Michigan is known as the car capital of the world, but it might surprise you to know, it’s also home of some of the country’s best beauty schools! If you love playing with color and style, and makeup isn’t your thing, you might consider a career as a nail technician.

And if you’re not sure where to start, fear not! We can help put you on the right track to becoming a licensed manicurist.

michigan
Michigan Hall of Justice by Subterranean [GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons

Education Requirements

The state of Michigan has two routes open to you if you’re working toward becoming a manicurist. You can either study for 400 hours at a registered beauty school, or take a 6-month apprenticeship option, which will get you working straight away.

Beauty school is a great place to learn your craft, and connect with others who are passionate about making people look and feel their best. A nail course should last about six months, and include a less hours of theory courses, and more hours of practical study.

As mentioned there are a ton of eligible schools, so to find the one closest to you use your ZIP in our app below:

You’ll cover everything from sanitation, laws and rules, chemistry and occupational safety, as well as artistic principles, and artificial nails, extension, and repairs.

Getting Your Michigan Nail License

Once you’ve completed your course load, or logged your apprenticeship hours with a licensed salon (under the supervision of a licensed manicurist) you’re ready to take your exams.

Be aware that to pass your apprenticeship will take 480 hours, the equivalent of six months of full time work.

You must submit your licensure application online, and pay the fees.

Then you’ll sit your practical and theory exams. Your theory exam also includes a section on Michigan state laws and rules.

You’ll need to bring your own mannequin hand and kit to the practical exam.

You must score at least a 70% on the theory, and 75% on the practical, to qualify for license. Your license will be mailed within a week of passing the exams.

Are You A Nail Pro Moving To MI From Another State?

To transfer a current license to the state of Michigan, you’ll need to prove you are at least 17 years old, with at least a 9th grade education. You’ll also need to prove that you have the required 480 hours of work or study experience.

Renew Your MI Nail Tech License

You must renew your Michigan manicurist license every two years. You will be notified by mail before your expiry date. You must submit the application and pay the fee online. No continuing education hours are required to renew.

Jobs For Nail Techs in MI

Your education in Michigan beauty schools can set you up for a great career right from the start. You may choose to focus on building a client base in an existing salon, set up shop by renting your own chair, or work toward opening your own nail salon.

Data suggests that in the next ten years, there will be a 10% increase in nail salons and manicurists in the area. So you’re in good company! And it all starts with the right first job.

Also, find out about online classes and 28 things you’ll need for your training.

Booker Institute-Cosmetology Hudsonville, MI

Adrian Beauty Academy – Adrian

Beauty-Tech College – Adrian

Scholar Cosmetology University – Ann Arbor

Cosmetology University – Auburn

Miss Katie’s College of Beauty – Canton

School For Creative Hair Design – Coldwater

Sally Esser Beauty School Inc – Dearborn Heights

Renaissance Academy of Beauty – Escanaba

U.P. Academy of Hair Design – Escanaba

Fenton Academy of Cosmetology – Fenton

Mr. David’s School of Cosmetology – Flint

Transitions School-Cosmetology – Flint

Sharp’s Academy of Hairstyling – Grand Blanc

BeautyStars Cosmetology College – Grandville

Highland Park School of Cosmetology – Highland Park

Howell College of Cosmetology – Howell

Diane’s School of Cosmetology – Kingsley

Grondin’s College of Cosmetology – Lapeer

Daniel’s Hair Styling Academy – Muskegon

Platinum College of Cosmetology – Shelby Township

Virginia Farrell Beauty Schools – Southfield

French Academy of Cosmetology – Spring Lake

Other MI schools for cosmetologists, estheticians, barbers and makeup artists.

Visit Michigan Board of Cosmetology to learn about nail technician certification and license requirements.

Blue Water College of Cosmetology Marysville, MI

Brighton Institute of Cosmetology Brighton, MI

Cadillac Institute Cosmetology Cadillac, MI

Excel Academies of Cosmetology Kentwood, MI

Excel Academies of Cosmetology Lansing, MIs

Hair Force Academy Inc Flint, MI

Michigan College of Beauty Carleton/Monroe, MI

Michigan College of Beauty Troy, MI

Marketti Academy of Cosmetology Waterford, MI

M J Murphy Beauty College Mt Pleasant, MI

Michigan College of Beauty Waterford, MI

Taylortown School of Beauty – Taylor, MI

Wright Beauty Academy Battle Creek, MI

Wright Beauty Academy Portage, MI

Did we forget a Michigan nail tech training institute? Please contact us to let us know!