Education · 1 of 4

The path

Short and cheap by any standard, and every state runs its own version of it.

1. 1

   High school

   Grade 12

   Finish it. Most states require a diploma or an equivalent, and a minimum age of 16 or 17.

2. 2

   Nail school

   2 to 6 months

   A state approved course. New York requires 250 hours; other states set their own number and some are considerably higher.

3. 3

   Pass the state exams

   One day each

   A written exam on sanitation, anatomy and state law, plus a practical exam where you perform services on a hand model.

4. 4

   Get licensed and hired

   Weeks

   Apply to your state board, then start on commission at a salon that has walk-in traffic.

5. 5

   Build a book, then rent a station

   2 to 5 years

   Once your regulars fill your week, booth rental or your own small salon is where the money is.