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

star

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.

star

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.

star

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.

star

Choosing Capri College was one of the best decisions I've ever made. From day one, I felt supported and encouraged to grow-not just as a stylist, but as a person. The instructors pushed me to believe in myself, refine my skills, and step outside of my comfort zone. I graduated feeling confident, prepared, and excited to start my career. Capri will always hold a special place in my heart.

Addy S.

star

Capri College has given me confidence in my ability that I will own forever. My favorite part of the program was the hands-on learning. The fast-paced nature of the program was challenging, but it has prepared me for my career as a Massage Therapist.

Jared M.

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. 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.
  • 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.

our partners




instagram@capricollegecr

Silk press szn💋
***
#CapriCollege #iowabeautyschool #cosmoschool #silkpress #bouncycurls
***
By hair.bayliegallegos
Avoid having scary hair this Halloween by treating yourself to an appt! 👻🍭🖤

*******
We have availability this week! Call to schedule ☎️
Fun Hair Friday-Spooky Szn Edition👻🧙🏼‍♀️🎃

***
#CapriCollege #iowabeautyschool #FunHairFriday #fallvibes #spookyszn

***
By hair_design.by.justice
🎃👻 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬! 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥! 🧡

Capri College Cedar Rapids is hosting a Trunk or Treat, and we’d LOVE to have your local businesses join in on the fun! 🍬

Our goal is to bring our community together for a fun, family-friendly Halloween experience, and there is NO cost to participate! 🧡

Here are a few ways you can get involved:

🚗 Bring a Trunk: Decorate your vehicle and hand out treats!

🪑 Bring a Table: Share goodies, games, giveaways, or information about your business. (Please bring your own table!)

🎁 Make a Donation: Can't attend? Candy, prizes, gift cards, promotional items, and monetary donations are all welcome!

📅 Wednesday, October 28th
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Capri College Cedar Rapids
2945 Williams Parkway SW, Cedar Rapids

⚠️ SPACES ARE LIMITED! Please register by October 21st to reserve your spot!

👉 Sign up here: https://forms.gle/4o9fDDw2amkKKjxK6

Questions? Give us a call at 319-364-1541 ext. 203 or email shollingshead@capricollege.com.

Let’s come together to make this a SPOOKTACULAR night for our community! 🕸️🧡 Feel free to tag a local business you’d love to see there! 👇
Just a little something to *brighten* your feed⭐️✨
___
#CapriCollege #iowabeautyschool #prettyhair #blondehighlights
___
By hair.bysadee

 

instagram@capricollegedav

Copper season is officially here 🍂🧡 Rich, warm, and made for fall. Who else is ready to go copper? ✨

Hair by Payzleigh C

#CopperHair #CopperSeason #FallHair #HairColor #FallHairInspo #SalonFresh
What an AMAZING week of giving back here at Capri College! ❤️

We want to send a HUGE thank you to everyone who came out to support our fundraiser benefiting University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital through Children’s Miracle Network! 🌈

Whether you made a donation, booked a haircut, purchased goodies from our bake sale, or participated in our Spirit Week dress-up days, YOU helped make this week special! 🫶

✂️ Even better? Capri College is matching the proceeds from our haircuts, doubling the impact of your support!

And of course… what better way to celebrate than with a little PIE IN THE FACE?! 🥧Our staff were great sports, all for an incredible cause!

We are so proud of our students, staff, clients, and community for coming together to make a difference in the lives of children and families who need it most.

From all of us at Capri College, THANK YOU for helping us make miracles happen! 💖💜💛

#capricollegedavenport #ChildrensMiracleNetwork #SteadFamilyChildrensHospital #MiraclesHappen #PieInTheFace
A fresh cut can change everything ✂️✨ Clean ends, fresh shape & a whole new vibe. 🤍

Hair by Liliana A

#FreshCut #Haircut #HairTransformation #SalonFresh #HairGoals
Fresh blowout, fresh confidence ✨ There’s just something about that bounce, shine & volume. 🤍

Hair by Emmie R

#Blowout #FreshHair #HairGoals #SalonFresh #GoodHairDay
Before they hit the clinic floor, they’re building their skills! 🧖‍♀️✨

Our newest esthetics students are getting hands-on practice with facials, learning techniques, perfecting their touch, and gaining confidence every step of the way. 🤍

Facial by Alysha T

#spafacial #treatyourself

 

instagram@capricollegedubuque

Our November Cosmetology Class is in the home stretch of their training, and we couldn’t be more excited to see all the amazing things ahead for them! ✂️💖
We are so proud of their hard work and dedication that has brought them this far, and we can’t wait to see where their journeys take them next. ✨

•

#dowhatyoulove #dowhatyouloveatcapri #capri #capricollege #capricollegedubuque #capridubuque #dubuqueiowa #licensedcosmetologists #cosmetologygraduates #futurebeautyprofessional #2026graduate🎓
Chestnut brown 🌰

Student work by @livedinby.em

•

#dowhatyoulove #dowhatyouloveatcapri #capri #capricollege #capricollegedubuque #capridubuque #dubuqueiowa #fallbrownhair #richbrownhaircolor #cosmetologistinthemaking
Our massage students are working hard in the classroom, mastering both the bookwork and hands-on techniques! 📚
From learning the science behind massage to practicing their skills, they’re building a strong foundation to provide guests with an amazing, relaxing experience once they’re ready to begin taking clients. We’re so proud of their dedication and can’t wait to see them put their skills into action! 🙌

•

#dowhatyoulove #dowhatyouloveatcapri #capri #capricollege #capricollegedubuque #capridubuque #dubuqueiowa #massage #futuremassagetherapist
Fall hair goals 🍁🤎

Student work by @beautybyalysecarolyn

•

#dowhatyoulove #dowhatyouloveatcapri #capri #capricollege #capricollegedubuque #capridubuque #dubuqueiowa #fallhairinspo #cosmetologistinthemaking
A fresh haircut is one of the best ways to feel refreshed, confident, and your absolute best ✂️
Nothing beats that fresh-cut feeling! 💈

•

#dowhatyoulove #dowhatyouloveatcapri #capri #capricollege #capricollegedubuque #capridubuque #dubuqueiowa #freshcutfeeling #futurecosmetologist

 

instagram@capricollegewaterloo

Join us for our career day November 11th! 🤎
-Participate in interactive, hands-on activities
-Meet our instructors and current students
-Learn about careers in Barbering/Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Massage Therapy.
- Coffee & Snacks 
Register Here:  https://forms.gle/WYsfhyJh9iXp8xaA8
✂️💛 HAIRCUTS FOR A CAUSE 💛✂️

From October 12–16, we’re turning every haircut into an opportunity to give back!

Throughout the week, ALL proceeds from haircut services will be donated to University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. 🏥❤️

That means when you come in for a fresh cut, you’re not just treating yourself, you’re helping support children and families receiving care right here in Iowa.

📅 October 12–16
✂️ Book a haircut
💛 100% of haircut proceeds donated

Help us make a difference, one haircut at a time! Share this post, spread the word, and come see us during this special week. 💕

#ChildrensMiracleNetwork #SteadFamilyChildrensHospital #HaircutsForACause #GiveBack #SupportLocal #ForTheKids #CapriCollege
Help us welcome our September Massage Therapy class! Follow along as they work towards taking clients! ✨
O C T O B E R  S P E C I A L S 🍂🍄‍🟫

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