Finding the perfect nail course: a guide by Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2024

Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2024, Melanie Lewendon, shares her top tips for finding the best nail courses to extend your skills..

Continual professional development is critical in any industry, the expert educator explains: “Techniques and products are constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay updated. This not only helps you maintain a high level of professionalism, but also boosts clients’ confidence in your skills.”

She continues: “Courses are a fantastic way to enhance your abilities and offer something fresh and different to your clients. It’s easy to get ‘stuck in your ways’, but being humble and teachable will set you apart from those who resist self-improvement.” 

The ‘green flags’ to look out for:

• “Courses should be packed with comprehensive content: look for a course that offers a wealth of content, knowledge and expertise, and is fully accredited.
• Courses should cater to all learning styles: find a course which meets the individual support and learning needs of each student.
• Check for positive reviews: seek positive experiences from real students. Check social media feeds for examples of student work to get a true sense of the course’s quality and effectiveness.

“Always contact the educator first – you can usually get a good sense of their approach and commitment from their responses,” advises Melanie.

The ‘red flags’ to avoid:

• “Be cautious of very low-priced courses and those on discount voucher sites: the cost should reflect the standard of the course and educator.
• Lack of support for students is concerning: you should be able to ask your educator anything without needing to rely on forums. Unwavering support and guidance should be offered at all times – before, during and after your course.
• Plastic hands: while fake hands are useful for practice, real hands should be used and demonstrated on during training to ensure you’re fully prepared.
• Don’t be swayed by online forums and groups: many of these are filled with people whose primary goal is to sell, not necessarily to provide valuable or accurate information.”

Online or in-person course?

“Online courses give students the flexibility to learn from anywhere and with the educators they choose,” says Melanie. “They are also ideal for students who may struggle to attend in-person classes due to personal or health reasons.”

She continues: “Technology has advanced significantly, making it easier to create and enhance online courses. However, online courses are best suited for students who have the discipline and ability to prioritise their time and commit to self-guided learning.”

Emphasising the value of in-person courses, she shares: “Hands-on guidance from tutors can be incredibly reassuring and, for those who need it, offers a deeper level of understanding. For students who need to see and ask questions in real-time, in-person learning is the way to go.

“Many students, including myself, relish the opportunity to travel to their favourite educators. I’ve travelled miles to learn from some of the best educators in the world!”

Melanie Lewendon Academy

Melanie is the founder of Melanie Lewendon Academy and explains: “I made a promise to myself after negative training experiences: if I ever had the opportunity to become an educator, my courses would be a far cry from the ones I attended. I invested thousands of pounds in seeking out the best education to further develop my skills, ensuring that I could offer high-quality training to others.”

When asked what her courses offer that others don’t, she shares: “I have a unique method of teaching that combines fun and knowledge in a perfect little package! Engaging lessons, both online and in person, keep my students returning and eager to learn.”

www.melanielewendonacademy.co.uk

She continues: “Support and content are at the core of my courses. While some might feel my courses are content-heavy, I’d argue they contain exactly what’s needed to help you become a skilled nail technician and build a long-lasting career. My courses are carefully structured, fully supported and developed with care. I aim to cover all learning styles.

“I also fully teach online theory (pre-recorded), so you can see and hear me throughout the lessons, making understanding easy. I update my courses every year and throughout each year, to ensure they are current with any new developments, techniques or legislation.”

Filming her courses on live models, instead of fake hands, ensures students gain a deep understanding of real-life situations, and go into the workplace more comfortable and prepared.

The award-winning educator’s passion is contagious. Melanie explains what motivates her: “Seeing those lightbulb moments in students when their understanding clicks is incredibly rewarding. I love watching students figure things out and become independent nail techs in their own right.

“It’s inspiring to see my students grow their businesses, flourish and develop their own unique styles. Educating is an utter privilege and should be taken seriously – people’s futures and careers are in your hands.”

As for her most popular courses, Melanie reveals: “Builder in a bottle and E-file are very popular, though hard gel is making a comeback. My art courses are also highly sought after, especially my Portraits Course. Learning to paint a portrait not only enhances art skills tremendously, but is incredibly fun!”

Explore Melanie Lewendon Academy via www.melanielewendonacademy.co.uk and follow her Instagram.