So, I now know I want to do nails but what do I actually need to do it,and why are there so many damn courses?

So there I was, in front of my computer with the results of the search "nail courses in London"  A least a thousand courses came up. From home learning, to this institute, to that college.....

"Er.... so what exactly are the regulations for nails in the UK and what qualification do I even need???" Is it an ITEC, a VRQ,  an NVQ,  or even Home learning? There are so many, so many acronyms, so many academies, so much vast difference in prices! The reality is just about anybody can set up and teach a course these days, even if they aren't endorsed or accredited by anything! Your certificates will mean diddly squat when you finish of course, but you can in theory do the course!

Where and how you train really depends on you and your future plans. If you want to set up mobile or from home, then you really can train with any provider and it doesn't need to be a formally recognised qualification, as long as your insurable, your good to go. However after researching further, I knew I personally wanted to get an NVQ or VRQ. This is mainly because in London and (probably most other areas) one needs and NVQ or VRQ to work in a salon, and certainly if you want your own salon you would need this to get a Special Treatments Licence which you obtain from the council for your premises!

Home learning courses and distance learning courses have their place of course, but personally I don't think its possible to learn something like nails from home.  I really feel such a trade based thing can not be learnt from behind your computer screen. You need real live models, you need experience, salon experience, trade experience.

So for those of you interested in starting out, I think almost certainly to keep your options open an NVQ or VRQ should be sought. Lots of places are now offering the VRQ instead of the NVQ but it is totally equivalent. NVQ is designed for people in the workplace where as VRQs are designed for the classroom! If you want to know the difference check out:

http://www.cityandguilds.com/Courses-and-Qualifications/Qualifications-Explained

In London not many colleges offer the course in nails. I could only find LCBT, City and Islington College and Bexley College, none of which are very near my house. In the end I researched and found an independent college which delivered VTCT level 2 in Nail Technology. It was spread over a few months, and I needed to do a portfolio which I was allowed to do from home and it suited me very well! Check what your course covers, mine did Acrylic, UV Gel and fibreglass enhancements. I found it hard but I passed!!!!!

Seriously if you do nothing else.. get a good foundation of training.  cutting corners doesn't pay and you get what you pay for! If you don't invest at the beginning of your career, what foundation is that to build upon? Trust me, you will only end up spending more money in the long run, retraining anyway, believe you me!

If anyone wants to know where I studied, do message me!


bye for now

xxxx