SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Manicurists and Pedicurists

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Manicurist
  • Nail Technician (Nail Tech)
  • Pedicurist
Take the free assessment Compare salaries

What do Manicurists and Pedicurists do?

Manicurists and pedicurists are beauty professionals who specialize in nail care and aesthetic treatment for hands and feet. They provide a range of services that may include manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, and the application of nail polish. These specialists focus on maintaining the health and appearance of the nails and surrounding skin, ensuring clients enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. In addition to cosmetic treatments, they may also offer services such as nail art, the application of acrylic or gel nails, and nail repairs. This career requires knowledge of sanitation practices, nail anatomy, and various nail care techniques. Manicurists and pedicurists often work in salons, spas, or as independent contractors, building a loyal clientele by providing excellent service and demonstrating creativity in their work.

What the work actually is

  • Clean and sanitize tools and work environment.
  • Apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brush.
  • Maintain supply inventories and records of client services.
  • Shape and smooth ends of nails, using scissors, files, or emery boards.
  • Prepare nail cuticles with water and oil, using cuticle knives to push back cuticles and scissors or nippers to trim cuticles.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Service Orientation Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Social Perceptiveness Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities

  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Finger Dexterity The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
  • Manual Dexterity The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

✨ JobCopilot - Smart Job Matching

Find jobs that match your skills with AI-powered search

Search Jobs Now

How people get into it

Education of new hires

High school diploma or equivalent or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Less than high school diploma
Post-secondary certificate Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

A normal week

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
  • Calendar and scheduling software Appointment Search · AppointmentQuest Online Appointment Scheduler · DaySmart Software Appointment-Plus
  • Data base user interface and query software Aknaf ADVANTAGE Salon Software and Spa Software · DaySmart Software Salon Iris
  • Customer relationship management CRM software Customer information databases
  • Office suite software Microsoft Office software

Tools

  • Manicure implements Cuticle knives · Cuticle scissors · Nail scissors
  • Nail clippers Nail nippers · Nail slicers
  • Pedicure implements Callus shavers · Toe separators
  • Pumice stone Pumice stones
  • Extremity hydrotherapy baths or tanks Foot baths

Who it suits

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Advertisement

Get a Well-Paying Job Fast

Start Your Career

Get Started

Does this career fit you?

A free assessment matches your answers to careers, and shows the salary that goes with each one.

Start free

Questions people ask

How much do Manicurists and Pedicurists earn in South Africa?

Manicurists and Pedicurists salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Manicurists and Pedicurists do?

Clean and sanitize tools and work environment, Apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brush and Maintain supply inventories and records of client services.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.