beauty schools offer many opportunities to reach your goals and become a nail technician. If you’re looking for a great place to get your license and learn new skills, this could be the answer you’re looking for.

Richmond has nail tech schools
Skyline of Richmond, Virginia

Education

To get your nail technician license in Virginia, you have one of two options: A 150-hour program specializing in nail care, manicuring, and the anatomy of the hand at one of Virginia’s many beauty schools can help you get the practical and theoretical knowledge you will need. The other option is to go directly into the workforce, with 2,000 hours of supervised work as an apprentice nail technician in a currently-licensed salon. In either case, you should be well-trained in manicure and pedicures, including the application of gel nails, and skin disorders affecting the hands, as well as courses in safety and sanitation that will help you give your clients the best possible care.

Use our app to find the academies closest to you:

License

To qualify for a Virginia nail tech license, you must be at least 16 years old and have at least a 10th grade education. You must provide proof of either your completion of a nail technician course or proof of apprenticeship hours to the Virginia State Board of Cosmetologist in order to take your exams. You need to pass a two hour written exam, and a practical exam which covers sanitation practices, safety procedure, as well as the application of nails, polish, and other practical procedures. Once you’ve passed both with a grade of at least 75%, you will receive your license.

Out-Of-State

If your education and examinations were equivalent to those demanded of Virginia’s, you will be able to transfer your existing nail technician license to Virginia and work here. If your home state does not require at least 150 hours of practical study, you may be able to make it up with experience, but you will need to take your exams s an out-of-state applicant through NTN.

Renew Your License

You are required to renew a Virginia nail technician license every two years. No continuing education is required. You must submit your application and fee by the last day of the month of issue of your original license.

Work

Working as a manicurist can give you some flexibility and freedom. You might choose to work in a top salon or spa, like 21 Nil Lounge in Arlington, or Deluxe Nails and Spa in Virginia Beach.

A large percentage of nail technicians in the state also choose to go into business for themselves. By building a client base with their own booth in an existing salon they can then venture out on their own to start a salon.

Also check out the different tools and supplies you’ll need as part of a student nail tech’s kit.

Nail Technician Schools in Virginia

Annie Beauty &Tech school – Falls Church

Cheri’s Nail Boutique and School – Virginia Beach

A Step Ahead School of Hair Design – Abingdon

Ron Paul University of Hair & Nails – Chesapeake

M & M Beauty Academy – Dumfries

Super Hair’s Beauty Academy – Fairfax

Body Treat Nail Salon and School – Glade Hill

International Cosmetology University – Hampton

Ultimate Performance School of Cosmetology – Martinsville

Perfect Image School of Cosmetology – 821 Memorial Blvd N, Martinsville, VA 24112

Institute of Cosmetology & Barbering – Portsmouth

Hicks Academy of Beauty Culture – 904 Loudoun Ave, Portsmouth

Platinum Nailz Academy – Portsmouth

Starkey Medical School of Esthetics – Roanoke

Vienna Academy of Arts & Sciences – Washington DC

A-1 Beauty & Barber College – Portsmouth

D’Total Woman Beauty & Nail – Virginia Beach

The Virginia Nail Design Academy- Windsor

Visit Virginia VA Board of Cosmetology and Barbering to learn about nail technician certification and license requirements. Exam pdf info.

Start your studies by reading and article on the interesting ways we create nail designs.

Blackthorn Esthetics Academy – Fishersville

Dominion School of Hair Design – Gloucester Point

Dermal Science International Aesthetics & Nail Academy – Reston

Essence of Braiding & Weaving Hair Academy – Richmond

Any nail academies in Virginia missing? Please use our contact form to let us know. Some techniques you’ll learn in Nail school.