Do You Need a Licence to Do Nails in the UK

If you’ve always dreamed of setting up your own business as a Nail Technician, you probably have a lot of questions about how to get started. One of the most common questions is whether or not you need a licence to become a Nail Technician in the UK. 

The beauty industry can offer an exciting new career challenge, and just like starting out in any new industry, it’s important to get to grips with all the legal and regulatory requirements to operate a business in your new line of work. 

Fortunately, for all you Nail Tech entrepreneurs out there, this side of the business is not as daunting as it might seem – and we’re going to give you all the answers you need about licences and regulations, so you have all the information you need to get started in your new beauty career.

Do You Need a Licence to Be a Nail Technician?

The short answer is no, there is no national licence required to work as a Nail Technician in the UK. However, licensing requirements will depend on the services you offer and your location. Some local authorities may require Nail Technicians to obtain a special licence to operate legally.

Some local councils require beauty providers to obtain these Special Treatments Licences, and this is often the case for businesses offering tattooing or cosmetic piercing services, but in London, for example, this also covers manicures. A Special Treatments Licence ensures that these services are safe, hygienic, and offered by regulated providers for those who use them.

Whether you plan to operate from premises or will be offering a mobile nail service, you must understand whether your local council requires you to have any kind of licence before you get started. You can check whether your local authority requires you to be licenced using the Government Local Council Finder.   

The good news is that for anyone looking to simply offer nail services and operate outside of London, a Special Treatments Licence is probably not required – but it’s still important to verify this with your local authority. If you do need a licence, it’s important to make sure you have one before you start your business, as you could be fined if you are found to be operating without one – even if you’ve applied but have not yet been granted it.

Other Requirements for Your Nail Technician Business

So, if you’re starting your nail business outside London and don’t need a Special Treatments Licence, what other requirements do you need to consider before you get started?

Training

If you want your new beauty career to get off to the best possible start, you’re going to need the skills to wow your customers and build up your business. Getting the best possible Nail Tech training is key, and whatever your level of experience and preferred learning style, we provide a range of nail courses that can give you the skills and accreditation to call yourself a professional Nail Technician – click here for details.

Business Registration

Whether you plan to open your own salon or simply work from home and travel to your clients, it’s important to make sure you register your new business properly. This might just mean declaring your additional income to HMRC, registering as self-employed, or setting up a limited company and registering for VAT. However you start, and whatever your growth plans, be sure to keep accurate financial records so everything runs smoothly. 

Insurance

Getting the right kind of insurance for your business is always a good idea. It might seem like an additional expense you could do without, especially when you’re starting out, but you’ll be glad you have it if the worst happens. Shop around for the best cover and costs from reputable providers for the following types of insurance you should consider getting:

Public Liability Insurance – essential for covering your business against injuries or damage to members of the public, suppliers, or customers and/or their property.

Professional Indemnity Insurance – advisable so you’re covered against any claims by customers who feel you’ve been negligent or provided them with sub-standard work.

Employers Liability Insurance – Necessary as soon as you take on staff, so you have cover if they are injured or become ill due to the work they’re doing for you.

Health & Safety

While you might not need a Special Treatments Licence for your new nail business, it’s important that you still understand and meet all the appropriate Health and Safety requirements. Compliance with all the necessary Health and Safety laws is essential to protect you, your customers, and your business.

Ensuring a safe and hygienic working environment for staff and customers, the proper handling and use of potentially harmful chemicals and equipment, and using the appropriate personal protective equipment are just some of the considerations it will be your responsibility to understand and comply with – so make sure you know what’s required.

Most New Nail Techs Won’t Need a Licence

So there you have it, with Special Treatment Licences only likely to be necessary for Nail Techs based in London, most people looking to become a trained and accredited Nail Technician should be able to do so without a licence – making it even easier to begin your future in beauty. Click here to find out more about the nail courses we offer to help start your new career.