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Social ServiceISCO 5142

Manicurist

A manicurist is a person who carries out nail care treatments on the hands.

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Rate 5 of the 16 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

sterilise working environment

decorate nails

maintain equipment

treat nails

identify customer's needs

About manicurist

The treatment covers cleaning the hands and nails, cutting them back and shaping the nails, working on the cuticles, and applying nail varnish. Manicurists also apply artificial nails and other nail decorations: tips, gels, patterns and appliques. Between clients they sterilise the work environment and the instruments, among them files, nippers and drill bits, and they maintain the equipment, replacing worn tools.

They advise clients on caring for nails and hands between appointments and on using the cosmetics made for it, and they sell specialist products such as cuticle oils, conditioners and creams. Knowledge of cosmetics and of beauty treatments lets the right preparation be matched to the condition of the nail.

The work is done seated, in one position and in small movements, so ergonomic working methods count: hand position, elbow support and breaks. Someone starting out learns to prepare the nail and apply varnish before moving on to extensions and nail art. Formal requirements for performing beauty treatments are set by national rules and by hygiene regulations.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (16)

cosmetic manicurecosmetic manicureVarious elements of a manicure, such as the cutting and shaping of toe- or fingernails, removing excess callouses and cuticle around nails, and applying a protective or decorative coat of nail polish.cosmetic skin treatmentcosmetic skin treatmentThe aesthetic care of the skin, such as facials, including exfoliation, facial masks, peels, steam, and extraction.cosmeticscosmeticsThe various types of substances used to enhance the appearance of the human body.cosmetics industrycosmetics industrySuppliers, products and brands in the cosmetic industry.skin typesskin typesThe different skin types, such as dry, normal, oily, and sensitive.sterilise working environmentsterilise working environmentMake sure all working equipment, jewellery and skin is made sterile, before performing skin treatment or body modifications such as tattooing or piercing, to prevent infections or the transfer of dise...work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.decorate nailsdecorate nailsUse artificial nails, piercings, ornaments, or customised designs to decorate customers' nails.maintain equipmentmaintain equipmentRegularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.treat nailstreat nailsWrap nails to repair them or make them stronger and more resilient. Soften, trim or push back nail cuticles and provide treatment to people who bite their nails.identify customer's needsidentify customer's needsUse appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.maintain customer servicemaintain customer serviceKeep the highest possible customer service and make sure that the customer service is at all times performed in a professional way. Help customers or participants feel at ease and support special requ...advise customers on usage of cosmeticsadvise customers on usage of cosmeticsProvide advice to customers on how to apply various cosmetic products such as lotions, powders, nail polish or creams.conform to cosmetics regulatory requirementsconform to cosmetics regulatory requirementsEnsure conformance to regulatory requirements applied in personal care products such as cosmetics, fragrances and toiletry.shape nailsshape nailsShape nails by cutting and smoothening the ends of the nails, with the use of files, scissors or emery boards.apply nail polishapply nail polishRemove previously applied nail polish, using liquid remover or swabs, clean customers' nails and apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brushes.
Optional (18) — show
communicate with customerscommunicate with customersRespond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.order suppliesorder suppliesCommand products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.give massagesgive massagesProvide clients with head, hand, neck, facial or full body massages.test make-uptest make-upPerform routine tests to determine if make-up products are adequate.manage a small-to-medium businessmanage a small-to-medium businessManage the organisational, financial and day-to-day operation of a small-to-medium enterprise.maintain relationship with suppliersmaintain relationship with suppliersBuild a lasting and meaningful relationship with suppliers and service providers in order to establish a positive, profitable and enduring collaboration, co-operation and contract negotiation.offer cosmetic beauty adviceoffer cosmetic beauty adviceProvide customers with advice and beauty tips for creating a new look.monitor stock levelmonitor stock levelEvaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.manufacture cosmeticsmanufacture cosmeticsPrepare cosmetic products, possibly customised for customers with specific needs, such as lotions, soaps, face masks or salves.sell cosmeticssell cosmeticsSell a variety of cosmetic products such as lotions, soaps, lip sticks, hair removers, perfumes, tooth pastes, face masks, nail polisher and deodorants.maintain professional administrationmaintain professional administrationFile and organise professional administration documents comprehensively, keep customer records, fill in forms or log books and prepare documents about company-related matter.recommend cosmetics to customersrecommend cosmetics to customersRecommend and provide advice on cosmetic products based on the customer's personal preferences and needs and on the different product types and brands available.keep personal administrationkeep personal administrationFile and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.comply with legislation related to health carecomply with legislation related to health careComply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.perform body piercingsperform body piercingsPuncture or cut parts of people's bodies, to create an opening for jewellery or rings.process paymentsprocess paymentsAccept payments such as cash, credit cards and debit cards. Handle reimbursement in case of returns or administer vouchers and marketing instruments such as bonus cards or membership cards. Pay attent...use hair removal techniquesuse hair removal techniquesUse techniques and handle tools to remove hair from body parts, such as electrolysis, IPL, waxing, lasering, threading or plucking.issue sales invoicesissue sales invoicesPrepare the invoice of goods sold or services provided, containing individual prices, the total charge, and the terms. Complete order processing for orders received via telephone, fax and internet and...

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Frequently asked questions

What does a manicurist do?

Manicurists provide fingernail care. They clean, cut and shape the nails, remove cuticles and apply polish. Manicurists apply artificial fingernails and other decorative items on nails. They advice on nail and hand care and sell specialised products.

What skills does a manicurist need?

A manicurist needs 16 essential skills, including cosmetic manicure, cosmetic skin treatment, cosmetics, cosmetics industry, skin types.

Will AI replace manicurist jobs?

The AI disruption score for manicurist is 39/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: monitor stock level, issue sales invoices, process payments. Most resilient: give massages, perform body piercings, decorate nails.

AI Replacement Risk

39/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
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Quick Facts

SectorSocial Service
ISCO GroupPersonal service workers
Essential Skills16

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