Category: Nail

What You Should Know Before Getting a Gel Manicure?

14th October 2022

Nowadays, gel manicures are all the rage for a number of reasons. However, before getting a gel manicure, you need to consider a few things. Let’s talk about those things.

1. Look for a reputable salon

First of all, we suggest that you look for a reputable salon. You can read reviews online and find out about their products and brands. Apart from this, make sure that the salon uses the right methods for different types of treatments.

2. Don’t overuse Lamp curing

Ensure the salon doesn’t overuse lamp curing techniques, as UV lamps are linked to UV damage. In other words, you don’t want to go for this treatment more than once during the application of a nail polish coat. Also, the nail professional should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen for added protection.

3. Protection  

Gel manicures don’t chip and stand the test of time, but they are still prone to damage. So, we suggest that you protect your manicure and natural nails. For instance, you can condition your nails using reliable cuticle oil on a daily basis.

So, we suggest that you keep these things in mind before getting a gel manicure. The idea is to make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and the features of each manicure type. 

What Differs Acrylic Nails From Gel Nails?

16th September 2022

If you want to make an informed decision, we suggest that you understand the difference between acrylic nails and gel nails. Let’s talk about a few significant differences between the two.

APPLICATION

Nowadays, most people go for gel nails because of their glossy look and smooth finish. However, the beauty of these nails is that you can do them with nail extensions on a natural nail plate. Besides, you can go for gel nail extensions if you prefer longer nails.

Acrylic tends to set naturally without any type of equipment. So you don’t need to wait more than a few minutes.

Appearance

Gel nails provide a natural, glossy look on your hands. Therefore, this type of nail is quite popular. On the other hand, acrylic nails are fierce and sturdy and do not have that polished finish.

Drying Time or Curing Time

Unlike gel nails, acrylic nails have a quick drying time. On the other hand, you need to wait a few minutes for gel nails to dry or cure under UV light.

Smell

Acrylic nails smell strong during the application, while gel nails don’t produce any odour at all.

Flexibility

Gel nails are more flexible than acrylic nails. So, they cause less damage to the nail bed if they are broken.

Removal of gel and acrylic nails

You need to file off gel nails as they don’t dissolve in acetone. On the other hand, you need to soak your acrylic nails in acetone and then buff them off.

Cost

Hard gel nails tend to cost more than acrylic nails.

So, these are just some of the differences between gel nails and acrylic nails.

How Much Moes It Cost To Do Acrylic Nails At Home?

17th June 2022

The quarantine life during the COVID-19 phase has taught us many things; being self-sufficient is one of them. People have started taking the DIY approach to everything. If you want to eat a fancy dish, you can prepare it at home. The same goes for getting acrylic nails. Yes, those beautiful and flawless nails can be easily created at home. For this, you must have essential tools with you to get started. So, how much will these products cost you all together? Let’s find out.

Cuticle Pusher (£5-£10)

It is the first product you will need to start the cleaning process. 

Buffing Block (£4-£12)

It helps in reducing the shine from your nail and smoothing it out. 

Acid-Free Nail Primer (£6-£10)

Prepping your nail with a nail primer is essential before getting started. 

Nail Glue and Tips (£8-£20)

Glue and nail tips will create a nail shape for you. There are glue and tip sets as well. 

Dappen Dish and Acrylic Brush (£7-£10)

The acrylic products are prepared in these items, so you cannot skip these items.

Acrylic Powder and Liquid (£15)

These are the main products with which you will sculpt your nails. 

Pinching Tool

UV Lamp (£12)

Buy UV lamps for acrylic nails. There are different variants according to your preference. 

All these products are essential to creating acrylic nails. The total cost for all these products will fall somewhere between £50 and £60. If you don’t want to buy them individually, you can go for an acrylic nail kit. 

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to acrylic nail learners. We also offer free acrylic and manicure courses and funded level 3 nail courses with work placements.

What To Tell My Clients To Keep Their Nails Strong?

25th May 2022

If you are looking for tips to take care of your nails, you are on the right page. Your nails must be solid and healthy, and they should have no dents, ridges, or unusual shapes or colours. Proper fingernail care can help you avoid many nail health issues. Given below are some tips to help you keep your nails in good shape. 

Here are the things you can do to keep your fingernails in good shape:

Keep your nails dry and clean, as moist nails are a breeding ground for bacteria. Plus, long-term exposure to water may cause your nails to split up. So, you can wear rubber gloves before washing dishes or touching harsh chemicals. 

  • Trim your nails using sharp manicure clippers or scissors and follow good nail hygiene. 
  • Rub a good moisturizer on your cuticles and fingernails as well. 
  • You may use a nail hardener to protect and strengthen your nails. 
  • You may use nutritional supplements to strengthen your brittle or weak fingernails. 
  • Don’t pick at your cuticles or bite your fingernails, as this practice may cause damage to the nail bed. 
  • Use a sharp nail clipper to clip off those annoying hangnails before they rip live skin tissue and cause infection. 
  • Don’t use harsh products on your fingernails, such as a nail polish remover. 

In short, if you want to maintain your nail health and avoid common health issues, we suggest that you follow the tips given above. 

 

How To Succeed As A Nail Technician?

13th May 2022

Do you want to succeed as a nail technician? If so, you need to have a few soft skills, such as professionalism, work ethic, and good communication, just to name a few. In this article, we are going to talk about some of the skills you need to succeed. Let’s get started. 

1) Professionalism 

Professionalism can show in your language, clothing, and how you deal with your clients. Since you offer your services in the beauty industry, make sure that your makeup and hair are always done before posting your photos on social media or attending a class. 

2) Work Ethic 

Digital work may help boost your business, and it involves going the extra mile for your clients and coworkers. You are supposed to do your best whether you are getting your assignment or not. With this approach, you can make a lasting impression on your clients. 

3) Graciousness 

For a successful career, you must accept constructive criticism. The job of a nail technician revolves around graciousness, which involves keeping your cool in stressful situations. In other words, you must be open to feedback from your managers, coworkers, and customers. 

4) Communication

It would help if you built your business based on open communication with your clients. So, you need to have a solid strategy in place as far as the price point and the target clients are concerned. Plus, your expectations and goals should be realistic. 

5) A Positive Attitude

It is essential that you put on a happy face for your clients without any doubt. After all, negativity is poison for any business. 

So, we suggest that you follow these tips to achieve success as a nail technician. 

Spring 2022 Nail Trends

15th April 2022

Spring nail colours are all about a combo of dreamy style and soft colours. You are on the right page if you want to know more about spring 2022 nail trends. So let’s get to the point. 

Space-age tints

If you want to stick to one nail trend this blooming season, we suggest that you try swirling pastels. The good thing is that many of these space-age tints feature multiple effects. You may combine frost with sparkles, for instance. The effect is weird as the colour may shift or change based on the light. 

Euphoria-inspired nails

Natalie Minerva’s nail art inspires spring nails this year. If you want to create similar swoon-worthy nails, you can start with a sparkly base colour followed by an accent tone. You don’t have to struggle for a perfect look, though. You may add nail stickers for a dreamy effect.

Dove grey nails

Grey nails are all the rage these days. But you may add a twist by opting for a soft grey that may look like white or silver. 

‘ 90s-inspired nails

Retro is going to be popular this spring. You can come up with a club-kid-inspired manicure if you want. Alternatively, you can choose simple nail art that will look adorable, such as sparkly butteries that were popular in the 90s. 

So, this was a brief intro to spring 2022 nail trends. You can try these ideas and have fun this spring. 

 

5 Reasons To Be A Nail Technician

7th April 2022

Over the past few years, the beauty industry has made a lot of progress. Today, most ladies want to get a professional manicure. Therefore, you can find a lot of nail salons out there. So, if you are thinking of becoming a nail technician, here are some convincing reasons. 

  1. Creativity 

You can use your creativity as every manicure job is a sort of creative escape. 

  1. Socializing 

Clients are not after a mini-makeover. Instead, they head to salons to have a relaxing experience while chatting with a friendly person. You can use this as an opportunity to socialize and make connections. 

  1. Challenging work

Unlike what most people think, a manicure can be a challenging activity. However, as you gain more experience, you improve your expertise and become an authority in your field. 

  1. Great pay

If you love your job as a nail tech, you can earn a lot of money. It’s like making money out of your hobby. 

  1. Fun job

Unlike paperwork, the job of a nail tech is more straightforward. After all, trimming and polishing beautiful nails is immensely satisfying. 

Hopefully, these 5 reasons are strong enough to convince you to become a nail tech. So, if you are interested in this career, we suggest that you give it a go. 

 

How Do I Get Certified To Do Acrylic Nails?

22nd March 2022

Acrylic nails have been in trend for so long that people can never get enough of them. It opens up a whole new vertical of opportunities for those who are passionate about doing acrylic nails. If you are among those skilled nail artists, you must start thinking about getting yourself certified. 

Here’s what you need to do to get yourself certified. 

1 Search For Trusted Centres

How do you plan to avail the skills of doing acrylic nails? You need to acquire the right abilities with the most suitable course. Start by looking at trusted centers for the courses. If you get a good head start, your professional journey will get a great path. Do your research and look for either online or offline centers to start your course. 

2 Pick The Right Certificate Course

After finding the right platform, you need to search for the best courses to get a credible certification. There are plenty of online and offline platforms that offer accredited courses. For instance, ABT Accredited, CPD Accredited, VTCT approved courses are considered suitable for nail artists. 

3 Pursue The Course With Diligence

Enroll in the best certification course and pursue it with diligence. The training center will issue a certificate at the end that will place you as a professional. This will also help in starting your own business. 

Having the right skills is not enough if you don’t have the right certification that presents you as a professional. Search for the best-certified course and get started. 

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to acrylic nail learners. We also offer free acrylic and manicure courses and funded level 3 nail courses with work placements.

What Do You Need To Do Your Own Acrylic Nails At Home?

12th February 2022

Acrylic nails are popular for many reasons, and everyone wants to get their nails revamped. However, going to salons might be inconvenient for you. That’s why it is better to get your acrylic nails at home. All you need is a few products in hand to get started. 

Cuticle Pusher

It is an essential tool to prep your nails by pushing back the cuticles. Ensure no cuticles are on the nail. 

Buffing Block

It helps in smoothening your nail enamel and removing all the shine. 

Acid-Free Nail Primer

Before applying the acrylic product, use a primer to prep your nail. 

Nail Glue and Tips

Nail glue and tips are essential items that give a shape to your nails, so you cannot skip these two products. 

Nail Filler

You also need to file the tip and give it your desired shape before applying the paint. 

Dappen Dish and Acrylic Brush

These two products help in getting started with applying acrylic products. 

Acrylic Powder and Liquid

It is the most important product with which you will be sculpting the nails. Make sure to invest in good quality products. 

Pinching Tool

When the acrylic is drying, you need to use pinching for clamping. 

UV Lamp

It helps in drying the acrylic nails faster than you imagine. 

All these products are highly essential to creating acrylic nails at home. You can either buy these products individually or go for an acrylic nail kit. Either way, you will require each of these things to make professional-looking acrylic nails. 

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to acrylic nail learners. We also offer free acrylic and manicure courses and funded level 3 nail courses with work placements.

Why Are Acrylic Nails So Popular?

29th January 2022

Nail extensions are becoming a trend these days, among them, acrylic nails are the most popular ones. These are nail enhancements made from liquid and powdered acrylic. Both the monomer and polymer together give shape to your nails. There are different types of nail extensions available in the market, so why should you select acrylic nails?

1. Stronger and Durable

You cannot expect to do your daily chores with your gel nails. However, acrylic nails will give you the required convenience with their durability. By getting these nails extensions, you can easily go about your regular life without ruining it. 

2. Wide Range of Designs

Another major highlight of acrylic nails is that they are available in different designs. When you visit a salon to get your nails done, you will be brimmed with an abundance of options. Today, you can also add different embedded items. 

3. Budget Friendly

A nail enhancement that falls in your pocket is definitely acrylic nails. You don’t have to spend hefty amounts of money getting these done at a nice salon. Also, you can think about doing it at home by buying the essential products; it will be much cheaper. 

4. Long Lasting

As mentioned above, these are durable; you can expect them to last for weeks. Generally, the salon gives you a guarantee of 3-4 weeks. It depends on the products you apply that determine the longevity. 

If you haven’t thought about getting acrylic paints yet, these are some of the best reasons that will compel you to storm towards your nearest salon.

Do You Need to Be Certified to Do Nail Art?

29th October 2021

You do not necessarily need to have a certificate to start doing nail art. But if you want to start doing it professionally or are really into it, then doing a certification would prove to be highly beneficial. And the good thing is that you do not have to spend a lot of money on this certification. Today you also have the convenience to take the course online and learn at your own pace and convenience.

Choosing The Right Certification Program

Here are some tips that will help you in choosing the right nail art certification program online:

  • On the website, check the kind of certification they offer. In the UK, go for institutes that are ABT accredited, VTCT approved, and CPD accredited.
  • Check the experience and expertise of the trainers. This will allow you to leverage their expertise and build a strong knowledge base.
  • Cost is an important factor to consider. While it is important to consider your budget, ensure that you do not overlook the quality of education.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to getting nail art certification online, make sure you only choose a reliable platform. You will find tons of course options online with various features and fees associated with them, but it is important for you to check each facet carefully before making the final decision. Thorough research, in the beginning, will allow you to get the right certification that will pave the way for a successful career.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their nail art learners. We also offer free nail art courses and funded level 3 nail courses with work placements.

 

How Much Money Do I Need to Open a Nail Salon?

15th October 2021

Running a nail salon and having a successful business can be a challenge at first. There are some key points that you should master if you wish to have a good and profitable run.

So, here’s how much money you’ll need if you wish to open a nail salon.

Location & facility

Find a good location that others will find appealing and that will gain exposure. Costs can vary and this will depend from city to city, as well as from street to street. Roughly, a retail site of 1,000 square feet (which is a typical size for a smaller salon) can cost around £50,000 – £100,000. This includes all the heavy-duty work & renovation.

Manicure station

Think about your equipment and list out all the things that you’ll need. A station will include a manicure table that holds all nail polishes, as well as brushes. You might need several of these depending on the number of your employees, and especially if your salon is pretty busy. You can expect to spend around £300 – 500 for these stations.

Pedicure chairs

Pedicures are highly asked-for at nail salons. A built-in foot bath will add a professional touch, and everyone will enjoy foot massages – therefore, invest in this chair! You could use two of these and they are around £400.

Nail polishes & racks

A nail polish rack along with 30+ different polishes is essential at your nail salon. Make sure that you can provide your clients with a huge variety of nail polishes & gel polishes. This investment will cost you around £700.

Nail lamps

Last, but not least, do not forget about nail lamps. Go for UV & LED lamps that can be used with any polish. These are not too expensive (only around £30) so make sure you get 3-4 of them all at once.

CPBA offers free employment, business start-up advice and guidance to their nail technician learners. They also offer free  nail courses and work placement

Is Nail Art Popular?

1st October 2021

Gone are the days when people used to do their nails with the same basic colors. We are in an era where nail art as a trend is booming exponentially. The market is flooded with news colors, designs, and patterns that will blow your mind. From subtle colors to unique constellation design, there are endless possibilities to get cooler and more stylish nails. Here are some of the most popular nail art designs that have won millions of hearts around the world.

  • French Manicure

While a staple of 90s, French manicures continue to be a popular choice among modern-day women. And the French manicure is not merely about the white square acrylic tips. The year 2020 has taken the style a notch higher with more shapes and colors.

  • Mismatched

This is one of the adventurous manicures where you can play with your favorite colors. This basic gist is that you put different shades on each nail. This is one of the simplest nail art that a beginner can try out.

  • Constellation Design

Add a playful touch of horoscopes and the sky with constellations, stars, astrological signs, etc. Using bold color, you scatter dots across the nails and try to connect them. You can also use the dots to make a deep blue sky.

Final Thoughts

With the kind of new designs that are being introduced every day, it seems that the trend of nail art has only started. We can definitely expect to see a lot more in the future.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their nail art learners. We also offer free nail art courses and funded level 3 nail courses with work placements.

 

How Do You Do Nail Art for Beginners?

25th September 2021

Nail art has been on the rage, and why not, it leaves your nails looking adorable. Additionally, there are so many designs and patterns that leave you wanting to explore more. If you want to explore your creative side and want to try nail art, then the first step is to get all the right tools. Following are the tools you will start your artistic journey:

  • Dotting tools
  • Striping tapes
  • Rhinestones
  • Confetti Glitter
  • Stamping kit
  • Basecoat
  • Orangewood stick
  • Scissors/Tweezers
  • Nail polish remover
  • Q-Tips/Lint-Free Cotton Swabs
  • Nail art brushes
  • Acrylic colors

What You Need To Take Care Of?

  • Always choose good quality adhesive. If you go for low-quality glue, it can damage your skin and nail.
  • When it comes to choosing a nail art kit, make sure to invest in branded kits. Choosing a well-reputed brand will make sure that you have good-quality products.
  • Nail arts are available at various price ranges. The cost of the kit also determines its quality of the tools.
  • When starting your nail art journey, try to stick to the simple design. This way, you will be able to get your basics right first before you get to a more intricate design.

Final Thoughts

Nail art, as the name suggests, is truly an art. And to start this journey, you have to do an extensive research. Above are some of the prominent tips that will help you to make the right decision. There are also relevant courses that provide you with the right knowledge and skills to do your nails.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their nail art learners. We also offer free nail art courses and funded level 3 nail courses with work placements.

 

 

How Do I Become a Nail Technician Online?

27th August 2021

You can become a nail technician through some online platforms without visiting a nail salon. Nowadays there are loads of different options for you to explore. This is due to COVID-19 and its impact, which made people worldwide appreciate online Zoom classes a lot more.

Here are some key points that you should know.

An online nail tech course will still allow you to learn about manicures & pedicures in-depth. You can still get your certificate at the end of your course.

You will also enjoy the one-on-one online help & support available, as well as friendly & chatty staff.

Any online course is compatible with any computer or smart device, which makes your learning experience fast, practical, as well as convenient.

For instance, one of the best online courses is available at CPBA. Due to to the current situation that is caused by COVID-19 you will easily learn theories and you can enjoy live sessions through a zoom application. You can attend these classes with a group of up to 12 people.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their nail technician learners. They also offer free  nail courses and work placement

How Much Does It Cost To Do Gel Nails at Home?

21st August 2021

If you love extensions, you will definitely fall for the magnificent gel nails. They are nail-friendly, pristine, and of course, a significant attraction. Today, you can quickly get these gel nails done at home. When it comes to doing the professionally done nails from the comforts of your home, you would think it will cost you heftier than going to a salon. However, all you need is a few essential things that will fit in your budget. Here’s what you will need and how much it will cost to get started:

#1 Cuticle Nipper

Your first step to gel nails is to prep your nails by cleaning the cuticles and giving it a smooth finish. You must push and trim your cuticles. For this, you need a cuticle nipper. A good nipper will cost you somewhere around £5-£10.

#2 Cuticle Hydrating Oil

Your cuticles need hydration after all the filing and trimming. Invest in a good cuticle oil that will come under the range of £7-£15. It is a significant investment that will caress your nails.

#3 Gel Polish

Good gel polish is essential to make your nails look flawless. You can buy these in the range of £5-£10. Depending upon your choices you can go for the expensive ones.

#4 LED Lamp

LED lamps are an unavoidable part of the entire process that gives an instant finish. These lamps come in different price ranges, but £12-£20 would suffice for home-based use.

You can complete your gel nails within a budget of £30, or you can buy a gel nail manicure kit that comprises all these items; it will cost you the same.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their gel nail learners. We also offer free gel nail and nail art courses and funded level 3 nail courses with work placements.

 

Is It Legal To Do Nails at Home?

19th July 2021

If you are just starting as a nail tech you should consider working from your home. It is profitable, way easier to do, as well as recommended if you wish to get your steady customers.

Did you know that approximately 54.9 percent of nail technicians have been working in the nail industry for longer than 9 years? This means that almost all of their customers are already their regulars who admire their work, and who are not planning on seeking for someone else.

This means that you may struggle at first to get your steady customers. This is why it is also not recommended to start a business on your own and all of a sudden if you haven’t had any experience beforehand, and if others do not know of you and your service.

If you are thinking about providing your services from home, make sure that you invest a significant amount of time and money into ads and when doing your promotions. Let the word out on the street!

Home-based salons and at-home treatments are allowed in most countries, as well as cities. However, you should look into this with your city hall and read into any new regulations since things have been changing in the last couple of months due to the impact of COVID 19.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their nail technician learners. They also offer free  nail courses and work placement

How Can I Learn Nail Art?

2nd July 2021

Nail art is the brand-new way to make your nails the canvas. Recently, nail art is getting way too popular than it was ever. Women, irrespective of their age, are inkling towards nail art. If you are also intrigued by this art form, you can start doing nail art with a little skill in your hand. There is no rocket science behind learning nail art; all you need is a little motivation to get started. There are plenty of ways in which you can start learning. Here are a few common ways:

#1 Find A Certified Course

If you are serious about your passion and want to turn it into a profession, it is better to go for a comprehensive course. There are many online and offline nail art courses that you can pursue. Make sure that those courses have legit certification.

#2 Watch YouTube Tutorials

There’s no doubt in asserting that YouTube has become the new learning hub for everyone. You can learn anything and everything from YouTube. Search for trending nail art tutorials for beginners; it will give you a good head start.

#3 Get Professional Assistance

If a course or YouTube tutorials do not quench your thirst for learning nail art, you can practice under a professional. This way, you will be exposed to the market as well and learn the nitty-gritty of nail art along the way.

All these methods are the best and most convenient way to learn nail art today. Weigh the pros and cons of each method and choose the right path for yourself.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their nail art learners. We also offer free nail art courses and funded level 3 nail courses with work placements.

 

How Do I Start My Own Gel Nail Business at Home?

25th June 2021

Gel nails are in trend for quite a long time now. People love getting gel-based nail extensions as they are natural-looking, safe, and above all, beautiful. If you are passionate about doing gel nails and possess the right skills, why haven’t you thought about starting a business? Yes, today, with the least investment, you can kickstart your business as a gel nail artist. Here how you can get started:

#1 Know The Industry

Indeed, ladies are not going to get over gel nails anytime soon, so all you need to know is what’s trending in the market. Do thorough market research and jot down the points that will give a thrust to your plan.

#2 Acquire Skills

If you don’t have specialized gel nail skills, you would want to train yourself in it. Pursuing ABT and VTCT certified courses will give you a professional outlook in the market. Additionally, it will drive elite clients to your business.

#3 Buy Quality Products

Even if you plan to start a nail art business, you need to invest in high-grade quality products. It is essential to build a sense of trust among the customers, and quality products are the first step towards it.

#4 Market Your Business

Marketing is the key to success today. The more you will market the business, the better will be its reach. Try social media marketing to target a group of audience.

That’s all it takes to turn your passion into a business venture. Just the right amount of skills and a fool-proof business plan will do the magic.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their gel nail learners. We also offer free gel nail and nail art courses and funded level 3 nail courses with work placements.

 

 

 

Is It Hard to Learn Acrylic Nails?

4th June 2021

Acrylic nails are the hardest nails to achieve. You can easily do pedicures & manicures, as well as gel extensions.

However, acrylics are the most time-consuming as well as the priciest nails to ask for when at a nail salon.

If you wish to become a nail tech make sure that you have these skills:

  • Patient
  • Chatty
  • Eager to learn
  • Good dexterity skills
  • Detail-oriented

It is also recommended that you have a good posture and no back issues. A nail tech will work several hours per day, so make sure that you are comfortable with sitting in a chair and leaning your head downwards, a lot.

You will master the art of acrylic nails as a final step in most of your beauty salons and nail courses.

At first, you may struggle a bit with education and some basics. However, this is why it is recommended that you:

  • Invest in a practice sheet
  • Practice on your friends or family (or even yourself)
  • Purchase high-quality acrylics
  • Get yourself an electric file
  • Take your time

Everyone’s speed is different. However & in most cases, this is what you can expect from your acrylics:

Full set ( with tips or overlay) will take you 45 minutes to 1 hour

Full set (sculpted clear) will take you 1 hour

Full set (sculpted p&w) takes around 90 minutes

Rebalance: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Fill: 30 minutes to 45 minutes

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their nail technician learners. They also offer free  nail courses and work placement