Certificate in Nail Art & Gel Techniques

Unit 1: Nail Care Fundamentals & Professional Setup

Theory

1. Introduction to professional nail art and gel techniques
2. Nail anatomy and natural nail growth
3. Nail types, shapes and conditions
4. Nail tools, equipment and product knowledge
5. Nail preparation and hygiene
6. Sanitization, disinfection and safe working practices
7. Product safety and basic contraindications
8. Client consultation and nail assessment

Practical

1. Setting up the nail workstation
2. Sanitizing and organizing tools
3. Client consultation and nail assessment
4. Nail cleaning and preparation
5. Nail trimming, filing and shaping
6. Cuticle care
7. Natural nail preparation for gel application
8. Safe removal of existing nail products

Unit 2: Basic Nail Art Techniques

Theory

1. Principles of nail art
2. Colour theory and colour combinations
3. Nail art tools and accessories
4. Brush types and their uses
5. Basic nail art design principles
6. Lines, dots, shapes and patterns
7. Glitter, foil and decorative elements
8. Design selection according to nail shape and client preference

Practical

1. Base preparation and base coat application
2. Basic single-colour polish application
3. Dotting techniques
4. Line and stripe designs
5. Simple floral designs
6. Geometric nail art
7. Glitter application
8. Foil and decorative element application
9. Basic French nail art
10. Creating simple salon-ready designs

Unit 3: Gel Polish Techniques

Theory

1. Introduction to gel polish systems
2. Gel polish products and their functions
3. Base coat, colour gel and top coat
4. LED/UV lamp basics and safe use
5. Gel application procedures
6. Preventing lifting, chipping and uneven application
7. Curing principles and precautions
8. Gel polish removal and aftercare

Practical

1. Natural nail preparation
2. Application of base gel
3. Proper gel colour application
4. Correct curing technique
5. Top coat application
6. French gel polish
7. Ombre and gradient effects
8. Glitter gel techniques
9. Gel polish maintenance
10. Safe gel polish removal

Unit 4: Gel Extensions & Advanced Techniques

Theory

1. Introduction to gel nail extensions
2. Nail tips and forms
3. Extension shapes and lengths
4. Builder gel and hard gel basics
5. Application and curing principles
6. Nail structure and proper product placement
7. Filing and refining techniques
8. Common gel application problems and corrections
9. Maintenance and infill procedures
10. Safety, hygiene and contraindications

Practical

1. Preparing natural nails for extensions
2. Tip application
3. Nail form placement
4. Builder gel application
5. Creating and balancing the nail structure
6. Gel extension shaping
7. Filing and surface refinement
8. Creating different nail shapes
9. Gel overlay application
10. Basic infill and maintenance
11. Safe gel extension removal

Unit 5: Advanced Nail Art & Professional Salon Practice

Theory

1. Advanced nail art concepts
2. Creative design planning
3. 3D and textured nail art basics
4. Chrome, metallic and mirror effects
5. Stones, charms and embellishments
6. Ombre and advanced colour blending
7. Client consultation and customized designs
8. Nail art pricing and service planning
9. Professional salon hygiene and customer service
10. Aftercare and home maintenance
11. Career opportunities and professional conduct

Practical

1. Advanced French nail designs
2. Ombre and gradient nail art
3. Chrome and metallic effects
4. Marble nail art
5. Floral and abstract designs
6. Stone and embellishment application
7. 3D decorative nail art
8. Customized bridal/party nail designs
9. Complete gel extension service
10. Client consultation and design planning
11. Final professional nail art project

3-Month Course Progression

Month 1 — Foundation & Basic Nail Art

• Unit 1: Nail Care Fundamentals & Professional Setup
• Unit 2: Basic Nail Art Techniques
• Nail preparation and shaping
• Basic designs and colour theory
• Supervised practical sessions

Month 2 — Gel Polish & Extensions

• Unit 3: Gel Polish Techniques
• Unit 4: Gel Extensions & Advanced Techniques
• Gel polish application and removal
• Builder gel and extension techniques
• Nail shaping, filing and maintenance

Month 3 — Advanced Nail Art & Professional Practice

• Unit 5: Advanced Nail Art & Professional Salon Practice
• Advanced designs and embellishments
• Client consultation and customized nail services
• Full-service practical training
• Portfolio/project creation
• Theory revision
• Final theory examination
• Final practical examination

Final Practical Assessment

Students should demonstrate a complete professional service: client consultation → nail assessment → preparation → shaping → base application → gel application → curing → nail art/design → top coat → finishing → aftercare advice.