Nail Care Courses

The beauty of a Nail Care short course is that you can be your own boss. If you are not yet ready to be your, own boss, you can look for employment in the field.

Our Nail Care Courses

Nail Care Courses

Nail Care Short Course

Our Nail Care Short Course is the first course in our Nail Care Programme. It provides our students with the basic skills to become a ...
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Nail Care Courses

Nail Care Comprehensive Course

Nail care comprehensive course equips students with the skills and knowledge to take care of body nails. With this course, you will become an expert ...
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Nail Care Courses

Nail Care: Certificate Course

Nail care comprehensive course equips students with the skills and knowledge to take care of body nails. With this course, you will become an expert ...
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What Are Nail Care Courses?

Nail Care Short courses teach students the skills and knowledge on how to become a Nail Technician. A Nail Care Short course is part of the Beauty course that Matric College offers in conjunction with Skills Academy.

Nail Care Courses

Nail Care Short Course

Programme Type: Provider Programme
Award Issued By: Skills Academy
Accredited By: Not Applicable
Qualification Title: Nail Care Short Course 
Qualification Type: Certificate
Course Duration: 9 to 12 months

Entry Requirements

  • Be at least 16 years or older
  • Be able to read, write and understand English
  • Be able to study through distance learning

Course Subjects

  • Introduction to Business English
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Professional Salon Skills
  • Nail Technology

Nail Care Certificate Course

Programme Type: Provider Programme
Award Issued By: Skills Academy 
Accredited By: Not Applicable
Qualification Title: Nail Care Certificate Course
Qualification Type: Certificate
Course Duration: 9 to 15 months

Entry Requirements

  • Be at least 16 years or older
  • Be able to read, write and understand English
  • Be able to study through distance learning

Course Subjects

  • Introduction to Business English
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Professional Salon Skills
  • Nail Technology
  • Excellence in Service: Basic
  • UV Gel Nails and Decoration

Nail Care Comprehensive Course

Programme Type: Provider Programme Award Issued By: Skills Academy  Accredited By: Not Applicable Qualification Title: Nail Care Comprehensive Course  Qualification Type: Certificate Course Duration: 12 to 19 months

Entry Requirements

  • Be at least 16 years or older
  • Be able to read, write and understand English
  • Be able to study through distance learning

Course Subjects

  • Introduction to Business English
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Professional Salon Skills
  • Nail Technology
  • Excellence in Service: Basic
  • UV Gel Nails and Decoration
  • Fibreglass
Nail Care Comprehensive Course
NOTE: Our Short Courses are in partnership with Skills Academy. Matric College and Skills Academy are partner Colleges.

There are no qualifications required to study the Nail Care Short courses. In fact, there are no qualifications required for all our Short courses. 

The only requirement that you need to meet when you study the Short course is that you must be able to speak, write and understand English. You should also be able to study through distance learning.

This is because English is used as the medium of learning.

Although Beauty Therapy courses, of which Nail Care is part of, are practised on the human body, there is no requirement for Biology to study the course. 

To study the Nail Care Short course, all you need is to be able to read, write and understand English. You should also be able to study through distance learning.

There are no subjects needed to study the Nail Care Short courses. You do not need to have any grade or even Matric. Short courses are open to everyone. 

You could already be in the industry, or you want to start looking for job opportunities in the industry. You can study it even if you want to start your own business. All you need is the ability to read, write and understand English.  You should also be able to study through distance learning.

No, you do not need to go to University to become a Nail Technician or Beautician. What you can do, however, is that on completion of your Short courses, you can pursue further studies.

In South Africa, you can study a Nail Technician course at Matric College. The College offers Nail Care Short courses in conjunction with Skills Academy. Here are the Beauty courses that you can study at Matric College:

Yes, being a Nail Technician is a good career choice, here is why:

  • You will gain specific skills – When you study the Nail Care Short course, you will gain specific skills. This means that the skills and knowledge that you will gain will only be relevant to Nail Care.
  • Shorter duration of study – The Nail Care Short courses are of a duration of between 9 and 19 months. On completion of one Beauty Course you can start to study another one which will also not last for a longer period. This means that you can complete Beauty Short courses in a short period of time.
  • Grasp concepts faster – Our textbooks and expertly written notes will help you grasp the Nail Care concepts and practices faster. Matric College will assist in the journey of your studies and prepare you to look for employment opportunities or to set up your own small business.
  • Work-ready – On completion of your Nail Care Short course, you will be ready either for employment opportunities or to set up a Nail Care business.   
  • Flexible – Study of a Nail Care course is flexible. This is because you will study the courses through distance learning. With distance learning, there are no classes to attend. You study in your own time and at your own pace.
  • Start your business – With a Short course, you can start your own business. Of course, you can start small and grow with time. In the long term, instead of you being an employee, you can become an employer. 
  • Gain soft skills – When you study Nail Care Short courses, you will gain soft skills in the process. Soft skills are also known as Transferable skills. This means that you can use the skills acquired in any other social or professional setting.

It takes about 19 months to complete the Nail Technician course. Here is a list of the duration of the Nail Care Short courses:

BEAUTY COURSERECOMMENDED DURATION
Nail Care: Short Course9 months
Nail Care: Certificate Course15 months
Nail Care: Comprehensive Course

19 months

To find out the cost of Nail Care Short courses, you will need to contact one of our course experts. They will advise you of the route that you will need to take to complete the course. Cost varies from person to person, depending on your career objectives and your background.

Here are some of the duties of a Nail Technician:

  • Polish finger and toenails
  • Clean nails
  • Cut nails
  • Shape nails
  • Remove old polish on nails
  • Prepare and clean the workspace
  • Sterilise equipment before and after use
  • Organise promotions and strategies to find new clients
  • Offer nail care advice and treatment tips to clients 
  • Promote nail care products to customers

Here are the average salaries of Nail Technicians in South Africa, according to za.talent.com:

LEVEL OF NAIL TECHNICIANAVERAGE SALARY / MONTH
Entry Level (0 – 4 years of experience)R 12 000.00
Middle Level (4 – 9 years of experience)R 13 500.00
Senior Level (10+ years of experience)R 45 833.00

Here are the career options in the nail industry:

  • Spa or salon manicure and pedicurist – R 13 500.00
  • Professional Nail consultant – R13 000.00
  • Nail Educator – R16 500.00

Mobile Nail Technician – R 14 000Spa Or Salon Manicure And Pedicurist

A manicure and Pedicurist works in a salon or spa. If you follow this path, here are the duties you will perform:

  • Trimming nails
  • Cutting nails
  • Shaping nails

Professional Nail Consultant

A Professional Nail Consultant plays an advisory role in recommending the best products and nail care advice to clients. This type of Nail Technician thrives more in a retail setting. As a Professional Nail Consultant, you will work in a retail space where Nail Care products are sold.

Nail Educator

A Nail Educator teaches all you need to know about the nail industry. You will have gone through the necessary training. In addition, you could also have practised as a Nail Technician. Because you know more about the industry, you enhance your marketability and professionalism. 

Mobile Nail Technician

A Mobile Nail technician visit clients at their homes and workplaces. They operate on an on-call basis. The demand for services of a Mobile Nail Technician grew at the height of COVID-19. This was because of the understanding that when you stay home, you stay safe. 

Other advantages of being a Mobile Nail technician are the following:

  • Flexibility – A Mobile Nail Technician has flexibility. This means that can work anywhere and any time when it suits you. You have the flexibility to pursue other interests that you have.  
  • A personal relationship with clients – You become closer to your clients. This means that there will be a mutual understanding between you and your clients. The relationship becomes more personal. Your client can even recommend you to friends and relatives.

Here is a list of some highest-paying jobs in the beauty industry:

  • Hairdresser / Hairstylist
  • Cosmetic Surgeon
  • Beauty Blogger / Vlogger
  • Beautician or Cosmetologist
  • Modelling
  • Esthetician
  • Image Consultant / Stylist
  • Beauty Therapist
  • Makeup Artist

Yes, you can study Nail Care online. Online learning is a form of distance learning. Here is why you should study Nail Care online:

  • Flexibility
  • Earn while you learn
  • No commuting
  • Save costs

Flexibility

With distance learning, you are flexible in your studying. You can study at any time that suits you. You will not miss any lessons as there are not any. It is however important to stick to your study timetable. Your time management and discipline are important. 

Work And Learn At The Same Time

Distance learning allows you to learn while you are earning. There is no need to quit your job. You just have to make sure that you balance your work with your study time. You will also be able to pay for your tuition.

COVID-19 Safe

There is no commuting for any lessons. With distance learning, you cut travel costs. As you study from home, you will be safe from COVID-19. Remember, it is said, ‘Stay home and stay safe.’  

Save Costs

With distance learning, all your study material is provided. This includes notes and textbooks. You will get assistance from your tutors in those areas that you are struggling with. At Matric College, our Student Support Services are open every working day from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm to give you all the necessary assistance that you may need.

Here are some of the highest qualifications in the Beauty industry: 

  • Bachelor of Health Science (Aesthetics)
  • Bachelor in Arts in Makeup for Media and Performance
  • Bachelor in Cosmetology
  • Bachelor, Fashion and Beauty Makeup Artist
  • Bachelor of Beauty and Cosmetics
  • Bachelor in Beauty Science

Cosmetology is the study of how different skin treatments are applied to the body. Cosmetology also includes hairstyling, skin care cosmetics manicures and pedicures and removal of hair.  Students can choose to study a wide range of courses or specialise in a specific area.

Here are the duties of a Manicurist:

  • Clean and file nails
  • Massage and moisturise hands or feet
  • Apply acrylics or gel when requested
  • Polish nails
  • Sell products to customers
  • Keep your work area clean and sanitary

South Africa is one of the best countries in which you can study Cosmetology. Here are the 7 best countries for Cosmetology studies: 

  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • United States
  • South Korea
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • South Africa

These are the other names that a Beautician can be referred as:

  • Cosmetician
  • Hairdresser
  • Stylist
  • Manicurist
  • Masseuse
  • Beautician
  • Hairdressing

Here are the differences between Cosmetology and Beauty Therapy:

BEAUTY THERAPY – DUTIESCOSMETOLOGY – DUTIES
  • Facials
  • Pedicures
  • Hair removals
  • Tan application
  • Hot stone and oil massages
  • Eyelash extensions
  • Eyebrow tints 
A Cosmetologist’s major role is to advise people on cosmetics and beauty treatments suitable for the different shades of skin. Cosmetics and beauty treatments are not ‘one size fits all’ but are specific to an individual.

Yes, opening a salon is profitable in South Africa. Here is why opening a salon is profitable:

  • The demand for the service is high
  • The beauty industry is one of the industries that have a high growth rate
  • South Africa is one of the top seven countries that is recognised in cosmetic manufacturing
  • You can learn the skill and attract more clients

You can start a small nail business at home by doing the following:

  • Advertise the business in your community by word of mouth
  • Distribute flyers in your community
  • Advertise in local papers 
  • Open a Facebook page for your business
  • Display notices in supermarkets and malls

Yes, after obtaining your Nail technician qualification, you will also need to pass a licensing exam. You will also need to obtain professional insurance in order that you legally carry out your Nail technician business.

You will need to talk to our courses experts in order for you to find out the cost of the Nail Care courses. This is because circumstances differ from one person to the other. Our course experts will talk to you and recommend what is best for you depending on your circumstances.

Yes, short nails are healthier. Fingernails should be kept short. Short fingernails do not accumulate dirt. Fingernails should always be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water. If fingernails are kept long, they can contribute to the spread of infections.

According to indeed.com, the average salary per month of a Nail Technician is R 6 062.00. However, this can be different if you are running your own salon. With your own saloon, you can make much more than the average salary.

Unlike a Nail Care course, a Gel Nail course covers the following:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Contraindications
  • Preparation and care of natural nail
  • Tip application
  • Sculpting skills
  • White BIAB
  • GelPot application and safe removal

Here are the 10 must-haves of a Nail Technician:

  1. Nail file kit – This is basic. It must be of quality.
  2. Cuticle exfoliator – Helps in removing dead skin
  3. Reusable nail forms – These are for gel and acrylic
  4. Diamond nail file – helps in giving the best results
  5. Sable brush – This a necessity
  6. Towelettes – these are for daily use. Use quality ones. Not ones that leave fibres on newly polished nails. 
  7. Toe separators – Eliminates the risk of messing up toes with nail polish
  8. Cuticle oil – Helps in softening and moisturising
  9. Pedicure foot file – For smoothening the rough edges
  10. Nail cleanser – For cleaning nails

Acrylic nails last for between 6 and 8 weeks. But a fill is needed every two to three weeks. This however depends on the rate at which your nails grow. Files are important in that once your nails start to grow, lifting begins to happen.

Yes, you can use regular nail polish on acrylic nails. But, what you must remember is that there are harsh chemicals in some nail polishes. Be that as it may, none of the harsh chemicals will interact with acrylic if there is a coat over it.

Career Opportunities With A Nail Care Qualification

Here are some of the career options in Nail Care:

  • Manicure / Pedicurist – R 6 602.00
  • Professional Nail Consultant – R 12 00.00
  • Nail Educator – 30 980.00
  • Mobile Nail Technician – R13 500.00
  • Nail Technician – R 14 414
  • Retail and Consulting – R 85 498.00

Here are the duties of a Manicurist:

  • Discuses with client nail treatment available
  • Removes nail polish
  • Clean, trim and fill nails
  • Removes rough skin
  • Polish nails
  • Advises clients on nail care
  • Promotes and sell nail care products

Here are the duties of a Professional Nail Consultant:

  • Advises clients on the best products to use
  • Offer aftercare advice

Here are the duties of a Nail Educator:

  • Setting out lesson plans
  • Order in stock for lessons
  • Equipping students with the skills and knowledge of the beauty trade
  • Setting written and practical tests
  • Grading tests
  • Mentoring students
  • Overseeing exams and practical tests

Here are the duties of a Mobile Nail Technician:

  • Drive to deliver saloon services, some of which are:
    • Manicure/pedicure treatments
    • Hand and foot massages
    • Nail care treatment
    • Sell nail products

Here are the duties of a Cosmetic Retail Consultant:

  • Consulting with clients to determine their preferences
  • Recommend products to suit client’s needs 
  • Responding to customer questions and complaints
  • Making sales
  • Processing returns
  • Taking part in store events
  • Designing and maintaining attractive displays
  • Handling administrative and clerical duties

Benefits Of Studying At Matric College

Matric College will assist you in your journey to pursue a rewarding career. We will give you all the necessary help that you may require. As a distance learner, this is what we will do for you: 

  • We will provide you with textbooks 
  • We will provide you study notes specially developed for distance learning students by our course experts
  • We will give you access to Facebook study groups with your fellow students and tutors
  • We will provide you with academic support from 08:00 am till 05:00 pm, Monday to Friday
  • We will assist you with creating your study timetable
  • We will prepare you for the exams

Here is what makes a successful manicure service:

  • Keep nails shaped and trimmed
  • Moisturise the cuticle area
  • Sterilise all tools
  • Disinfect cuticles
  • Treat torn nails as soon as possible
  • Wear gloves
  • Coat nails with polish

Here is what should be avoided in nail care:

  • Using nails as tools
  • Biting nails
  • Pulling off hangnails
  • Punching the cuticle back too far
  • Overusing polish remover
  • peeling off polish
  • Soaking nails for long periods
  • Sharing your nail file
  • Going barefoot
  • Ignoring inflammation

The same chemicals that are used in car paint are the same ones that are used in nail polish. So, yes, you can use car paint as nail polish.

The main difference between nail polish and nail paint is that nail polish is shiny. Remember, a nail a painted to protect it from damage, while nail polish is applied to enhance the colour and shine of the nail.

Here is what you will need to do:

  • Apply a small amount of nail polish remover
  • Apply in small amounts until the nail polish wipes off
  • After removing the polish,  apply car polish to the area to get the shine of the car back

Yes, nail polish is a cosmetic. It however differs from other cosmetics in its role. It is both a decorative cosmetic and a coating. Nail polish is also referred to as nail enamel or nail lacquer.

Here are some of the tools that are used for nail art:

  • Nail art stickers – applied on dry nail polish
  • Dotting tools – Help in creating dots on nails
  • Rhinestones – They add bling and style to the nails
  • Striping tapes – Help in adding metallic lines in manicure
  • Bullion beads – Helps In giving a 3D effect to the nails
  • Loose glitter – You can use loose art glitter powder on your nails
  • Nail polishes – do not forget the magnetic nail enamel in your kit
  • Nail stamping kit – The kit should include the following:
    • A stamper
    • A scrapper
    • A stamping template
    • Stainless steel image plates
    • Clear jelly
    • Rolls of nail stripping plates
  • Top and base coat
  • Orangewood stick / toothpick – Use to pick rhinestones and in the creation of dots
  • Nail grooming kit – A multi-purpose kit which consists of the following:
    • Scissors
    • Nail clippers
    • Dead skin pliers
    • Scraping knives
    • Scrapping cutters
  • Nail polish remover
  • Acrylic colours
  • Nail art brushes – each brush has its own purpose in designing

Nail tape is used in nail art. It provides brilliance and shine. It comes in a variety of colours and a wide variety of styles. Through a nail tape, you can be as creative as you like.

A buffer is a beauty tool that utilises a gritty surface to fingernails and toenails a shiny appearance and a high gloss shine. It sands the nail surface.

Author: Collin Wilbesi
Date Published: April 25, 2022
Editor: Amy Venter