What this course covers

Hard gel done properly is genuinely impressive — strong, thin, beautifully structured overlays that last. This course takes you through everything from product knowledge and nail anatomy to the full application technique, refining, shaping and rebalancing. This is an overlay course — we strengthen and structure the natural nail; it does not cover tips or sculpted extensions.

Every module combines in-depth theory with practical video demos on real hands — including damaged nails, wide nails, male manicure and nail repair. You'll finish knowing exactly what you're doing and why.

Thin but strong method & hidden apex
The technique that creates beautiful, lasting overlays without bulk
Full refining & shaping section
Round, soft square, almond, sharp square — all shapes covered with video
Rebalancing and infills
Hard gel rebalance technique with step-by-step video demo
Troubleshooting real problems
Lifting, heat spikes, damaged nails, wide nails — all covered
ABT accredited certificate on completion
Use it to get insured the same day you finish
Full curriculum

Every lesson, laid out

01
Hygiene, Health & Safety
  • Salon hygiene Theory
  • Disinfection & sterilisation Theory
  • Contra-indications & contra-actions Theory
  • Allergies & overexposure Theory
02
Nail Anatomy
  • Understanding the structure of the nail Theory
  • Layers of the nail & their importance Theory
  • Treating damaged nails Theory
03
Debulking & Etching the Nail
  • Debulking & etching technique Video
04
Hard Gel Application
  • Introduction to hard gels Theory + Video
  • Heat spikes Theory
  • Damaged nails Theory
  • Hard gel flexibility test Theory + Video
  • Why hard gel overlays lift Theory
  • Types of apex Theory
  • Thin but strong method & hidden apex Theory + Video
  • What method and when? Theory
  • Application techniques Theory + Video
  • Gel armouring Video
  • Male manicure & nail repair Video
  • Nail pinching — trapezoidal/wide nails Theory
05
Refining & Shaping
  • Why I shape after gel overlay, not before Theory
  • Important things to remember when shaping Theory
  • Side walls and lower parallels Theory + Video + PDF
  • The C-curve Theory
  • Nail shapes Theory
  • Shaping a short round nail Theory + Video
  • Shaping a soft square Theory + Video
  • Shaping an almond nail Theory + Video
  • Refining Theory
  • Shaping a sharp square Theory + Video
  • Refining square nails Video
  • Refining round nails Video
  • Removing the natural nail underneath Video
06
Rebalancing Nails (Infills)
  • Rebalancing hard gel Theory + Video
07
Top Coat & Finish Filing
  • Topcoat application Theory
  • Finish filing and why it matters Theory
08
Finishing the Service
  • Finishing up and final checks Theory
09
Product Links & Discount Codes
  • Recommended products and where to buy Theory
  • Exclusive discount codes for students Theory
How you qualify

What the assessment involves

This isn't a tick-box qualification. Your work is assessed properly — and you'll only be passed when it genuinely meets the standard. That might feel daunting, but it's exactly what makes this certificate worth having.

📋
Workbook

Written questions to confirm your understanding of the theory

📸
Photo evidence

Before and after photos of your overlay work on real clients

🎥
Video evidence

Short footage of your application technique in practice

3 case studies

Documented client treatments showing consistent results

Ready to build real strength?

Everything you need to qualify, get insured and deliver hard gel overlays your clients will love.

£397
One-time payment · Klarna & Clearpay available
Enrol now