Understanding Nail Technician Insurance
This is a type of professional liability insurance that protects nail technicians from claims of negligence or malpractice. It can cover the cost of legal fees, settlements, and damages if a client is injured or suffers an allergic reaction.
Coverage Details
Nail technician insurance typically covers public liability, product liability, employer’s liability insurance, and treatment insurance:
- Public liability protects you if a client sustains injuries on your premises.
- Product liability safeguards you if a client experiences an adverse reaction to a product you use.
- Employer’s liability insurance is a legal requirement if you have employees.
- Treatment insurance covers compensation claims arising from providing nail services.
Other common covers are tools, stock, legal expenses, personal accident, scheduled airline failure, and travel bonds.
Financial Considerations
The average profits a nail business would make in a year are $40,000. The advised profit margin for a nail salon owner is 15%, above your own earnings.
Nail technician insurance costs start from around £40 a year for basic public/product liability and treatment cover for a sole trader. Adding covers like tools, stock and employers liability roughly doubles costs.
Becoming a Nail Technician
Training and Earnings
Most nail technician programs take an average of 300 to 600 hours to complete. Program start times and lengths vary, but you can typically complete a nail tech program between three to nine months depending on your ability to attend school part- or full-time. Nail Technicians made a median salary of $25,770 in 2019. The best-paid 25 percent made $30,200 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $23,420.
Licensing and Career
If you choose to become a licensed nail technician, you’ll need to complete a state-approved training program. These programs typically last around 6-8 weeks, and once you graduate, you’ll be able to take the nail technician licensing exam.
In terms of starting your career, you can find work in a variety of settings, including salons, spas, and even retail stores.
Workplace Safety for Nail Technicians
Proper Protection
How do nail techs protect themselves? Nail technicians should wear gloves and masks:
- Gloves act as barriers between technicians’ hands and clients’ nails, skin, and prevent contact with chemicals, bodily fluids, and germs during services.
- Masks protect respiratory systems from chemical dusts and germs. N95 masks filter out dust while applying acrylic powders.
Nail technicians are exposed to dust and fumes for hours daily, which can cause allergies and reactions. To reduce this exposure, gloves and masks are essential.
Health Risks and Precautions
Is acrylic nail dust harmful? Yes, nail dust can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Why do manicurists wear masks? They do so to prevent harm from dust.
Technicians need to guard against hazards from materials, wastes, fumes, and ergonomic and postural safety concerns. Frequent hand washing and chemicals can break skin barriers, leading to dermatitis. Nitrile salon gloves are recommended to act as contamination barriers.
Can nail techs remove fungus? No, technicians can advise on cosmetic concerns but cannot treat fungal infections.
Salon Safety and Hygiene
Cosmetology education teaches nail technicians to provide safe environments for themselves and clients. It’s important for technicians to also follow tips from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration such as wearing gloves and masks, sanitizing tools, ventilating the workspace, and properly storing products.
Face protection gives a barrier between respiratory systems and dusts and germs. Salon owners should provide disposable gloves and masks to over 375,000 technicians. Personal presentation is very important, as it affects the client’s comfort and trust. Maintaining salon hygiene reduces the spread of germs.
There are reusable and disposable masks for technicians. Over time, products can make technicians susceptible to infections. N95 masks fit tightly, and it’s important to also wear gloves designed specifically for the job.