You may be able to set up your own buisness or feel more confident to progress onto an accredited course.
10-Week Beginner's Guide to Gel Nails course! Whether you're a beauty enthusiast or looking to start your own nail salon, this course combines hands-on gel nail techniques with essential business skills to help you take your first step into the beauty industry.
· Master the art of basic gel nail applications.
· Learn about gel maintenance and troubleshooting techniques.
· Discover how to properly care for nails and prevent damage, ensuring your clients always leave with beautiful, healthy nails.
· Learn how to market your nail business using social media.
· Get tips on next steps and which brands to work with.
This course is the perfect first step towards success in the nail industry.
Week 1: Introduction to Gel Nails & Business Fundamentals
· Nail Techniques:
o Overview of gel nails vs. traditional polish.
o Understanding the tools & products needed for gel nails (UV/LED lamps, gels, brushes, etc.).
o Health and safety considerations (prep, sanitation, etc.).
· Business Fundamentals:
o Introduction to the beauty industry.
o Setting up a basic business, self-employed vs. working for a salon.
Week 2: Nail Anatomy, Skin Care & Preparing the Nails
· Nail Techniques:
o Learn about nail anatomy (nail structure and function).
o Nail care: cuticle prep, filing, and shaping.
o Understanding nail diseases and conditions.
· Business Fundamentals:
o Customer service basics: communication and consultation.
o Pricing services: how to charge for gel nail applications.
o Building a strong client base.
Week 3: Basic Gel Nail Application (Light colour)
· Nail Techniques:
o Step-by-step guide to applying a basic gel manicure.
o Tips on creating clean, smooth layers.
o Curing process and troubleshooting common issues.
· Business Fundamentals:
o Building your brand: logo, business cards, and digital presence (social media tips).
o Customer retention strategies: loyalty programs, promotions, and follow-ups.
Week 4: Basic Gel Nail Application (Red colour) Nail Techniques:
o Applying a basic gel manicure using a red colour.
o Common problems with cuticle flooding and how to fix it.
· Business Fundamentals:
o Marketing your nail art business.
o Social media for your business: Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
Week 5: Basic Gel Nail Application (French manicure)
· Nail Techniques:
o Step-by-step guide on applying French manicure using two methods.
o Common problems with French manicure and how to fix them.
· Business Fundamentals:
o Understanding your costs vs. your profit margin.
o Managing customer feedback.
Week 6: Basic Nail Art Techniques
· Nail Techniques:
o Introduction to simple nail art techniques: dots, stripes, and basic designs.
o Working with gel paints, glitters, and embellishments.
· Business Fundamentals:
o Upselling additional services (e.g. nail treatments, hand massages, etc.).
o How to manage busy days and large client lists.
o How to set up a professional salon space at home or in a rented location.
Week 7: Nail Health, Gel removal, and Troubleshooting
· Nail Techniques:
o Safe removal techniques for gel nails without damaging the natural nail.
o Understanding the importance of nail health after gel applications.
· Business Fundamentals:
o Understanding your costs: labor, materials, and overhead.
o Understanding simple financial management for your business.
o Ways to make your business stand out in a competitive market.
Week 8: Gel Nail Maintenance & Repair
· Nail Techniques:
o Teaching clients how to maintain their gel nails.
o How to perform gel nail repair: fixing chips and dealing with lifting.
o How to fix common problems (lifting, air bubbles, chipping).
· Business Fundamentals:
o Managing customer expectations and providing excellent service.
Week 9: Trends in Nail Art & Professionalism
· Nail Techniques:
o Practice of choice- full set of gel nails(red/dark/light/French)
· Business Fundamentals:
o Upscaling your business: adding more services or growing your client base.
o Next steps: choosing a professional brand to work with
Week 10: Final Practical Exam and Business Planning
· Nail Techniques:
o Final assessment: students complete a full set of gel nails to demonstrate their skills.
o Graduation and certification of completion.
No formal qualifications
There will be a practical assessment at the end of the course
Enrolment opportunities are available throughout the year. Please contact us for more details on 0121 678 7000, option 2 or e-mail Community@Solihull.ac.uk or click the link to enrol now.
Students should be age 19+
If you have learning difficulty or a disability please let us know when you apply.
Woodlands Campus
25/09/2025
Thursday
10:15-12:00
£65.63 (for 10 weeks)
TLCCL000E002A
Part Time
Woodlands Campus
15/01/2026
Thursday
10:15-12:00
£65.63 (for 10 weeks)
TLCCL000E002W
Part Time
Woodlands Campus
16/04/2026
Thursday
10:15-12:00
£65.63 (for 10 weeks)
TLCCL000E002S
Part Time
