Advice for a 'newbie' please

[Adele0116]

I'm planning a career change to train to become a nail technician and work for myself. I've been offered a station in my friends beauty salon. I acknowledge I need lots and lots of practice to be good enough to make a living etc. I intend to work alongside my regular job with a view to swap a day at a time from one job to the other until I'm eventually able to go full time to nails!
Pls can you advise me on the best company to train with, I was thinking CND, but as I've no experience I've no idea. I intend doing shellac, l&p, gel, e filing etc. Also liability insurance will be needed- recommendations?????? Does a better branded training company and products warrant charging a little more? How much does everyone charge????
Also, has anyone else made such a 'mad' decision (I am 41!!) how long was it until you started to earn ok money? I'm in Greater Manchester.
I'd be grateful for any adviceThanks
Adele

 

[Wendy Lou]

Hi Adele, you are not alone. I have made the same mad but very brave decision to train as a nail technician at the young age of 50!!! I am currently training with Essential Nail home study course and am roping in all my friends and family in to get as much practice as I can. The trainer hand that comes with the course is invaluable as I can practice painting skills 24/7. I plan to use Gelaze and Shellac once I have obtained my manicure and pedicure qualifications, as I have also paid for the UV gel course along side the manicure course, so im practising all three at the same time.
I suggest getting lots of price lists from your local salons to get a feel for current prices, that's what im doing. Its a daunting prospect to change career at this age BUT so look forward to carving out a living doing something that I actually enjoy doing for a change. Im prepared for it to take time to be established but hopefully will be worth it. Best of luck and happy to help and bounce off eachother, Wendy

 

[noreenoconnor]

I've been trained by a college, done a few day course and also been trained by CND

CND training is head and shoulders above anything i have done before. I have been a nail tech for over 7 years now and recently did a conversion course to CND L&P and learnt so much about design and structure that i was gobsmacked. I didn't think there was much left to know about nails after 7 years but was really surprised by what i learnt and even better can see such an improvement in my nails that i didn't think was possible. My nail extensions look like real nails not fake ones anymore

I know that CND training can seem expensive but nails is such a cut throat industry that you really do have to be the best in your area to make a good living from it, so while it might cost you more in the short term it will certainly stand to you in the future.

I wouldn't advise doing an online course. There are many many techs who have done it this way on this forum and most if not all say they are struggling with some part of nail application. You really need to see it done in person and have someone who know what they are doing watch you apply a nail and tell you where you technique could be improved.

 

[ProBeautyDir]

Hi Adele
We offer a policy for the self employed individual that allows you to work from home, work mobile and rent a treatment room in a salon which you do not own. The prices are very competitive - if you would like a quote you can either go online www.professionalbeautydirect.co.uk or give us a call on 0345 605 8670, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

Good luck with your new career!

Best wishes,

The Professional Beauty Direct Team