If you enjoy creativity, working with people, and helping clients feel their best, becoming a nail technician could be an exciting career path to explore. Nail technicians, also known as manicurists or nail specialists, provide services like manicures, pedicures, nail repair, and nail art.

Turning an interest in nails into a career takes much more than just knowing how to apply polish. If you’re wondering how to become a nail technician, this guide is here to help.

Steps to Becoming a Nail Technician

Becoming a nail technician generally involves gaining an education, knowing what’s required in your state, and building your portfolio. Breaking this down step by step means:

• Start by researching state licensing requirements in your area
• Complete a nail technician program
• Pass your licensing exam
• Build your portfolio and brand

1. Research State Licensing Requirements

Before enrolling in a nail technician program, make sure you know what your state requires. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most states call for future nail techs to complete an approved education or training program and pass a state exam before becoming licensed.

Other requirements might include:

• Minimum training hours
• Minimum age
• Education
• Practical training
• Written or theory examinations
• Practical examinations
• Application and licensing fees

If you’re wondering how long it takes to become a nail technician, the answer depends on these requirements as well as how quickly you complete your training and licensing. Some manicure tech programs can be completed in less than a year.

2. Complete a Nail Technician Program

Once you understand your state’s requirements, the next step is to find an approved nail technician or manicuring program. Keep in mind that not all programs are created equal. You’ll want to find one that teaches more than basic nail polish application and covers:

• Nail care
• Sanitation
• Infection control
• Nail anatomy
• Nail diseases and disorders
• Nail art
• Artificial nail applications
• Nail repair
• Professional communication
• Customer service

Hands-on training is especially important. Nail techs work directly with clients, so practicing what you learn in a supervised environment can help you build confidence and develop the precision needed for the job.

For example, Dorsey College’s Manicuring program is designed for people who want to become nail technicians in Michigan and combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in a student salon. Students learn about all different areas of nail care, manicure techniques, shop management, and more.

Skills That Make a Great Nail Technician

Technical training is only part of preparing for a career in nail care. Successful nail technicians also need a combination of creative, interpersonal, and professional skills such as:

• Creativity: Using artistic skills to create designs that match a client’s preferences
• Dexterity: You’ll need steady hands and the ability to perform detailed work with small tools
• Attention to detail: From sanitation and safety to intricate nail designs, attention to detail is crucial
• Business skills: Many nail technicians work for themselves and need to learn key business skills like scheduling, marketing, inventory, and finances

3. Pass Your Licensing Exam

After completing your education and training, you’ll need to take the licensing examination required by your state. This might include written or theory testing, a practical exam, or both. Preparing for the licensing exam should be part of your training program’s curriculum. Look for a program that specifically covers the subjects and skills you’ll need for the exam while giving you opportunities to practice these real-world techniques.

4. Build Your Portfolio and Brand

Passing your exam and receiving your license are important milestones. However, it’s only the beginning of your professional journey. Once you’re licensed, it’s time to start building your professional reputation! This looks like:

• Taking photographs of your work and adding strong examples as you gain experience to build a portfolio
• Providing a wide variety of photographs to show your range of skills in classic manicures, nail art, extensions, and more
• Using social media to grow your brand and connect with potential clients
• Building relationships with clients to encourage a loyal customer base

Career Growth and Earning Potential

Learning how to become a licensed nail technician can be the first step toward several different career possibilities. Nail technicians work in salons, spas, or are self-employed and run a salon out of their house or through a booth rental. According to the BLS, 76% of manicurists worked in personal care services in 2025, while 23% were self-employed. The field is also expected to grow much faster than the average for other careers, projecting growth of 9% from 2025 through 2035.

Your earning potential depends on how many clients you have and what you charge, among other factors (such as experience, where you work, the services you provide, etc.). You’ll need to learn some financing and budgeting skills to help you estimate what to expect for a yearly salary. As you gain experience, you may be able to grow your earnings as you build a larger clientele.

Start Polishing Your Future Today

If you’re still wondering how to become a nail technician, let’s recap what steps you should take: Research your state’s requirements, complete an approved training program, pass the required licensing exam and any other requirements, and start building your skills and clientele.

If you’re ready to become a nail technician in Michigan, Dorsey College is here to help. With a Manicuring program designed with the Michigan state licensing exam in mind, you can prepare to pursue Michigan licensure and be on your way to a career you love in about a year. Whether you dream of working in a salon, joining a spa, or building your own clientele, the first step starts here.

Dorsey College’s Manicuring training program has been determined to be sufficient to meet educational requirements for licensure in the state of Michigan only. No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district or US territory in regards to licensure requirements.