Hi all, I'm new so apologies if this is in the wrong place!
I've decided to finally go it and become a nail technician, and start a Nail Services NVQ2 at college next week.
I'm a complete beginner and wonder if anyone can give me any advice, or what to expect etc? Thanks in advance

Expect (I hope) to enjoy yourself and to learn shed loads.
Expect to do allot of reading and research and homework.
Expect to do allot of practice.
Expect problems along the way but remember that ALL problems are solvable.

I think it is more important to know what not to expect.

Don't expect nails to be quick or an easy ride to making easy money .. it isn't.

Don't expect to learn the skills overnight. You won't.

Don't expect it to take less than one year to feel confident in your work.

Don't expect that your NVQ is a passport to nail brilliance .. the NVQ is a MINIMUM qualification and it is only the start of your learning; it covers the basics and no more. It is by no means the end and is in fact just scratching the surface.

Good Luck with it.

Just to add dont expect to be rich

Why not?

There are plenty of folks making a terrific living out of nails (I was one of them and I know plenty who still are) ... it is perfectly possible to get rich doing nails ... there are just allot of people doing nails half heartedly and part time and as a hobby that will never get rich from it. But for the dedicated person who has some business sense along with some talent and the support of family it is perfectly possible. It all depends on the effort one gives to it and how smart one is. A little luck along the way always helps too.

I agree, I would say I've done not bad for myself over the years

But it did take time to get to that stage x

I meant at first, should have made that more clearer

I really don’t know about getting rich.. I mean, it would be not bad at all but let’s face it: you have only two hands and only so many hours in a day.. I cannot imagine how much one has to charge to become rich. Maybe it’s different where you are.

I enjoy doing nails and it’s my only occupation at the moment but I personally don’t expect to ever get rich as a nail-tech.
Perhaps, if you manage to some other levels of proficiency and are lucky.. ))

Thanks for all the replies! I'm definitely not expecting to make lots of money lol, I'm more interested in a job that I enjoy doing, and I'm looking forward to learning something new. I'm rather worried I'll be in a roomful of 16yr olds who will all pick it up quickly and I'll be struggling lol.
Is there anything that I should look into or be expected to know about before I start?

Apart from the knowledge you need to learn .. Technique is everything and it is allot to take in so I suggest you purchase a copy of 'nailclass' by gigi rouse available from Sweet Squared 08452106060 or HABIA. It will be your constant companion and a teacher by your side when you need it.

I second that !!
Nailclass is like a bible to any naitech

Familiarising yourself with basic nail anatomy isn't a bad idea and get youself a copy of Nail Class by Gigi Rouse ( invaluble).
You will probalby be given a chance to go to a beauty show with the college...whatever you do STAY AWAY from the sparklies and preetys, you'll end up buying junk you'll never use .

Use this site for info...there is a wealth of knowladge on here.
Don't be afraid of asking questions,even if you think they sound daft...you don't ask, you don't find out.

Expect to have to go on further courses after you've completed this course and don't go for the 'cheap' options...you get what you pay for.

Expect to learn something new with each set of nails you do...even years down the line

Oh expect to be bitten by the nail bug

Have fun and good luck.