Basic Nail Course

Lesson 1 • Sanitation and Disinfection Principles

Covers the difference between sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization with practical application. Directly supports safe service delivery throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory Compliance and Licensing

Explains health and safety regulations governing nail salons and technician licensing requirements. Students learn to operate within professional legal frameworks.

Lesson 3 • Personal Protective Equipment and Ergonomics

Teaches proper use of gloves, masks, and ventilation to protect technician health. Ergonomic practices reduce injury risk during long service sessions.

Lesson 4 • Professional Ethics and Client Confidentiality

Defines ethical conduct, client privacy, and professional boundaries in nail services. Builds the behavioral foundation for client trust and long-term retention.

Lesson 1 • Skin Anatomy Relevant to Nail Services

Covers skin layers, types, and sensitivity zones around the nail area. Informs product selection and technique adjustments for different skin conditions.

Lesson 2 • Structure of the Natural Nail

Identifies all anatomical parts of the nail unit and their functions. This knowledge underpins safe filing, shaping, and product application decisions.

Lesson 3 • Nail Growth and Health Indicators

Explains how nails grow, factors affecting growth rate, and signs of healthy vs. unhealthy nails. Prepares students to recognize when services are appropriate.

Lesson 1 • Essential Nail Implements and Their Uses

Introduces files, buffers, nippers, pushers, and brushes with correct usage techniques. Proper implement selection prevents nail damage and improves service quality.

Lesson 2 • Nail Product Chemistry Basics

Explains the chemistry of polishes, gels, acrylics, and removers at a foundational level. Understanding product chemistry reduces adverse reactions and improves results.

Lesson 3 • Product Selection for Client Needs

Teaches how to match products to nail type, lifestyle, and client preferences. Correct product selection drives client satisfaction and service longevity.

Lesson 4 • Safe Storage and Disposal of Products

Covers flammability, ventilation requirements, and proper disposal of chemical products. Compliance with safety standards protects staff, clients, and the environment.

Lesson 1 • Designing a Personalized Service Plan

Guides students to translate assessment data into a tailored service recommendation. Service plans improve outcomes and demonstrate professional expertise to clients.

Lesson 2 • Client Intake Forms and Health History

Covers the design and use of intake forms to capture health history and contraindications. Accurate records protect both client safety and technician liability.

Lesson 3 • Visual and Physical Nail Assessment

Develops skills to visually and physically evaluate nail plate condition, shape, and health. Assessment findings directly inform product and technique choices.

Lesson 1 • Nail Polish Application and Finishing

Covers base coat, color, and top coat application with brush control and streak-free technique. Proper layering extends wear time and produces a professional finish.

Lesson 2 • Hand and Arm Massage Techniques

Introduces effleurage, petrissage, and pressure point techniques for hand and arm massage. Massage enhances client relaxation and differentiates service quality.

Lesson 3 • Nail Shaping and Filing Techniques

Teaches the five primary nail shapes and correct filing direction to prevent splitting. Shape selection is guided by nail length, width, and client lifestyle.

Lesson 4 • Manicure Station Setup and Preparation

Covers proper station layout, tool arrangement, and client hand positioning. A well-prepared station improves efficiency and maintains sanitation standards.

Lesson 1 • Leg Massage and Polish Application

Applies massage techniques to the lower leg and foot, then completes polish application. Finishing steps mirror manicure protocol adapted for toe spacing and drying.

Lesson 2 • Callus and Dry Skin Treatment

Demonstrates safe callus reduction using files, paddles, and exfoliating products. Callus management improves foot comfort and is a key pedicure differentiator.

Lesson 3 • Toenail Shaping and Cuticle Care

Teaches straight-across toenail filing to prevent ingrown nails and safe cuticle removal. Toenail technique differs from fingernail technique due to nail thickness and shape.

Lesson 4 • Pedicure Station Setup and Foot Bath

Covers basin sanitation, water temperature, and soak additive selection for foot baths. Proper setup ensures hygiene and maximizes the therapeutic benefit of soaking.

Lesson 1 • Gel Polish Removal Methods

Demonstrates foil wrap and soak-off removal with minimal mechanical force. Safe removal prevents thinning, peeling, and long-term nail plate damage.

Lesson 2 • Troubleshooting Gel Service Issues

Identifies causes of lifting, bubbling, and color fading and provides corrective solutions. Troubleshooting skills reduce client complaints and product waste.

Lesson 3 • Gel Polish Product Fundamentals

Explains gel polish composition, viscosity, and how UV/LED curing creates a durable finish. Product knowledge prevents lifting, shrinkage, and premature wear.

Lesson 4 • Gel Polish Application Technique

Teaches thin, even gel coat application with proper capping of the free edge. Consistent technique prevents bubbling, shrinkage, and uneven color payoff.

Lesson 1 • Color Theory for Nail Design

Covers the color wheel, complementary pairings, and seasonal color trends for nail art. Color theory knowledge elevates design quality and client consultation confidence.

Lesson 2 • Nail Art Pricing and Client Communication

Guides students to price nail art add-ons, communicate design options, and manage time. Effective pricing and communication convert creative skills into consistent income.

Lesson 3 • Stamping and Foil Application

Demonstrates stamping plate transfer and foil adhesion techniques for quick, repeatable designs. These methods allow high-impact results with minimal freehand skill.

Lesson 4 • Freehand Nail Art Techniques

Teaches basic freehand designs including dots, lines, florals, and geometric patterns. Freehand skills form the creative core of personalized nail art services.