Nail tech Aspirations! Help really appreciated x

[Mrs Axl Rose]

Hello-My names Julie and I've been reading this site a lot recently- it has been invaluable in helping me make career decisions- I've found out so much from all the professionals here and would like to say a huge thank you! Your knowledge amazes me!
I'm a mother of 2, working part time at the moment in a job I detest and have finally made the decision to change my future by training in nails. I love using good quality products and seeing the improvments from regular manicures. I find it quite theraputic and like the idea of working for myself and pampering others.
I was looking at going mobile/home based eventually even though that is a long way off yet. i have signed up for the VTCT in nail technology/nail art at my local college. i was hoping this would give me an introduction to the world of nails that i could build on by training with CND/S2? I have phoned and spoken to them for some advice also-they sent me a brochure and explained pricing and content.

I have an interest in the natural nail and would like to be able to give a really good quality manicure and offer shellack polishes. Maybe minx. Do you think that a good foundation for me would be to do the CND natural manicure foundation course(1 day) then shellack training -(which i assume is free if you have a CND certificate and purchase the shellack system)?
i am a little overwhelmed -if i am honnest- about the whole enhancement route-it is something i have never done before. Do you think I could have a decent trade from doing the natural nail only?
I am sorry to go on but i am so confused by all the information-my heads in a spin.
I start college in September if i decide to go ahead with the VTCT which covers mani- acrylics-gels and nail art. OR i could go with the 1 day natural nails course with CND followed by shellack and LOTS of practice!! Opinions on what sounds the best route from others would be a great help!:o

 

[eskimonailtech]

Welcome to the industry!

I had a funny chat with my Shellac trainer today about girls who enter the industry underestimating the talent needed. Don't be one of them!

Natural nail care is a great beginning. But I will note that polishing someone elses nails is very different from your own. And most client's expect top notch polishing. It took me 3 months of 6-8 mani's and pedi's a day, 5 days a week to finally be really good at it. Eventually I could do a french manicure without fixing my whites. Practice, practice, practice.

I personally find acrylic more difficult than gel, but I've been doing gel for 3 years now and only dabbled in acrylic. It also has more of an odour. But I know some tech's who find gel way more difficult.

This is turning into a long-winded post :lol: like usual for me.

I did my first gel training one-on-one and my second gel training in a class-type setting. I was astonished at how the girls expected it to be a breeze and to just be off and running with a business the next week. Uh, no. They don't call it sculpting for nothing. You become an artist. Truly.

Lots of girls break down and give up (which I did during my first go at gels) because they don't look great. But if it was easy, there wouldn't be training. I just started with Shellac though, as I am opening a Spa and think it's fantastic. It's a good medium between gel nails and natural polish. I got the hang of it after my second nail, but I've been in this industry since before I finished high school. So I tend to pick things up quicker.

I'll just point out some things though. Being mobile can be a tough gig. Especially when you're carrying around 20 bottles of nail polish, products, possibly a table, maybe a light, and maybe a UV lamp if you're doing gels. Trust me on this one, it's VERY taxing on your body.

Expect to have your nails look sub-par for months, unless you're that one girl in every training class that picks it up within a few minutes.

Hope this all helps you. Feel free to PM me if you'd like any more advice/info!

 

[Mrs Axl Rose]

Thanks so much for your no nonsense reply-you put into words some of my fears. As i mentionned i have never done enhancements before and after watching some tutorials on here for info I was to put it simply-horrified!! I was wondering what I've let myself in for- I can't imagine ever being able to do it-but then I don't want to start out with a defeatest attitude.i guess if i don't try I'll never know.

I've started looking in more depth into the manicure and polish application since I decided to train- JUST to see if i think I am going to be able to up my standards and i can see that a pro is highly skilled. At least I feel that i could work on my polish skills but enhancments are a different ball game-i was guessing it was a skill you could either do or not.

I don't want to make the wrong decision as at my age all of these courses at college cost me money and i can't afford to make an expensive mistake. Still-i know noyone can guide me with that-its up to me. I've ordered some of the recommended books and am constantly researching. I think i will switch my tactics after reading your post to practising my polish application -inspiring at least that you were able to improve your skills.
I might keep a photographic record to mark any improvments i make (if any) LOL!!

I am guessing that i will do the course and see just how good or bad i am at different things. At least then i know if its worth me pursuing a CND course. I still think I want to do natural nails though but maybe thats just the fear of the unknown!!

 

[eskimonailtech]

You can learn to create great gel nail enhancements if you want to put in the practice. It takes longer than learning to polish.

You should always start with a manicuring class. Thats your foundation.

 

[Mrs Axl Rose]

They seem to try and cram an awful lot into 1 course- I like the way CND split it up.

 

[eskimonailtech]

Well I did my original mani and pedi course in high school cosmetology and then did my first gel course before i graduated with NSI and did another mani, pedi and LCN gel nails course while becoming an Esthetician so it's kind of in my blood you could say :lol:

Once you learn the process of a mani and pedi, it gets repetitive and you get into the swing of it.

artificial nails can be a different story. took me almost 2 years to finally get it perfect.