If you’re new to lash extensions and thinking of training in these lucrative treatments, it can be very confusing with all this lash terminology. We’re often asked what’s the difference between these different lash techniques? Classic Lash Extensions
Classic lashes involve the technique for isolating one natural lash using tweezers and then applying one individual false lash to it. This can add length and some limited extra volume to the natural lashes. Classic lashes usually give a very natural look, with greater definition to the eye area for an open-eyed, youthful look.
Russian Volume
Russian volume lashes technique involves selecting a group of typically 2-8 individual false lashes to create a fan. The technician then isolates one natural lash using tweezers and applies this fan to the natural lash. This technique is repeated to create anything from a nice, fluffy lash to very dramatic volume. This technique adds volume and length to the lashes for a dramatic lash look.
Hybrid Lashes
Hybrid lashes combine the classic lash technique (one single false lash to one natural lash) and Russian volume technique (applying a lash fan to one natural lash) at a 70-30 ratio for a more defined, volume look that can look wispy, textured and more natural than a Russian volume lash look. The technician will first go in with the classic technique to create a framework in which to then fill with fans. This look gives the best of both worlds in terms of Classic and Russian volume – greater length, greater volume and more definition to the eye but still maintaining a natural looking balance to the lashes.
Given the benefits of each technique to help you meet the needs of your various clients, it makes sense to learn all 3 techniques.
Our 3 Day Complete Lash Technician Package provides training in all of these techniques. Achieve an ABT Accredited Diploma in each technique allowing you to gain insurance to start your own lash business!
If you’d prefer to learn conveniently online from home, we also offer an equivalent Online Complete Lash Technician Package which provides IPHM Accredited Certificates on completion to start your new lash career!
Glass skin is everywhere right now as clients seek to achieve a fresh, ‘better than natural’ aesthetic. The glass skin trend evolved in the K-beauty scene deriving from Korea. It refers to skin that is smooth, flawless and luminous with a sheen that literally resembles glass. The look is achieved through a skincare regime that prioritises intense hydration, exfoliation, and nourishment to create a radiant, pore-less finish that appears as refined and reflective as glass. Many people opt to go make up free once they have achieve the glass skin look for their skin to help maintain the clarity of their skin. Note that creating the full translucence and refinement of the skin this look requires, also requires clients to be healthy from within both in their water intake, diet and lifestyle choices.
Now let’s look at how to begin achieving this look…
Step 1: identifying your skin type and condition
This is vital to ensuring the products you are using will meet the needs of your skin. Skin can only be perfected when the products used remedy the concerns or provide the support the skin requires to look and feel its best. For example if you have dehydrated skin, this is down to a lack of water but this can cause the skin to overproduce sebum to compensate so understanding this will help you pick products with the right formulation and active ingredients to effectively hydrate your skin,
Step 2: Cleansing
You want to be using a cleanser formulated for your skin type. Oil or gel cleansers work well as part of a glass skin regime as they effectively remove environmental pollutants from the pores but don’t strip the skin’s natural oils when used daily. A double cleanse (cleansing your face twice) works best for thoroughly cleaning the skin. For your second cleanse, a foaming cleanser such as CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser works well.
Step 3: Exfoliation
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and blockages from the pores, revealing the newer, more radiant skin cells beneath. This also allows moisturising products to be better absorbed. To avoid irritation or creating tightness in the skin, it is recommended to exfoliate only once or twice per week. Use a gentle chemical exfoliator such as Neogen Dermalogy Real Cica Pad.
Step 4: Use a Toner
Toners help to reduce pore size, restore the pH (acid mantle) of the skin after cleansing to avoid irritation or tightness of the skin. They also help further products such as serums to be better absorbed. Avoid toners containing alcohol or witch hazel to avoid drying out the skin, which is the opposite of what the glass facial seeks to achieve.
Step 5: Try an Essence
Essence products are water-based products that add moisture to the skin. They are becoming popular with the K-beauty trendsetters as they deliver potent ingredients to the skin for anti aging, hydrating, healing and soothing properties that make them suitable for almost all skin types. One product well recommended is Then I Met You The Giving Essence.
Step 6: Hydrate with Serums
This step is about applying serums tailored to your specific skin needs to actively improve the skin’s condition and appearance through greater hydration. Serums containing Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Hyaluronic Acid will all be effectively absorbed by skin that has now been thoroughly cleansed and exfoliated. Some products have been formulated to combine the most useful active ingredients such as Peach & Lily’s Glass Skin Refining Serum which is great for oily or acne prone skin, whereas The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is a natural oil that is greater for drier skin types.
Step 7: Lock in moisture with a moisturiser with SPF
Seal in the benefits of your chosen serum or oil, using a high quality moisturiser. One product highly recommended for glass skin results is Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturiser as it is quickly absorbed into skin but leaves it feeling supple without any sticky or oily residue. Moisturisers which contain SPF benefits are great as an all-rounder to also help protect skin from the effects of sun damage, otherwise be sure to apply an SPF with a protection factor of 15 or above at least once daily.
Step 8: Weekly Maintenance with Masks
Once a week you want to use an exfoliating mask such as one formulated with 10% glycolic acid and around 1% salicylic acid. Alternatively a clay mask works well to deeply cleanse the skin. This works well for those prone to oilier skin or blemishes, but is equally kind to dry or sensitive skin to shed dead skin cells and keep the skin feeling smooth. You’ll also want to follow this with a once weekly hydrating face sheet mask such as Original Glow Sheet Mask is great to leave skin feeling plumped, fresh and radiant.
Natural steps to achieve glass skin from the inside out include:
Avoid excessive sun exposure.
Eat blueberries which are high in anthocyanins which are high in antioxidants and avocados which are high in oleic acid which are a healthy fat that helps fight inflammation. Eating cold water fish such as salmon or tuna which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids are also great for maintaining healthy skin.
Drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, smoking and environmental pollution will also help keep skin looking its best.
Regular sleep is essential for skin renewal and avoiding dull skin or dark circles undereye.
Learn the essential skills to work in skincare, providing therapeutic treatments to your clients (and earning up to £100 per treatment) with our Accredited Courses…
The latest nail trend for 2025 is soap nails – a minimalist manicure suitable for all nail clients! Enough to make even the most steadfast stiletto nail fan turn to a more natural look! But what is this trend and how can you achieve it?
Soap nails are a natural nail look combining a glossy top coat over a barely there pink or nude polish tone. The look can be achieved using traditional polish or gel polish. For added nail strength, you can even use builder in a bottle gel to help encourage natural nail growth.
This look has evolved from the popular ‘milky nail’ trend popular at the end of 2024, which used white or neutral tones. This gentle ballet pink look for soap nails is about giving the impression of healthy natural nails with the wet gloss of soap bubbles.
The look can be achieved using popular nail shades such as OPI Bubble Bath, OPI Put it in Neutral, Orly Rose Coloured Glasses, Essie Ballet Slippers or OPI Rosy Future.
Learn to create beautiful glossy nails with our popular nail courses, suitable for complete beginners. Gain an ABT Accredited diploma allowing you to work from home or mobile offering your nail treatments. Or simply learn the skills to save on salon costs, pamper your own nails or those of friends / family!
Want to take your soap nails to the next level? How about a short, square Russian manicure?
Russian manicure involves use of an electrical nail drill (e-file) to carefully refine and perfect the nail shape and surface for a longer lasting, flawless manicure finish. Combining this with precision gel polish application, that applies the colour to behind just the usually visible nail plate surface to give the appearance that the colour is growing with the nail for an edge to edge, high shine colour result. Nails trends have driven popularity of more natural nail shapes, with shorter and square or squoval looks becoming hugely popular on the catwalks and among celebrities.
Russian manicure techniques work so well when applying a French polish finish, or combine trends with a milky or soap manicure shade to finish!
Learn the skills to provide a longer lasting, high quality Russian manicure with our IPHM Accredited online course…
It is a question we’re often asked – we’d say it is probably better! And we’ll explain why…
Brow lamination works in harmony with your existing natural brows pulling unruly brow hairs into line for perfectly uniform, thicker looking brows.
Brow lamination is non-invasive with no ‘healing’ time unlike microblading. Any mild redness (erythema) you may see from shaping using wax which is commonly offered as part of a brow lamination service, usually subsides within 2-4 hours.
Brow lamination results last 2-8 weeks depending on a few factors, this means you get the benefit of fuller looking brows but with the flexibility as results drop to be able to change your brow look as fashion (and personal taste) dictates. Microblading results are semi-permanent lasting 1-3 years, with fade out results varying hugely.
Brow lamination is suitable for all hair and skin types – unlike microblading which isn’t best suited to those with oily skin (results fade quicker) or dry / sensitive skin conditions (healing can be slower and give uneven results).
What is Brow Lamination?
Brow lamination uses a 3 step chemical process using similar products to lash perming. Firstly brows are cleansed and set into desired place, some use a brow ‘glue’ to hold the shape while products are applied. A perming solution is then applied to temporarily relax and straighten the brow hairs. Next a setting solution is used which fixes the brows into an upright position making them appear longer, darker and fuller. At this stage the brows can be tinted as desired to further darken brow hairs and even the skin to ‘fill’ any gaps in growth. Brows can now be shaped using wax, threading, trimming and/or tweezers to create the perfect shape and definition. Lastly a nourishing serum is used to condition the brow hairs and give glossy brow results. You must keep brows dry for 24 hours following treatment to avoid reversing the lift result.
Treatment typically takes no longer than 30 minutes and gives results which can last 2-8 weeks depending on the client. There is no ‘healing’ time, beyond any mild redness that may result from shaping the brows with wax, which usually subsides in 2-4 hours. The treatment is completely pain free, some clients may have mild tingling due to greater skin sensitivity to the lift products but this isn’t common. A patch test is carried out 24-48 hours prior to treatment to minimise the risk of allergic reaction to products too.
What is Microblading?
Microblading is essentially a semi-permanent tattoo, using a handheld blade tool filled which ink which makes a small scratch with each stroke on the skin and applies the ink into the skin. This creates hair like strokes that can be built up to create greater definition to the existing brow shape or to fill in areas of lacking hair growth.
The treatment can be painful, especially if you have a low pain threshold. It can take 3-4 weeks for complete skin healing with some scabbing or peeling usually showing around 7-14 days post-treatment. You need to keep the area dry for up to 10 days for optimal healing.
Over time and skin renewal, the results will fade. Touch up is typically required every 1-3 years (varies significantly depending on your skin type, age, colour chosen and many other factors like sun exposure). As the pigment fades out, the hair strokes can become blurred or give a ‘blocky’ look to the brows. Some people experience greater red or blue tones as the results fade too which is undesirable. Those with sensitive or dry skin conditions like eczema can have uneven healing results that require correction. Those with oily skin will typically see fading more quickly and require more frequent touch ups.
Even once the result has fully faded after 3-5 years, pigment can still be present which can make it difficult to radically change your brow shape or can become evident as the brows naturally thin with age leading to correction being required and long term commitment to always having microbladed brows. It is therefore vital to ensure you want to commit to this and find a reputable technician whose results you can see before booking, to ensure you get the results you desire long term.
Considerations for a Therapist
You may be deciding between what brow training to complete – should you go for microblading training or simply brow lamination? Some considerations you may like to consider:
For microblading you will usually need to register with your local council environmental health for proper ‘sharps’ disposal arrangements.
Many insurers will not cover microblading due to the more invasive nature of the treatment and risks of bloodborne disease. This is worth considering, despite the use of PPE being available – there is always a small risk from providing these treatments. All leading insurers will cover brow lamination treatments.
You will need to complete specialist training to offer microblading which can be expensive and will require a degree of natural flare to achieve high quality results. You will also usually need several willing models to achieve your certificate, plus lengthy periods of practice which can be hard to source. For brow lamination this can be learnt in just 1 day – after which you can get insured to start offering and earning from your treatments.
Microblading treatments can take 1-4 hours to deliver limiting your earning potential. You usually have to also factor in check ups and retouching appointments, which many technicians provide for free, as part of the initial treatment fee. Microblading is a big investment for most clients and repeat treatment is not usually needed for 1-3 years. For brow lamination this takes typically only 30 minutes with repeat treatment every 2-6 weeks providing you a quick, regular income stream.
Convinced that Brow Lamination training is the right option for you?
Get qualified with our IPHM Accredited Online Course or attend for just 1 day with our ABT Accredited Classroom Course offered at all of our 10 training centre locations nationwide!
Dermaplaning is one the most convenient facial treatments to treat skin imperfections. Using a surgical blade the therapist will remove peach fuzz, reduce the appearance of blemishes and other flaws that could be dulling the complexion.
Dermaplaning can be used alongside other aesthetic treatments allowing products to penetrate much deeper into the skin and achieving an enhanced result, for example the reduction of lines, wrinkles and scars.
The treatment does not use any chemicals and is not invasive, making it safe for majority of clients including pregnant and lactating women.
How does Dermaplaning Work?
The surgical scalpel will gently remove dead skin cells, revealing brighter, fresher and more luminous skin. With continuous treatments it will ensure old and damaged skin cells are removed, creating a healthier skin with a brighter complexion and a smoother appearance.
6 Benefits of Dermaplaning
Removes dead skin cells instantly. Dead skin cells are the number one reason for dull-looking skin. Often more abrasive treatments are used to remove the dead skin cells such as microdermabrasion. Dermaplaning treatment removes dead skin cells by exfoliating them away, revealing the youthful skin underneath.
Say Goodbye to Peach Fuzz. Removing the vellus hair or peach fuzz will reveal smoother skin. The hairs hold onto dirt and oil all which can trigger breakout activity or acne. Removing this hair ensures make up application is cleaner and sharper and also products penetrate deeper into the skin and you use less products!
An All in One Treatment Dermaplaning can help with lots of skin problems. This includes improves a dull complexion, facial hair and uneven skin tone. Dermaplaning is a painless treatment with minimum downtime, making it a go to treatment!
Instantly Smoother Skin. Dermaplaning will provide an instant result! After just 1 session skin will look brighter and feel smoother.
Its Non-Invasive and Safe for Mums-to-be! Dermaplaning is an effective treatment that is safe for both pregnant and breast feeding women (subject to no underlying health conditions being present).
Enhance Natural Beauty. After a few treatments of dermaplaning skin will be brighter, look fresher and outbreak activity will be reduced as it helps to keep skin dirt and oil free and also restores skin health and maintains a more youthful appearance.
Dermaplaning costs from £40 upwards for a 45 minute treatment depending on your demographic area so you can easily boost your earnings with these popular skincare treatments!
Start your journey into aesthetics with our ABT accredited training course:
What are French Tips and why are they so popular? The style of the French Tip dates back to the 1930s and gained their iconic name in Hollywood in the 1970s by Jeff Pink, the creator of the French Manicure. The French Manicure was created to help screen actors speed up the process of wardrobe changes. The French Tip is a simple yet elegant style of nail, suitable for everyday wear and special occasions, making it a very practical yet fashionable choice!
A French Tip is traditionally a nude nail with a white tip. Today, the French Manicure has been modernised with the addition of colour and glitter! Due to its popularity, this is an essential treatment in any spa or salon. Nail technicians will be able to charge between £25-£50 for this treatment. These nails are durable, long-lasting and practical, and remain incredibly stylish today!
A hot stone massage is a popular treatment that offers tranquility and serenity. It uses warm basalt stones, and works on energy points located on the body, helping us to rebalance. The heat from the basalt stones permeates through the clients skin, aiding in relaxation.
The benefits of a hot stone massage include: improved sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, boosted immunity, relieves symptoms of autoimmune diseases, amongst many more. The heat of the stones can soothe tense muscles and alleviate pain, while also decreasing the effects of cancer symptoms. This is an essential treatment in any holistic salon or spa. A therapist can charge £60-£75 per hour for this type of luxury treatment.
Are you currently a salon business owner? Or renting a room somewhere? Looking at new treatments to add to your menu but feeling overwhelmed and at a loose end? Why not try something different and become a tutor! Gain a qualification in teaching, get your courses accredited, and be insured as a teacher. Start teaching the subjects you love, to inspire the next generation of Beauty Therapists.
There are many benefits to becoming a Beauty Tutor, these benefits include: a better work-life balance, improved IT and marketing skills and setting your own schedule. This option is also less physically demanding on the body, if you are a therapist looking to reduce your treatments. There is always a huge demand for these training courses within the beauty industry. You can start your own training business, design your accredited courses and move completely online!
There are plenty of hair extensions out there, from tape in to nano ring! It’s recommended to do your research and find out what best suits your needs. Hair extensions can be used for glamour, but they are also very practical! They are an absolute lifeline for some people suffering with hair loss, and can look very natural.
There are various factors than can effect the price of a treatment, including the length of hair, what type of extensions are being used, and if it is a first visit or a refit. Sessions can range from £250 and up, per appointment, so, from a business point of view, it is a great treatment to offer in your salon!
Brow Lamination is one of the most popular semi-permanent brow treatments in the industry. You can do it yourself at home, or offer it as a treatment in your salon. The treatment consists of setting the hair in a desired shape. This technique is perfect for people with gaps in their brows or unruly hairs! It gives the eyebrows a very sleek appearance by brushing the hairs upwards. The treatment can last up to 6 weeks, and are normally charged at £30-£50 per session. It is important that you choose high quality products to ensure the best results. As a qualified beautician, you can offer these treatments in your own salon.
Brow Lamination is one of the most popular semi-permanent brow treatments in the industry. You can do it yourself at home, or offer it as a treatment in your salon. The treatment consists of setting the hair in a desired shape. This technique is perfect for people with gaps in their brows or unruly hairs! It gives the eyebrows a very sleek appearance by brushing the hairs upwards. The treatment can last up to 6 weeks, and are normally charged at £30-£50 per session. It is important that you choose high quality products to ensure the best results. As a qualified beautician, you can offer these treatments in your own salon.
How does this compare to other brow treatments? Brow lamination is a very affordable treatments, and is often chosen because it is not permanent. If you are looking for something less invasive, a brow lamination is the perfect solution! It is safe and pretty much painless. If you wanted to explore the world of brow treatments, a brow lamination is a great place to start. It appeals to a large audience due to its beautifully uniform look.
Ensure you are using high quality products that will be kind to your hair and skin. Aloe vera gel can be used to nourish the hair and the area you are treating. Trim and tweeze the brows to your desired shape, and then apply a cleanser, followed by the adhesive and comb the hair upwards. Apply the perming lotion and leave on for the recommended time. Clean the brows and apply a nourishing lotion to the area once again. and there you have it, perfect, easy brows!
An effective skincare regime can help your skin to look healthy, youthful and radiant. Daily skincare can aid in preventing breakouts, sun damage and reduce the appearance of aging and pigmentation. The skin is our largest organ, so it is imperative that we look after it. A basic skincare routine should include a cleanse, tone, exfoliate and moisturise. However, introducing serums, oils and masks are great too, and remember to always use your sun protection! If we are not regularly looking after our skin, this can lead to acne, hyperpigmentation and age spots! It is important to be well equipped with the science and knowledge regarding our skin, so we know how to look after it!
Your morning versus evening skincare routine: This will depend on the products you are using. Products that make your skin photosensitive should be applied in the evening. Exfoliation should be done in the evening as well, to remove all the dirt and grime from the day. Relaxing night oils and serum containing meditative ingredients, such as lavender, can be used at night time to encourage sleep. Your morning routine should always consist of your UV protection, even during the winter season, as there is still harmful ultraviolet radiation even when its cold and wet. It is important to keep the skin feeling plump and hydrated during the colder months as well, this could include using a hydrating serum and drinking plenty of water!
Here are some helpful tips and techniques when thinking about your skincare! When applying products such as cleansers, oils, serums and moisturisers, it’s always a good idea to perform a massage movement over the skin, this helps the products so be absorbs deeper into the different layers of the skin. Choose a morning and evening skincare regime that suits you and your lifestyle. A complicated routine could soon become too time consuming, meaning you will lack motivation in your skincare. Too many products could overwhelm the skin, causing breakouts and blemishes. Starting off with a simple regime, and building this up is always a good place to begin if you are new to the world of skincare!
The colder months are edging closer and more clients may be looking to pamper their feet either to return skin and nails to tip-top condition after a summer of sandals; or they may be looking ahead to party season! Many treatments include heat as part of the pampering service, which are also great for joints and relaxation in the colder months. We cover the top treatments for perfect feet all winter long…
Pedicure with Luxury Aspects
If you’re new to nail or foot treatments, you may wish to begin your learning with our Manicure & Pedicure Course which also covers luxury aspects like mask with heated booties and use of warm paraffin wax to help soften and relax the feet. You’ll also learn to improve the condition of the nails with cutting, filing and cuticle work included in the course.
Hot Rocks Pedicure
The ultimate in relaxation and pampering, this treatment combines the use of warmed basalt stones (hot stones) to help improve absorption of nourishing products and to relax aching joints. The warming sensation also helps boost blood and lymph flow to encourage healthy skin and nails.
E-File Pedicure
Cut down your treatment times both for convenience for your clients but also to boost your earnings, introduce the use of e-file into your pedicures. Not only does use of e-file give impressive results on areas of hard or callused skin on the feet, but it is also very comfortable for clients (no more scratchy foot rasps)! An ideal treatment for anyone who offers nail services or even for holistic therapists / reflexologists to add-on to their foot treatments.
Gel Polish
Finish your foot treatments with a long lasting, high shine polish. Learn to provide gel polish treatments to keep clients happy for weeks and have them coming back to you regularly for maintenance (gel polish requires professional removal after 2-3 weeks).
Our accredited courses will allow you to learn the skills to be able to offer a full range of pedicure services to meet the needs of your clients. All courses are fully insurable on completion allowing you to start your own beauty business or add the treatments into your existing business.
