This page will give you a brief overview of nail extension (nail enhancment) and nail care courses available at the College. All courses take the beginner to practitioner level and training includes underpinning theory, the use of tools and products and hands-on practice which will provide you with nail technition skills are industry-led and will fast-track you to a new career or up date your skills. We aim to deliver a high standard of training in a calm, freindly but professional enviorment for students of all ages. Mature students very welcome. Our certificates allow you to gain insurance and we can also offer you International and National certifcation. Our award winning College which was establised in 1989 has also gained the Investers in people award and is an acredited VTCT, NVQ and BTEC assessment centre. Qualifed tutors who have a vast expierence working in the industry deliver high standard training and someone is always at the end of the phone if you have any queries. If you are not a beginner, have a manafacturers certificate or already have the skills but no certification or you are already working in the industry but do not have a recognised qualifcation our fast-track BTEC qualification courses are perfect for the busy nail technition or student who want to gain a recognised certifcate.

Brief overview of courses

Acrylic Tip and Overlay Nails

Acrylic overlay nails are the clients first choice and the most popular nail extension system with the nail technition. Its usually the nail enhancment that most beginners choose to start with.

On the course you will cover record keeping, client consultations and the underpinning theory neccessary for a professional nail technician to know including health and safety, hygiene and steralisation, nail shapes, nail structure, disorders and diseases of the skin and nails ETC. to ensure you work in a safe and  professional manner at all times.

The course we will teach you how to choose the correct nail extension tip, fit it to the natural nail and blend it in preparation for an overlay. You will learn how to get the correct ratio of liquid and powder and how to apply it to the tip minimising excessive amounts of product. Finishing off the nail with correct use of tools and products with an essential element of the course.

On your return for the second day, you will learn maintainance of the nails, back-fills (also known as in-fills) and after-care. Any problems you may have had while practicing at home will be covered in your discussions with the tutor.

Once the back-fill day has been completed you will be able to start working in the industry on your own clients.

The more you work on clients or practice the more you will perfect your application, become quicker and more competent.

N.B. If you feel that you need a little more practice after completion you may come in free of change to practice. Please speak with the manager to arrange any additional time at the College.

Gel Nail Extensions

The courses will teach you how to choose the correct nail extension tip, fit it to the natural nail and blend it in preparation for a gel overlay. You will learn how to apply the correct application of gel with a brush and how to apply it to the tip minimising excessive amounts of product. Finishing off the nail with correct use of tools and products with an essential element of the course. Bonding and building the layers of gel with the correct finishing techniques. Gel application is easier to apply than acrylic and is a quick and generally odour free enhancment.

Many students learn both acrylic and gel techniques as they both have similar methods to enable them to offer their clients a variety of extensions to suit individual needs and nail types.

The more you work on clients or practice the more you will perfect your application, become quicker and more competent.

N.B. If you feel that you need a little more practice after completion you may come in free of charge to practice. Please speak with the manager to arrange any additional time at the centre.

Sculptured nails

Sculptured nails are the most longlasting of nail enhancments. Although they are the most difficult to master they enable technitian to ‘tailor make’ the nails to suit the individuals natural nails and needs. They are ideal when the client has irregular nails so making nail tips difficult to fit. As no nail tips are used for sculptured nail enhancments, so no glue or blending is required. You will learn how the nail extension is created from acrylic by brushing on the acrylic to the natural nail plate onto a nail form to extend the length of the nail past its natural free edge and building the nail backwards towards the cuticle to produce a curved nail that looks natural and is long lasting.

Sculptured nail extensions were one of the first system and although their demand lessened when the nail tip and overlay became popular they are in demand once more due to their sustainability and hard wearing qualities. Sculptured nails once mastered, command higher prices from the nail technition.

N.B. If you feel that you need a little more practice after completion you may come in free of charge to practice. Please speak with the manager to arrange any additional time at the centre.

Manicure and pedicure courses

Our manicure and pedicure courses both cover underpinning theory such as the nail structure and growth, nail shapes, skin and nail conditions and disorders.

Preparation of the hand, foot and nail, exfoliation and practical application or a full manicure and pedicure treatment which includes filing, nail buffing, cuticle work, application of nail polish/varnish, French manicure products ETC. You will also learn how to massage the hand, arm, foot and lower leg.

Manicure treatments are an important addition to a technician as it enables you to gain more knowledge of the nail and its care and ensure your client returns if she/he feels that a short period without nail extensions is more suitable for them. Including manicure and pedicure treatments to your services encourages your client base to grow and show the client that you are a professional in your field.

N.B. If you feel that you need a little more practice after completion you may come in free of change to practice. Please speak with the manager to arrange any additional time at the centre.

Nail art

Our nail art course covers preparation of the nail and practical application. Nail art can be applied on natural nails, toe nails and nail extensions. The courses will cover and discuss the use of:

• Hand painting Product & tool knowledge French varnish Nail art designs & blending
• Dots, lines, wisps & shading Stencils & transfers
• Fanning, Marbling Striping, tapes & metallic foil Opalescent, neon & glitter dust Stones & secures Maintenance Base coat and topcoat
• Contra-indications & contra-actions Use of tools/brushes
• Clients consultation Home-care

Also enquire about our remedial treatment course, which includes paraffin wax treatments, salt rub, oil treatments and camomile masks. These treatments are suitable for hands, feet and can be included in facial treatments.

Eyelash extensions and hair extension courses are available for the technician to add to their services available.

Please also see section regarding certification and national and international qualification

More details please ring: 0151 260 6767