Nail Tech Career Re-Entry: CEUs & Skill Updates for Experienced Professionals

Question
Miss Perry,
I have been a nail tech for 8yrs, but not working the last 4yrs. I was never good at any artificial application. It would take me 1 1/2hrs to do a full set. Although I did practice lots and my work got better my time did not. So, I focused on manicures & pedicures. My work is always great, thorough,& clean (by the book). Now my question. What class/classes should I complete to get up-to-date. I have a young son and need to make the most of my time away from him an my husband. Is there a good living in just doing natural nail care?
Thank you so much for your time.

Answer
Hi Alex,
First of all, I have to ask you why you think an hour and a half for a full set is too long??  That's close to the industry standard, actually.  And if your work is excellent, clients won't mind anyway, because they'll feel pampered and will know that you pay attention to detail.  What's not to like about that?  Even if your fill/rebalance timing is similar, the same thing applies:  good clients like it when you take your time to give them the best service possible.  If you're worried about not making enough money because you can't do more than six (or eight or ten or however many) services in a day, just raise your prices--your skills and personal touch are worth every penny! And once you brush up your skills again, your timing may improve (in fact, it's likely that it will).  So don't completely rule out offering enhancements on your service menu.

That said, you can most certainly make good money offering natural nail services exclusively!  I haven't taken that route, but I know of some techs who have (they frequent www.beautytech.com on the nailtech board) and if you're not already registered there, I highly recommend that you sign up ASAP and do some networking with some fab nail techs!  You can also network at www.salongeek.com, where the majority of the techs are from the UK, and have a whole lot of good advice for newbies and old-timers and everyone in between.

I hope this helps! Feel free to follow up if you have any other questions. :)