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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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I made lifelong friends and made so many great memories along the way. Some of my favorite classes were the special FX makeup, the straight razor course and the facial massage class. I also loved being a Capri Camp counselor and getting to teach the kids about makeup. The scheduling of clients on the floor was a great way for me to become more sociable and comfortable with multitasking my work and getting to know the client.

Heather S.

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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.

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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 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.

our partners




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☀️✂️ Capri College Summer Camp is BACK! ✂️☀️ 

Looking for something fun, creative, and hands-on for your child this summer? Our 4-day Capri Camp is the perfect experience! 💖 

📅 July 13–16 
⏰ 9 AM – 4 PM daily 
👧 Ages 8–12 

Spots are LIMITED and fill up fast, don’t wait! ⏳ 
🚨 Enrollment closes April 10 🚨 

Secure your child’s spot today: 
www.capricollege.edu/capri-camp/ 

#CapriCollege #SummerCamp #KidsActivities #CreativeKids #Summer
🎨 💛 Artists at Heart. 
The Capri family showing off some hidden talents.  Thank you so much Art with Kare! We had the best time!

 

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Before: a little wild 🤪 
After: clean, defined, and effortlessly polished 💁‍♀️
It’s amazing what a good brow wax can do—framing your face and boosting your confidence in minutes ✨

Student work by @opalize.esthetics

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#dowhatyoulobe #capri #capricollege #capridubuque #futureesthetician  #browtransformation
A huge thank you to Donovan and Alex for joining us at Capri and sharing your incredible expertise with our students and staff! ✂️ 
Your knowledge of shears and cutting techniques was truly inspiring, and we’re so grateful for the time and passion you brought to our learning experience. We loved having you! 🙌🏼

@donovanmillshair @thathanzoguy 

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From practice to precision—every client helps our students sharpen their skills and grow behind the chair 🎨✂️

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Congratulations to our incredible Massage Therapy graduating class! 🎓
Your dedication, compassion, and countless hours of learning have brought you to this amazing milestone.
We are so proud of each of you and can’t wait to see the positive impact you’ll make in the lives of others. Wishing you success, growth, and joy on your new journeys ahead. 🌿💆🏼‍♀️💆🏻‍♂️

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Our newest future cosmetologists! Our February class has been working hard on men’s and women’s hair cutting classes. Keep an eye out for when they start taking appointments ✂️
We have spots still available for this years camp! ☀
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Register here - https://capricollege.edu/capri-camp/

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