Articles by Victoria Arpels
Guides from Victoria and the Next Step Beauty team on techniques, choosing a course, and the practical side of working in nails and beauty.
Victoria founded Next Step Beauty in 2008 and still teaches on it. She demonstrates the techniques in the nail course videos and works with the tutor team on student feedback. Read her full story
Classic vs Volume Lashes for Beginners: Where Does Hybrid Fit?
Compare classic, hybrid and volume lash techniques, find a practical starting point and check what your first course should teach and assess.
Funding for Beauty Courses in the UK: Nail and Beauty Options
Explore realistic ways to pay for beauty and nail training, from checking government loan eligibility and employer support to comparing instalments and building a savings plan.
Do You Need Experience to Do a Nail Course? A Beginner’s Guide
No salon experience or previous qualification? Find out what beginner nail and beauty courses expect, how practice and tutor feedback work, and how to plan your first steps.
Do Lash Lifts Damage Lashes? A Guide for New Lash Techs
Lash lifts can damage natural lashes if they are overprocessed or repeated too soon. Learn what to check during consultation, treatment and aftercare.
How to Get More Clients as a Nail Tech: Your First Bookings
Ready to find your first nail clients? Build a small portfolio, explain your services clearly and follow a manageable plan for local enquiries, bookings and rebookings.
Nail Technician Insurance UK: Before Your First Client
Getting ready for your first nail client? Understand public liability, treatment and student cover, and the insurance checks for working from home or mobile.
ABT Accredited Nail Courses: IPHM and IGCT Explained
Choosing your first nail course? Understand ABT, IPHM and IGCT accreditation, what your diploma proves, and the checks to make before enrolling or arranging insurance.
Setting Up as a Mobile Nail Technician or Working from Home
Thinking of working from home or visiting nail clients? Compare the two setups and plan your insurance, local checks, kit, travel and first bookings.
How Much Should I Charge as a Beginner Nail Tech?
Setting your first nail prices? Learn how to separate practice from paid appointments, plan an introductory offer and review your prices during your first year.
Microblading vs Powder Brows: Which Should You Train In?
Hair-like strokes or soft shading? Compare microblading and powder brows, including skin suitability, healing and the practical work involved in each course.
How to Become a Microblading Artist in the UK
Start with a clear route from microblading training to practice. Explore assessment, insurance, council requirements and the setup to plan before treating clients.
Builder Gel vs BIAB: What’s the Difference?
BIAB is a branded builder gel range, not a separate product category. Compare soft and hard formulas, removal and aftercare, then choose training for overlays or extensions.
Where To Start
If you are not sure which course fits, start with the area rather than the course. Each one explains what you will learn, how the work is assessed and what you will need to practise on.
