The certificate that i got from my course allowed me to get insurance, although i would never practise on the public unless i had further training no doubt that others that have done the same course as me would

Good for you, but some don't think like that. I have seen people do a oneday course and then set up in business. (education has stopped there) Obviously the business hasn't lasted but many people become wary of having their nails done.

I just don't know how people have the confidence to do that!

I now am having to go back to square one as regards to training because college don't reconise my certificate, its really annoying as well because i spent loads of money doing the course. But looking back now i should've done more research.

If you go to Forums and then tutorals and articles, there is a great article in there about what to look for in a training course.

There is loads of information on here, take some time and read to your hearts content.

You will probably find that every question you could ever think of has been asked and answered but if not then ask away.

Training is what separates the die hard, passionate, industry loving techs from the "computer says no" type who just go through the motions, and it shows to the clients, maybe not at first, but they know! JMHO

Vickypoll - this is where we all started, and me, I'm still there! Don't give up, I have learned so much being on here. As for the nail lingo, I learned not just from my training, but also reading - there's loads of resorces like Nailclass, Encylopedia of Nails and tonnes more. Don't feel that cos you're new your not good enough to talk to - PM me if you'd like anytime

Why do you feel you don't belong here? Is it because you're not trained yet?
If that's the case then you couldn't have come to a better place. This site is extremely helpful to people just like yourself who are either new to the industry or thinking about training etc.

Ofcourse we have an interest in you... I don't know what's made you think this way but on this site we help each other out, regardless of which system is used.
Have you suddenly realised that there's more to being a nail technician than meets the eye and it is infact going to be a lot harder than you first imagined?

Stick around Vicky, make good use of the articles and tutorials, read, read and read some more, there's a heck of a lot of great information on the site, aswell as a heck of a lot of helpful technicians who will guide you and advise you...
and the best part is, IT'S FREE!!!

this is why there needs to be tougher laws

to stop this sort of thing happening time and time again

Just wondering how many geeks are on this site...why isn't mandatory to provide copy's of our diploma's when we first register?? Wouldnt that prevent this kind of problem and frustration?

I myself ask some questions sometimes (ok I asked many questions!!) and am beiing ask if I took training...everytime I just want to scan my freakin diplomas and use it as an avatar!! (I might just do that!)

I think we all agree that not having the proper training that comes with a professional career is just plain stupid, and more stupid, or I should say Naive, are the people who give their money to those supposed techs! I would like to make myself into a dentist...I will start pulling teeth tomorrow!! I would not get away with it...why...people look for that diploma on the wall of the dentist office...why don't they look for ours??? Not well aware of the dangers of going to a nail salon.

Having that said, If this site is to be open to the general public. then it is a little useless to complain about having Ms. nobody pretend shes a tech.
The problem could be fixed very easily, and many options could apply...

There are over 13,000 members on the site, it would be virtually impossible to ask everyone to provide diplomas and/or certificates.
There would have to be one person (or more) to check out the paperwork, this would take a lot of man-hours and also a lot of money to pay their wages, it just isn't possible as the site is paid for our of Sam's own pocket along with the much needed Premium Geek subscriptions and company advertising banners.
Not only that but it would mean that techs in training and wanna-be techs couldn't take part, there are a heck of a lot of newbie/wanne-be techs on the site and they would miss out on a lot of information if they had to show a diploma/certificvate before being able to register.

Also as we have technicians from all over the World, their diplomas and certificates would all be different - no one would be expected to know what each and every one means.

Also the level of training in each country is different, for example in the UK you do not need to do ANY training whatsoever to become a nail technician - very sad but true. So you can go and buy a pot of gel and any old lamp and call yourself a gel nail technician.

what idiots put smart??

how is it smart not to have training??

would y be smart if u decided 2 b a doctor without training?

would u swim the channel without training? urr no. id like those 3 who did say smart to come fwd and show urseves

Hi ya guys
Just wanted to say it took me years just to pluck up the courage to do the training, so to imagine doing people's nails without the qualifications, is beyond me. These so called Nail Techs are a disgrace to our profession
I have only been qualified a year and it still worries me that there is so much to learn It'll take me forever, but I stride on.
Anyway a big hand to all of us real professionals
Cath xxx

Education and training makes a smart technician.

No education and no training makes a stupid technician.

to the people who voted for smart,as fiona or sandi said they are sticking thier fingers up at true professionals who are willing to learn,and learn,and learn!!

Whew what a whopper of a debate
I initially got a bit scared because I'm new at doing acrylics
and I think its because when you are new you tend to think things like OMG what if Ive done something wrong ?
and then I thought
(ooo I bought my trainer hand and practice nails off eBay ) should I dive for cover now?

Anyway I remembered that I have my Manicure and pedicure IHBC which comforted me a little,

but just because I have my mani and pedi certificate does not make me any better at applying acrylic or gel nails .

But may I say without mentioning any names (as its a small world )
I wanted to further my training so I paid for quite an expensive Acrylic and powder training course and although it taught me some things
in theory ,
I was honestly bitterly disappointed with the nail practice I was taught,
I was disgusted at the amount of times she drew blood and sliced into and beyond the cuticles with a file, (quite deepish too.) honestly my bottom cringed
I was so glad she didn't file on my nails.

Then my nail buddy for the day who was also learning, (another one the teacher drew blood on )got all huffy because I told her I didn't want the blood stained file used on on me!
So she turned it upside down and declared ,"well I'm not throwing it away I only just bought it",
And the teacher said nothing.

I have my so called certificate but I am not really very proud of it
I have so much more to learn . and I would not dream of charging clients until I have perfected my techniques to a quality standard , It looks like I wont be happy until I have Re trained with Creative and then Bio or Calgel when I can afford it.
until then I still love to learn and play with my products and ask you guys things,

And I have learned such a lot from all you nail geeks: Geeg , JDs, blossom, loobyloo, nail zoo guy, little pink fairy Val , custom colour blending
and loads of others who's posts I have read (thanks guys for sharing )

I am sure all the other genuine newbies appreciate all you guys giving us so much info you must repeat yourselves so much.

I can understand that all you want in return is for newbies to be training or heading towards it as soon as finances allow .
Am I right in saying you get angry because the thought of training has not even crossed some peoples minds?
but the money is still crossing their palms because they charge ?
and they are picking your brains to do this?

If so I can well understand