Wyoming’s manicurists are drawn to pursue the art of nails for reasons that include job security, job stability, an enjoyable working environment, and the satisfaction of a career that allows you to be independently employed.
To earn a nail technician license you will need to work with the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology. This is the agency that sets the rules for licensure and issues your credential. You can obtain a license once you navigate these easy steps:
 | Obtain an Education in Nail Technology |
 | Pass the Nail Technician Written and Practical Exams |
 | Obtain your Nail Technician License |
 | Start your New Career as a Professional Nail Technician in Wyoming |
Step 1. Obtain an Education in Nail Technology
Your nail technician education and training program will provide the foundation on which your entire career is based. Wyoming law requires you to get your manicurist training from an approved school.
Your coursework and training must total at least 400 hours, distributed among key topics as shown here:
- Chemistry and theory of nail technology – 65 hours
- Application of nail technology – 200 hours
- Professional standards – 50 hours
- Wyoming law – 10 hours
- Discretionary education – 10 hours
- Theory of nails – 65 hours
- Nail anatomy, physiology, structure, and diseases
- Nail technologies, including infection control, disinfection, and safety
- Manicures, pedicures, electric files, massage, acrylics, gels, tips, wraps, and exfoliation
You can find approved schools in the cities of:
- Torrington
- Sheridan
- Rock Springs
- Riverton
- Green River
- Gillette
- Cheyenne
- Casper
Step 2. Pass the Nail Technician Written and Practical Exams
Once you have completed your manicurist education you can fill out an Exam Application to register for the nail technician written and practical exams. You will need to submit this to the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology in Cheyenne.
The exams are administered by the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology at least six times each year at the following location:
Parkway Plaza Hotel
123 West E Street
Casper, WY 82602
Nail Technician Written Exam
There are two components to the written exam:
- Nail technology procedures – 55 percent
- Manicure and pedicure procedures
- Client protection and client services
- Advanced nail procedures
- Scientific concepts – 45 percent
- Nail product chemistry
- Nail anatomy and physiology
- General human anatomy and physiology
- Infection control and sanitation
Nail Technician Practical Exam
You will need to demonstrate the following procedures in the order listed in front of an evaluator. Throughout your demonstration the evaluator will also be checking to see that you follow the proper rules of infection control, client protection, and safety:
- Set up – 10 minutes
- Manicure – 20 minutes
- Nail tip application – 20 minutes
- Nail wrap procedure – 20 minutes
- Nail sculpturing – 20 minutes
- Application of nail polish – 10 minutes
Step 3. Obtain your Nail Technician License
Once the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology has determined that you passed your examinations it will issue you a license.
Your first license will be issued for one year. After this initial period your license will expire every two years in your birth month. You can renew your license online or by sending the renewal fee and form attached to the bottom of your current license to the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology.
Out-of-State Applicants
If you are a nail technician in a different state you may also be eligible for licensure in Wyoming. For this you will need to meet these requirements:
- Have completed an education that is equivalent to Wyoming’s school requirements and includes at least 400 hours of study
- Have passed a nail technician written and practical exam
- Have a current license in good standing from your home state
If you meet these requirements you can fill out an Application for Endorsement and submit this to the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology.
If you meet these license requirements but still need to take an exam you can fill out an Exam Application. This will allow you to take any outstanding written and/or theory examinations in Wyoming.
Step 4. Start your New Career as a Professional Nail Technician in Wyoming
Once you have earned your license you can start working with nails in any establishment you choose. Your job description may have some variation based on where you work, so you should be prepared to be flexible and have an understanding of how to perform all essential nail services.
As you look for jobs across the state or in your particular locality you may come across some of the most popular nail salons in Wyoming:
- All That Jazz in Cheyenne
- The Nail Art Studio in Casper
- Absolute Acrylic in Laramie
Once you gain experience and a reputation, you can consider taking your career to the next step by filling out an Independent Contractor License. Working as an independent contractor will allow you to be more in control of your business and how you serve your clients. This is a midpoint where you can evaluate your career’s trajectory. If you like the independence and control of being an independent contractor, you may consider developing your client base even further and opening up your own nail salon or spa. To do this you will need to fill out a Salon Application.
Your career’s development rests in your hands – literally. Your artistic abilities, people skills, and drive will ensure that as a nail professional in Wyoming you are able to reach your full potential.