Esthetician Manicurist Program in Houston, TX

Combine skincare and nail training in one program and prepare for a Texas Esthetician/Manicurist specialty license. Ideal for students who want to broaden their service menu and career opportunities.

Esthetician + Manicurist Combination Program – 800 Hours

  • Regular Tuition: $9,328
  • Current Introductory Tuition: $4,664
  • Upcoming Start Dates: November 23, 2026 and January 12, 2027

Books and kits are separate from tuition.

Why students choose our program:

  • One 800-hour path — complete your training in 800 hours instead of the 1,350 hours it typically takes to earn Esthetician and Manicurist qualifications separately
  • 0% in-house tuition financing – no third-party lender, no interest
  • Flexible payment plans – structured to work around your budget
  • Hybrid learning option – blend online coursework with in-person, hands-on training
Nail technician doing a manicure next to a UV nail lamp
Skincare products and a jade roller laid out on a towel

Why Choose a Dual Esthetician Nail Program

Most beauty schools make you pick one path. Skincare or nails, not both. But clients rarely want to book two separate appointments for a facial and a manicure when one provider could handle everything in a single visit.

Our esthetician/manicurist program trains you in both disciplines together, which means more services to offer, more ways to book a full day of appointments, and more flexibility in where you can work once you’re licensed.

What You'll Learn in the Combined Program

This program blends the full esthetics curriculum with complete nail training, so you leave with two working skill sets instead of one.

  • Facials and Skin Analysis

You’ll learn to read skin types and conditions, then match treatments accordingly, covering the same core esthetics training as our standalone skincare program.

  • Chemical Peels and Waxing

Training covers superficial chemical peels, exfoliation, and waxing services, giving you the full range of treatments clients expect from a skincare professional.

  • Manicures, Pedicures, and Nail Enhancements

On the nail side, you’ll master manicure and pedicure technique along with acrylic and gel enhancement application, the same technical skills covered in our dedicated nail program.

  • Sanitation and Client Safety Across Both Disciplines

Because you’re working with skin, chemicals, and nail products, sanitation training runs throughout the program, covering both esthetics and nail service standards.

Esthetician applying a facial mask with a brush
Nail technician applying polish during a professional manicure

Getting Your Esthetician/Manicurist Specialty License

Here’s what the path looks like:

  • You can qualify by completing an 800-hour combined course at a TDLR-licensed school, instead of 600 nail hours plus 750 esthetics hours done separately
  • You must be at least 17 years old to enroll
  • You must pass the written and practical exams covering both nail and skincare services, administered through TDLR’s testing vendor
  • After you complete your coursework and pass your exams, TDLR issues your Esthetician/Manicurist specialty license
  • Once issued, your Esthetician/Manicurist specialty license renews every two years like other TDLR beauty licenses

Completing the combined 800-hour path saves real time compared to earning the same qualifications separately, which typically adds up to 1,350 total hours.

Why GNU Beauty Institute for a Dual License Program

Running two skill sets through one program takes instructors who actually know both trades well. Our instructors are certified beauty professionals with real industry experience.

Students consistently mention how much the support from instructors and classmates matters when they’re juggling two disciplines at once. Having people around you who’ve been through the same training makes the harder weeks easier to push through.

Close-up of a nail technician applying nail polish
Modern beauty salon with pink chairs and manicure stations

Careers With Your Esthetician/Manicurist Specialty License

Our graduates go on to work in:
  • Full-service spas offering both skincare and nail services
  • Salons that want one provider covering multiple service categories
  • Independent businesses built around combined facial and nail packages
  • Booth rental setups where offering more services means booking more clients

Because you’re not limited to one service category, you can build a client base around whichever combination of services keeps your schedule full.

Invest in Your Dual Career Path

Cost shouldn’t be the reason you settle for one specialty when you could train for both in less time than doing them separately. We keep tuition transparent and manageable with 0% in-house financing and flexible payment plans, so you can start training without waiting to save up the full cost. Our admissions team can walk you through your payment options and help you find a plan that fits your budget.

An Esthetician/Manicurist Program Near Me in Houston, Texas

GNU Beauty Institute is located at 3749 Erie St Suite D, Houston, TX 77017. We’re open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 9 PM and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, giving students the flexibility to train around work or family responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Texas allows you to complete this program in 800 hours, compared to roughly 1,350 hours if you earned Esthetician and Manicurist qualifications separately.

You’ll complete written and practical exams that cover both skincare and nail services, since the Esthetician/Manicurist specialty license authorizes both types of work.

It covers more material, but the training is structured to build both skill sets step by step, so you’re not learning everything at once with no foundation.

Yes. Many graduates focus primarily on nails or skincare early on and expand into the other service category once they’ve built a client base.

You can perform facials, chemical peels, waxing, manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements, all under a single Esthetician/Manicurist specialty license instead of two separate licenses.

No. Most students start with little to no background in either area. Our instructors build your training in both disciplines from the ground up.

Graduates typically go on to work in spas, salons offering multiple service types, or independent businesses built around combined facial and nail packages.

Scroll to Top