Find Nail Technician Schools in The State of Alabama

So you’ve decided to fast track your start in the beauty industry by becoming a nail technician. This is an excellent career choice as demand for workers in the beauty industry is very high and still going up. Now, where do you start?

First, you have to get your official license from the state of Alabama. In order to do this, you will need to complete the state-required hours of training at a nail technician school or school of cosmetology.

You will then need to earn a passing grade on your state exams. These things are required because nail technicians must follow certain rules for health and safety purposes. It’s a very achievable goal, however, and one of the most inexpensive ways to launch your career in the beauty industry.

Licensing Requirements

license vector art

Alabama has one of the more stringent requirements for classroom hours and apprenticeship.

There are two routes you can take to complete your training. You can either complete 750 hours of classroom education or 1200 hours of apprenticeship sponsored by a nail technician with a master license.

You must then apply for the state license within 90 days of completing your training. Like most states, you will need to pass both a written exam and a practical exam.

Renewal is required every odd numbered year and costs $80. While you aren’t required to take any continuing education classes for your renewal, these classes are offered and recommended.

Typical Curriculum

State licensing exams in Alabama focus on:

  • manicures,
  • nail tips,
  • nail wraps,
  • polish,
  • sculptured nails,
  • and most importantly, client protection.

Therefore, all schools concentrate on these areas for their basic curriculum. Most schools also give instruction in advanced procedures such as gel toes, nail art and airbrushing as well. As long as you get passing grades and completely master the bulleted skills above, you will do well on your state exams and acquire your license with no problems at all.

Some of The Best Nail Technician Schools in Alabama

Winonah Cosmetology School

Winonah Cosmetology School in Alabama is one of the very first private schools of it’s kind to be licensed by the state of Alabama. All students at the Winonah School of Cosmetology will train with experienced, certified nail technicians in the basic practical skills. Courses include:

  • Bacteria and Other Infections,
  • Sanitation and Safety in the salon,
  • Nail and Nail Disorders, and
  • Skin and Skin Disorders.
  • The training consists of 750 clock hours and includes hands on experience in
  • manicures,
  • pedicures,
  • nail tips,
  • nail polishing,
  • along with other newer and more cutting-edge artistic styles.

If you choose to continue your education in the beauty field after obtaining your nail technician license, Winonah School of Cosmetology also offers training in cosmetology, natural hair stylist, manicurist, waxer and cosmetology educator.

Southeastern School of Cosmetology

Students at Southeastern School of Cosmetology can complete their courses in between 7 to 9 months. Since the program is completely accredited, all students can apply for Title IV Federal financial aid, and if they qualify, pay for their entire schooling this way.
Their extensive instruction includes:

  • Bacteria and Other Infections (90 hours)
  • Safety in the Salon (50 hours)
  • Sanitation (90 hours)
  • The Nail and Its Disorders (80 hours)
  • Skin and Its Disorders (40 hours)
  • Client Consultation (40 hours)
  • Manicuring (50 hours)
  • Pedicures (50 hours)
  • Nail Tips (55 hours)
  • Nail Wraps (55 hours)
  • Acrylic Nails (55 hours)
  • Nail Art (55 hours)
  • Salon Management (15 hours)
  • Marketing Products and Services (15 hours)

As you can see, their curriculum is very extensive and thorough, so you will be well-prepared for your new career. Cost of attendance is a little less than $5,000 total, including books and supplies.

Shelton State Community College

In state tuition for this school is less than $4,000 per year, so this is a very budget-friendly choice for your certificate training. The program is based around the credit hour system, with each class providing 3 credit hours to total the state requirement for actual clock hours of training. Classes include:

  • Career and Personal Development,
  • Nail Care,
  • Nail Care Applications,
  • Nail Art,
  • Nail Art Applications,
  • Special Topics in Cosmetology, and
  • an internship in cosmetology or COS 191 CO-OP.

Since this is an accredited community college, you will be able to apply for all financial aid options including Federal Pell Grants if you qualify, so it may be possible to pay for your entire education with no lingering student load debt to cloud your future.

Economic Outlook

The mean annual wage for manicurists in Alabama is between $22,000 and $23,000. The mean hourly wage for nail technicians in Alabama is $10.20 per hour. This may not seem like a great deal of money, but most nail technicians make tips as well. And better, since growth for this industry is projected to remain slightly above average, job security won’t be a problem.

People who open their own salons tend to make the most money in this industry, so courses in business management are a good idea as well.

Other Nail Tech Schools in Alabama

Just in case the above schools don’t meet your educational needs, here’s a couple more schools you can check out:

The Hair Academy

Wallace Community College

Now that you know a bit more about your possible choices for nail technician schools in Alabama and the state’s educational and licensing requirements, there’s no time like the present to get started. Why not contact an admissions counselor today so that you can begin your classes as soon as possible? By this time next year, you can be working for yourself to build a better future.

Whether you choose to continue your education in cosmetology while you work as a nail technician, or start your own nail salon, you can do this!

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