A manicurist or nail technician works exclusively on nails, and offers manicures, pedicures, and nail shining and nails extensions to clients. They are extremely skilled professionals who work with clients to augment the natural beauty of nails on both hands and feet. They work with great attention and care, to offer clients healthy and attractive nails, which may include nail sculpturing such as applying acrylic or gels and also repair discredited nails.

The duties of a manicure specialist involve preparing clients for a manicure or pedicure by removing antecedently applied nail polish with a nail polish remover. The tech then provides foot-baths with salts and removes dead skin from the hands or feet by using a lotion, and massaging them. A manicure specialist files, buffs and polishes nails, besides trimming cuticles, by making use of a cuticle knife, scissors or nippers. Finally, the tech applies clear nail polish as a base coat.

A manicure specialist should maintain hygiene in their workplace. They should keep their tools and equipment including nail and cuticle clippers, files and brushes for acrylic nails sterilised and clean, in order to prevent the spread of bacterial, viral and fungal infections.