Hi! Does your Level 2 Beauty Therapy course include nail enhancements? I thought it only covered manicure and pedicure and possibly gel polish application as an add on?
You probably won't want to hear this, but I'd honestly wait until you are well into your nail enhancement training before you invest in too many products or attempt nail enhancements on anyone other than models on your course. Presumably you'll have a kit on your course and your college/educator should provide anything else to start with. There is a lot of very important A&P to learn and understand and the correct methods of application before you start applying hard gel, L&P (acrylic) gel polish etc to willing guinea pigs. You could damage their nails or cause an allergic reaction and you wouldn't be covered by insurance if you aren't qualified.
All that said, its great that you are already researching and it's still definitely worth going to Olympia and having a good look to get some ideas.
Also, if you haven't already, take advantage of the search facility on here as you'll get lots of ideas and tips about brands for when your ready - and join Facebook groups too. - When I was looking to introduce. A new brand I searched on here first for recommendations, then narrowed it down and joined their Facebook groups, followed them for a while and then made my choice (I actually went for 2 new brands in the end as they each offered different things!)
I would also strongly recommend reading all the posts about nail uv/LED lamps and allergies so you are well informed from the start. Colleges and educators can be a little vague in this area!
There are many excellent brands out there and it can be very daunting to choose. Personaly I would stick to the professional brands and buy directly from them or their authorised distributors. Choose a brand who provide excellent support, customer service and training. X