparation for the state exam.
Houston Training Schools
The Manicuring program at Houston Training Schools covers basic manipulative skills, safety judgments, and proper work habits to prepare students for entry-level employment as a nail technician. Students will acquire technical skills related to manicuring that includes salon management, public sanitation, chemical agents, bacterial growth and infections, nail diseases, disorders, nail and hand care, advanced nail techniques, theory of massage, and occupational health and safety. Students must fulfill the hour requirements for each category and meet other licensing requirements to be eligible for the state exam. Graduates will receive a diploma after meeting the school’s requirements.
Program overview:
Manicuring Diploma
Duration: 24 weeks
Clock hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Provide a valid driver’s license, state photo ID, or valid passport
- Must have a valid social security number
- Provide proof of prior education such as a high school diploma, GED certificate, or recognized equivalent. HTS does not accept ATB students.
- Submit a completed application and registration fee of $100
- Attend an interview and school tour with a school official
- Complete the enrollment agreement
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $7,300. It includes supplies and materials. Financing is available through grants and scholarships for eligible students.
Website: https://houstontrainingschools.net/programs/nail-technician/
Address: 10314 East Freeway, Houston, TX 77029
Phone: 713-674-2300
BL Cosmetology School
The manicurist program at BL Cosmetology School covers technical instruction and practical activities in the profession of manicuring. Courses covered include nail diseases and disorders, nail anatomy, sanitation and safety, chemical agents, bacterial growth and infection, nail care, skin care, salon management, ethics and professionalism, and much more. Students must complete all the allocated program hours to be eligible to take the state exam.
Program overview:
Manicuring Diploma
Duration: 4 months
Clock hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Non-high-school students must pass an Ability to Benefit test – administered by an Independent Test Administrator
- Schedule and attend an appointment for a personal interview
- Provide a valid driver’s license, state photo ID, or valid passport and a valid social security number
- Submit a completed application
- Complete the enrollment agreement
Program cost:
Financing is available for eligible students.
Website: http://www.blcosmetologyschool.com/
Address: 12357 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77099
Phone: (832) 328-1883
Alt: (832) 398-4841
Sebring Career Schools
The manicurist specialist program at Sebring Career Schools prepares students for entry-level employment through theory and practical applications. Students will learn how to diagnose and apply cosmetic preparations related to the hands and nails and apply their skills in licensed establishments under TDLR. The curriculum is divided into six categories including Orientation & TDLR Rules and Regulations, Equipment, Implements & Supplies, Procedures, Arms & Hands, Bacteriology, Sanitation & Safety Measures, and Professional Practices. Students who attend classes Tuesdays through Fridays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm will complete the program in 20 weeks. Financial aid is only available for students who attend a minimum of 96 hours per month.
Program overview:
Manicuring Diploma
Duration: 12.5 weeks to 25 weeks
Clock hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or GED may submit a certificate from an approved ATB exam source to be considered for enrollment
- Schedule and attend an appointment with an admissions representative
- Provide a valid driver’s license, state photo ID, or valid passport and a valid social security number
- Submit a completed application
- Complete the enrollment agreement
Program cost:
The total program cost of $4,165 includes tuition, registration fee, and textbook. Financing is available for eligible students.
Website: http://sebringcareerschools.com/
Address: 6672 HWY 6 South, Houston, TX
Phone: 281-561-6352
360 Degrees Beauty & Barber Academy
The Nail Technician Course at 360 Degrees utilizes theory and practical applications to help students develop technical skills and attitudes pass the State Board exam and qualify for entry-level employment as a nail technician. Areas of study include the nail and its disorders, bacterial growth, skin care, manicures, pedicures, application of artificial nails, acrylics, and related theory. Students must complete all 600 hours to take the state exam. Various class schedules are available to accommodate working students.
Program overview:
Manicuring Diploma
Duration: 15 weeks
Clock hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or GED may submit a certificate from an approved ATB exam source to be considered for enrollment
- Schedule and attend an appointment with an admissions representative
- Provide a valid driver’s license, state photo ID, or valid passport and a valid social security number
- Submit a completed application and registration fee of $200
- Complete the enrollment agreement
Program cost:
Financial aid and flexible payment plans are available for eligible students.
Website: https://360degreesbeautyandbarber1.com/programs/
Address: 10638 FM 1960 Rd West, Houston, TX 77070
Phone: (281) 517-9505
Email: beautyacademy_360@yahoo.com
Stay Ready Nails Academy
The nail technician program offered by Stay Ready Nails is designed for adults who want to start a career as a certified nail technician. The program will cover nail art, nail design, safety, sterilization, sanitation, massage techniques, trends for manicures and pedicures, and much more. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. – no evening classes are available.
Program overview:
Licensed Nail Technician Diploma
Duration: 15 weeks
Clock hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Provide a valid driver’s license, state photo ID, or valid passport and a valid social security number
- Submit a completed application and registration fee of $100
- Complete the enrollment agreement
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $6,424. The registration fee of $100 and the deposit of $425 is non-refundable. There are no financial aid, grants, or loans available for the program.
Website: https://stayreadynails.com/
Address: 12700 North Freeway, Suite 12714, Houston, TX 77060
Phone: 713-909-4260
Email: stayreadynailsacademy@yahoo.com
Design Beauty College
Students enrolled in the nail technician program at Design Beauty College will learn everything needed to provide professional nail services. The course is delivered in both English and Spanish and may be available online. The hands-on part of the training will be conducted on the Houston campus. Course topics include nail diseases and disorders, sanitation, skin care, nail anatomy, massage techniques, manicures, pedicures, acrylics, nail art, management, and more. Students must complete the required program hours to receive a Nail Technician Diploma to confirm their eligibility to take the state exam.
Program overview:
Nail Technician Diploma
Duration: 12 weeks
Clock hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Provide a current state photo ID and social security number
- Submit a completed application for admission
Program cost:
The program is not eligible for financial aid but a flexible payment plan is available to all students.
Website: https://www.designbeautycollege.com/
Address: 2566 FM 1960, Houston, TX 77073, USA
Phone: (281) 209-0707
Email: designbeautycollege@gmail.com
Top Beauty College
Top Beauty College prepares manicurist students for a successful career as a licensed manicurist. The state-approved curriculum combines theoretical classes and practical applications to help students develop skills to provide nail services in a professional capacity. They will learn nail care concepts, sanitation, safety, nail art and design, salon management, massage techniques, manicuring, pedicuring, nail disorders, anatomy, communication, and professional ethics. After completing 600 hours, according to state guidelines, students will be eligible to take the state exam to become a licensed nail technician.
Program overview:
Manicurist Diploma
Duration: 12 weeks
Clock hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Must have a valid government-issued ID and social security card
- Submit a completed application for admission
Program cost:
Financial aid is not available for the program.
Website: https://www.topbeautycollege.com/
Address: 12830 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77014
Phone: 281-893-1905
Email: topbeautycollege@gmail.com