ENHANCE WITH excellence

Are you keen to elevate your knowledge & expand your skillset? HELENA BIGGS explores the nail education options at the Halo Centre of Excellence

Since 2007, Pure Nails has been a provider of professional nail products at competitive prices, with a mission to support nail techs in creating stunning nail styles that last. The company continues to innovate via its own nail brand, Halo, which boasts six core systems: Gel Polish, Acrylic, EasiBuild (builder gel), PoliBuild (precision gel) Halo Elite (hard gel) and Jellie Tips. This product provision is backed by comprehensive training courses, delivered in partnership with Totally Polished at the Halo Centre of Excellence in Gillingham, Kent.

Tina Liddle

Tina Liddle, owner of the Totally Polished salon and training academy in Newcastle, discovered Halo products in their infancy, when she sought to update the gel polish range in the salon. “It was seven years ago when I purchased my first Halo Gel Polish shades,” she shares. “I took them back to the salon and the team and I loved the formula and colour pigmentation so much, that I went back to the wholesaler the same day to buy 33 more, completing my collection at the time. After using the brand for a few weeks, I contacted Pure Nails to enquire about becoming an educator.”

Following discussions with Pure Nails founder, Tony Palmer, Tina was asked to sample Halo products that were in development, and her relationship with the company grew. “I now work as product development and technical support advisor for Pure Nails, as well as the company’s head of education,” she shares.

Tina’s career in nails spans two decades, and as a salon owner and educator, she understands the needs of those on both sides of the nail desk. It is this savvy that has supported the development of the Halo Centre of Excellence, a training school next to Pure Nails HQ that offers courses for beginners and seasoned professionals, helping them to elevate their skills with Halo products.

Accredited by Professional Beauty Direct, the courses can also be delivered across the UK and Ireland on request, by Halo’s 13 educators. The Halo Centre of Excellence, however, is a decadently furnished space that is easily accessible via car or public transport.

From booking to completion

When a student books a course via the Pure Nails website, a confirmation email is sent with link to a manual. “The student is required to read the manual prior to the course, and on the day of the training, their table is set up, ready for an exciting day or two of learning,” Tina shares.

Refreshments are provided throughout each course, alongside Tina’s contact information and learning materials. On successful completion, each student receives a certificate and is invited to join Pure Nails social media groups for support post-course. “Students are made aware that they can contact me after the course if they have any questions, and I often video call them to relay practical pointers,” Tina continues. “A list of insurance companies and costing information is also given, so students have everything they need for a successful nail journey.”

The courses

HALO E-FILE TRAINING

Immerse in a comprehensive E-file course that covers health & safety, maintenance, cuticle work, infills, product removal, rebalancing, filing techniques and under nail cleaning.

Level: Intermediate.

Requirements: An accredited enhancement qualification (L&P acrylic, hard gel or PoliBuild) and gel polish qualification. Duration: One day, 10am to 4pm.

Cost: From £125 + VAT.

HALO GEL POLISH & MANICURE: BEGINNERS

Ideal for novices and established techs seeking to refresh their skills, this course covers health, safety, anatomy, physiology and contra-indications, as well as manicure techniques, nail prep, gel polish application and removal.

Level: Beginners.

Requirements: None.

Duration: One day, 10am to 4pm. Cost: From £125 + VAT.

HALO BUILDER GEL: BEGINNERS

Learn how to use Halo’s EasiBuild system and gain valuable insights into the application of the builder gel formula. Salon hygiene and safety is explored, as well as nail structure, diseases and disorders, application, maintenance, rebalancing, removal and troubleshooting.

Level: Intermediate.

Requirements: An accredited gel polish qualification.

Duration: Two days, 10am to 4pm each day. Cost: From £250 + VAT.

HALO ACRYLIC NAILS: BEGINNERS

Achieve excellence in L&P acrylic application via this two-day course, which focuses on tip application, sculpting, maintenance, rebalancing, removal and more.

Level: Intermediate.

Requirements: An accredited gel polish qualification.

Duration: Two days, 10am to 4pm each day. Cost: From £250 + VAT.

The Halo Centre of Excellence.

Student spotlights

Three nail pros who have undertaken Halo courses share their experiences…

BETHANY WILKINSON

Owner of home salon, Nails by Beth, in Stanley, Co Durham.

@nails.by.beth_x

“I considered various training centres before choosing to begin my nail journey with Pure Nails. I had read many positive reviews and was comforted by the promise of support post-course, so booked the Halo Gel Polish & Manicure course in order to develop my skills and learn about Halo products. “I was trained by Tina, who provided me with Halo product knowledge and helped me make the most of the products. She was so helpful and spent time working with me on areas I struggled with, including product removal. Tina invited me to the Pure Nails – Halo Gel Polish private Facebook group, which I find very useful, and I am part of a wonderful community of Halo pros. The group, and weekly Instagram live sessions, are great for troubleshooting, as well as refreshing product application pointers.”

LOUISE HOPCROFT

Mobile nail professional

@louloubyloux

“I have been working as a nail professional for four years, and have completed courses including Halo Acrylic Nails and Halo E-File Training. I have found them to be detailed and motivating, and explanations have been clear and professional. Tina is amazing, and easily contactable via phone call or text when I have questions or queries. Her kindness knows no bounds, and I know that other nail enthusiasts would benefit from her knowledge and support.”

TALLULAH QUINN

Mobile nail technician, Gillingham, Kent

@byberrysbeautyx

“Booking Hal Gel Polish & Manicure training with Pure Nails was so straightforward. The course description was detailed, and the training was well structured and took place in a calm environment. The Halo Centre of Excellence is beautiful and I loved learning new skills within it!

“I was trained by Nicole Downing, Pure Nails educator, who was very patient and would demonstrate techniques again if I requested. She made me feel confident to ask questions and I am looking forward to launching my nail and beauty business, armed with new-found knowledge.”