Nail Technician Resume examples & templates
Copyable Nail Technician Resume examples
By 2030, nail artists will be among the most sought-after beauty professionals in a rapidly evolving industry that's blending traditional techniques with innovative technology. What once was simply "getting your nails done" has transformed into an art form that combines creativity, precision, and a deep understanding of nail health. We're already seeing this shift happen—with the nail care services market expected to reach $11.6 billion by 2027, growing at a rate that outpaces many other beauty sectors.
The explosion of social media has completely changed the game for nail techs. That intricate design you spent an hour perfecting? It can now be your portfolio, marketing tool, and client magnet all in one post. Many successful nail artists report that 70% of their new clients come directly from Instagram or TikTok showcases. And it's not just about polish anymore! From advanced gel systems to nail extensions made with biodegradable materials, the technical aspects of this profession continue to expand. For those with steady hands and creative minds, the next decade promises not just jobs, but genuine career paths with specialization opportunities we're only beginning to imagine.
Junior Nail Technician Resume Example
Michelle Pham
Orlando, FL • (407) 555-6213 • mpham.nails@gmail.com • linkedin.com/in/michellepham
Newly licensed Nail Technician with 1+ year experience in salon environments. Trained in various nail art techniques, gel applications and traditional manicures/pedicures. Known for creating unique designs that match client personalities while maintaining proper sanitation procedures. Seeking to grow my skills at a busy salon where I can build a loyal client base.
Experience
Junior Nail Technician – Polished Perfect Nail Bar, Orlando, FL
March 2023 – Present
- Perform 8-10 nail services daily including manicures, pedicures, gel applications and basic nail art
- Built a personal client book of 27 regulars within first 6 months through exceptional service and Instagram marketing
- Maintain thorough sanitation protocols, resulting in perfect scores on 3 consecutive health inspections
- Assist senior technicians with walk-in clients during peak weekend hours, increasing shop revenue by 14%
- Created seasonal nail art designs that were featured on salon’s social media, driving new client inquiries
Nail Technician Apprentice – Glamour Nails & Spa, Winter Park, FL
September 2022 – February 2023
- Shadowed master technicians to learn proper techniques for acrylic application, nail shaping and cuticle care
- Practiced nail art techniques including ombre, marble and hand-painted designs
- Greeted clients, prepared stations and maintained cleanliness throughout the salon
- Assisted with inventory management and restocking of supplies
Front Desk Receptionist (Part-time) – Beauty Dreams Salon, Orlando, FL
June 2022 – August 2022
- Scheduled appointments for multiple stylists and technicians using Salon Iris software
- Processed payments and maintained accurate cash drawer balance
- Restocked retail products and assisted with monthly inventory counts
Education & Certification
Nail Specialist License – Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation
License #NT8493721 – Issued August 2022
Nail Technician Program – Orlando Beauty Academy, Orlando, FL
Completed 240 hours of training – May 2022
- Coursework included: nail disorders & diseases, sanitation, acrylics, gels, nail art techniques
- Selected to demonstrate French manicure technique at graduation showcase
High School Diploma – East River High School, Orlando, FL
Graduated May 2021
Skills
- Gel polish application & removal
- Basic & advanced manicures
- Spa pedicures
- Acrylic application (beginner)
- Hand-painted nail art
- Ombre & marble techniques
- Client communication
- Salon sanitation protocols
- Salon Iris booking software
- Square payment processing
- Basic Vietnamese (helpful for communicating with senior technicians)
Additional Information
Created an Instagram page showcasing my nail designs (@michelle.nailart) with 780+ followers
Completed online course “Advanced French Tips & Designs” through Nail Pro Academy, February 2023
Mid-level Nail Technician Resume Example
Sofia Martinez
Phone: (415) 555-8932 • Email: sofia.martinez@email.com • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sofiamartinez
San Francisco, CA 94110
Dedicated Nail Technician with 5+ years of experience creating customized nail services and building a loyal clientele base. Known for precision in nail art designs and maintaining exceptional sanitation standards. Skilled in both traditional and trending techniques with a knack for making clients feel comfortable and valued; Consistently receive 4.9/5 client satisfaction ratings.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Nail Technician – Gloss & Glow Nail Spa, San Francisco, CA
May 2021 – Present
- Manage a personal client base of 87+ regulars while serving walk-in customers, resulting in 93% client retention rate
- Specialize in gel extensions, 3D nail art, and hand-painted designs that increased studio revenue by 27%
- Train and mentor 4 junior technicians on sanitation protocols and advanced techniques
- Collaborate with management to introduce 5 new seasonal nail collections that boosted bookings by 31% during traditionally slower months
- Handle inventory management for specialized products, reducing waste by 19% through improved ordering systems
Nail Technician – Polished Perfection, Oakland, CA
August 2019 – April 2021
- Performed manicures, pedicures, gel applications, and basic nail art for 12-15 clients daily
- Built a personal clientele from 0 to 45+ regular customers within first year
- Participated in continuing education workshops to master sculptured acrylic nails and crystal applications
- Created an Instagram portfolio that attracted 22 new clients in 3 months (my first attempt at social media marketing!)
Junior Nail Technician – Beauty Bar Salon, San Jose, CA
March 2018 – July 2019
- Assisted senior technicians with client prep, cleanup, and basic manicure services
- Maintained strict sanitation protocols for all tools and equipment
- Gradually took on independent client appointments, averaging 6-8 services daily
- Received “Employee of the Month” twice for exceptional customer service
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Nail Technician License – California Board of Barbering & Cosmetology
License #NT89275 (Renewed 2022)
Certificate in Advanced Nail Art – Beauty Institute of San Francisco
Completed December 2020
Diploma in Cosmetology – Golden State Beauty Academy
Graduated 2018 – 600 hours completed
Biosafety Certification – Professional Beauty Association
Completed 2019, Renewed 2022
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Gel Polish Application & Removal
- Acrylic Extensions & Sculpting
- 3D Nail Art & Embellishments
- Nail Repair Techniques
- Hand-Painted Designs
- Dip Powder Systems
- Paraffin Treatments
- Equipment Sterilization
- Salon Management Software (MindBody, Booksy)
- Social Media Marketing
- Inventory Management
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Fluent in English and Spanish • Participated in 2022 Bay Area Nail Art Competition (3rd Place) • Available for evening and weekend appointments • CPR Certified
Senior / Experienced Nail Technician Resume Example
MELISSA PHAM
Seattle, WA 98112 | (206) 555-8742 | melissa.pham@email.com | linkedin.com/in/melissapham
Licensed Nail Technician with 10+ years of expertise in nail art, manicures, pedicures, and client relationship management. Known for creating stunning custom designs and maintaining impeccable sanitation standards. Bilingual (English/Vietnamese) with proven ability to build long-term client relationships. Built a 94% client retention rate and increased appointment bookings by 27% at current salon through social media marketing and exceptional service.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Nail Technician & Team Lead | Polished Perfection Nail Spa | Seattle, WA | 2019-Present
- Oversee team of 6 technicians, providing mentoring, training on new techniques, and performance feedback
- Manage salon’s Instagram account, growing followers from 876 to 5,200+ in 2 years through before/after photos and nail art videos
- Introduced gel extension services that boosted revenue by $1,875/month with minimal additional supply costs
- Maintain 98% on-time appointment rate while handling 9-12 clients daily, including walk-ins during peak hours
- Developed streamlined sanitation protocols that reduced prep/cleanup time by 4 minutes per client
Nail Technician | Luxe Nail Lounge | Bellevue, WA | 2016-2019
- Specialized in sculptured acrylic nails, 3D nail art, and hand-painted designs for an upscale clientele
- Created signature ombré French manicures that became salon’s most requested service (35% of bookings)
- Maintained detailed client records to track preferences, allergies, and special occasions
- Assisted with inventory management, reducing product waste by 18% through improved storage systems
Junior Nail Technician | Elegant Nails | Portland, OR | 2013-2016
- Performed basic to intermediate manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements for diverse clientele
- Built repeat client base of 86 regulars within first year through consistent quality and friendly service
- Completed 400+ hours of on-the-job training in advanced techniques including dip powder, encapsulation, and nail repair
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Nail Technician License – Washington State Department of Licensing (2016, renewed 2022)
Oregon Nail Technology License – Oregon Health Authority (2013-2016)
Diploma in Nail Technology – Portland Beauty Academy, Portland, OR (2013)
Certificate in Advanced Gel Systems – CND Education Ambassador Program (2018)
Akzentz Gel Certification – Level 3 Master Status (2020)
First Aid & CPR Certification – American Red Cross (Current)
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Acrylic application & sculpting
- Gel polish & extensions
- Dip powder systems
- 3D nail art & embellishments
- Hand-painted designs
- Nail repair techniques
- Paraffin treatments
- Salon Iris booking software
- Square POS system
- Sanitation & sterilization protocols
- Social media marketing
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Languages: Fluent in English and Vietnamese
Portfolio: instagram.com/melissanailart (samples of work available upon request)
Professional Membership: Nail Technicians Association of America since 2017
How to Write a Nail Technician Resume
Introduction
Your resume is often the first impression salon owners and spa managers have of you. In the competitive beauty industry, where artistry meets customer service, a well-crafted resume can make all the difference in landing that coveted nail tech position. I've reviewed thousands of beauty industry resumes over my career, and the ones that stand out share certain qualities that we'll explore in this guide.
Resume Structure and Format
Keep your resume clean and organized — much like your nail station should be! Aim for a single page unless you have 7+ years of diverse experience. Use a legible font (11-12pt) and maintain consistent spacing throughout.
- Choose a simple, professional layout with clear section headings
- Include plenty of white space to make your resume scannable
- Avoid fancy graphics or decorative fonts (they often don't scan well in ATS systems)
- Use bullet points rather than paragraphs for experience descriptions
- Consider including a small, professional headshot if that's standard in your region (skip this in the US where photos can create bias concerns)
Profile/Summary Section
Your professional summary should be 3-4 lines highlighting your experience level, specialties, and what makes you unique as a nail tech. Think of it as your "30-second elevator pitch" in writing.
Don't just say you're "passionate about nails" — everyone applying is! Instead, spotlight your signature techniques, client retention rate, or specialized training that sets you apart.
Example: "Licensed Nail Technician with 4+ years of experience specializing in gel extensions and nail art. Known for 93% client retention rate and expertise in Japanese gel systems. Bilingual (English/Spanish) with proven retail sales ability, consistently exceeding monthly targets by 27%."
Professional Experience
List your experience in reverse chronological order. For each position, include:
- Salon/spa name and location
- Your job title
- Dates of employment (month/year format)
- 4-6 bullet points describing responsibilities and achievements
Quantify your achievements whenever possible. "Maintained a 92% booking rate" sounds much more impressive than "stayed busy with clients." Some things worth mentioning:
- Types of services you regularly performed
- Client retention statistics or rebooking rates
- Product knowledge and retail sales figures
- Any specialized techniques or trends you've mastered
- Client base growth numbers or new client acquisition
Education and Certifications
Include your nail technology license information (number and state, if comfortable), cosmetology school, continuing education, and any specialized certifications. Did you train with a well-known educator or brand? Mention it! Include:
- Your cosmetology/nail technology program and completion date
- License information and expiration (shows you're current)
- Brand-specific training (CND, OPI, Gelish, etc.)
- Specialty certifications (acrylic systems, gel, nail art, etc.)
- Business-related courses (salon management, retail sales training)
Keywords and ATS Tips
Many larger salons and spas use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes. Include industry-specific keywords from the job posting. Some common ones:
- Service types: manicures, pedicures, gel polish, acrylics, dip powder, extensions
- Skills: nail art, hand massage, paraffin treatments, client consultation
- Soft skills: customer service, time management, attention to detail
- Technical terms: e-file certified, hard gel application, nail anatomy
Industry-specific Terms
Using the right terminology shows you know your craft. Consider including relevant terms like:
- Technique-specific terms: overlay, infill, sculpting, encapsulation
- Product knowledge: IBX treatments, Japanese gel, structure gel
- Equipment proficiency: e-file techniques, LED/UV lamp knowledge
- Sanitation protocols: autoclave, barbicide, disinfection procedures
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using generic descriptions that could apply to any service industry job
- Focusing solely on duties rather than achievements
- Forgetting to mention retail sales experience (a huge plus for employers!)
- Neglecting to update your continuing education courses
- Typos and grammatical errors (attention to detail is crucial in nail technology!)
Before/After Example
Before: "Responsible for doing nails and keeping clients happy."
After: "Performed 25+ services weekly including gel extensions, intricate nail art, and luxury pedicures. Maintained a 94% rebooking rate and generated $1,250 monthly in retail sales through personalized product recommendations."
Remember, your resume should showcase both your technical skills and your business sense. Salon owners want technicians who can build a loyal clientele and contribute to the business's bottom line!
Related Resume Examples
Soft skills for your Nail Technician resume
- Active listening – able to understand client concerns and preferences, even when they struggle to articulate exactly what they want
- Tactful honesty – can diplomatically guide clients toward nail designs that will work best for their lifestyle and nail health
- Client rapport building – remembers personal details about regular clients’ lives, creating comfortable conversation during appointments
- Stress management – maintains composure during busy periods or when dealing with challenging requests
- Time awareness – balances thoroughness with efficiency to stay on schedule without rushing clients
- Conflict resolution – addresses service disappointments calmly, finding solutions that preserve client relationships
Hard skills for your Nail Technician resume
- Advanced acrylic application techniques (3D nail art, French tips, ombré)
- Gel polish application and removal using LED/UV curing systems
- Nail repair procedures for splits, breaks, and lift corrections
- Proficiency with electric filing equipment (E-file/drill) at 15,000-25,000 RPM
- Chemical product knowledge including monomer-polymer ratios and cure times
- Nail health assessment and treatment planning for various conditions
- Appointment scheduling software (Vagaro, Salon Iris, MindBody)
- Inventory management and product ordering systems
- Specialized techniques: dip powder, silk wraps, paraffin treatments