A student sits in class wondering where the mysterious clicking noise they hear is coming from. Their curious eyes begin to wander and land on a fellow classmate tapping on a desk, with nails that are perfectly shaped, coated in a layer of pink, and topped with sparkles. The sight of painted nails with varying designs is common in high school. To achieve this look, many teens go to a nail salon, but others have taught themselves, and now do others’ nails in addition to their own.
“I started learning how to do [my nails] from a really young age, and [I] slowly got better,” student nail tech Skye Smit (‘27) said.
Nail techs must learn skills ranging from operating a nail drill to painting tiny details on a small canvas.
“I learned a lot of nail art techniques online,” student nail tech Dana Petker (‘25) said. “YouTube is a great resource to learn from professionals.”
Social media is a popular tool for self-taught nail techs to learn how to improve their skill.
“I use a lot of YouTube and Instagram Reels [for inspiration], but a lot of it comes from just practicing over and over again,” Smit said.
In addition to learning techniques, teenage nail techs must also acquire the proper supplies needed for a successful nail set.
“[I have probably spent] anywhere from $350-$400 [on supplies],” student nail tech Sadie Pierce (‘26) said.
With the proper skills these teens learn, combined with their investment on supplies, these teenage nail techs are now able to profit from their hard work.
“[I charge] $35 for base gel x extensions, and if [my client] wants chrome or a design it goes up by $10,” Smit said. “I’ve made over $4,000 doing nails.”
The work and dedication that these teens put in have led them to achieve a profit. Compared to a typical nail salon, student nail tech prices are much lower. Student prices range from $35-$45 for a gel x set, while salons charge upwards of $70 for the same set. Though certified nail technicians are required to undergo classes and pass tests, many teenage nail techs feel their work is on par with the quality of professionals.
“I feel like [my nail quality] is a lot better [than professionals] because I take my time with it,” Smit said. “My nails will last until you want to take them off.”
Taking the necessary time to complete a nail set is among the top reasons why independent, student nail techs feel their work is of a higher quality. While teenage nail techs may perform at the same level as salon technicians, it is important to note that teenage nail technicians do not have the same access to supplies as salons do.
“I feel like the biggest difference [from a salon] would be the quality of supplies that are used,” Petker said. “Professional grade products require a license to purchase.”
Though teenage nail techs lack the ability to purchase high quality products, many feel their extra time spent on sets makes up for this discrepancy. In order to make their quality nails known, teenage nail techs take to social media.
“[I promote by] posting pictures on my story and adding my prices,” Pierce said.
Social media allows potential clients to see the quality and skill level of their technicians. This simple business model allows teen nail technicians to do something they enjoy while forming bonds with clients.
“I really like getting to know the girls,” Smit said. “It’s nice to have a genuine conversation [with them].”
By learning how to perfect a service that can be enjoyed by many, teenage nail technicians have turned this skill into a profitable business. They provide many clients with a more affordable option without sacrificing quality.
