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
Nail Course Case Studies: How to Photograph Your Work
Show your practical nail work clearly with a simple photo plan, lighting and framing tips, and checks to make before submitting your case studies.
How to Fit an Online Beauty Course Around Work
Plan an online beauty course around your job with an adaptable weekly planner, practical-session checklist and realistic room for assessment feedback.
Choosing an Online Nail Course: A Beginner’s Checklist
Not sure which online nail course to choose? Use this beginner’s checklist to compare treatments, practical assessment, tutor support, equipment and certification.
The Magic of Micro-French Manicures: Elevate Your Nails, Elevate Your Life
Micro French manicures are effortlessly chic, modern, and oh-so-trending. Its the number 1 skill to learn to achieve the latest celebrity look!!
Embrace the Soap Nails Trend: Your Gateway to Beauty, Confidence, and Career Success
In the ever-evolving world of beauty and fashion, 2025 has ushered in a trend that’s capturing hearts and fingertips alike: Soap Nails.
Achieving Perfect Gel Polish Coverage: A Step-by-Step Guide
Achieving a flawless finish with light gel polish colors can be challenging. Often, the color appears faded and uneven. This guide will show you how
Nail File Grit Explained: How to Choose the Right File
Understand nail file grit, compare common grades and choose the right tool for natural nails, enhancements and controlled beginner practice.
How to Make a Budget Practice Hand for Nail Training
Create a simple budget practice hand for nail positioning and dry practice. See what it can teach you, its limitations and a focused practice exercise.
UV vs LED Nail Lamps: What’s the Difference?
Understand UV and LED nail lamps, why gel and lamp compatibility matters, and what to check before buying equipment for your training.
Gel Polish with Nail Gems: A Beginner’s Guide to Placement
Plan a simple gel polish design with nail gems. Learn about placement, product compatibility, finishing checks and common beginner mistakes.
Santa Nail Art Tutorial: Practise a Simple Christmas Design
Practise a simple Santa-inspired nail design with a red base, white trim and belt detail, plus the original Next Step Beauty graduate video.
How to Price Nail Services: A Practical UK Guide
Work out what to charge for nail services using your costs, appointment time and local comparisons. Includes a worked example, UK salon prices and practical advice on extras and price increases.
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.
