***** wow, a one day course and they/you thought you could do nails?
Am glad you didn't give up.

I have done nails for 14 yrs now.
I did my own for yrs, I like wraps so If I had a break, I would go and have it fixed.
I prefer wrap on a natural nail person. For lots of reasons.

I learned to do it myself.. Have always loved nails and polish.
At the time I was going to go back into the work force.. my son had turned 10 and I wanted to get out of the house ( had been a stay at home mom/wife), I chose nails.

( now I would encourage everyone going into the business to take a full cosmetology course.. then specialize)

At the time state certification was 120 hrs, Theory, classroom/tests, hands on and sanitation.
I believe I still have the highest final test score at the school 198 out 200.

I have worked at days spas, nail salons, full service salons.. I started Nailtechs Networking the Internet.. a gathering of nailtechs from around the world, in Orlando Florida - Premiere show. Doing seminars, the event/breakfast, networking.
I brought together the nailtechs from all over the world.. to Orlando and the companys who they purchase from.
Extremely successful and goes on today every Premiere show!

Many of the well known mega nail business's featured their newest products of the season at Nailtech Networking the Internet Events.

I was able to freelance for Nails and Nailpro as well as nailbiz magazines.
Mentor and travel with in the USA.

I believe the thing I am most known for is the Nailtech Network event.

I loved doing gel nails.. love doing wraps.. tollerate doing acrylics, but...only if I must!
I prefer to do natural nails any day.
Give me a manicure or pedicure and am a very happy nailtech.. and yes I can make as much doing a mani/pedi and be so much happier!

I now own my own nail business.. and do it part time.

Remember I did 120 hrs to be licensed
Now my state of Florida requires 240 hr class to be licensed to do nails. I think it should be raised to 400- 600 hrs.

This is my opinion..and I know education is important ( trust me I think everyone should take extra classes yearly) but taking a class and getting a certificate.. doesn't seem like enough .. to be a Nailtech.

If you were "educated" as above.. I can understand why you would be confused and feel uninformed. It would be like feeding you to the wolves, after buttering u up! lol

Requiring at least 25 hrs in continuing education per yr and 25 hrs hands on / sets of nails/ 25 hrs manicures/pedicures hands on. Maybe more!

Thank you for "listening"
Karol




Sue x[/quote]

I did the 400 hour course in the USA. I learned a great deal of chemical and physiology/anatomy. I also was taught all aspects of nail treatments from enhancements to the spa manicure. We were also taught pedicures and all the physiology and anatomy for feet and legs. After passing all the college courses I then had to go to the State Board and do another exam which if you pass you are issued a license to practice. Then the State Board will come around the salons and make sure your practising to code cuz if your not you will be fined and if your fined allot then you will loose your license. I trained at a private for profit college that happened to use CND products. I have been in the trade for 24 years and every year I still do my Continual Professional developement. I am in the SW of England and it is sometimes difficult to get to the course because they are mostly pretty far away.
I'm all for college instruction.

I'm just starting my course, Yesturday was my first day! I't was all theory but loving it already!!
First part of the course goes for 6 weeks, 3 days a week. Second part (management etc.) goes for 3 weeks, 2 days a week. I think we are using IBD products.
It is done at a Beauty College, so i chose College Course

I started with a college course covering all the basics, manicure,pedicure & technology. We did all the systems,then i carried on with the nail art course. They are all level 2 vtct quals. I have just been on the 2 day Calgel course & really enjoyed it. It's expensive to train and buy products, but i love it. I much prefer gel to L&P. I have so much to learn but I love doing nails x

I went to a London college 5 day intensive course. As I was totally new to the industry after hitting 40 and wanting to get out of Travel after 20 years, this seemed the way forward. It cost my husband quite a bit and I felt it gave me the basics.. I am still learning and I am looking forward to a conversion with creative..for L & P not sure on other systems as liked L& P seems stronger. I did look at En Vogue at the travel show, seemed impressive as gel goes but decided not to jump in with feet first, plus they seemed new and didn't seem to have many training venues set up. Anyone else know of them?
I was going to try acrygel, but the supplier cancelled at the last minute..due to lack of interest. Maybe this was a blessing in disguise and someone was trying to tell me something. I was refunded however, but very frustrating !
I have found this website helpful ... picking everyones' brains.

I did my IHBC through college using Bio Sculpture, but intend to go and do a a workshop - sculpting - at Bio Sculpture as we didn't really do a lot of that, mainly overlays and tips.

I recently completed the NVQ level 2 Nail treatments, I am hoping to go onto to learn gel nails but finding information about good training providers is really hard how do you know your making the right choice about the company and it costs a lot of money im scared to make the wrong decision and regret it, I dont want to continue at college as I felt the tutor didnt know what she was talking about and didnt have enough time to teach us the basics properly. Any one else experienced this can you tell me what you did and what I should do to qualify in gel nails?
Thanks

Laura

Check out the Creative Academy site. If you call them, just to get some information, they are really friendly and helpful.

Creative Nail Academy UK — Nail training at all levels in your area

I have been doing nails for 7 years and my course was 250 hours.....with pretty much the same things anatomy etc.....but they really only trained me to pass the state board...it was a completely different story in the salon.

HI,ALL
I FOUND A BOOK AT HELP ME ALOT.I HOPE IT WILL HELP YOU ALL
Cosmetique Nail Tech Institute (787) 844-8760

Yeah me too but was a 4 day course am going to do a conversion course with nsi or creative but both are quite a way for me to go. plus the nsi charge about £150 to do the conversion then you need to buy your stock so i'm not too sure which i will do yet