
Nail technicians do more than apply nail polish. Before they can even look at a client's nails, nail technicians must observe proper sanitation practices, which include washing hands prior to services, making sure towels are clean and instruments have been properly disinfected, and verifying that their workstation offers adequate ventilation and minimal exposure to odors, vapors, and filing dust.

Professionals in a nail technician career are licensed to provide manicures, pedicures, coloring, and extensions. With all the advances in artificial nail products and the chemistry of nails, nail technicians can now make incredibly natural-looking nails. They are experts on professional products and their uses; they're also knowledgeable about medications that can hinder the application of certain nail products, and they advise clients accordingly. And, career prospects are good: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nail technicians held about 60,000 jobs in 2004. Plus, nail technician employment is projected to increase 18 to 26 percent through 2014. So stop sitting around and polishing your nails, and get started on a promising nail technician career.