Rebecca's Blog:
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How to Choose the Right Gel Polish for Salon Use
Honest, practical advice for choosing gel polish that performs properly in a salon — from pigmentation and consistency to curing, wear and removal.
Why Children and Nail Appointments Really Don’t Mix
This isn’t about disliking children or suggesting that parents shouldn’t bring them anywhere.
It is simply recognising that some environments aren’t designed for them.
A professional nail workspace is one
How to get quicker doing nails without rushing
If you are a nail tech who feels like you cannot increase your prices because your appointments take too long, start by looking at your systems.
You do not need
How to Price Your Nail Services: A 5-Step Guide for New Techs (2026)
As nail tech’s we are sometimes reluctant to charge our worth… read this to change that!!
How to Deal with Awkward Nail Shapes: Fan Nails and Hooked Nails
Here’s the thing: awkward nail shapes are not problems to be solved by fighting the nail. They are anatomy to be understood and worked with. When you know what’s happening
How To Create Cute Miniature Animal Nail Art
Discover the 3D animal nail art trend and how to nail it using Mystic Nails Poly Gum — a HEMA-free sculpting gel built for professional-level 3D designs.
Why Use Nail Art Gel Instead of Gel Polish?
Why Use Nail Art Gel Instead of Gel Polish?
If you’ve ever tried to paint a fine stem, pull off a crisp French tip, or build a colour-blocked design
Why a Conversion Course is so Important
So you’re qualified in Builder Gel, your clients are happy and you know exactly how your product behaves… Then you decide to switch brands…
TPO Ban Update for GB Nail Tech’s
Nail Tech’s in Britain have got another year I’ve already covered the TPO ban in a previous post, if you’d like to read all about TPO you can find that
BTS at London Fashion Week
I finally arrived in London, on time too… and went straight over to 180 Strand where my good friend Abena Lopez was leading the Tolu Coker Show.
We were applying
Gel Curing Is Accumulative (What It Means for Nail Pros)
If you’ve ever wondered why one client’s gel manicure lasts three weeks while another’s chips in days—even when you used the same products—there’s a good chance the answer sits under
Collaborators and Ambassadors Wanted
Are you proud of the nails you do, and get a lot of love on social media? Do you love Mystic Nails products or would love to try them out?
New Creamy Hard Gels
The unique structure of the Classic Creamy Pink builder gel allows it to spread easily on the nail plate without flowing away. This enables you to work quickly and precisely,
Welcoming Educator Angela Metcalfe
Welcoming Angela MetcalfeThe New Educator for HULL I am pleased to announce that Angela Metcalfe has joined my team of educators. She now has dates available for nail courses and
New Glam Eye Magnetic Gels
Introducing the new Glam Eye Magnetic Gels #14 – #25
The magnetic gel trend is going nowhere! and we are doubling down on the demand.
Mystic Nails now has 25
We Ask, Mystic Nails Listens!
I have a direct line to Mystic Nails HQ and I’ve helped make a number of things happen!
The Best 6 Multi-Use Nail Products to Save Time and Money (2026 Update)
Over my 24 years behind the manicure table, I’ve built a philosophy around creating a curated, workhorse kit. It’s about stocking my station with powerful, high-quality products that I know
Why you should niche down within nails
Let’s be real — every other nail tech on Instagram seems to specialise in builder gel right now. And while there’s nothing wrong with that (it’s popular for a reason!),
Autumn Nails without being too… Autumny
You know the type: burnt orange, pumpkin everything, and leaves painted on every second ring finger.
And while there’s nothing wrong with a classic autumn mani, some clients want something
What Clients Really Want
As Luke Doolin of Phorest notes, these insights are more than just client preferences — they’re a roadmap for sustainable growth. With small but consistent improvements, backed by the right
The TPO Ban Facts
There is a lot of speculation about TPO and the ban that came into force this week. We have known about it for 2 years, so it’s not new information,
Why I Always Refine Builder Gel Nails
Personally I ALWAYS file builder gel nails, to refine the structure and ensure every nail is the same as the last.
The Best Online Nail Course!
I have put ALL of my knowledge of nails in one place, drip fed over 12 months.
No overwhelm, bite size lessons, delving into the must have knowledge
Autumn Nail Trends for 2025
Autumn 2025 brings a seamless blend of warmth, nostalgia, and creativity to nail trends—just as cozy knits and amber leaves take over your wardrobe British Vogue. This season is all
What Actually Cures UV Gels—and What Doesn’t
Think of UV gel curing like baking a cake. You need the right temperature and time—not just knowing the word “degrees.” In the same vein, understanding nanometers (wavelengths) is only
Polka-Dot Nails Are Summer’s Favorite Fashion-Inspired Manicure Trend
Polka dots offer endless creativity. Start with a neutral sheer base and tiny tone-on-tone dots — then experiment with colour clashing, chrome dots, or gems for that next-level look.
How to Become a Qualified Nail Technician in the UK (Step-by-Step Guide)
I’ve been in the nail industry for over 24 years, and one thing I see far too often is aspiring nail technicians spending time and money on courses that leave
Officially the Innovation of the Year !
The Mystic Nails Sensitive product line — Hungary’s first proven hypoallergenic nail products — has won the Inno d’Or – Innovation of the Year 2025 award at the prestigious Trade
Acrylic Or Gel – Which is Better?
Acrylic or Gel? When building client trust and achieving flawless results, it’s crucial to choose the right nail system. Whether your clients prefer acrylic or gel, or even dip powder,
Builder Gel Makes Your Nails Stronger, right?
As an educator and a human being with every other person you pass having their nails done regularly, I hear this all the time: “I love builder gel, it makes
The Hidden Cost of Cheap Nail Products
As a qualified nail tech, you know the pressure to deliver flawless results, every single time. Whether it’s a perfect apex, chip-resistant finish, or dreamy designs that keep clients coming
The Best Blooming Gel
I learnt this nail hack from one of my Educators and I was amazed with the results. Who’d have thought Bond Booster Base Coat would be the best blooming gel
5 Nail Tools Every Nail Tech Should Own
They say a person should never blame their tools, but the reality is great, professional tools make your job and the end result more successful.
Lifting can usually be solved
The Facts About Nails
I learnt ‘nails’ from the best educators in the industry. Educators from all over the world in fact and the key was that most were brand ambassadors who had been
How To Create This Nail Design
Mid way through creating this set of press on nails, I decided to switch on my camera, because I ws enjoying the deisgn so much. So here is how to
Picture Perfect Bridal Nails
Wedding season is in full swing, and with brides seeking flawless finishes and timeless designs, it’s the perfect moment to upgrade your kit with pro-level products that deliver results—and reliability.
Is Gel Healthier For Your Nails?
Now I have been happily wearing Liquid and Powder enhancements since before I attended my first nail course when I was 21, and my nails are healthy and as good
The Floral Nail Art Trend This Summer
As summer arrives in full bloom, so too does one of the season’s most enduring and beloved trends: floral nail art. Flowers have long been a staple in nail design,
Cat Eye is the New Chrome
It’s true, cat eye is the new chrome. Not just according to the gospel of beauty/lifestyle websites
‘Who, What Wear’ but also the increase in Glam Eye Gel Polishes
New Spring/Summer Colours for 2025
With trends changing faster than you can keep up with these days, I’ve got you!
The new Spring/Summer colours for 2025 are here. High Shine, Muted Brights and Glass like
The Builder Gel Journey
The Journey starts today The Builder Gel journey entered our lives a few years ago and clients love it!! Whilst I am an advocate of not applying a product to every clients
How Hard Gel Can Support Your Nail Business.
Hard Gels have been around for decades, in fact the very first nail course i attended as a beginner was in Hard Gel! I used this for a year before
What is a Hypoallergenic Gel?
The description ‘Hypoallergenic’ has been attached to the beauty industry for a number of years now, Maybe it has become one of those terms that we hear and recognise as
7 Autumn Nail Colour Trends from London and Paris Fashion Weeks
With autumn approaching, nail enthusiasts are eager to refresh their palettes and explore new seasonal shades. London and Paris Fashion Weeks have set the stage for this year’s autumn nail
ONLINE Nail Courses, are they any good?
Online Nail courses are everywhere now, but are they any good? Well, being in the industry for nearly 24 years means i’ve pretty much seen it all, the good, the
Do I Need To Mix Gel Polishes Before Use?
Do I really need to mix Gel Polishes before I use them? I observe nail tech’s and student tech’s all the time, just sit and watch, because they want help
The 40 Favourite Gel Polishes
The 4 favourite gel polish colours have been announced. Check out the list right here and guarantee your clients will love your choice of colours
What Are Nail Types?
A lot of nail tech’s have never been taught about nail types! This fact is worrying, but we know there are alot of sub standard beginners nail courses out there,
How To Pair Your Nail Art With The Right Finger Jewellery
Believe it or not, your style of nail and the jewellery that you complement it with, go
hand in hand. Just like Jennifer Lopez is seen adorning her gorgeous nail
How to deal with a ‘Greenie’ Nail
Here are some things I have heard tech’s telling other tech’s or clients over the years: Its “water mold” Its a bruise, see a GP asap! All of this is
Winter Nail Colours for 2024
Winter Nail Colours for 2024 The nail trends for 2024 have some firm favourites and some classics we are set to see over the coming months. The Pantone of 2024
Here’s what to do if your chrome nails are chipping
if you have given the trending look a go you may have found it’s not quite as easy as it looks to achieve. If you asked a few questions to
How to remove the inhibition layer, properly!
Want to learn how to remove the inhibition layer properly? Did you know there was a right and wrong way? Read my new article to find out why it’s so
The right way to apply cuticle oil
Is there a right way to apply cuticle oil? When applying straight after a nail service like gel polish, builder gel or acrylic nail services, then the answer is yes.
Autumn Nails for 2023
Autumn is upon us, find out the must have nail colours and trends you need to maximise on the season
The Easiest Way To Do Ombre Nails
So what is the easiest way to do an ombre? When it comes to salon viable nail art, Ombre Nails or Baby Boomers are top of the list, but what
The Safe Way to Pour Monomer
why on earth am i talking about The Safe Way to pour monomer into a dappen dish? Well, to put it simply, there’s a safe way, and all the other
Demistifying HEMA in Nail Products
Being all about education and facts, the below is a little masterclass specifically about HEMA. There’s alot of talk and suggestion about using nail brands that are HEMA free. A
Let’s Talk Press on Nails
Let’s have some fun and talk press on nails!
I used to wear press on nails when i was 18, i found a set of nails in boots that you
The lower Arch offers alot in terms of shape.
The Lower Arch is probably the least known and attended to area of the nail.
You can find the lower arch by looking a the side profile of the
What is Builder Gel?
These are questions I’m asked alot.
Builder Gel is more referred to when talking about builder gels in bottles these days. However builder gel is any gel (hard or
Do you etch the nail plate during PREP
Taking a 180 grit file over the surface of the natural nail is part of PREP to ensure you get perfect adhesion, along with a few other crucial steps.
However
Stay away from my cuticles!
As a professional nail tech (not even as an educator…) as one nail tech to another, my best advice is to stay away from the cuticles with your product. There
Creating Profitable Nail Designs
Making nail art and design profitable can be tricky, so work smarter not harder with my top tips.
When Does Business Planning Become Essential ?
So, if you are thinking, that you can’t write a business plan, and thinking where to even start… it’s not that complicated and I have a solution for you! The
The New Ice Cream Collection of Pastels (Gel Polish)
Grab the super cute collection of Ice Cream Pastel Gel Polishes from Mystic Nails. Check out the swatches here and get yours to make the most of spring and summer.
Building Confidence – Stop comparing yourself to other nail techs!
there is so much to consider when comparing your nails to others and as such you always look at someone else’s face value, the best work they have put of
You’ll Be Shocked, This Is How Much Cuticle You Should Remove
Thinking about changing nail brands but don’t know what to look for? here’s a quick guide with my top 5 things to check
Thinking about changing nail brands? Read this first!
Thinking about changing nail brands but don’t know what to look for? here’s a quick guide with my top 5 things to check
The Le Grande Way- So many ways to use it!
Le Grande is the most versatile gel you’ll ever use. No Cleanse, one phase Gel, mix it, chrome it, emboss it. Quick, easy and all with amazing coverage and dozens
10 mistakes beginner nail tech’s make and how to fix them
10 mistakes new nail techs make and how to avoid them
How to apply acrylic for a slimmer nail AND quicker nail services.
When you’re struggling to apply your product as well as you want with your brush, then you end up relying on filing to do more of the work for you,
How Plasticine Gel can change your nail life!
#winning! Plasticine has been around a little while now, but some nail tech’s still haven’t tried it! I know, right…you’re thinking, errr that’s me Beck! Well, I was doing my
How to create the Perfect Rose Gold Chrome Nails
The nail you want to create is elusive. You see the perfect chrome nails on social media and you try to recreate it, but it doesn’t work :) Well here
How to fix any size crystals so they don’t budge!
This is something I get asked all the time and something that nail tech struggle with. I mean, who doesn’t like a bit of bling? even just on special occasions??
Introducing, more ways to pay
Introducing more ways to pay for your nail courses and kits
Pricing Nail Services, What you Need to consider.
Where do you start pricing nail services? Whether you’re starting out in business or not been earning a decent income from doing nails, this is what you should consider.
Neon Spider Gel is Here!
Summer is coming and we are all getting the brighter colours out. Lockdown is coming to an end and we will soon be free to get together with ALL the
#NailMail supercharged! The Nail Kit Pro Subscription
After a number of people told me I needed to offer a subscription box I couldn’t deny the project any longer… So here it is!!! The Hottest new Subscription Box
Tips or Sculpts? Why you should consider sculpting over tips.
I was taught tips in the first beginners course I did, and I got on ok, I learnt how to use them in lots of different ways depending on the
The Spring Edit 2021
The Spring Edit 2021 Taking a dive into the colours trending for Spring 2021. Somewhere between pastel and neon, the palette is vibrant and bursting full of personality. “Offering a
Nail Reactions and Allergies – Avoid, Avoid, Avoid! (The Skin…)
Allergies to nail products are not usually the products fault… if the product doesn’t come into contact with the skin it’s not likely you’ll ever see a reaction on a
Insurance – had a play with hard gel and loved it? Get qualified
being unqualified in a nail system can lead to legal action against you and your insurance company washing their hands of you. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable and guessing how a
Nail ‘systems’ – there are more than you think!
What is a nail system? and what are the differences between nail systems? Lets take a look at the different systems on the market today and in brief compare and
Building confidence after your nail course
It’s an exciting time, when you book your first nail course. You’re embarking on a new career and a fulfilling one at that! One that really captures your interest, harnesses
What the Gel are you talking about?
Le Grande is a thicker gel used over the top of a finished nail for either art or outlining, it is perfect because it cures with no inhibition layer (that
using the same procedure for every client could be costing you clients
Do you do the same for every client then struggle to troubleshoot when some clients have issues and others dont?
10 Reasons your nail Course might have let you down.
If you have completed your nail course but running into simple problems you don’t know how to solve then you may have been short changed!
All that Glitters… isn’t Gold. A Gel Polish Nightmare and how to avoid it.
How great would it be to have complete confidence in the nail brand you have invested in? A Nail Tech’s worst nightmare I know because I’ve been there too believe
5 Reasons Why you should start your business BEFORE you’re ready!
Do you have big hopes and dreams for your future nail business? Many student who pass through my doors do, the sweeping statements of “i’m going to work from home
When nail PREP causes damage
improper prep can mean your acrylic nails just don’t last, make sure they do, without damaging your nails!
Acrylic doesn’t wreck your nails, FACT.
Contrary to popular belief and what some nail tech’s also think, acrylic enhancements don’t actually damage your nails…find out what does here.
Why Torque is more important than RPM
If you are in the market for an E-File, then there are plenty out there to choose from but over the last 2-3 years there has been an influx of
How much is Lifting costing you?
It’s the bain of every Nail Tech’s life, clients come back with lifted nails, or worse still, they had lifting and then forced the enhancements off…claiming it was for you
Lifting a hooked nail
There are many challenges you face as a nail tech and what VTCT deem ‘awkward natural nails’ are common: Bitten Nails – got to be top of the list! Hooked
SDS – what the *SDS* are they??
There are so many questions and it seems a bit of confusion out there for NT’s at the moment. Unfortunately there has been a lack of required or even correct
My trip to Hungary with Mystic Nails
Mystic Day :) A couple of months ago I was invited to go to Hungary for Mystic Day, a twice a year event that Mystic HQ hold and I immediately
Hyponychium issues!
Edit Column
I received a message a couple of weeks ago about hyponychium issues a collegue was having and I immediately asked if I could use the message in
Excuse me Miss, Whats you angle??
Spending a little time making sure the angle of your brush is correct can save you soooo much time filing and give you crazily better results, from better colour consistency
Mix Ratio – Why your bead isn’t working for you
If you are struggling to get a good mix ratio each time you pick up a bead, check out my guide on where to start and WHY.