Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Nail courses - so much more than doing nails


You've finished your nail course - now what? What most students who enroll in nail courses and programs don't realize is that there are numerous career options available to them that don't include sitting in a salon all day.

My goal as an educator (The Academy of Nail Design)is to expand the minds of my students so they can see there are so many different aspects to the nail industry. Alot of my students are taking nail courses as a second career choice after having worked in different industries that they didn't neccessarily enjoy. A significant thing to remember is that every skill you pick up in any job becomes valuable and these skills you can apply in any new career.

Go beyond in the box thinking. What do you enjoy most? Travel, competition, the fashion industry?

I'll list a few career options that nail technicians can enjoy that have little to do with working 8 hours in a salon:

Product Line Educator - many nail product manufacturers hire trained professionals to set up and facilitate training seminars offered to salon or spa professionals. These educators train attendees specifically on the brand name products being offered by the manufacturer. This hands on training assists many nail professionals to fully understand the concepts of and mechanics on how to use specifics products properly. Often attendees enjoy discounts on the manufacturer’s products just for attending these training seminars.

A Specialist in Natural Nail Care - natural nail bars have been popping up all over the place and many nail professionals have made a career out of focusing on the health and integrity of natural nail care. Coined Derma Care Nail Specialists (DCNS) these professionals focus on both the skin of the hands and feet as well as the nails. DCNS venture into more intricate natural services including; hand facials, non-surgical hand lifts, and podology based pedicures.

Nail Professional for models on photo shoots– just as hair and make up are necessities for models on photo shoots, the beauty industry is quickly catching on that well groomed hands and feet can make or break a photo layout. Fashion layouts that incorporate nail artistry can range from the most simple to the most extravagant often involving nail creations that may take hours or days to create Those with a flair for the creative and a desire for the exciting world of fashion love to explore this arena.

Professional Competitor - always had a competitive streak in you? Try your hand at competing at the highest level. Nail competitions are held year round in many exciting locales (or even in your home city depending on where you live). Competing in live or photo based competitions can enhance a nail professional’s status within the salon environment. Clients feel assured that the nail services they are receiving are of an advanced caliber. Nail professionals can dramatically increase their application skills by entering into competitions and learning from the industry’s best.

A Personal Nail Professional - celebrity “A listers” often require the assistance of personal hair and make up artistry and now several have recruited their own nail professional too. Unkempt hands and feet can ruin an amazing photo op, no matter what the designer outfit. This career option may require last minute appointments at strange times of the day and of course dealing with the most demanding of clientele.

Expand your thinking about what you education can mean and you'll find a world of opportunities waiting for you.

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