Home Education Nail & Beauty Courses
Give your child a practical skill they can learn at home. Our accredited nail and makeup courses fit around your home education timetable, with step-by-step video lessons, tutor feedback on their practical work and a certificate at the end.
✓ ABT, IPHM and IGCT accredited · ★ 1,345 reviews · Teaching since 2008 · Pay in 3 with Klarna, PayPal or Clearpay
Jump to the courses, the right age to start, the term plan, or ask us a question.
Why It Works For Home-Educating Families
Learning fits around your family's week. Your child watches the lessons, practises at home and sends in case studies for feedback.
Their Own Pace
No term dates or deadlines. A little each week, or more when they're keen.
Lifetime Access
Course materials are theirs to keep, to go back over any time.
Unlimited Resubmissions
Tutor feedback on every case study, and they can resubmit as often as they need.
A Certificate To Show
An accredited diploma and a portfolio – real evidence of their learning.
No Pressure
No live lessons, no exams and no deadlines. Feedback is private, which suits children who find school settings stressful.
Our Home Education Courses
Four beginner courses, ideal for young learners. Younger children often start with Manicure, Nail Art and Makeup, then add Gel Polish when they're ready.
Manicure Course
Hand and nail care, shaping and cuticle work – the foundation for every nail service.
Gel Polish Course
Prep, apply and remove gel polish safely, with a long-lasting, glossy finish.
Nail Art Course
Creative designs and finishing techniques to build a portfolio they're proud of.
Makeup Course
Skin prep, colour matching and day-to-evening looks, practised on family or friends.
Tell us your child’s age and what they would like to learn, and we will help you choose the courses to begin with. Each course is booked on its own, and every course includes lifetime access to the materials and tutor feedback on every case study. Pay in 3 with Klarna, PayPal or Clearpay.
Who It's For
A starting point for every age, with a clear next step as they grow in confidence.
Start Creative
Manicure, Nail Art and Makeup – fun, creative courses practised on family. A parent or guardian creates the account and gives permission.
All Four Beginner Courses
Manicure, gel polish, nail art and makeup – about one term in all. A parent or guardian creates the account and gives permission.
Next Step: Complete Nail Technician
Gel, acrylic and builder, for older learners ready to go further. See the course →
A Suggested Term Plan
A simple way to fit study into the school year for each age. Move at whatever pace suits your family.
Start Creative — Manicure, Nail Art and Makeup, about one term in all, practised on themselves and family.
Manicure
Hygiene, nail shapes and hand care. First case study submitted.
Nail Art
Creative designs and finishes, photographed for their first portfolio.
Makeup Basics
Skin prep and colour matching, practised on a family member.
Makeup Looks
Day-to-evening looks, ending with a final portfolio to be proud of.
All four beginner courses — manicure, gel polish, nail art and makeup, about one term in all.
Manicure
Hygiene, nail shapes and hand care. First case study submitted.
Gel Polish
Application, curing and safe removal, practised on a family member.
Nail Art
Designs and finishes, building a photo portfolio.
Makeup
Skin prep and full looks, ending with a final portfolio.
Complete Nail Technician — 39 units across five techniques, including acrylic. There is no deadline, and three terms is a realistic pace.
Foundation And Theory
Foundation, nail anatomy and physiology, and nail and skin healthcare — 19 units of theory that sit under every technique.
Manicure, Gel Polish And Tips
Manicure, gel polish and tip application — 9 units, with practical work submitted as case studies.
Extensions, Acrylic And Builder
Gel extensions, acrylic and builder in a bottle — 11 units, the techniques a nail technician is hired for.
A Real Qualification Your Child Can Be Proud Of
When your child finishes their course, they’ll receive an accredited diploma from Next Step Beauty. It’s proof of the practical skills they’ve learned and worked hard for.
Our courses are accredited by three respected beauty industry organisations: ABT, IPHM and IGCT. Next Step Beauty is also listed on the UK Register of Learning Providers.
What You'll Need
- A course kit – or add one at checkout
- A practice model: a parent, sibling or friend
- A phone camera for case-study photos
- A clean, well-lit table to work at
Safety And Supervision
- A parent or guardian sets up and manages the account
- Courses teach hygiene, product safety and patch testing
- We recommend a parent nearby for practical sessions
Accreditation & Insurance
Accredited by leading industry bodies and recognised by UK insurers
What Our Students Say
I am currently doing the Ultimate Nail Course which covers all nail techniques. The courses have step by step videos and PDF documents giving you all the information you need to build up your skills and confidence. You can do each course in your own time without any deadlines. Once each course is completed and passed, you can download your certificates from the online learning portal.
Alix
I am currently doing the full nail tech course from home. I've found all the information very helpful, the video tutorials are extremely helpful and very clear, I always refer back to them when I need a little reminder. There is no pressure to finish a course within a certain time. Being a stay at home mum this makes me achieve my goals at my own pace without added pressure.
Rochelle Oconnell
I was losing hope of becoming a nail technician as it was hard, until I got to this course. The course gave me lots of knowledge which I always thought I didn't need to do nails, which I was mistaken about. Everything is explained and shown in a really amazing way and I'm happy that I found this place. For sure I will do more courses and I would recommend it to everyone.
Atka
Taught by Victoria Arpels
Founder of Next Step Beauty since 2008
Victoria trained in beauty therapy, worked in a busy spa and lectured in further education colleges before founding Next Step Beauty. She demonstrates the techniques in the nail course videos herself, so you learn them from someone who has done the job and taught it. And she works alongside the tutor team on case-study feedback and in the private student groups, so the practical work you send in is seen by people who know what they are looking for.
Meet Victoria →Home Education FAQs
Quick answers for parents.
What Age Can My Child Start?
There’s no minimum age. A parent or guardian sets up the account, and we suggest a starting point by age: younger learners usually begin with Manicure, Nail Art and Makeup, then add Gel Polish, and many go on to the Complete Nail Technician route, including acrylic, when they’re ready.
How Much Time Does It Take?
Most students complete their training within a few weeks to a few months. Our suggested plan spreads the four beginner courses over one term.
Which Course Should They Start With?
Most families start with the Manicure course, then add gel polish, nail art and makeup. If you are not sure, tell us their age and what they would like to learn and we will suggest a starting point.
Does It Count As A GCSE?
No. These are accredited diplomas, not Ofqual-regulated qualifications, so they don’t count as a GCSE or a Level 2. They are a practical, recognised start that can lead on to further training, college or a future career in beauty.
Is There A Deadline To Finish?
No. There are no term dates or deadlines, and the course materials stay available afterwards, so they can go back over the lessons any time.
Can We Use It As Part Of Our Home Education Records?
Yes. Your child’s progress is shown in the student portal and certificates can be downloaded when each course is passed, alongside the photo portfolio from their case studies – useful evidence of their learning to keep with your home education records.
Does It Suit Children Who Find Learning Stressful?
Many families choose it for that reason. There are no live lessons, exams or deadlines, feedback is private, and they can repeat lessons and resubmit work as often as they need.
Do They Need To Buy A Kit?
They will need products to practise with. You can add a course kit at checkout, or use kit you already have.
How Is Their Practical Work Marked?
They upload case-study photos through the student portal. A tutor reviews the work and gives feedback, and they can resubmit as many times as they need.
What Support Do They Get?
Tutor feedback on every case study and unlimited resubmissions. Parents can contact our team by WhatsApp, phone or email.
Can They Work On Clients Afterwards?
Insurers set their own requirements, including minimum ages, so check directly with an insurer before taking paying clients. Many younger students start by practising on family and friends and building a portfolio.
Can We Spread The Cost?
Yes. You can pay in 3 interest-free instalments with Klarna, PayPal or Clearpay at checkout.
Questions About Home Education?
Tell us a little about your child and we'll help you choose the right starting point.
