Newbie 1 day training?

SalonGeek

Help Support SalonGeek:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

ohmollymoo

Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2019
Messages
5
Reaction score
2
Location
Hertfordshire
Hi there,

I've just recently completed a one day Manicure with Specialist Hand Treatment and Gel polish course. Am I right in saying that as long as I get insurance I can start charging clients? The course was 8 hours long but I came away thinking I'm not quite sure if it was enough!?

Thanks
 
Yes you can get insurance and start. That's the trouble with 1 day courses, you can leave feeling like that, either do another longer one or read as much as you can, watch as many videos as you can and get as much practice as you can! Get a good text book, something you can keep referring to.
 
Yes you can get insurance and start. That's the trouble with 1 day courses, you can leave feeling like that, either do another longer one or read as much as you can, watch as many videos as you can and get as much practice as you can! Get a good text book, something you can keep referring to.

Thanks, I don't suppose you know of any good textbook recommendations?
 
There's one by Marian Newman called The complete nail technician, I haven't read it personally but it has really good reviews. Also don't know if it's a text book as such but a quick Google should point you in the right direction. Also sometimes courses have reading lists, so you could have a look there.
 
Is this the only training you have completed for nail services or did you do a level 1, 2 or 3 in nails before attending this one day of training?
 
Is this the only training you have completed for nail services or did you do a level 1, 2 or 3 in nails before attending this one day of training?

This is the only day, it was a full day Manicure and gel nail course.
 
This is the only day, it was a full day Manicure and gel nail course.

Have you checked that your certificate from this day course is actually recognised for insurance?

Your instincts that you should put more time into your training is probably correct.
One day, I think, is no where near enough to equip you with the skills to work commercially.

If you compare your 8 hours to say a college student just studying manicure and gel polish units, they would spend about 3 hours per week for 12 weeks. During these 12 weeks they would also be practising on friends and family regularly to become competent. At the end of the 12 weeks they would be assessed on 'real clients' covering a range of nail & skin types, additional treatments, regular polish application and gel polish application & removal. There would also be tests on A&P, contraindications, knowledge & understanding.

There is a lot of competition now everywhere for nails so if you want to make a successful go of it you need to be excellent otherwise you will experience problems with lifting & chipping and your clients will go elsewhere.

Perhaps you should consider your one day as a taster into the world of nails, sorry if my message is harsh but best to be well informed of the realities at the start.
Good luck with your future career though!
 
I absolutely agree with everything CFBS has said.

Your instinct was right and I think it's very unfair that these "training academies" sell 1 day complete beginner manicure and gel polish courses and lead students to believe it's all they need to set up a business and start charging clients
You have been honest and admitted you don't feel it was enough. I definitely think it would be a good idea to look for further, good quality training, but don't be put off as I honestly believe ongoing training is important in the Nail industry. I originally trained (at college) 21 years ago, took a break and then completely re-trained in 2016 ( a LOT had changed!) and I've carried on doing further training courses since. (I'm about to book onto a conversion course for a brand I've actually been using over a year as I feel I would benefit from some tips), so as CFBS said, treat this initial course as an intro into the world of nails!
 
@Beautiful-you @CFBS Thanks for your replies. At this moment in time, I am planning on practising for as long as possible on friends and family, rather than charging actual clients. The course I did is fully insurable, but I am by no means planning on doing this full time/starting up a business initially. Thanks
 
@Beautiful-you @CFBS Thanks for your replies. At this moment in time, I am planning on practising for as long as possible on friends and family, rather than charging actual clients. The course I did is fully insurable, but I am by no means planning on doing this full time/starting up a business initially. Thanks
That sounds like a good idea.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top