Nurture Your Creativity in Our Hands-On Nail Technology Program

Some people have loved making their own nails beautiful from a young age. Others are interested in applying more complex nail art using a multitude of materials and styles. Whatever your interests, our nail technology program in Iowa is the perfect place to expand your knowledge and skills, grow your creativity, and prepare for a career in the beauty industry. Learn about manicuring, pedicuring, creating intricate nail art, sculpting nails, and much more. Students practice their skills on real clients in the student salon under the direct supervision of licensed instructors. Our 325-hour program is the shortest program we offer at Capri College, allowing students to learn how to be a nail technician in as little as 16 weeks. With programs available in all four of our Iowa campuses, and start dates at different times throughout the year, you don’t have to wait to learn how to become a nail tech! Contact us to learn more about the enrollment process.

Nail Training with a Practical Business Component

Learning how to be a professional nail technician is an exciting process at our Iowa beauty school. Besides getting individualized attention in the classroom thanks to our low student/teacher ratio, you can also practice your skills in the student salon. The student salon is open to the public and gives students hands-on experience working with real clients under the direct supervision of licensed instructors.

Throughout the nail technology program, you can learn skills like manicuring methods, nail enhancements, sculpted nails, and wraps. You can explore creative techniques to create beautiful nail designs and learn how to repair broken nails.

At Capri College, we understand that nail technicians need more than nail skills to be successful after graduation. That is why we include practical business instruction in our curriculum. You can learn about salon management, public relations, communication, sales, and marketing. We support you from start to finish. Although we can’t guarantee employment, we can help you with the job search process thanks to our strong connections with local beauty businesses.

See What Our Students Have To Say

I was a student at Capri and graduated last year. My instructors were all so supportive and kind and always there for us not just with school stuff but personal too. (The amount of times I cried in Surps office cuz I was having a bad day and she never ever made me feel bad for it and would let me sit there and talk to her until I felt better) Capri is not just about beauty, it’s about building lasting friendships and learning about yourself! 🫶🏻The beauty industry is literally billions of dollars and we can ALL be successful and Capri helped show us that!!!

Cheyenne L.

Capri in Waterloo is absolutely amazing.I went to school there and they did amazing job I learned so much. I graduated and I still get my hair done there because there prices and the teachers and students do such amazing job every time.

Ryleigh R.

I graduated from Capri almost 2 years from the cosmetology program and Capri definitely set me up for success with all the knowledge my instructors had and passed down to me! If you are interested in going to cosmetology school I highly recommend Capri College in Waterloo 😊

Madison M.

Capri in Waterloo is absolutely amazing.I went to school there and they did amazing job I learned so much. I graduated and I still get my hair done there because there prices and the teachers and students do such amazing job every time.

Barbara S.

I attended Capri last year and graduated through the cosmetology program and my college experience was great!!🩷 All the instructors there are very kind and helpful while still letting you have full range of your creativity! S.O to my instructor Surp for pushing me to finish my hours !!🥹

Grecia G.

Careers for Nail Techs

A licensed nail technician could work in a beauty salon, become a nail salon owner, specialize as a manicurist or pedicurist, or become a nail art specialist. They could work as a sales consultant for nail products or as a representative for a related manufacturer. Nail technicians could also be bloggers and social media influencers. This is a career choice that allows for a lot of creative expression!

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Nail Technology Program

How much does it cost to take the nail tech program?

Tuition and fees cost $4,170. Equipment, books, and uniforms cost $730. Total cost for the nail technology program is $4,900.

Can I work while taking the program?

Students in the nail tech program typically spend 21-28 hours at school every week. Some schedules may include nights. Contact the Admissions team at the campus of your choice to find out their program schedule to see if it would work with your job schedule.

What is included in the equipment kit?

The equipment kit for the nail technology program includes nail brushes, manicure bowls, nail drill machines, and much more! We choose products that are similar to those used in professional salons.

Is financial aid available for nail tech students?

Students in our nail technology program are not eligible for federal aid because of the short length of the program. However, you may be eligible for private loans or scholarships.

Am I too old to take the nail technology program?

Of course not! We accept students of all ages, as long as they have graduated from high school or have their GED. Learning how to be a nail technician is a great way to refresh your personal life with new career skills.

Start Doing What You Love and Loving What You Do. Begin the Enrollment Process.

Let us help you with the enrollment process for the nail technology program. Here are the admissions requirements:

  • Submit a completed application form and pay the $100 admissions fee.
  • Visit the campus of choice and complete a pre-admissions interview.
  • Submit a high school diploma, high school transcript, or GED/HiSET certificate.
  • Submit a copy of a valid driver’s license or government-issued ID.

We are here to help you every step of the way! Contact us to request more information, ask questions about our two-week trial period, or schedule your campus tour and pre-admissions interview.

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our locations

Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids

2945 Williams Parkway S.W.

Cedar Rapids, IA. 52404

Admissions: 1.319.364.1541

Davenport

Davenport

2540 E. 53rd Street
Davenport, IA 52807

Admissions: 1.563.388.6642

Dubuque

Dubuque

395 Main Street
Dubuque, IA 52001

Admissions: 1.563.588.2379

Waterloo

Waterloo

2323 Crossroads Blvd.
Waterloo, IA 50702

Admissions: 1.319.234.2600