What products & tools do I need for my Nail Technology & Artistry course?

To support you in confidently completing your practical activities, we’ve created a clear list of all the products and tools you'll need for the Nail Technology course. This list makes it easy to source your items yourself, whether you prefer shopping online or using products you already have at home.

If you received a kit with your enrolment, you'll already have many of the essentials covered.

Products & Tools for Required Activities

In your course there are two activities you will need to complete:

• Activity 1: Perform a Manicure
• Activity 2: Enhancements – Your choice between Gel, Acrylic, Dip Powder, French Tips.

Each section is broken down by activity and enhancement option, so you can clearly see what is needed from the above checklist to complete each activity of your training - these are included in the list above and are not in addition to but rather a list of what you need to perform each activity

Activity 1: Perform a Manicure

• Orangewood sticks
• Nail brush
• Nail clippers
• 240-grit nail file
• Lint-free cotton pads
• Nail surface cleanser
• Base coat polish
• Selected nail polish (red – mandatory)
• Top coat polish
• Nail polish remover (acetone)
• Cuticle oil
• Optional: Stainless steel cuticle pusher
• Optional: Curette
• Optional: Quick-dry nail spray

Activity 2: Nail Enhancement Treatments (Student Choice)

IMPORTANT:

You do not need to complete every enhancement technique. For your final assignment, you only need to complete one enhancement option of your choice. You’re welcome to try more if you’re curious, but it’s completely optional.

You choose between the following options:

Option A: Gel Polish Application

• 240-grit padded file or buffer
• Nail brush
• Nail surface cleanser
• Lint-free cotton pads
• UV/LED lamp (must suit system)
• Gel polish base coat
• Gel polish (desired colour)
• Gel polish top coat
• Orangewood stick
• Isopropyl alcohol (99% pure)
• Cuticle oil

Option B: French Tips with Gel Polish

• 240-grit padded file or buffer
• Nail brush
• Nail surface cleanser
• Lint-free cotton pads
• UV/LED lamp
• Gel polish base coat
• Gel polish (sheer pink/nude)
• Gel polish (white)
• Gel polish top coat
• Orangewood stick
• Isopropyl alcohol (99% pure)
• Clean gel brush (technique #1)
• Striping brush (technique #2)
• Cuticle oil

Option C: Gel Enhancements – Builder Gel System

• 240-grit padded file
• White 180-grit file
• 180-grit padded file
• Nail surface cleanser
• Lint-free cotton pads
• Builder gel primer / base coat / bonder
• Builder gel
• Builder gel protective top coat or gel polish + top coat
• UV/LED lamp
• Isopropyl alcohol (99% pure)
• Nail brush
• Cuticle oil

Option D: Gel Enhancements – Hard Gel System

• 240-grit padded file
• White 180-grit file
• 180-grit padded file
• Nail surface cleanser
• Lint-free cotton pads
• Forms
• Small scissors
• Hard gel primer / base coat
• Hard gel
• Hard gel top coat or gel polish + top coat
• UV/LED lamp
• Isopropyl alcohol (99% pure)
• Nail brush

Option E: Acrylic Enhancements

• 240-grit padded file
• 180-grit file
• 240-grit file
• Cuticle oil
• Nail surface cleanser
• Lint-free cotton pads
• Nail brush
• Acrylic primer / bonder
• Acrylic liquid (monomer)
• Acrylic powder (polymer)
• Tapered acrylic brush
• Glass container / dappen dish
• Polish (gel or standard: base, colour, top)
• Optional: UV/LED lamp (if using gel polish)
• Optional: E-file with sanding bits
• Optional: Nail tips (various sizes)

Option F: Dip Powder System

• 240-grit padded file
• 180-grit file
• 240-grit file
• Nail surface cleanser
• Lint-free cotton pads
• Nail brush
• Dip powder primer / bonder
• Dip powder (clear)
• Dip powder (desired colour)
• Dip powder activator / protect & seal
• Dip powder top coat
• Clean glass containers
• Cuticle oil
• Optional: E-file with sanding bits
• Optional: Nail tips (various sizes)