Ahh, Norway. When we think of Norway, it’s usually all Vikings, polar bears, and an endless supply of fresh fish that come tom mind. While these may ring true (Viking king Harald Fairhair united Norway in 900 AD), what you might not know is this is a highly developed industrial community rich with natural resources that have helped develop into one of the world’s richest countries per capita.

This is constitutional monarchy (Norway has a king and a prime minister) situated in Northern Europe (it shares borders with Sweden, Finland, and Russia) has also achieved top ranked with regard to standard of living, life expectancy, overall health, and housing standards. Norway is Europe’s six largest country in terms of land mass, but with 4.5 million people, it ranks only 28th  in terms of population. It has a policy of social distribution as a means of sharing the increase in the national wealth.

While fisheries, agriculture, and technology al are thriving industries is a small, but growing profession. According to Tone Lise Forbergskog, a nail technician and school owner in Oslo, Norway, there are somewhere between 3,000 – 4,000 nail tech in the country.

“Some of these nail techs also offer other services, such as esthetics and massage, as well,” says Forbergskog. “There are a few nails-only salons, but most of the salons offer clients a variety of beauty services.”

Licensing is not requirement in Norway, but most nail techs hone their skills at beauty academies like the one Forbergskog runs in Oslo. “While license are not required, nail technician is considered a profession and it is approved by the government,” says Forbergskog.

“We are definitely working toward licensing. Before, if you had a friend who did nails, she would just teach you,” says Conny Marie Harrington, a distributor, she would just teach you,” says Conny Marie Harrington, a distributor of NSI products in Norway. “But now many distributor   in Norway have various options for classes – anything from ne weekend to several months. And customers are starting to expect experienced nail techs.”

A typical Norwegian salon this one owned by NSI’s distributor, offers more than just nail care.

Norway Nail Industry at a Glance

Population: Approx. 4.5 million

Area: 20,461 sq. miles

Government: Constitutional monarchy

# Of Nail Techs: Approx. 300 – 4,000

# Of Salons: Approx. 1,200

Licensing Requirement: No

Average Service prices:

                Manicure %35-$40 (USD)

                Pedicure &55 - $70 (USD)

                Acrylic full set $93 – 110 (USD)

                Fill $64 - $70 (USD)

Popular Services: Colored acrylic and gel, pink-and-whites

“Nails” in Norwegian: Negler.

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