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  • Working Safely with Gel & Acrylic Nail Products to Minimise the Risk of Allergic Reaction

    Working Safely with Gel & Acrylic Nail Products to Minimise the Risk of Allergic Reaction

    A BBC report launched on 14th April 2023 highlighted a very important issue for the Beauty Industry around the dangers of products used without correct training or awareness of the ingredients of gel nail products. Understandably the launch of this report has caused panic and concern for many nail technicians, but also for many consumers who regularly receive nail treatments from nail technicians using gel nail products.

    Here at The Beauty Academy, we wanted to address any concerns for those who have trained with us or who are considering training with us within nail technology. We are proud to be a part of ensuring this industry can continue to grow safely, with our courses helping to contribute highly qualified, confident, and knowledgeable Nail Technicians to the UK Beauty Industry.

  • Which nail system is right for my business?

    Which nail system is right for my business?

    Nail treatments are one of the most profitable services you can offer as a therapist, with year round demand and regular client appointments but whether you’re just starting out as a Nail Technician or you’re wanting to increase the services you offer there is so much variety on the market it can be a confusing landscape to navigate. Keep reading to discover the key pros and cons behind popular nail system on the market to support you with making the best decision for your business. Which Nail system is right for me?

    Extensions or Natural Nails?

    A question we receive regularly from therapists starting their careers in Nail Technology is should I invest in extensions or focus on the natural nail? The plus side of training in extension systems is that a lot of systems can now be used with and without traditional tips. With many products providing the option of forms to extend the nail or a simple overlay on the clients natural length. Extensions are a profitable treatment if you have the clientele, with treatments ranging between £25-£50 a service, they also need regular maintenance so a good option if you’re looking for ways to increase client return footfall.

    Acrylics

    One of the more traditional methods for nail extensions, Acrylics are still regarded a well loved favourite of Nail technicians. Hard wearing and long lasting they reign supreme in the longevity category, although they loose on the odour front! It’s essential to remove Acrylics correctly, educating clients on the need to revisit the salon for remove is vital for the health of the nails. Acrylics can be used with tips or forms to extend the natural nail. Average cost £25-£50 per set depending on the type of finish the client is requesting.

     

     

    UV Gel Extensions

    Many favour the ease of UV Gel Extensions, quick to apply and self levelling, UV Gel extensions are a great alternative to Acrylics if you want durable nails without the odour. Although they’re not as hard wearing as Acrylics you will still get a couple of weeks out of a set of Gels. Again they can be used with tips or forms. Costings are comparable to Acrylics between £25-£50 a set.

     

     

    Other options that have gained a huge following from clients and therapists a like is Builder Gel in a bottle and Polygel systems, you may have seen multiple posts on socials promoting the benefits of these treatments and there is good reason for this..  They’re amazing! Easy to use, versatile and offer a natural look with the benefit of lengthening natural nails they are definitely worth the hype.

    The advantage of Gel in a bottle over traditional tub based gel products is the speed and ease at which they can be applied to give additional strength to natural nails. They are a soak-off product so much easier to remove than traditional buff off builder gel products. The Average price for a set is £35.

    Poly Gel is a revolutionary invention in the nail industry for those of you looking for a product with literally no heat spikes, practically odourless and with significantly less dust during removal. There are no monomers, no mixing, and no ratios needed! It’s extremely mouldable and easy to use, great to speed up treatment timings. The average price for Polygel around £50 a set

    Gel Polish 

    Due to the longevity and high-gloss finish, this treatment is particularly popular all-year round. A perfect option if you’re starting out and are looking for a system to work on the clients natural nail. Since Gel polish started it’s boom in the industry most salons have turned their backs on traditional nail polish for their manicure and pedicure services and have instead opted for this longer lasting instant drying alternative! Treatments on average are £25-£30.

    What now?

    All that’s left to do now is getting learning! Enrol for our Accredited Online Nail Courses from only £99 or book a classroom course from only £199 for live training with our expert tutors.

  • Should I invest in an E-file?

    Should I invest in an E-file?

    Searching for ways to speed up your Nail services? E-filing tools can be a great additional to the majority of Nail treatments, saving you precious time for remove and prep work! If you’re looking for more information on E-filing, look no further! In today’s blog we’ll be sharing the benefits and uses of E-filing and how to get the most out of these tools.

    What is E-filing?

    An e-file is an electric tool that nail technicians use to substitute the use of a hand file. It is used to prepare natural nails, shape product, and remove product from the nail. Most e-files will have a base with a motor and a hand piece that connects to a cable. Some e-files need to be plugged in but some you can charge, which is great if you are a mobile technician. Just like the different grits of a hand file, an e-file has different bit that do different parts of your nail service.

    Does price matter?

    There are many variations of e-files that different companies offer; this will be reflected in the price you pay for it.  When looking into E-files it’s important to do your research. The cheaper e-files generally have a motor that is a little less powerful than more expensive ones. Most e-files will run at a maximum speed of between 20,000 and 30,000 RPM (rotations per minute), you will never need to use your e-file at these speeds. They have a maximum speed so that you never need to run the motor at its full capacity. This ensures your motor will not burn itself out.

     

    Benefits of E-filing 

    There are many benefits to using an e-file in your nail services.

    The backwards and forwards motion involved in hand filing can cause repetitive strain syndrome in the wrists. This is known as carpel tunnel syndrome, the carpel tunnel inside your wrist swells and squeezes the nerve causing pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand/grip. Many nail techs are forced to retire through developing this.

    Use of an e-file also allows you to provide nail extension treatments more quickly as time can be saved versus use of manual filing, plus traditional nail preparation and nail extension product removal processes alone.

    Results achieved using an e-file can be more even and aesthetically pleasing versus use of manual methods and filing.

     

    Where can you incorporate into treatments?

    Prep- E-files can be used for cuticle work, nail shaping and buffing!

    Shaping artificial products- For acrylic you need a coarse e-file bit where as Gel you need a medium e-file bit. Most beginners will feel comfortable with the safety bit to start with. As your confidence grows you can move on to the sharp-edged carbide bits.

    Product removal- You can use your e-file to remove product from the nail, which is much quicker than buffing the overlay by hand and eliminates the use of harsh chemicals. When removing product, it is advised to use a similar filing pattern used in the shaping process, this will ensure a clear view of the nail plate.

     

    If you’re thinking of investing in an E-filing tool it’s important that you have the relevant training, many insurance companies will require you to have a separate certificate. We offer accredited in classroom and online E-filing courses to support you will your skills. 

  • An interview with a Nail Technician…

    An interview with a Nail Technician…

     

    Imagining a career change? Or perhaps you’re a well-established Beauty Therapist wanting to specialise? Becoming a Nail technician can be a fulfilling career, both in job satisfaction and income. We’ve interviewed Sarah, a professional Nail Technician, to share the highs and lows of running a successful nail business.

     

    Sarah, how did you decide on a career as a Nail Technician?

    After having my second child I decided I wanted to have a change of direction in my career. I worked as a horse-riding instructor for 8 years and wanted something more flexible for my family, and more creative for myself.

     

    What do you love most about your job?

    I’ve always enjoyed art and I love that I get to use my creativity every day. My favourite thing to do is paint portraits or themed nail art – I love the challenge and the accomplishment of a finished set. Chatting to my clients is also a big bonus!

     

    Have you come across any challenges whilst setting up your business?

    Starting out and setting up a business is probably the hardest part. Building up a client base is slow and can be disheartening, especially when you’re putting all your finances and efforts into building your career. However, it’s important to always believe in yourself and focus on perfecting your technique, the client base will follow.

     

    What are your top ‘go-to’ products and tools in your treatment room?

    My top 3 are:

    The Gel Bottle – the colours are out of this world! I always get compliments on the huge range, and their builder gel (BIAB) is incredible

    Young Nails – I tried several brands for my acrylic and these are my favourite by far. The liquid and powder is so workable and makes a difficult task easy.

    Navy Pro Tools – these are absolute game changers for your nail prep. The quality of the tools is second to none and steps up the standard of finished nail treatments. Prep is such an important part of doing nails so if you’re going to spend money anywhere, spend it on these!!

     

    Any insider tips for someone starting out doing treatments?

    Find a good training centre – This gives you a solid foundation to learn the skill and be successful (I 100% recommend The Beauty Academy)

    Invest in quality products – there are so many brands out there so do your research. Your services will only be as good as the products you use

    Find your niche – there is so much competition out there, you need to find a gap in the market that makes you stand out. It could be a treatment that isn’t offered locally or a skill you’re particularly good at; it could even be something as simple as decor! I’ve had clients choose me because my salon is green and its different!

     

    What aftercare advice do you share for clients to maintain their nails at home?

    2 words – cuticle oil! It is so beneficial in keeping skin and nails healthy and helps nail treatments last. I also recommend wearing gloves for DIY and household chores.. your nails are jewels not tools!

     

    What is the future for nail tech treatments?

    I’ve only been in the industry for about 1 year, but I’ve already noticed a bit shift in what it means to get your nails done. There is a focus now on nail care and keeping your natural nails healthy which is fantastic, and clients are becoming more aware of what is being put on their nails and if it’s done correctly.

    Natural nail overlays are super trendy right now, and I think that will definitely continue.

     

     

    A huge thank you to Sarah for sharing her experiences and tips with us here at The Beauty Academy. 

    Check out Sarah’s Instagram! https://instagram.com/sghnaildesign?utm_medium=copy_link

    If you’ve been inspired by Sarah and would like more information on becoming a qualified Nail Technician, give us a call on 0800 999 2277.