What does a manicurist do?
Manicurist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real manicurist resumes:
- Manage beautiful hairstyles with the use of flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, and other hair products.
- Provide manicures, pedicures and tip overlays to clients.
- provide manicures, pedicures and/or false eyelashes per the customer's request while upholding state cosmetology rules and regulations.
- Take pride in maintaining immaculate cleanliness throughout facility.
- Sterilize tools using conclaves and assist in maintaining salon cleanliness.
- Perform makeup artist techniques that include wardrobe suggestions for magazine and local newspaper editorials.
- Work with CND as well as OPI.
- Operate POS system that control appointments, cash transactions, credit card, and opening/closing procedures.
- Henna application on hair, waxing, full face threading, eyebrow threading.
Manicurist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 24% of Manicurists are proficient in TIP, Cosmetology, and Customer Service. They’re also known for soft skills such as Business skills, Dexterity, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Manicurists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- TIP, 24%
Worked on computers tip Assigned schedules.SALLYS BEAUTY SUPPLY
- Cosmetology, 17%
Trained for cosmetology license, preformed manicures and pedicures and gained vast knowledge of waxing, shellac, and acrylic Nails.
- Customer Service, 9%
Managed own clientele database performing customer services and maintained relationships to develop and grow business through repeat business and referrals.
- State Board, 6%
Perform various duties in cleaning and sanitize, disinfect tools and work environment to state board specifications.
- Client Appointments, 5%
Performed nail services on clients, schedule client appointments, maintain service records.
- Guest Service, 5%
Respond to guest inquiries and requests and resolve guest service issues in a timely, friendly and efficient manner.
Most manicurists use their skills in "tip," "cosmetology," and "customer service" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential manicurist responsibilities here:
Business skills. The most essential soft skill for a manicurist to carry out their responsibilities is business skills. This skill is important for the role because "manicurists and pedicurist who run their own nail salon must understand business principles." Additionally, a manicurist resume shows how their duties depend on business skills: "skilled in customer relations, customer support, problem solving, and creating repeat business. "
Dexterity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling manicurist duties is dexterity. The role rewards competence in this skill because "a steady hand is essential in achieving precise nail design." According to a manicurist resume, here's how manicurists can utilize dexterity in their job responsibilities: "perform nail care on clients hands and feet"
Creativity. manicurists are also known for creativity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to manicurist responsibilities, because "manicurists and pedicurists must be able to neatly finish small, intricate nail designs, as well as to suggest designs and match them to individual tastes. ." A manicurist resume example shows how creativity is used in the workplace: "provide great customer care* exceed client expectations* product care and inventory"
Customer-service skills. For certain manicurist responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "customer-service skills." The day-to-day duties of a manicurist rely on this skill, as "manicurists and pedicurists must have good listening and interpersonal skills to meet clients' needs." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what manicurists do: "provide customer care keep environment clean supervise when manager is not working. "
The three companies that hire the most manicurists are:
- MGM Resorts International7 manicurists jobs
- MiniLuxe4 manicurists jobs
- Paul Mitchell Schools2 manicurists jobs
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Manicurist vs. Cosmetologist
A cosmetologist specializes in offering various services ranging from haircuts, makeup, skin and hair treatments, manicures, pedicures, and even shaving beards. They must have extensive knowledge and experience on the subject, plus keep up with current trends. Although most clients relay their preferred styling, a cosmetologist may also provide options and suggestions according to a client's hair condition or facial structure. Furthermore, a cosmetologist must have a strong client base, which is why one must build rapport and prioritize customer satisfaction.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between manicurists and cosmetologist. For instance, manicurist responsibilities require skills such as "cosmetology," "guest service," "cleanliness," and "nail salon." Whereas a cosmetologist is skilled in "hair color," "clips," "make-up," and "cosmetic services." This is part of what separates the two careers.
The education levels that cosmetologists earn slightly differ from manicurists. In particular, cosmetologists are 4.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a manicurist. Additionally, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Manicurist vs. Licensed cosmetologist
A Licensed Cosmetologist provides various services, such as hairstyling, skincare, nail treatments, and makeup. They are responsible for complying with health and safety standards.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, manicurist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "tip," "cosmetology," "guest service," and "cleanliness." Meanwhile, a licensed cosmetologist has duties that require skills in areas such as "make-up," "cosmetic services," "wigs," and "hair color." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Licensed cosmetologists earn similar levels of education than manicurists in general. They're 3.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Manicurist vs. Stylist
A stylist is responsible for providing fashion advice, choosing the appropriate clothing for models, maintaining the fashion style, and supervising photoshoots. Stylists must always be updated with the latest fashion trends for recommendations. A stylist must have excellent communication skills to connect with various brand management and fashion stores for purchasing items or inquiring about clothing collections. In some cases, stylists are usually consulted by a team of the fashion brand to give inputs on the appropriate style, including color schemes and overall design.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, manicurists are more likely to have skills like "tip," "state board," "guest service," and "skin care." But a stylist is more likely to have skills like "good time management," "pos," "good judgment," and "data entry."
When it comes to education, stylists tend to earn similar degree levels compared to manicurists. In fact, they're 2.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Manicurist vs. Nail technician
Nail technicians are beauty specialists that provide grooming services to a client's fingernails and toenails. They are trained proficiently in filling, cleaning, and grooming as well as various nail treatments. They can either work in salons, nail studios, spas, or can be self-employed. Their duties include providing high-quality manicures and pedicures, applying artificial nails, and recommending different nail art and designs to the client. Also, they advise clients on proper nail care and provide quality hand and foot massages. Additionally, they ensure that the nail instruments and equipment are sanitized, and work stations are neat and orderly.
Types of manicurist
Updated January 8, 2025











