Description
Clean and shape clients' fingernails, care for cuticles and hands, and apply polish or nail art.
- • Clean and sanitize tools, implements, and workstation.
- • Schedule client appointments and process payments.
- • Remove old nail polish or enhancements with appropriate removers.
- • Shape and smooth fingernails using scissors, files, or emery boards.
- • Apply base coat, color, and top coat to fingernails.
- • Advise clients on nail and hand care, products, and colors.
- • Maintain supply inventories and client service records.
- • Roughen natural nail surfaces as needed for enhancements.
- • Promote and sell nail care products.
- • Buff nails to a natural shine when requested.
- • Decorate nails with designs, decals, gems, or other ornaments.
- • Soften and prepare cuticles; push back and trim with proper tools.
- • Soak hands and clean fingernails using swabs, files, and orange sticks.
- • Use rotary tools or e-files to shape nails and artificial extensions.
- • Assess the condition of clients' hands, remove dead skin, and provide hand massage.
- • Repair or strengthen nails with wraps.
- • Create and maintain artificial nail extensions using powders, liquids, forms, or tips.
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Healthcare & Human Services
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Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
