Manicurists and Pedicurists: Career & Application Guide

What do manicurists and pedicurists do?

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

Clean and sanitize tools and work environment.
Apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brush.
Maintain supply inventories and records of client services.
Shape and smooth ends of nails, using scissors, files, or emery boards.
Prepare nail cuticles with water and oil, using cuticle knives to push back cuticles and scissors or nippers to trim cuticles.
Prepare customers' nails in soapy water, using swabs, files, and orange sticks.
Remove previously applied nail polish, using liquid remover and swabs.
Use rotary abrasive wheels to shape and smooth nails or artificial extensions.
Schedule client appointments and accept payments.
Assess the condition of clients' hands, remove dead skin, and massage hands.

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Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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