Top 10 Nail Tech Schools in South Carolina in 2024

In this post, you will find every detail about the top nail tech schools in South Carolina, including their requirements, cost, and how to apply to these schools.

This list was curated from the best MOOC platforms online, so be assured that you are getting the best.

For many South Carolina youth, nail technology offers a highly early path to a new career because, in this state, nail technicians can begin as early as 16 years of age and with a minimum of a 10th-grade education.

You can even work as a nail technician to save money for college while you finish high school, provided you have completed the state’s required training and passed the licensure examinations.

Because many careers in the nail technology industry have flexible schedules, it’s also a fantastic career choice for older folks who might prefer a change of pace or direction in their daily employment.

Indeed, a lot of nail technicians own their businesses. To find out how to begin this lucrative career in South Carolina and the top 10 best nail tech schools in the State, continue reading.

Read More: Top 10 Nail Tech Schools in Colorado| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

Are there Nail Tech Schools in South Carolina?

There are numerous nail tech schools in South Carolina, and some of them include;

  • The Institute of Beauty Artistry
  • The Academy of Hair Technology
  • Charleston Cosmetology Institute
  • Academy of Nail Technology & Esthetics
  • Aiken School of Cosmetology and Barbering
  • Nail Clinic School-Manicures
  • Nail Tech Academy Of Easley
  • International School of Beauty
  • The Academy of Beauty
  • Trident Technical College Berkeley Campus

You Can Find This Helpful- Top 10 Nail Tech Schools in Florida| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

How Does One Become a Nail Tech in South Carolina?

You must be able to cut, shape, paint, and take care of nails to succeed as a manicurist. 

You may increase your clientele and succeed as a businessperson in the salon sector by being a people person and a good listener.

Take these straightforward procedures to become eligible for a nail technician license through the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology:

  • Complete a nail technician training course that has been approved.
  • Pass the theory and practical exams for nail technicians
  • Get a license from the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology to work as a nail technician.
  • Start a New Career as a Nail Technician in South Carolina

Read More- Top 10 Nail Tech Schools in Georgia| Requirements

What are the Best Nail Tech Schools in South Carolina?

Below are the top 10 best nail tech schools in South Carolina:

1. The Institute of Beauty Artistry

IBA’s primary objective for its students is their professional success. They offer free lifetime job placement support since they are sure their program would enable successful graduates to flourish in the beauty industry. 

They take pride in their family atmosphere and the close relationships they develop with every one of their students as a small, family-run school.

Mrs. Betty, the director of their school, has taught nail artistry for more than ten years and has 26 years of professional experience, so it’s safe to assume that she’s seen it all. 

She also likes to joke that she knows the business so well that “nail paint and monomer” flow through her veins rather than blood. Creating beautiful art is her life.

The OPI kit, which the school utilizes, is $500. They provide the monthly scholarship program from OPI, an OPI-preferred school, which awards 24 students with $500 scholarships each year.

You can work your weekend job while you learn because classes are held from 9 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Thursday. 

Alternatively, you can choose to spend your weekends by yourself. The school has a 95% graduation record, and the lessons last between 10 and 12 weeks.

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2. The Academy of Hair Technology

It’s not simply hair that the Academy of Hair Technology does. Additionally, they instruct students on the most up-to-date, cutting-edge nail care methods. 

Their 300-hour program is exclusively available at night, allowing you to continue working your day job while learning to perform manicuring, pedicuring, advanced nails, nail art, and maintenance. 

Every week, the class meets from 6 pm to 10 pm on Tuesday through Thursday.

Instructions for tip applications, gel nails, acrylic nails, sculptured nails, and overlays are included in advanced nail care. 

Overlays made of silk, nylon, and fiberglass are taught. In-depth coverage is provided for free-hand and airbrush nail art techniques.

Students in this program have frequently won awards in nail application and nail art at the state and regional levels.

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Read More: Top 10 Nail Tech Schools in Alabama| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

3. Charleston Cosmetology Institute

The cost of tuition, books, and supplies for the nail technology program at Charleston Cosmetology Institute is about $5,150. 

They administer exams regularly to make students accustomed to the testing environment and more at ease when taking state exams. 

No student is released to state testing before being prepared since they must maintain a passing score of 75% or higher to receive their diploma.

The school’s goals are as follows:

  • To give each pupil the necessary training for a manicure/nail technology career.
  • To train students for a position in manicuring/nail technology at the entry-level
  • To instruct students in the fundamentals of manicuring and nail technology as well as the most current methods in the student’s chosen field to prepare them to work as assistant manicurists or nail technicians.
  • To get ready for the South Carolina State Board exam for each student.

Additionally, teachers retain daily records of each student’s development, and each student receives a copy of a monthly summary of those records.

All courses include evaluation methods that include regular exams. To be deemed satisfactory, students must finish the training in no more than 1 1/4 times the typical amount of time needed to complete the program.

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4. Academy of Nail Technology & Esthetics

This institution provides two distinct programs: nail technology and aesthetics.

Enroll at the Academy Of Nail Technology & Esthetics in Charlotte, North Carolina, to expand your understanding of skin care and nail technology. 

To become state-licensed and proficient for jobs in salons, spas, medical offices, and education, the school provides students with thorough nail and esthetics instruction.

Turn to their tutors for the best education in nail technology and esthetics. When you join their program, they work to get you ready for the beauty business.

The 300-hour nail technology program trains students to pass the state board exam. You will study both theory and application throughout the course. 

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Read More: Top 10 Nail Tech Schools in Los Angeles| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

5. Aiken School of Cosmetology and Barbering

Each student will be prepared for a profession in cosmetology, nail technology, aesthetics, and barbering at the Aiken School of Cosmetology and Barbering.

The goal is to give students the knowledge and abilities they need to succeed in the South Carolina State Board Examination and the labor market. 

They teach students the most cutting-edge methods accessible in their area, not only the fundamentals of cosmetology, nail technology, esthetics, and barbering.

The most recent innovations in nail technology are constantly being taught to students. Check out what we’ve learned lately.

The program requires 300 hours to complete.

Registration Fee: $100 (non-refundable)

Day Class (Full-Time): 8:30 am – 3 pm, Monday – Thursday.

Night Class (Part-Time): 5:oopm – 10:00 pm, Monday – Thursday. It takes approximately 4-5 months to complete.

Tuition (includes Books & Kit): $4,700

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6. Nail Clinic School-Manicures

Columbia, South Carolina, is home to the Nail Clinic School-Manicures. This institution offers instruction in 1 certification, with the Nail Technician License receiving the most favorable reviews. 

Depending on the qualification, this education course might take between 3 and 6 months, with a median completion time of 3 months. 

Depending on eligibility, the cost of attending Nail Clinic School-Manicures ranges from $1,200 to $5,000, with a typical cost of $2,000. 

Most reviewers asked how they paid for their instruction said, “I paid for it myself.”

“Affordable” and “Good job preparation” was most frequently used to describe the advantages of attending Nail Clinic School-Manicures. However, respondents also highlighted the importance of “Hands-on training” and “Good teachers.” 

There have been three reviews of Nail Clinic School-Manicures, with an overall rating of 4.33 out of 5. 100% of reviewers said they would tell a friend about Nail Clinic School Manicures.

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Read More: Top 10 Nail Tech Schools in Dallas| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

7. Nail Tech Academy Of Easley

At Nail Tech Academy of Easley, you can become a nail technician in as little as 15-20 weeks. To schedule an appointment or for additional information, text (864) 350-0443.

In the lovely South Carolina city of Easley, you may find Nail Tech Academy. Anywhere in North Carolina’s upstate and neighboring counties is only a short drive away from them. 

The South Carolina Board of Cosmetology has granted them a license and approval.

On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings from 5 pm to 10 pm, they offer a 300-hour course.

They provide everything you require to become a nail professional, including training for the license exam. 

The course includes practical training with actual clients and a live demonstration, theory, and discussion.

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8. International School of Beauty

In this institution, the Nail Tech program can be finished in as little as 3–4 months. There are both daytime and evening classes offered. 

The theory book is Milady Nail Technology, and the OPI nail kit also comes with a workbook.

OPI and CND are among the most often utilized products.

You will learn the following:

  • Basic Manicure and Pedicure
  • Acrylic and Gel overlays
  • Gel and Acrylic polish
  • 3D designs and sculpting
  • Nail building and Nail wraps
  • And many more techniques

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Read More: Top 10 Nail Tech Schools in Mississippi| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

9. The Academy of Beauty

The most recent innovations in nail technology are constantly being taught to students.

The program requires 300 hours to complete.

Registration Fee: $100 (non-refundable)

Night Class (Part-Time): 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm, Monday and Wednesday, every other Saturday, 8 am-3 pm.

It takes approximately 5-6 months to complete.

Tuition (includes Books & Kit): $2,700

Following completion and testing, an SC license is granted, and the SC State Board accredits the program. Currently, financial aid is not offered, although in-house financing is available.

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10. Trident Technical College Berkeley Campus

This course covers primary nail care, various nail enhancements, repair wraps, hygienic measures, and fundamental salon management techniques. 

The curriculum stresses the customer service skills required for jobs in salons and spas, as well as preparing students to take their licensing exams.

Through this program, students gain real-world experience in the school’s clinic. Learn how to conduct pedicures and manicures, style hair, and more.

Courses taught Include:

  • Bacteria and Other Infectious Agents
  • Science of Nail Technology
  • Basic Procedures
  • The Business of Nail Technology
  • Fundamentals of Artificial Nail Application
  • Fundamentals of Nail Art
  • Nail Practice I

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Also Read- Top 10 Nail Tech Schools in Massachusetts| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

How Long is Nail Tech School in South Carolina?

Manicurists (or nail technicians) must complete a training course that totals at least 300 clock hours in South Carolina. 

You must also pass the state exam to move on with your initial licensing. After receiving your license, you will have to renew it every two years, on even-numbered years. 

Your renewal must be submitted by March 10th. Your South Carolina nail technician license renewal will set you back $52. 

It will cost you $152 to reinstate your license. In South Carolina, every renewal term must be followed by 12 hours of continuing education.

You may start your career feeling secure and prepared to transform the beauty business with the appropriate training and experience.

Most of your educational time should be spent in salons, where you can practice various skills and methods.

How Much is Nail Tech School in South Carolina?

The best nail schools in South Carolina charge between $3,000 and $10,000 for their nail technician training programs, according to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS).

Many programs cost between $3,000 and $5,000. (including tuition, fees, books, and supplies).

The program’s curriculum and several program hours often determine the actual cost.

In addition, fees for the initial exam, applications, and licenses could be in the $100 to $200 range. Most states mandate license renewal every two years, costing anything between $25 and $100.

However, some South Carolina nail technician schools provide their students with financial aid. Institutions that are AACS members offer financial aid and awards.

How Much Do Nail Techs Make in South Carolina?

South Carolina only has 180 nail technicians. Therefore there is a lot of space for the sector to expand there. 

The hourly wage is generally around $12.50, which is not too awful. The State’s top 90% of earners in the area of nail technicians make an incredible $47,000 per year, which is a startling figure for nail technician earnings in the State.

That is significantly more than the average wage of nail technicians in North Carolina, who earn considerably less than the top 90% of their profession.

Conclusion

There is never a better time to contact a few schools and arrange a visit now that you know how simple it is to enter the beauty industry and how many options there are for nail technician schools in South Carolina to meet your requirements.

It is never a decision to be made lightly when selecting the best cosmetology school in South Carolina for your new career. Still, each school offers admissions counselors who can assist you in determining whether their particular school and teaching style match you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I open a nail salon in SC?

You must first possess a salon license from the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Cosmetology Board to run a salon in that State.

Is owning a nail salon profitable in SC?

The nail salon industry can be pretty lucrative if they rent out space to nail technicians and make a healthy monthly profit.

Is becoming a nail tech hard in SC?

Working in a nail salon may be a long, fulfilling, and creative career, even though it requires some rigorous work and effort.

References

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