Supposed 'fully qualified nail tech' saturation

[Dnx]

I wish I knew how to tap into this plethora of fully qualified nail techs! We went through 60 applicants to find just 2 who could actually 'do' what they are 'qualified' in.

The thing is, there is a VERY similar issue going on right now in the world of photography. People are setting themselves up as a "photographer" simply because they have managed to purchase a Canon/Nikon DSLR for about £500, and the pattern is exactly the same - up pops a website, up pops a Facebook page and up pops a forum profile posting very basic amateur photography and asking for advice on shooting a wedding the following Saturday. And just as in nails, these 'fauxtographers' (as the pros call them) end up disappearing after 12 months when their 'studio' doesn't bring in enough income.

So don't be worried...it's not the death of the nail industry - in any industry the cream rises to the top and charges appropriately, while others think it must be the way the make a quick buck and try to grab a slice of the pie. If anything, these types of people are good for the industry as they enable you to justify your prices to your 'once bitten, twice shy' clients.

Recessions don't finish off healthy businesses or talented people...they just clear the decks of the less skilled and 'not up to scratch' (pardon the pun). That's how I see it!

Indeed - the amount of times I've been told that I have a really 'big' or 'flash' camera and it must take brilliant pictures...sure it does, look I'll show you a trick where I put it down and it photographs all by itself! The amount of mums who have bought a digital camera, bought a website template and set themselves up as pro photographers is laughable, all whilst devaluing the industry. I tend to ignore them now

 

[Balance Andover]

Indeed - the amount of times I've been told that I have a really 'big' or 'flash' camera and it must take brilliant pictures...sure it does, look I'll show you a trick where I put it down and it photographs all by itself! The amount of mums who have bought a digital camera, bought a website template and set themselves up as pro photographers is laughable, all whilst devaluing the industry. I tend to ignore them now

They are in this area too 'all images on CD for £25.00' etc....

 

[classixuk]

They are in this area too 'all images on CD for £25.00' etc....

The thing is (turns on sarcasm) who even needs prints nowadays anyway? Takes so much time and you have to calibrate your monitor and everything. And my friend who spent a fortune on different lenses just looked so awkward changing her lens for each shot. She was mumbling something about wishing she had brought her 'nifty fifty' but would have to make do with her 28-75mm zoom instead. I was like, hunny...my camera came with a lens that does all of them from 25-200 so you don't need to go to all that hassle...and she just looked at me like I was talking crazy!

Sometimes the older ones don't understand that the world has changed and you can fit all them lenses in one big one these days. I tried again to explain this to her on Facebook but she was so rude. She just commented "F Stop!" And we all know what that's polite for, so I will never try and help her again! Hmmmph!

(turns sarcasm off)

 

[Anna Lee]

I do agree with this post actually. I don't think it's the length of time taken to study which should be the marker of what is or isn't a decent nail course or route in and subsequently a decent nail tech. Isn't the CND complete course 4 days only? Yet that is probably one of the best forms of training one could get???? Likewise nvqs can be done from a combination of a few days in a centre and portfolio building from home. I chose this option as I do have children and work commitments. I still got an nvq and it still took several months but much of it was home based.

Surely what makes a decent tech is the level of commitment to ethical and moral practices, hygiene, safety, authentic products, education and knowledge of the nails as well as the ability to produce great looking nails etc NOT just the certificate as we have demonstrated anyone can obtain this?! This is what course providers do not ensure they deliver. It isn't the amount of time, but the course content, the morals and ethics of these providers which isn't being passed on to techs.

Then of course there are salons and individuals who know what they are doing is wrong but simply don't mind as they are making money!

Sorry, not managed to read the whole thread so not able to give opinions but really have to pick up on this one for clarification as it seems like no one has noticed it.

The CND complete for the complete novice is a 14 days course spread over a 2/3 month period. It is NOT 4 days at all.

 

[Ryk]

I can very seriously compare them and so would you if you had any idea of the amount of knowledge and skill that goes into becoming a full service professional nail technician.

If you are basing your comment on thinking that a nail technician is someone who sits and paints nails all day you would be very incorrect. That might be what you do, that might be what many do, but that is not what a professional nail technician does ....... Hence the topic of this thread.

I understand you are a nurse and a beauty therapist. I'm sure that your background makes you a good therapist ... So how do you feel about those who do a one day massage course then a one day facial course and call themselves fully qualified beauty therapists?? It happens ... All the time. Are they on the same level as you are as a therapist? Doesn't it make you irritated ... It does me.

We have taught many nurses over the years, who are amazed at the depth and level of anatomy and physiology when studying a level 3 course . When I was taught advanced A&P whilst doing my HND it was by a Dr ! 😄

 

[jojemac]

Indeed - the amount of times I've been told that I have a really 'big' or 'flash' camera and it must take brilliant pictures...sure it does, look I'll show you a trick where I put it down and it photographs all by itself! The amount of mums who have bought a digital camera, bought a website template and set themselves up as pro photographers is laughable, all whilst devaluing the industry. I tend to ignore them now

Haha my partner says this all the time!! People believe it's the camera that takes the fantastic pictures he takes just because it is worth x amount of £!? Not the fact he's spent years simply researching this industry, taking pictures to build his skills and spending years learning everything he needs to know!! His family even said recently. Can you bring your "good camera" with you to take some nice pictures.... Not can YOU come round and take some nice pictures :/

He is currently trying to build up his wedding portfolio and someone asked for his prices, then refused saying it was ok, they were going to get disposables for the guests instead as they would be much better pictures!?!!?? Seriously *face-palm*

I am doing my Level 3 Nail Technology NVQ and don't regret it at all. I am learning so much! I work as a home carer and even after 6 weeks I am using my knowledge I've learnt to see that clients have fungal infections, blue nail, nail lifting from nail beds and many other contra-indications! Now obviously I am not doing their nails but I would have never have recognised these things before.

 

[Littlemissprim]

Kazzy can I ask your back ground, how long did you train for when you very first started out, was it a full time course for a couple of years

 

[retroruby]

Hi. I am new here. This is my first post. I have been reading this thread and am confused. Do you not have to have a licence over in the UK to do nails, hair and so on? Is there no board that goes after these people doing 1-4 day courses?

 

[skingeek78]

Hi. I am new here. This is my first post. I have been reading this thread and am confused. Do you not have to have a licence over in the UK to do nails, hair and so on? Is there no board that goes after these people doing 1-4 day courses?

It's an interesting situation isn't it Retroruby? :-(

 

[Maz101]

Hi. I am new here. This is my first post. I have been reading this thread and am confused. Do you not have to have a licence over in the UK to do nails, hair and so on? Is there no board that goes after these people doing 1-4 day courses?

To do nails and get insurance you need to do the relevant training, mani/pedi, enhancements etc, which can be one day courses and then you can work mobile or in a home salon.

To work in a salon or rent a nail station in a premises in most boroughs and all across London you need a special treatments licence for the building and to work under that special licence you need a nvq, without the nvq you can't work. Slowly it's being brought to all UK areas. But it's still not enough as people are not always working with the correct training and it's not monitored enough.

 

[retroruby]

To do nails and get insurance you need to do the relevant training, mani/pedi, enhancements etc, which can be one day courses and then you can work mobile or in a home salon.

To work in a salon or rent a nail station in a premises in most boroughs and all across London you need a special treatments licence for the building and to work under that special licence you need a nvq, without the nvq you can't work. Slowly it's being brought to all UK areas. But it's still not enough as people are not always working with the correct training and it's not monitored enough.

Wow. I am really surprised to hear this. I thought it would be the same in the UK as in the US. We have a board of cosmetology in every state. No way would a 1-4 day course work and they would go after you. Many of my friends are surprised to hear how much nail school costs and all that is required to get a licence. They think how can doing nails require so much.

 

[geeg]

Wow. I am really surprised to hear this. I thought it would be the same in the UK as in the US. We have a board of cosmetology in every state. No way would a 1-4 day course work and they would go after you. Many of my friends are surprised to hear how much nail school costs and all that is required to get a licence. They think how can doing nails require so much.

r

Hi and welcome to SalonGeek! Very nice to have you here.

Let me explain about the 4 day thing. Not saying its perfect, by any means, but these start up courses have led to many British women becoming the finest in their field and world renowned.

Now we all know that no one can go out and be immediately productive, safe or earning money after a 3 day course but the smart ones treat these courses as they are ... A foundation on which to build with further courses until master level is reached.

It makes me laugh when people mention NVQ ... Which by the way is a MINIMUM standard only Nd no where near master level so anyone who does their NVQ is by no means finished with their education. It provides a minimum standard to get going just like the short courses. The good ones go on to achieve much more because they know they need to.

This thread was really discussing the ones who finish a short course and are arrogant and ignorant enough to think that that is all there is to it and that they know everything. And pretend to all that they are fully qualified. That is what is happening in Britain at the moment. Hundreds of them are doing it behind closed doors in people's kitchens, using the ironing board for. Table etc. uninsured, not paying taxes. It is fairly rife.

People want nails but want them cheap because what money they have, they spend on cigarettes and eating take away. You have the same in the States ... I know ... I am American and see it all the time. The only difference is that you have state boards ... But state boards do not produce great nail technicians any more than does the NVQ.

What produces great nail technicians is a thirst for more knowledge, more skill and dedication to getting it. They are the ones who make their name in the industry and they are also the ones making the money from discerning clients who appreciate quality and who are willing to pay for that.

 

[foxiirose]

Iv just started my level2 and 3 nail services with a respectable college, which I had already proven myself as being a hard worker through doing my lvl2 beauty through them. (All ITEC nvq's btw) I started looking into these 1- 4 day courses and there is one place round here banging them out that have no accreditation WHATSOEVER! So I thought if they can do that with no regulatory body then who is making sure that they are training in safe and proper practice?! It winds me up that I'v decided to retrain at 28 the right way and there are others who go on these day courses who think they have the same level of experience as me! I know to become fully qualified I'm looking at another 2yrs of courses (in beauty mainly) not to mention the specialised courses for both nail and beauty which I wish to do also. I am planning to work from home, but only to gain experience and save for a salon and I'll have insurance too! x

 

[hazeleyes]

Iv just started my level2 and 3 nail services with a respectable college, which I had already proven myself as being a hard worker through doing my lvl2 beauty through them. (All ITEC nvq's btw) I started looking into these 1- 4 day courses and there is one place round here banging them out that have no accreditation WHATSOEVER! So I thought if they can do that with no regulatory body then who is making sure that they are training in safe and proper practice?! It winds me up that I'v decided to retrain at 28 the right way and there are others who go on these day courses who think they have the same level of experience as me! I know to become fully qualified I'm looking at another 2yrs of courses (in beauty mainly) not to mention the specialised courses for both nail and beauty which I wish to do also. I am planning to work from home, but only to gain experience and save for a salon and I'll have insurance too! x

Good on you! After doing my nvq
I'm scrimping and saving to get enough together to do all the extra training I want to do! I want to do it all now.... But I can't afford it so I have to wait! I think some people want instant gratification for things and in that case the cheap easy course works! Well!

 

[Maz101]

r

Hi and welcome to SalonGeek! Very nice to have you here.

Let me explain about the 4 day thing. Not saying its perfect, by any means, but these start up courses have led to many British women becoming the finest in their field and world renowned.

Now we all know that no one can go out and be immediately productive, safe or earning money after a 3 day course but the smart ones treat these courses as they are ... A foundation on which to build with further courses until master level is reached.

It makes me laugh when people mention NVQ ... Which by the way is a MINIMUM standard only Nd no where near master level so anyone who does their NVQ is by no means finished with their education. It provides a minimum standard to get going just like the short courses. The good ones go on to achieve much more because they know they need to.

This thread was really discussing the ones who finish a short course and are arrogant and ignorant enough to think that that is all there is to it and that they know everything. And pretend to all that they are fully qualified. That is what is happening in Britain at the moment. Hundreds of them are doing it behind closed doors in people's kitchens, using the ironing board for. Table etc. uninsured, not paying taxes. It is fairly rife.

People want nails but want them cheap because what money they have, they spend on cigarettes and eating take away. You have the same in the States ... I know ... I am American and see it all the time. The only difference is that you have state boards ... But state boards do not produce great nail technicians any more than does the NVQ.

What produces great nail technicians is a thirst for more knowledge, more skill and dedication to getting it. They are the ones who make their name in the industry and they are also the ones making the money from discerning clients who appreciate quality and who are willing to pay for that.

So so true..

I love nails, it's my passion and its a way of being creative and arty, I've done loads of courses, I'm doing more in the new year, I'm also doing my nvq, tho already qualified by other companies, but my plan is to hopefully open a place and branch out.

But to me doing the nvq won't make me fully trained.. I'm learning every day, with every client, with every new product and new art idea, so I budget for at least 3 courses per year, I want the best for my clients and that mean a tech that continues their learning, not a tech who thinks I did that course I'm trained and done.

It's too easy in the UK to be able to do nails but saying that, the ones that continue their training, want to produce amazing nails do stand out and that's what I strive for to be the one people want to see, because they were told her work is a1 amazing. Whether it's shellac, enhancements or way out art.

Aim high and then push further it is my motto.

The ones that don't will fall to the wayside

 

[sweetpea321]

Sorry nvq qualified is the only way , im sick of sorting cowboys work out

 

[PaulineM-Mobile]

What are you basing that upon? It is a profession that in order to do properly requires a certain route of qualification...or at least in some places it does still. 3 years where I am actually.

I am basing this on my HND as a Beauty Therapist and my Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Nursing. You can't possibly compare the two.

 

[PaulineM-Mobile]

Good luck with trying to be a hair pro after a short course screwing up someone's hair isn't a pleasant experience, and all of us have done it, even after training for several years!!!

? I don't want to be a hair pro? Confused

I am stating that the knowledge, responsibility, autonomy and the burden of life v.s death are seriously different to being a nail/hair/beauty pro.

.... and I do not condone one day courses.

 

[PaulineM-Mobile]

I can very seriously compare them and so would you if you had any idea of the amount of knowledge and skill that goes into becoming a full service professional nail technician.

If you are basing your comment on thinking that a nail technician is someone who sits and paints nails all day you would be very incorrect. That might be what you do, that might be what many do, but that is not what a professional nail technician does ....... Hence the topic of this thread.

I understand you are a nurse and a beauty therapist. I'm sure that your background makes you a good therapist ... So how do you feel about those who do a one day massage course then a one day facial course and call themselves fully qualified beauty therapists?? It happens ... All the time. Are they on the same level as you are as a therapist? Doesn't it make you irritated ... It does me.

I most definetaly do not believe that nail technician sit about all day painting nails. (shocked). I believe that good nail technicians have an incredible flare for design and an equally incredible eye for detail.
But I still can't compare the two, they are very different. So much so that no words can't describe it.

Nursing and the training done over a lifetime is about life & death. Care, compassion, love respect. Being able to provide the ultimate needs (sometimes basic) for people when they need it most. Today I watched my colleague give someone fairly basic care, the difference she was able to make to his life is immeasurable. Incredible. Can you see ?

 

[skingeek78]

I am basing this on my HND as a Beauty Therapist and my Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Nursing. You can't possibly compare the two.

2 different professions but both require a route to professional qualification.