Do I need a qualification to work as a nail technician?

Most salons want a recognised qualification, such as a Level 2 in Nail Services, and some accept product training plus experience. Check the advert.

Should I list my nail art skills?

Yes, but be specific. Naming styles you do well, such as French tips or chrome, is more useful than writing 'nail art'.

I have only done nails for friends. Can I still apply?

Yes, especially if you have a qualification or training. Mention the course, what you can do and that you are ready to learn on the job.

What if I am not sure how to write it all down?

Ceev can write a CV from your own answers, typed or spoken, and shows a free preview before you pay for anything.

Nail technician CV example

A strong nail technician CV shows the services you offer, from gel polish to acrylics to nail art, and that you keep a clean, safe workspace. It should also show that clients rebook with you and that you keep to time.

// nail technician

Hannah Price

hannah@example.com | 07700 900186 | Birmingham

01 — Profile

Careful nail technician with a Level 2 qualification in Nail Services and two years of experience in a busy high-street nail bar. Confident with gel polish, builder gel, acrylic extensions and simple nail art, with a steady base of regular clients. Keeps a tidy, well-ventilated station and follows hygiene rules at every appointment.

02 — Experience

Nail Technician

a busy high-street nail bar

Carried out up to eight appointments a day, including gel manicures, infills and full sets of extensions

Checked nails and skin before each treatment and did not treat where there were signs of infection

Designed simple nail art to client requests, such as French tips, chrome and hand-painted flowers

Cleaned tools and surfaces and sterilised files and implements between every client

Kept a record card for each client with colours, products used and any allergies or reactions

Trainee Nail Technician

a beauty salon

Completed a Level 2 Nail Services course while shadowing two senior technicians

Practised gel polish and extensions on model hands before working with paying clients

Set up stations, restocked products and cleaned up at the end of each day

Helped at reception by booking appointments and taking payments

03 — Key skills

Gel polishAcrylic and builder gel extensionsNail artManicures and pedicuresNail and skin checksHygiene and sterilisingClient consultationsBooking and paymentsAftercare advice

Example · fictional candidate · Terminal design · Use this design

Tips for a nail technician CV

List your qualification and any product training, such as a gel or acrylic brand course, with the year
Name the services you offer, from gel polish and infills to extensions and nail art, so a salon can see where you fit
Show that you work safely by mentioning record cards, allergy checks and cleaning between clients
Say whether clients rebook with you and roughly how many regulars you have
If you work from home or rent a chair, mention your insurance and how you find clients
Link a social page or portfolio of your work if the clients have agreed to the photos

Applying with a cover letter? See our nail technician cover letter example.