Make Up & Beauty
How Long Does It Take To Become a Nail Technician?
Are you passionate about nail art? Then you must have thought about taking a nail technician training. But must be wondering, how long does it take to become a nail technician? Well, you are not alone! It is the first question of every aspiring nail tech.
Don’t worry! Stick with us until the end. We will explain why you should pursue this rapidly growing career, how long it takes for beginners, the training and courses you can opt for, and the certificates involved. So, jump right in to learn everything about nail technician training and get started with your career!
Table of Content
Why You Should Become a Nail Technician?
In the UK beauty industry, the nail technician career is the most demanding one in 2025 and is a rapidly growing industry. It is high time to step into a colourful life and turn your love into a successful career. The nail market has grown over 4.1% in the last five years. Besides, it is projected to generate £287.80M in revenue in 2025.
Most importantly, nail stylist is a profession that allows you to build a successful career around what you love. You can either join a salon, become a mobile nail technician or start your own business.
Want to start your career as a certified nail technician?
Want to start your career as a certified nail technician? How Long Does It Take to Become a Nail Technician in the UK?
If you want to become a professional Nail Stylist, you must have professional knowledge and a certificate to start your career in the beauty industry. It helps you to get into any job quickly with a prominent remuneration.
However, there are several training courses for nail care professionals. All the courses have different times and durations. So, let’s break it down:
Typical Duration of Training Programs
Basically, Nail Technician training in the UK has two types. One is a full-time course, and the other one is a part-time course. The courses are designed to grow your career as a certified nail tech easily.
The duration of nail technician training in the UK is mostly a few weeks to 12 months. Some courses can also take up to 24 months. The courses include various learning materials, training, workshops, and many more. So, before getting into any course, you must do your research properly.
Full-Time and Part-Time Nail Tech Courses
If you are passionate about taking nail tech as a career, you must enrol in a course first. There are several full-time and part-time courses for nail care professionals in the UK. Both courses provide you with the essential skills, training and techniques.
But which one is perfect for you? Let’s break it down:
Part-time Nail Tech Courses
The part-time course offers better flexibility and work-life balance. It is perfect for beginners and students who want to start their careers in the beauty industry. The part-time nail technician courses fit well with any of your schedules. Moreover, the courses take from a few weeks to 12 months.
However, if you want to start your career quickly, the part-time courses are the best fit for you. You can join the nail technician course from Lead Academy. It is a complete part-time nail tech course with advanced training and an accredited certificate.
Full-time Nail Tech Courses
If you have much time on your hands and want to have a better grip on the skills, full-time nail technician courses are the best fit for you. The full-time courses also have flexibility with more practical sessions. So, you can easily have a better knowledge of the products and tools a nail artist uses.
However, in the UK, you can join full-time certification or qualification courses. Let’s break them down:
Full-Time Certification Courses
The full-time certification courses are the most popular and effective training for nail tech in the UK. The certification courses are available online and offline. It takes a few days to a week to complete the training.
Get full nail training from the experts in 3 days with face-to-face nail technician training from Lead Academy. The full-time certification training offers advanced manicure and pedicure courses, gel polish courses and hands-on practice. Moreover, our course includes CPD and IPHM certificates with a 98% success rate.
Full-Time Qualification Courses
Another with that, you can join the full-time certification courses from NVQ and the VTCT in the UK. Both providers offer professional Level 2 and Level 3 nail tech diploma courses. The courses are best for experienced nail technicians. Moreover, the qualification courses take up to 1 to 2 years to complete.
How to Become a Certified Nail Technician in the UK?
You can easily become a certified nail professional in the UK. The steps are very simple. Here are the steps you need to follow to become a certified nail technician:
Complete a Nail Training Course: The first thing you have to do is get into any beginner or advanced nail technician courses. You can choose the fast-track nail courses or beauty school nail programs.
But before getting into any course, you must go through the learning materials and course description. The course must offer an accredited certificate. Check out the become a professional nail technician stylist course in the UK.
Pass the Assessment and Get Certified: The Complete Nail Technician Course from Lead Academy includes an assessment to test your ability. After the assessment, you will also get a CPD UK and quality license scheme accredited.
Start Working: After getting the professional certificate, you can simply start working in any beauty salon, join an internship program or start your own nail business.
Take Advanced Courses: After getting the certificate, you can start working as a professional. But it is recommended by the experts to get into other specialised and advanced courses. You can take special courses like Manicure and pedicure certification, gel nail training, and acrylic nail training in the UK.
How Practical Experience Helps With the Training Duration?
The practical sessions play a very crucial role in the nail tech courses in the UK. The training helps the students to get more hands-on experience and be more professional. Furthermore, basic practical training helps the students learn about the tools, processes, and products. Also, they can learn advanced techniques in a short time.
Another with that, the practical experience helps the learners to have a better grip just after graduating or completing the course. So, anyone doesn’t have to wait months to train them. Thus, it helps beginner nail artists to get into a job or start their Nail Tech career quickly.
Final Words
We hope now you have a clear understanding of how long does it takes to become a nail technician. With the right training, courses and your dedication, it won’t take forever. So, you can just choose the short or advanced courses to become a certified nail technician. Along with the courses, you can grow your colourful career and start your own beauty business.
So, get into a nail technician course now and grab the endless opportunities in the beauty industry. Take the first step and turn your love into a successful career.
Reach out to us if you have any other queries or doubts!
FAQs
What qualifications do I need to be a nail technician in the UK?
To become a Nail technician in the UK, you must have a professional certificate and hands-on experience. You can take online nail courses in the UK and start working. However, if you want to go advanced in your career, a Level 3 diploma in nail training is always preferred.
Can I become a nail technician without a qualification?
Yes, you don’t need any qualification to become a Nail Technician in the UK. All you need is a good knowledge of beauty, make-up, creativity, and other essential skills. You can start your career as a certified Nail Tech with a professional certificate.
How long is an NVQ nail course?
The NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) offers Level 1,2 and 3 courses for nail stylists. An NVQ nail course takes up to 1 year to complete. The courses include both theoretical knowledge and practical sessions. You can become a qualified nail tech with the NVQ Level 2 nails training.
Are online nail courses recognised in the UK?
Yes, there are many online nail courses in the UK that offer accredited certificates. If you want to start your nail tech career quickly, you can check out the Nail Technician courses by Lead Academy.
Do I need a license to work as a nail technician?
No, you don’t need a license to work as a nail technician in the UK. But you must need a professional nail training course and a certificate to get into any work.
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