Pursuing the career of your dreams is one of the most satisfying experiences. In the 21st century, even non-traditional professions, such as nail tech, have risen to the forefront and become mainstream. Today, the beauty industry is saturated with aspiring nail technicians looking to make their mark.
How can you set yourself apart and build your career as a professional nail technician? The key is to pursue formal education in this field to hone your skills and obtain the required certification. That means you must find high-quality and accredited nail technician training courses that offer the training you need.
However, if you’re looking for nail technician courses in today’s day and age, you’ll be faced with a major dilemma. Should you opt for online training or choose a face-to-face nail tech course? Before you dismiss the concept of online nail tech training, there are some factors you should consider.
In this blog, we’ll evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of online nail technician courses and determine whether they’re fit for your needs.
The Rise of Online Learning
It’s no surprise that the e-learning industry has experienced tremendous growth in the last few years. Whether you want to learn nail art or organic farming – you’ll find a vast assortment of online training programs.
This trend has become even more dominant with the COVID-19 pandemic compelling people across the world to retreat indoors. It isn’t surprising that the global e-learning market is projected to be worth $1 trillion by 2027.
Online courses offer numerous benefits, including increased flexibility and comfort for students. However, it’s natural to feel skeptical about choosing an online program related to nail technician training.
Should You Join an Online Nail Technician Course?
A simple “yes” or “no” answer doesn’t justify this question. Instead, you should carefully evaluate the pros and cons of online nail training programs and determine whether they fit your needs.
The Good Part
The biggest benefit of joining an online course is that you get to learn at your pace. This is particularly crucial considering that each student has different learning abilities and skillsets. Also, it’s helpful when you’re a working professional who doesn’t have the time for classroom-based training.
Many online courses offer flexible hours, meaning you get to choose when and how fast you’ll learn. If you’re already running a beauty or nail salon during the day, you can catch up on the training at night. Also, it eliminates the restrictions posed by geographic boundaries.
In most cases, online courses are less expensive than traditional classroom-based training. This is understandable considering that the course fees don’t have to accommodate various overheads, such as classroom rental and utility bills.
Additionally, you’ve got the freedom to pause, rewind, and replay each lecture. It’s likely the biggest benefit online learning offers to nail tech professionals. It’s one thing to watch a live demonstration of a particular nail technique.
But memorizing and replicating from memory isn’t easy. This is where pre-recorded lectures and tutorials from an online course could come to your rescue.
The Not-So-Good Part
Here’s the thing – professional nail technician training isn’t just about manicures and pedicures. It requires a hands-on approach to familiarize you with nail anatomy and various techniques. It involves various live demonstrations on nail conditions, skin conditions, nail art trends, massages, etc.
Unfortunately, online training deprives you of the tangible experience of a classroom-based nail technician course. This is the most common factor that dissuades aspiring nail technicians from joining an online course.
You can’t participate in practical sessions or work with various nail products during online training. Also, you miss out on the valuable experience of working on real-life projects while you’re still a student.
Most traditional nail tech programs evaluate your performance through various projects and assignments. Working with actual clients could also be a part of the curriculum. An online course doesn’t offer these provisions.
Moreover, when you’re learning online, you’re always at risk of becoming a passive learner. You miss out on the experience of being in a group and learning from your peers. The onus is on you to ensure that you attend every lecture and finish assignments on time.
The Final Verdict
If you’re a beginner who aspires to kickstart your career in nail tech, an online course won’t be suitable for you. This is because newcomers in the nail tech industry require extensive handholding and practical training. Also, completing an online training program may not be enough for you to obtain your license and become a top-notch nail tech professional.
But, if you’re a practicing nail technician looking to upgrade your skills, you could consider joining an online course. It’s also ideal as a quick refresher that helps seasoned nail technicians get back to the basics and stay abreast of the latest trends.
Have you attended an online nail training program? Share your experience in the comments section below.