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KNOWING NAJET

Esteemed global educator & nail stylist, NAJET HAMILA STRAND shares highlights from her colourful career

WHO – Najet Hamila

Strand WHAT – Global director of education at Nail Alliance & founder of salon & distribution business, NH Nails

WHERE – Stockholm, Sweden

WHY – An industry icon, session stylist & educator passionate about nails, knowledge and people.

Gelish educator training in South Africa.

Demonstrating Gelish product application at Professional Beauty London in March 2025.

she’s been namedropped as an ‘icon’ and an ‘expert educator’ by some of the biggest names on the nail competition scene, and has been called upon by celebrities to create striking nail styles for editorials and music my videos. Yet, when I met Najet Hamila Strand at theProfessional Beauty Londonexhibition in March – breaking her away from an audience eager to absorb nail tips and techniques – I was astounded by her sweet, humble nature and commitment to supporting others.

Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, Najet has lived in Stockholm for over half her life. She balances client work and distribution at her business, NH Nails, alongside her role as global director of education at Nail Alliance: the umbrella company of brands including Gelish and Morgan Taylor. This role takes her all over the world so that she can impart her wisdom on the nail community, and she still makes time for nail photo shoots and celebrity clients.

When did your career start taking off?

I was working on clients in a salon environment, and encouraged to enter a nail competition. I wasn’t familiar with the requirements and was initially reluctant to participate, as I didn’t feel that I would win. However, my trainer explained that this was not the point: it was to gain experience, identify areas for improvement see how my work fared against other pros.

Tell us about your journey into the nail industry…

I didn’t enter the nail world until 1995, after I had spent many years studying medicine and chemistry, and attained a chiropractic degree. While I found roles in these areas interesting, they weren’t always fun – and I believe that a job should make you happy.

Judging nail competitions at Professional Beauty London.

I was drawn to nails due to the creative aspect, and undertook a training course. Due to My science background, I found anatoMy, physiology and product chemistry easy to understand, and I have always enjoyed drawing. The combination of scientific and artistic elements excited me, and I had a fantastic teacher who encouraged my progress. It was never my intent to work full-time in the nail industry, but I love it – and can’t imagine doing anything else.

To my surprise, I thrived on the stress and pressure of the arena, and noticed that my skills were rapidly improving. I began to compete outside of Sweden, and within a short space of time, scooped national, international, Scandinavian and European titles.

What did you love about competing?

As well as the thrill of time-pressured styling, I met fantastic people from various walks of life, including product manufacturers. I also made great industry connections that I have maintained today. While abroad for a competition, I had meetings with three high profile nail companies, one of which was EzFlow. This brand was founded by Danny Haile and David Daniel, who went on to launch Gelish in 2009.

What happened next?

The meetings led to job offers, so on my return to Sweden, I contemplated my options. My decision to work for EzFlow was based on the company’s ethos: Danny and David considered the needs and perspectives of nail professionals in every move they made, and the energy of the family-run business resonated with me. I officially joined the team in 1997.

“Educating is about the needs and progression of the student, and it’s your job to adapt your teaching style to support them.”

Najet with her mentor, Danny Haile, and mentee, Antony Buckley – European director of education at Nail Alliance.

What did your role involve, and how has it progressed?

I worked with others within the company to produce the first EzFlow educator training manual. It was so exciting to share such intricate details about the nail and translate my knowledge into text and techniques that would be shared worldwide and support the progress of nail enthusiasts.

My interests prior to nails were useful when creating learning materials. For example, my understanding of the anatomy of the hands and feet, product chemistry and maths, which can help when learning about the creation of balanced, well-structured nails. All elements have helped me to relay information and speak to different learners, which is extremely satisfying.

When EzFlow was acquired by another company and Danny and David launched Gelish, I was excited to help enhance the venture and its education programmes. Gelish aims to be ahead of the curve when it comes to nail health and care, which is so important to me.

Enjoying free time with colleagues after international educator training in the Dominican Republic.

“As an educator, what makes me proud is helping learners get to the next stages of their careers and achieve their goals. I love being able to share information and see results.”

What makes an amazing educator?

A willing to share knowledge. If you do not wish to support others by offering advice, then you are not ready to be an educator. What’s more, teachers must be able to relay information in a way that can be digested and understood by students with different learning needs. You must remember that educating is about the needs and progression of the student, and it’s your job to adapt your teaching style to support them.

Explain your duties as global director of education at Nail Alliance…

I am supported by the company’s North American director of education, MaeLing Parrish, and European director of education, Antony Buckley, in ensuring that Gelish’s innovations are backed by quality, up-to-date training and resources. We communicate several times per week to tailor our education programme to the needs of students internationally. Once a month, we meet virtually with the company’s deans of education to listen to feedback and share developments, so that changes can be implemented if required.

Alongside other members of the education team, I also offer opinions on products. Danny Haile dreams up fantastic nail innovations, which are then developed by the creative and production teams, and tested by educators in the central team. Following this, global team members work with the products to ensure that their functionality isn’t affected by factors in their markets, such as climate, and that the products perform as intended. As a team, we are transparent with one another so that finished products are of the best quality for nail professionals.

Najet with Nail Alliance colleagues, including MaeLing Parrish (centre back) and Antony Buckley (top right), following a brand photo shoot.

What does your average week entail?

I work at my business, NH Nails, in between my duties for Nail Alliance, and relax by spending time with my family and enjoying meals with friends. I have a 21-year-old son, and fortunately he loves going to spas – so we enjoy our free time together. I power-walk to clear my mind, and I like to draw, which helps with nail concepts.

Working behind the scenes at Milan Fashion Week .

What are your favourite Gelish products?

My favourites are the ones that are right for my client’s nail needs – and the Gelish portfolio means there is always something to suit. I like to keep my own nails short, with a natural-looking finish, so enjoy wearing Foundation Flex, Brush-on Builder or Structure Gel.

Nails for Lina Ljungberg, Miss Universe Sweden 2019.

With P!nk on a video shoot.

Tell us about your celebrity encounters…

I’m quite a private person, and feel it’s important to respect boundaries, so I can’t namedrop all the celebrities I’ve worked with. However, some include Rihanna, P!nk and Kylie Minogue.

A photo taken by Najet on her way to provide nail services at Drottningholm Palace, home of the Swedish Royal Family.

My mum and grandma love the Swedish Royal Family, and I started working with them in 1997 – much to their delight!

I have created nail styles for photo shoots and at fashion shows worldwide, and am not phased by the celebrity world. To me, personality is more important than fame, however after watching Taylor Swift’s documentary and attending The Eras Tour, I would love to do her nails. She wore a short style for her concert, but I would love to create a dramatic and detailed manicure for one of her shows.

What are your greatest achievements?

Supporting the growth and competition journeys of amazing Swedish nail professionals: Madelene Wolf, Karin Ström and Cindy Andersson, has been heartwarming. They have each carved incredible nail careers and scooped many international titles, which is lovely to witness.

As an educator, what makes me proud is helping people get to the next stage of their careers and achieve their goals. I love being able to share information and see results. The joy is contagious!