The quality of the education available for aspiring nail techs is constantly under fire.

Everywhere you turn, nail students and recent graduates bemoan the lack of good teachers, good facilities, and good information.

 

Today, much of the pertinent day-to-day information that techs learn is gathered after graduation on the job. But while there is a great deal to be learned in the salon, life experience does not eliminate the need for formal continuing education.

 

“We’re working on people’s bodies in a nail salon,” says Dana Caruso, owner of the Long Island Nail and Skin Care Institute in Levittown, N.Y. “We need to know exactly what we’re doing and how to do it safely.”

 

Continuing education provides an opportunity for techs to learn about products, techniques, trends, and business tactics that are not taught in school or picked up in the salon. “Continuing education sets the ‘salon professional’ apart from the ‘technician who just does nails’,” says Joey Brown, director of education and international spokesperson for OPI.

 

Learning new skills and applying them in the salon keeps techs feeling motivated, increases their earning potential, and spurs the industry, so why is no one making a big to-do about the lack of strong continuing education? Have nail techs simply given up on continuing education?

 

To Each Their Own

The beauty industry is constantly changing. Hairstyles are invented and reinvented, makeup trends ricochet from natural to dramatic and every incarnation in between, and the skin care industry seems to be perpetually atwitter about one miracle treatment or another. How do these industries maintain their momentum and spread their latest and greatest ideas like wildfire? Through continuing education in various guises. Go to any hair trade show and you will see countless stages and booths surrounded by crowds of hairstylists.

 

Classes are packed and it is obvious that throngs of hairstylists attend trade shows not only to see the latest products, but also to learn skills and observe trends that will help them in the salon. Professional hair care companies are very obviously spending money and making a grand effort to attract hairstylists to their booths and classes — and they are going to extremes to keep them interested and excited.

 

There are stage shows, live shows, fashion shows, loud music, big screens, industry stars, and media darlings all clamoring for a hairstylist’s ear. For their efforts educators, manufacturers, and distributors are rewarded with enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn their latest offering.

 

On the other hand, an esthetician’s education does not center around the excitement of showmanship and fashion, but rather focuses on gaining solid technical information. For that reason many estheticians receive education through their salons or spas for the purpose of adding a new service to the menu. In the extremely competitive area of spas, estheticians must be efficient and proficient to guarantee the safety of their clients and the quality of their services.

 

Continuing education, in many ways, has been built into the fabric of the skin care industry. For example, the manufacturers of skin care products often do not ship products to spas and salons until the estheticians have completed courses on the proper use of the product. Manufacturers of big-ticket and high-tech items, such as microdermabrasion systems and laser hair removal systems, generally include training and sometimes certification classes with purchase.

 

While these two styles of continuing education are a far cry from being perfect (and are often problematic in their own right), they do illustrate that continuing education can be molded to fit the varied needs and expectations of both industries. The key is delivering the appropriate and desired education in an effective manner — this is something that cannot always be said about the nail industry’s continuing education efforts.

 


What’s In It For Us?

Education is just as important to our industry because we, like the hair and skin care industries, are constantly evolving. “Education is crucial for nail techs to stay abreast of changes in the industry,” says Sue Irwin, an educator and national sales and marketing manager at Poshé. “There is always some- techs more leverage in their salons and helps to advance their careers.

 

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“You will be justified and more confident to raise your prices, you will learn how to incorporate add-on services without increasing your service time, and you can learn how to sell retail to increase your earning potential,” says Kristi Valenzuela, a “salon success” consultant with Crystal Focus Inc. Salon Coaching. Burnout contributes greatly to the exodus of disillusioned and disenchanted nail techs that leave the industry for other careers every year. Education plays a major role in keeping nail techs motivated and equipped to do their job.

 

“Burnout is a plague,” says Valenzuela. “It is contagious and it is caused by not being continually stimulated. Continuing education is an important ingredient in longevity and success.”

 

“Education keeps us fresh and on our toes,” says Blowars. “I don’t know how anyone in this industry could continue working with only the knowledge from school.”

 

As trends, products, and techniques change, so do sanitation guidelines and laws — both national and local. Continuing education provides the perfect vehicle for spreading the word and promoting compliance.

 

“Our products are changing every day and there are new health concerns, viruses, and bacteria that we are exposed to,” says Corrine Hunter of Nails by Corrine in Lacombe, Alberta. “Most educators are regional and should stay abreast of the laws that affect their areas,” says Irwin, making them the ideal tools for getting the word out to nail techs.

 

While many techs rail against product- specific continuing education as simply another way for distributors and manufacturers to sell product, “Classes that are closely related to the products are beneficial because it allows nail techs to learn all the ins and outs of the product,” says Steve Tate, director of marketing for Anaheim, Calif.-based International Nail Manufacturers.

 

“Each manufacturer’s products are different so it is important the nail technician performs the application as instructed.” Regardless of whether you use the product or not, getting hands-on education with a highly informed educator is much more beneficial than, say, trying a new product alone at home. “Every nail tech is different and she should have an opportunity to have hands-on product testing with a variety of products to see which works best for her,” agrees Irwin.

 

“All education is beneficial,” says Debbie Doerrlamm, webmaster of beautytech.com and a 12-year veteran of the nail industry. “Countless times I hear people mention that they gleaned a priceless tidbit out of a class for a product line they never even used.”

 

 

In addition to increasing a nail technician’s earning potential, classes create the opportunity for nail techs to share experiences with other nail professionals, says Cuccio. In this highly competitive industry, networking may not always be possible in everyday professional life. But, in the neutral environment of a classroom, nail techs are uniquely free to share information and develop professional relationships with each other that benefit their careers and make them feel more connected to the industry.

 

Finally, with the current rash of negative media coverage on the industry, health-conscious clients are more likely to question your skills and sanitation practices. Being able to speak confidently about your sanitation practices and refer to your ongoing education gives clients peace of mind and justifies your higher prices. “Clients love to hear you are going to continuing education classes,” says Valenzuela. “They want to know they are going to a qualified technician who not only cares about perfecting her skills, but also cares about doing the best nails in town.”

 

The Trickle-up Theory

Nail techs are not the only ones who stand to gain from continuing education. Their interest and participation in education greatly affects the entire industry and determines to a large degree the state of the industry.

 

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Salon owners benefit indirectly from properly educated techs. “Salon owners want to feel good about the techs that are working on their clients,” says Irwin. “They want to know that their clients are receiving the best possible service so that they’ll keep coming back.”

 

Continuing education also helps salon owners do their own jobs better. Just as cosmetology schools don’t teach nail techs everything they need to know to be successful, they don’t teach salon owners how to run a business.

 

“Most schools only focus on what you need to know to pass your state board exam,” says Alethea Eatman, a Cleveland, Ohio-based educational consultant and founder of Nail Techniques University. “If more schools offered business classes, nail techs would know more about what it really takes to own a salon.” Continuing education courses designed to help owners run their business more efficiently and develop their marketing and leadership skills provide invaluable information that is not available anywhere else.

 

“For salon owners it is important to know how labor laws and sanitation laws affect their businesses,” says Meola.

 

“It’s a good idea for salon owners to be up to date on what works best for hiring, training, and maintaining the best staff possible for their salon.” Distributors and manufacturers benefit from product-specific continuing education in that, if it is successful, classes create excitement about products, familiarize techs with them, and hopefully garner increased sales. The more products techs are exposed to and trained in the use of, the more likely they are to purchase the product.

 

So What’s Our Problem?

If continuing education is so great, why isn’t everyone clamoring to fill classes? The nail techs, educators, manufacturers, distributors, and schools we spoke to all pointed out a variety of reasons for low interest in continuing education, many blaming each other.

 

“I’ve had feedback from distributors, manufacturers, techs and educators alike, all with a variant of blame on the other for a pure lack of inspiration for furthering education,” says Doerrlamm. “Techs complain there are not enough classes, educators complain there is not enough attendance, techs complain that their distributor has no education or does not properly promote education for nails. It is a vicious blame cycle.”

 

“Nail techs are disenchanted with education,” says Irwin. “They have been getting the same education offered to them over and over again. Most classes are product knowledge classes where manufacturers are trying to get techs excited about buying a product. The problem is a lack of variety and quality education — we need to give them something to be excited about.”

 

“Seasoned nail technicians don’t find much excitement in attending a class that is not going to offer new information to help them grow their businesses, or help them acquire new clients or maintain existing ones,” adds Brown. Many techs feel that manufacturers view them not as professionals, but as potential cash cows.

 

“Many manufacturers have hired anyone to teach without properly training the educator. The educators are then let loose and the main goal of the manufacturer is to turn them into a salesperson,” says Diana Bonn, an independent educator for the state of Indiana.

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Poor quality education hidden amid a blatant sales pitch is not much of a draw for nail techs, she argues. And it is not a draw for educators either. There is a shortage of nail techs who want to become manufacturer’s educators. Many of them find that they can make more money in the chair than in front of a classroom, while others do not find the frequent travel and disruption of their daily business appealing.

 

Other nail techs don’t see the quality and availability of classes or educators as the problem, but rather an attitude among many techs that they learned everything they need to know in school. If they are comfortable with the products they use, some techs don’t feel the need to branch out and learn new things.

 

“Some techs, once they get out of beauty school, never set foot in another classroom again and it reflects poorly on the industry as a whole,” says Jill Wright of Angel’s Salon in Bowling Green, Ky. This may be due to the fact that many techs don’t view themselves as professionals, she says.

 

“Nail techs are saddled with the stigma of ‘Madge the manicurist’ and people don’t take this career seriously — including a percentage of the currently licensed nail techs.” Angela Green of Anointed Hands in Kansas City, Mo., agrees, saying, “It is difficult to get nail techs excited about what they are doing. Many feel that their clients own them, instead of the other way around.”

 

“I believe that the lack of emphasis on continuing education stems from the fact that many nail techs view it as a requirement imposed by the state rather than an opportunity to grow their business,” says Leslie Fanini Randall, education development manager of Creative Nail Design.

 

She is not alone in this sentiment. “While I believe in continuing education, forcing it ruins the educational aspect of a class,” says Barb Wetzel, an educator and webmaster of nailsplash.com. “Something about CEU status of a class changes the whole dynamic of a classroom and not much learning seems to take place. Even previously motivated techs are now just taking up space many times to get their hours.”

 

Yet other industry members view nail techs’ lack of interest as a result of the lack of emphasis on continuing education on the part of salon owners and state boards. “The number-one reason for the lack of emphasis is that not all states have a continuing education requirement,” says Meola. The message that continuing education is important to the industry and to the progress of their career is not reaching many techs — and so they have no idea about the educational opportunities available to them.

 

The lack of interest in continuing education may also be a symptom of dissatisfaction with the industry as a whole. “Nail techs have become disenchanted by the change in the industry over the last few years. The influx of discount salons has really changed how many techs operate and they are lowering their prices to compete as the cost of product, rent, and utilities go up,” says Tate. Many techs are experiencing a drop in profits and are working even harder. Overworked and frustrated, some techs may see little benefit in continuing education since clients seem to gravitate to the low-priced nail techs. Because continuing education offerings vary from state to state and often, neighborhood to neighborhood, some nail techs and salons have turned to alternative forms of education.

 

Some salons have created training and mentoring programs within their own businesses in order to create a uniform knowledge and practice base among their employees. This “do-it-yourself ” approach is hard to monitor throughout the industry, and may contribute to perceived low class attendance.

 

Money Talks

At the same time and as a result of poor class attendance, “Manufacturers also get disillusioned with education,” says Irwin. “If a class doesn’t fill up, manufacturers don’t want to do it again,” thereby giving techs the impression that education is scarce and not a priority among their distributors and manufacturers.

 

“Manufacturers want to provide the education,” contends Cuccio. “As nail technicians participate, the availability will grow. We just need more nail professionals to attend our classes.”

 

Many industry members are not satisfied with this attitude, however. “I believe that continuing education hasn’t been given the amount of energy and dedication it takes from manufacturers, distributors, and associations at this time because of the cost,” says Darling.

 

“Most educators are required to sell product at their classes and they should have some of that responsibility; however, the classes should be education, not sales, driven.”

 

Manufacturers and distributors, however, must focus on the cost and view education as another business venture, for that reason most of their class offerings are strictly product-related. “Unfortunately for manufacturers, the cost of education is very expensive with little return to show for it.

 

As a result of too few nail techs coming to classes, manufacturers are finding other alternatives for reaching their audience, “Tate points out. In addition to being extremely education- focused, Creative Nail Design, for example, this year launched a new show booth that features live on-screen demonstrations by its top educators and interactive stations where nail techs are guided through the properties of a product and given the opportunity to test the product themselves.

 

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While this approach does not take the place of a class, it is a cost-effective way to introduce nail techs to a product and entice them to try it for themselves — fulfilling one of the main goals of a manufacturer’s class. Poor class attendance is not the only reason for decreased education efforts on the part of manufacturers, however. “With the rising cost of doing trade shows and with other economic conditions, manufacturers are being forced to cut back and education is getting the brunt of it,” Tate says.

 

In a Perfect World

For every reason offered up for the stagnant state of continuing education, there is an idea for how to revitalize it. “There will always be people who are disenchanted with the state of the industry and this is what causes change,” says Meola. “If someone is not happy with the current situation, we all have the power to change this.”

 

Find something that works for you, and support it. “Some education programs are better than others,” says Fanini Randall. “I suggest that technicians seek out a company that is representative of their own beliefs and work ethics and partner with them.” Getting schools involved in promoting and emphasizing the need for continuing education is key to refocusingattention on education. “A lot of nail schools tell their students, ‘You are a nail tech and good luck.’ When they leave they think they know it all and never have to go back for more,” points out Hunter.

 

Nail techs need to be aware of the need for continuing education before they leave nail school. Improving communication between nail techs and distributors will increase awareness of educational opportunities. “Support from distributors for salon owners and nail techs is where change can happen,” says Caruso.

 

“Manufacturers are too removed. You see your rep once a week. Next time ask her about their education schedule.”

 

More full-day seminars would allow nail techs to fulfill their requirements more efficiently and cause less disruption to their schedules. “The International Nail Technicians Association (INTA) has found nail technicians prefer to have concentrated/intensive, full day, hands-on workshops (eight to 10 hours in length) to accommodate their busy schedules,” says Ann Higby of the INTA. Schools are a good arena in which to implement these full-day seminars. Judy Cotner, education director of Victory Beauty Systems in Clarksville, Ind., notes that, “Nail techs don’t want to take multiple classes to fulfill their hours so they go to schools that offer eight-hour long classes instead.”

 

Online education is another way to streamline the education process. “I would love to see continuing education offered online so that the techs who are only participating because they have to can simply do it online and free up the classrooms for interactive hands-on learning,” says Fanini Randall.

 

Another option is to take a different approach to continuing education and make educational events more upscale in order to convey their importance. “Nail classes should not be held in a manufacturer’s warehouse. They should not be an afterthought,” says Melissa Perry, director of the nail division at Paramount Beauty Supply in Long Island, N.Y.

 

Following her own advice Perry created the highly successful Nails Express Educational Symposium this year. The six-hour event was sponsored by manufacturers and was focused on giving the 125 attendees new and timely information. Held at a banquet hall, the event was purposefully intimate and there was only limited retailing on the part of the manufacturers.

 

“The manufacturers were given display space for their products and literature and they donated product for the goody bags that we handed out to the attendees,” says Perry.

 

The highlight of the event was the educational stage. “Each manufacturer was given 45 minutes to hold the stage. They were not allowed to talk about their products. They had to focus on the educational business theme.”

 

The Educational Symposium was a success on various levels. Nail techs enjoyed the business focus of the event and manufacturers benefited from the opportunity to interact intimately with the nail techs. Paramount Beauty has seen a dramatic increase in its class attendance since the event as well. “Nail techs were given the opportunity to sign up for education at the event. We included class information in their event folder and, if they purchased a kit at the event, the education for that system is free,” says Perry. In dramatic contrast to the current norm, they’ve oversold classes since the symposium.

 

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Salon owners can take a more active role in encouraging and facilitating continuing education. “Owners can take a portion of retail sales per month and allot it for education,” says Cuccio. “They can also provide incentive programs to drive sales up to pay for classes.”

 

Larger salons may also want to consider bringing education in-house. Hiring an educator to come out to their salon and work with their techs allows owners to address the issues that pertain to their specific environment. Individual nail techs and small salons may benefit in the same way by pooling their resources in order to affordably address personalized education. If continuing education units must be fulfilled, check with your state board to see how to go about ensuring credit.

 

Don’t be a passive observer, all education is what you make of it. Have a plan of action before you go into any learning environment and have a goal of three things you want to learn that day. “It is very important to take responsibility for your own learning experience,” says Valenzuela.

 

On the Bright Side

Despite all of the complaints and frustration that shroud continuing education, there are positive things to be said about it.

 

“I feel that the manufacturers are recognizing the fact that in order to have repeat sales and loyal customers they are going to have to upgrade and evolve their classes to meet the needs of the working professional,” says Darling. “That is to say that they will need more add-ons and informative classes, perhaps a type of troubleshooting. I believe that tailoring classes to the needs of the technician is the way of the future.”

 

“I don’t find anyone to be disenchanted,” says Brown. “I do find that everyone — manufacturers, educators, and nail techs — are looking for new and refreshing ideas.” Fanini Randall seconds the sentiment, saying, “The beauty industry just isn’t the same as it was 10 years ago and what we’re all experiencing now are just growing pains.”

 

Ann Higby of the National Nail Cosmetology Association (NCA) sees educational opportunities expanding. “NCA is optimistic about the state of continuing education in the nail industry. Every day there is something new to learn, and that’s exciting news.” Not everyone has given up on education, points out Bonn. “The top techs will always get education,” she says. “It is the ones who think they know it all that I am concerned about.” Wetzel agrees, saying, “Techs still hunger for knowledge for its own sake, not because they have to.”

 

SO WHAT DO WE WANT?

We know we want more continuing education, and we know we want different classes than those currently being offered. Below are the suggestions we received in the process of writing this story. Consider them food for thought.

 

• Non-product specific classes: there are a few available now, but many nail techs feel they are more valuable than the multitude of product-specific classes that are currently available.

• Sanitation and safety classes

• Legislation classes

• Fun classes — add-ons, massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, nail art

• Business, marketing, and retailing classes

• Trend classes

• Motivational classes

• Online classes

• Electric file classes

• Troubleshooting for common natural nail and nail enhancement problems

• Nail health issues

• Chemical and ingredient knowledge classes

 

NOTHING BUT THE FACTS: Not all states require continuing education to renew nail tech licenses — something that we’ve learned many nail techs are hoping will change. As things stand today, only 9 out of the 49 states that require licensure also require continuing education. Some states with CEU requirements break down the mandatory units into categories. This information is available through your state board.

 

WHAT COUNTS AS CEU?  Those techs in states with continuing education requirements must fulfill a certain number of hours of education in state board-approved classes in order to renew their license. Nail techs are required to submit proof of their participation in the specified courses. Each state varies in its procedure for verifying attendance and determining which classes are appropriate. Educators and their class offerings are approved through the state board. Educators must submit an application to become certified. Once they are certified they must submit lesson plans for their classes. When the state board accepts the lesson plan, then the class can be made available for CEU.

 

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MAKE IT MANDATORY?

When the issue of continuing education is addressed, inevitably it begs the question of whether it should be mandatory when renewing nail tech licenses. This question in particular elicited heated responses that may surprise you.

 

“Unfortunately, most state laws do not allow for required advanced training in order to renew licenses. This is due, for the most part, to the lack of funding for the state boards and regulatory commissions that govern our industry. Most licensees do not understand the tremendous resources and funds required to implement a system of continuing education across the states. There just isn’t enough money in the budget for most states to do this.” Nancy King Director Association of Electric File Manufacturers


“I feel that regardless of how many hours are required, there will always be those who get around them. If I thought it would help the industry as a whole I would say yes, we need more hours. But I think those of us who want more hours are out there getting them.” Holly Schippers, The Hairport Oskaloosa, Iowa


“The number one reason continuing education is being given so little emphasis is that not all states have a CEU requirement. All states should require a minimum of CEU. What client would want to be serviced by a ‘professional’ who hasn’t been updated on laws or techniques for 10 or more years?” Judi Meola, Senior Marketing Manager, Spilo Worldwide/Mehaz


“Sure, CEUs force the ‘bottom rung’ techs to get educated, but then, do they really take anything away from the classes? These are the techs with the negative attitudes who then go and ruin it for the positive techs, ruin the group dynamic, and give education a bad name.” Barb Wetzel, Nailsplash.com


“I personally feel that every state should require hours for renewal. I don’t care how many — one or 40 — but get those techs’ eyes open to new ideas and more information.” Debbie Doerrlamm, beautytech.com


“Four mandatory hours a year would be no sweat — but they should be broken up into categories: sanitation, natural nail care, enhancements, optional.” Sue Irwin, National Sales and Marketing Manager, Poshé


“CEU should be mandatory— and state licensed schools should get involved.” Dana Caruso, Owner Long Island Nail & Skin Care Institute


“I think less than 30 hours of continuing education per year is a joke. There is no reason why six hours should be acceptable — that in some cases is one class.” Deb Blowars, Artistic Trends Salon, Perkasie, Pa.


“Continuing education is not for the techs themselves. It is also for the safety of the public! Continuing education should be mandatory in all states for the safety of everyone.” Diana Bonn, Independent educator for the state of Indiana


HOW TO FIND CONTINUING EDUCATION

Many of the nail techs we spoke to noted that continuing education classes can be hard to find. Here we’ve detailed a few ways to be in the know about classes in your area and how to get into them.

 

• Many manufacturers post their upcoming education schedules on their websites and include the names of the distributors that will be hosting the classes.

 

• Call your distributor and let them know that you are interested in their class schedule. Many include their schedule on their deal sheets, so keep an eye out for them. If they are offering a class you are interested in, find out how long the class is, how much it costs, and the minimum number of participants. Call before the class to see if this number has been met. Otherwise you may arrive at the class only to learn that it has been cancelled.

 

• If your distributor isn’t cutting the mustard in regard to offering quality education, call other distributors in your area for their education schedules. Showing distributors and manufacturers that you will go where the education is sends a clear message to them that they stand to gain from providing good education.

 

• Sign up for classes about 30 days early — and show up for class. Showing distributors and manufacturers that you are serious about education will motivate them to schedule more classes.

 

• Don’t wait until the last minute to get your Continuing Education Units (CEU).You’ll find most classes full of other procrastinators and educators frustrated by their suddenly overwhelming class load. Chances are you won’t find a spot in a class you are interested in and may be forced to take any open class in order to fulfill your requirements. So plan ahead and beat the rush.

 

• Look online. Some states allow you to complete online courses for CEU credits. Go to your state board’s website or call to see if this is a good option for you. Many independent educators also post excellent tips and helpful hints on their personal websites that act as a good supplement to continuing education.

 

• Remember that manufacturers and distributors are not the only purveyors of education. Trade shows and association events often are the best sources for non-product specific education, business classes, and motivational seminars all generally included for the price of admission.

 

• When in doubt, schedule education to come to you. Independent educators, coaches, and trainers that are certified by your state are a great source of education. Call your state board for a listing of available educators and classes

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