Category: Nail Technology

What Do You Need to Do Your Own Gel Nails at Home?

24th December 2020

What if we say that you don’t need to empty your pockets on fancy salons and get your gel nail at home? Yes, DIY gel nails are just a few steps away.

#1 Arrange All The Tools

Tools are the main ingredients to start prepping your gel nails. To get those professional DIY gel nails, you will need some essential tools. LED lamps are the first things to arrange. You will also need a manicure kit that comprises all the vital items. Next, you will need gel polish to paint your nails.

#2 Prep Your Nails

For prepping your nails, begin with cleaning your cuticles and get a smooth finish. You also need a cuticle pusher to push and trim your cuticles. Don’t go extra on pushing that can lead to bleeding. Remove all the debris and apply some oil.

#3 Apply the Gel

Now comes the most important step of applying the gel. Ensure the oil is completely absorbed; even a little oil on nails won’t allow the gel to be properly set. You don’t have to make any effort; just let the gel spread across the nail. Let it dry and then file properly to give a shape.

#4 Paint It

Last but not least, paint your nail with beautiful gel polish and put your fingers under the LED lamp. Voila, there you go, professionally done gel nails at home.

That’s all you need to do to get those beguiling gel nails at home. So, get your tools and create those magnificent nails.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their gel nail learners. We also offer free gel nail and nail art courses and funded level 3 nail courses with work placements.

 

 

Do I Need Insurance to Do Nails?

8th December 2020

A self-employed nail tech should have their insurance policy. A policy will have your back if you face a compensation claim, and it can cover other things such as your equipment, tools, and inventory

These insurance are not too expensive and you can pay around £5-15 per month. The price can vary because of the size of your salon, income, as well as the policy that you end up choosing.

Nail technicians and manicurists who don’t have any employees are not legally obliged to have business insurance. However, you could use it if you face an expensive hurdle.

There are also some insurances for mobile freelancers.

There is public liability insurance, as well as a tailored policy that you can tailor per your needs and preferences.

These are the top three most important insurances:

Employer’s liability insurance that covers compensation claims that were made against you by other employees from the salon. This is perfect if you wish to protect yourself.

Public liability insurance covers compensation claims made against you by people who are not your employees. These can be members of the public or even your clients.

Product liability insurance will cover your tools as well as products. If you stumble upon any defects, this insurance will cover your loss and its irregularities.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their nail technician learners. They also offer free  nail courses and work placement

How Do You Get Certified to Do Nails?

12th November 2020

There are several different ways and qualifications that one can get to become a nail tech.

However, in the UK, nail technicians do not need any formal qualifications to get a job. On the other end, you do need a Level 3 diploma to start your own nail tech business.

If you end up taking a nail technician course you will improve your chances of landing a well-paying position in a nail studio.

You can get certified in several ways, such as:

You can begin by taking a nail treatment course at your local college. These are offered in levels 1 and 2.

You can finish different courses in-salons or even online! Due to Covid-19, a lot of beauty schools offer amazing nail courses through Zoom and other streaming platforms.

You can get your nail diploma in:

  • Sculpting nails
  • Doing acrylics
  • Doing gel extensions
  • Manicures and pedicures
  • Doing nail art

As long as you can invest anywhere from one day and up to four months to master a class (or classes) you can become a certified nail tech.

You could also do a nail service technician intermediate apprenticeship. Usually, requirements are some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their nail technician learners. They also offer free  nail courses and work placement

What Is the Best Nail Qualification to Have?

7th November 2020

The nail industry has been booming in recent years, and this is mostly because of the influence of social media & celebrities. Nowadays everyone is craving a fresh acrylic set, as well as a neat manicure. If you want to become a nail tech, here are the basics that you should know:

The best qualification to have is the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology. This diploma could lead to employment whether it is in a salon or as a freelance nail technician. This is because it is fully insurable and recognised by the UK government. You can work in the beauty industry straight away as a junior nail technician or choose to develop your skills with further training.

If you have the VTCT Level 3 diploma, you will know how to do nail enhancements e.g. gel, acrylic, forms and electric filing. You will also be taught the theory behind each nail enhancement process and practical skills. This course also focuses quite a lot on pedicures, manicures, as well as any skin or nail infections, as well as fungus.

The best part about a Level 3 diploma?

You can open up a salon and run your own business! You can be your own boss!

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their nail technician learners. They also offer free  nail courses and work placement

How Much Is a Nail Course?

1st October 2020

 

Nail techs nowadays are quite lucky since they get to choose between several different nail course options! There are in-salon educations 1:1, as well as some online & in-school programs that you can go for. Usually, here’s how much they are!

Most beauty schools or educators will offer you several different course options.

There are different educations for acrylics, dip nails, gels, as well as nail services (manicures, pedicures).

It is important to outline that you can’t learn about acrylics or other more complicated manicures and treatments (such as fiberglass & silk nails) until you’ve mastered the basics like gel polishes. The step-by-step approach is the most important, so make sure you do your research before committing to one practice in particular.

What qualifications are there and what are their prices?

Usually, your level 2 NVQ diploma can run anywhere from £500 – 2,000. During this education, you will learn the basics regarding nail art, gel nails, and you will maintain hygienic workspace.

At CPBA, the level 3 diploma in nail technology is £3,345 but you may be eligible for funding if. This course is for people who want to do creative designs, build strong gel nails, use electric nail files, and you will upgrade your pedicures and manicures.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their nail technician learners. They also offer free   nail courses and work placement

Top 6 Misconceptions About Nails Which Your Client Will Definitely Ask About

17th January 2020

Women love to talk to their nail artists and nail techs during the 60-90 minute session. Getting gels, manicures, acrylics or pedicures can be time-consuming, which is why girls love to talk during their appointment. Some talk about their personal problems, while others have interesting comments or questions regarding nails. There are many different myths and misconceptions about manicures and nail treatments. We are here to debunk all of them, and give you answers! Keep on reading!

 

Top 6 Common Misconecaptions About Nails 

 

  1. A Set Of Fake Nails Will Ruin Natural Nails

No fake nails can ruin your natural nails. However, some habits that people do can make an impact. Nail enhancements are applied to your natural nail, as you probably know by now. However, the product does not penetrate the lunula (the moon of the nail). You are always growing new nails, and you can’t damage your new grown-in part so quickly. What can ruin your nails is a fungi infection, improper care, biting habits, as well as lifting and taking off the product on your own.

 

  1. Acrylics Are Hazardous

A lot of people believe that acrylic nails are hazardous because they have a strong odor that can leech into your bloodstream. However, this is far from the truth. The chemicals can have a scent, this depends on the type that your nail artist is using. However, the person who is more in trouble is the nail tech, since they are constantly inhaling nail particles. This is why you see them wearing masks, filters, and using ventilation when at the salon.

 

  1. You Should Get Gel Nails Since They Are Better For You

Some believe that gels are way better than powder or acrylic nails. You can experiment with different kinds of gel polishes, nowadays there are many different kinds on the market. However, all of these are pretty similar to acrylics since they come from the same family. On the other hand, some nail artists believe that gels are way trickier to remove than the acrylics. The removal process can be a bit more complicated as well as painful than with the acrylics.

 

  1. Your Nail Plate Will Grow Thinner

You’ve probably heard your mom say this a thousand times before, right? This is just something that older generations can’t seem to shake off. However, your nail matrix (moon) will determine the nail thickness. As you know it by now, the nail bed is made with keratin cells, which need protein-based foods to grow thicker, larger & stronger. This means that proper nutrition can determine the length as well as the thickness of your nails. Nothing else.

 

  1. Your Nails Can’t Breathe

By adding artificial layers on top of your natural ones, your nails will be a lot softer, weaker, and they won’t be able to breathe? Here’s some news for you: nails can’t breathe in the first place! Every nail plate you have is made with 100 layers of dead keratin cells! It can take up to 3-6 months for your nails to fully grow out, which means that allowing your nail to rest or breathe won’t do much since this is a slow process.

 

  1. You Can Get Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are linked to bacteria that you pick up underneath your nails. If you work with messy products, you forget to clean your tools, and you bite your nails – you are in trouble of getting a fungal infection. The actual nail application has nothing to do with the irritation of your nails. As long as your nail artist has used clean and sterile tools (and both of you have washed your hands) you will avoid infections and bacteria.

Rock you nail technician job

24th September 2019

After getting your nail technician degree you are probably going to focus on pursuing your career, right? Women who finish this course often think that they can only work at one specific place. However, the truth is that you have way more options than you’d imagine. You don’t have to work at only one salon, and you can upgrade and build your business along the way.

Where to find the best nail technician jobs online?

Blog – you can start your own blog, a Facebook page, or at least an Instagram account. By doing so you are actually building your page and allowing any potential customers to see your nail art. This way of exposure is crucial in todays social media. Anyone who ends up liking your work may message you through online platforms and ask you to do some freelancing, or they may want to come to your place/salon.

Web-based job listings – Try to find the most popular websites where people post jobs online. These platforms often have tons of listings right away, and you can refresh the page every other day till you find something which suits you. There are also some adds which will pop up if you end up being persistent.

Nail technician jobs – nailtechnicianjobs.org is one of those webpages where you can easily find everything at one place. Here the employers will post an advertisement, and will look for people with your skills. There are hundreds of beauty-related job posts for you to apply. This is also one of the most used sites in the United Kingdom for job posting. You can send in your proposal here and let the client review it. You should have your CV filled out and the site itself should approve your request before you can send in many different applications to your potential clients or co-workers.

If you are interested, and would love to become a nail technician, check out our government funded courses.

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Red hot careers in the nail industry

30th August 2019

As a certified nail tech you are qualified to work in the nail industry on both men & women and you get to do their pedicures & manicures. Nail techs in the UK can make between £15,000 and £30,000 a year, but this all depends whether you are self-employed, you run your own salon, or you work for someone else. Either way, this profession is fun, and definitely filled with many different career paths!

Nail Artist on Sets and Photo Shoots

This career is actually way more popular than you’d think. Every magazine cover needs a nail artist on the photo set. They are also needed on the movie set. This job can be fun but also stressful since often you need to carry your own equipment onto the location. However, it will payoff in the end since you’ll probably meet so many different celebrities, and some of your favourite stars.

Nail Instructor

If you end up receiving your own recognition and a diploma you can also think about teaching nail courses. You can explain everything in slide shows, share your passion through videos, and you can also shot how-to tutorials on your phone.

You will easily work with many different kinds of people, cultural backgrounds, and you will definitely develop your communication skills.

What else can you do as a nail tech? Interesting facts

Did you know that over 95% of nail salons offer polish changes as well as pedicures? This is actually the most common treatment, as well as the most-popular request by customers. You can and will probably do a lot of these throughout your career.

Besides, you can expect to work with around 20 clients per one week (on an average).

Also, for those who would love to travel and work abroad – did you know that California has the biggest number of employees? They have over 100,000 in 7,900 locations.

Check out our governement funded nail courses at CPBA: Click here!

How to master your skills as a nail technician faster?

31st July 2019

The nail industry is a fast-growing industry which hops on and off new trends daily. Sometimes we can get lost in these, and we can have a hard time mastering some skills. However, at CPBA, you will gain all the knowledge (most of the time without paying a penny) to become a nail technician! No reason to attend special courses, colleges, or even online-classes. CPBA brings everything one could wish for, at one place.

You will easily master your skills as a nail-tech if you have patience and if you are willing to learn. Also, you should have a steady hand, as well as an amazing eye for details!

nail technician course

You can master the basic nail course even if you had no previous training at CPBA. All you need is some time, patience, and a will to learn.

What does the nail technician do?

Nail tech does manicures, nail extensions, as well as gel nails. They maintain a safe & hygienic workplace and carry out client consultations. They can often do paraffin wax, deal with ingrown nails, fungi infections, as well as nail art.

Why CPBA helps you learn faster?

nail technician course

Everyone gets to be tutored by an experienced nail tutor who guides you through practical lessons while you get to practice on yourself! You will also do manicures and pedicures on real clients in a small surrounding with 12 other students.

You can get an accredited nail diploma for £30, and you can complete your course in just 3 days! This is a gel nail extensions course, but you can also take an intense 4-month journey and be fully qualified level 2 nail technician!

The 4-month course is also simple & practical. Simply invest one full day and half of the day for 16 weeks straight. Later on, you will be left with a VTCT Level 2 Diploma certificate which is recognised by the UK’s leading professional association. It is also recognised by the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) and the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT).

To learn more about our Nail Courses, click here.

Mum who was homeless at 17 becomes nail technician of the year

22nd July 2019

A mother who was living on the streets when she was a teenager has now been named nail technician of the year. She has only recently started her own business.

34 year old Samantha Hart described how she ended up in a “bad crowd” during her late teens and found herself homeless for four years, having no idea where her next meal would come from. Since than everything has changed. She has 3 kids and has been named nail technician of the year in the British Hair and Beauty Awards which is a dream come true for her.

“I ended up finding myself homeless for around four years and got into a bad crowd and bad habits. I had homes and flats intermittently and I didn’t know how to look after myself and wasn’t shown how to be a grown up. I didn’t know there were places to go for help. I spent some time on the streets too. I didn’t know where I was going or where the next meal was coming from.”

Samantha who admitted she was “a bit of a one” growing up, was taken in by her friend’s mum after three years of struggling to find her place in the world.

“A friend’s mum took me in and gave me a good start. I’d been best friends with her daughter since I was 11 and she helped. I was there for around six months. When you’re depressed and don’t want to be in the world it’s a hard start.”

Samantha, who is in a long-term relationship with partner Mike Hall, left the country for a new start and became an au pair in Germany. While she was over there, she became pregnant with her first child. But, by the time her third child was on the way, she found herself a single, pregnant mother, with a one year old and a six year old. Now back in Hull and determined to support her family, she enrolled onto a four-month course with nail flairs and before long started her nail technician training.

“I’d always watched make-up videos on YouTube which led to nail videos and thought, ‘I’d really like to do that’ and enrolled on a course and found I had a talent for it. I tried working in other salons and just never found my niche. I thought the only place I will fit in, is working for me. I spent every last penny I had getting it sorted and it took three months to get it up and running. I’m not a typical girly-girl and wanted the salon to look different to any others. I didn’t want the pink or the glittery things.”

“I wanted other people to feel comfortable coming in so it’s kind of like an anti-nail salon. We have two staff members at the moment but are looking for more. My clients have followed me everywhere I have been and they’re what have kept me in business.” – she said.

Samantha has become a national winner at the British Hair and Beauty Awards 2019 as Nail Technician of the Year.

“It really means a lot to me to be a finalist at the Hull and East Yorkshire People in Business Awards looking at the hundreds of entries is brilliant.

“The Grit Award is to celebrate people who have come through a lot of adversity and it means a lot to me to be nominated. Winning the Nail Technician Award was absolutely brilliant. I was watching it at home and was waiting hours for it to refresh to say who the winner was.

“I’m over the moon but I still wouldn’t think I’m the best in the country because I have my idols. There were also others there from Hull which was fantastic as the city is coming an epicentre for beauty now. Tracey Westmorland was there and Stephanie Tomlinson from Simply Nail and both women are brilliant.”

Samantha is now determined to pass her wisdom on to others with the help of a course she is putting on. It is usually priced at £500  and altogether has four sessions over a two week period and is run by Samantha in partnership with Incandescent Shine.    Mirror

How Much Money Can You Make Working As A Nail Technician/ Salon Owner

23rd June 2017

Nail technician jobs are always in demand across the UK. From manicures to pedicures and threading, they offer a full range of facial services and treatments. If wondering How much money can you make working as a Nail technician/ Salon Owner, the answer is based on several factors.

 According to industry experts, self-employed nail technicians make nearly £4,000 less per year than regularly employed technicians. Whether on contract or in-house, technicians can easily make well over £52,000 per year. With this in mind, self-employed businesses may offer optimal freedom but less money due to overhead and finding clients on a daily basis.

 Nail technicians that wish to earn more have to be willing to work hard. This means networking with other technicians to take advantage of available opportunities. They also need to stay abreast of all the latest industry developments and trends. This can include new nail salon techniques, technologies, and especially client procurement and fulfilment services.

 Nail salon owners can literally earn hundreds of thousands of pounds per year. This, however, depends on the business branding, location, as well as visibility to new and existing clients. They also must have a strong advertising and marketing campaign both on and off the Web. Owners must also stay ahead of the curve by tapping into all current and burgeoning trends.

 Whether working hourly, on contract, salary, or as an owner, there are so many avenues available to make loads of money in this industry. However, mobile services are now a must and that is something you need to consider. No longer are brick and mortar locations the only source for nail salon income these days. In fact, nearly all venues feature mobile services for clients at home, the office, or simply unable to make it to the salon and need these services for many reasons.

Have a look at our nail technician courses here.

Are Nail Technicians In High Demand?

20th June 2017
In the UK the salon market is going from strength to strength and an increased interest in American styles and salon trends has meant that nail technician work is growing strongly. Thus the question, are nail technicians in high demand, is met with a resounding yes as well, you can find many new nail salons across the country.
For example, London has a thriving luxury goods market as tourists flood the city looking for the chance to take advantage of the latest styles and fashions. It is easy to see why so many cities require newly trained nail technicians. Of particular interest are those who can provide unique and interesting designs.
The potential for nail designs has increased hugely in the past few years. Today you can find just about every type of design you can imagine. For example, many customers are looking for bejewelled designs to add a special touch.
Another area that is growing strongly in the uk is the demand for designs that characterize what is special about this country. For example, the union jack, and designs inspired by royalty are among the most popular with tourists. The drive for contemporary luxury style has never been more ripe than it is in the uk today.
As a result there are many schools which have appeared throughout the country which are aimed at training nail technician work. There are a variety of courses which are dedicated to this art and which provide students with ample skills and knowledge. You can find many well known providers as well as some independent schools which focus on training.
For more tips, trade magazines devoted to beauty often contain listings of jobs. In addition you can find many online forums where professionals share their top tips for finding work and training. Lastly be sure to check out the range of beauty magazines which may include information for schools and salons.

Career Opportunities As A VTCT Level 3 Qualified Nail Technician

5th December 2016

The role of nail technicians includes the maintenance of cuticles including manicures, pedicures and non-surgical treatments. Career opportunities as a VTCT Level 3 qualified nail technician include senior positions, assessors, trainers, manicurists and pedicurists providing diverse and richly rewarding. A wide range of professional jobs can be pursued offering favorable salaries and flexible working hours. These depend on position and experience.

Technicians mastering nails can earn up to 20000 pounds annually. This includes basic manicurist and pedicurist positions within a salon or spa. Higher level job titles including salon manager and senior nail technician includes a yearly income of over 20000 pounds averaging at 25000 pounds. The additional commissions and tips received from clients contributes to higher returns. Earnings however are largely dependent on working hours and title.

A wide range of services are covered by technicians offering more versatile employment positions and future opportunity. Certified persons are equipped with theoretical and practical knowledge. They can enhance nails with the appropriate tools and products, to maintain cuticle health with non-surgical technique and advise clients on hand and foot health management. Sales receptionist, cruise ship technician, and assessor are available job titles in the industry.

A number of responsibilities are covered from consultations with clients to creating appointments and managing stock. Daily duties provide the practical experience needed to excel in different aspects of the job from maintaining client interests and delivering a highly skilled service to management of a salon, spa or personal business. Job requirements include the stipulated certification and industry experience to excel in a chosen field.

Pursuing a career

A career in the beauty industry offers a flexible range of titles from starting salaries to a lucrative income and commissions. Higher level titles achieved with experience and skill advancement. They can produce more favorable financial and employment rewards. Ensuring the completion of study through an accredited tertiary institution can support reaching professional and personal goals for long term success.

career nail technician course

Floral Nail design

7th April 2015

So what do you do when you feel like some funky spring nail art but don’t have time (or right tools) to do it? Nail wraps! Forget the old rigid plastic nail stripes, the new generation of nail wraps are so subtle. They are precise to apply and the tasteful prints make them something you should definitely incorporate into your nail art routine. Plus, you don’t need to sacrifice your creativity – just customize the wraps and create cool hybrid looks that are half hand painted and half nail wraps. Just leave the hard part to the wraps and do the easy part yourself.

Here’s 3 spring nail art ideas that you can do yourself each in less than 10 minutes. And, compliments guaranteed! Unless someone is examining your nails with a magnifying glass, you’d never tell – it’s a wrap!

These nail designs were created for our second SoNailicious x Mint collaboration (see the first one here). Step-by-step tutorials for each look also provided – just click the link below each photo.

Alternatives to Classic Polish

21st May 2014

Looking a more long lasting alternative to classic polish? We’ve found one, the Maybelline SuperStay Gel Nail Color range. I recently got to try a few polishes and was hugely impressed with the quality. So far, out of all the hybrid polishes* on the market, Maybelline have managed to come up with the best formula. It’s highly pigmented and 2 coats is enough for a fully opaque look. Also, it doesn’t take forever to dry like some other hybrid polishes which can take hours (!). Of the hybrids I’ve tried so far, it’s the longest lasting and the glossiest. How do the Maybelline guys constantly manage to come up with such a good products while keeping the price so low? With it’s super low price and high quality formula, Maybelline SuperStay Gel Nail Color ticks all the boxes.

Nail Art Fashion week

21st May 2014

Apologies for the radio silence guys, as much as exciting Nail Art Fashion Week was, it was also exhausting and I’m getting ready for another huge launch. It seems at times I take on much more than I can actually manage but oh well, life is short. Plus, I’m a big believer in the ‘now or never’ principle. So brace yourself, SOMETHING exciting is coming soon!

Meanwhile, my obsession with monotone manicures continues… It all started with this emerald French manicure, took a new turn with these rose gold polka dot nails and reached new heights with today’s silver and grey nails. The new Mint polish colour, Fancy had me from the first sight. I never imagined I’d say this about a grey nail polish but… it’s HOT!

So the design had to be something that would not distract attention away from, or diminish the beauty of, this gorgeous colour. So I simply added tiny chrome triangles at the base of each finger, mission accomplished! This easy, yet chic look with the chrome details that highlight the pure beauty of Fancy.

Nail Extras

21st May 2014
These nails were inspired by Tsubasa Masuwaka. Or well at least that nail full of pearls 😀 She has had that kind of nails quite many times.
My idea was just to make something sugary and cute with pastel colors.
Sorry for the photo.. The colors aren’t that good since I had to use the flash D: But it’s better than nothing!