A magical education experience

Home Latest Edition Archive scratchmagazine.co.uk

COPIED

6 mins

TRAINING SPOTLIGHT

A magical education experience

JESS WATTS heads to Glitterbels HQ to train with members of the Scratch Stars Ultimate Nail Team in the brand’s stunning pink multi-purpose setting

My first encounter with the Glitterbels team was at The Scratch Stars Party 2025, at which the brand’s education team was recognised with a third win in the Scratch Stars Nail Team of the Year category. This catapulted them into the Hall Of Fame , where the team now shines as a Scratch Stars Ultimate Nail Team. As I’ve dabbled in nail product application in the past, I wondered what it would be like to train under the expertise of award-winners, so pitched a request which became a reality, as I was invited to partake in the Glitterbels Gel Polish course. Join me as I relay my visit to Stoke-on-Trent and Glitterbels’ palatial training venue, where I took my first official steps into professional nail styling.

The Glitterbels HQ is hard to miss. Marked by a baby pink van with the brand’s logo emblazoned across the side, the HQ – a converted church – is located on a residential road in Stoke-on-Trent, with pops of pink indicating something truly special behind the stone walls.

On arrival, I was greeted by Glitterbels educator, Danielle Brindley, who is in the Scratch Stars Hall Of Fame – not just as part of the Glitterbels Education Team, but as an individual. This is for her three wins in the Scratch Stars Polish & Paint Artist of the Year category. The day of education promised to cover ‘preparation, application, removal and homecare techniques that allow for gel polish to be applied to natural or enhanced nails’. I had completed the Essential Nail Knowledge Diploma online prior to the the course, and Danielle recapped on nail anatomy and client consultation tips. Upon successful completion of the gel polish course (including case studies performed after the training day), an ABT-accredited certificate will be issued by Glitterbels.

Walking into the HQ felt akin to entering a spa version of Barbie’s Dreamhouse. Cascades of pink flowers cocooned each room, while fluffy clouds hugged the walls and gold accents upholstered the furniture. I followed the unicorn motifs deeper into the building to find a wall of luscious greenery leading to the classroom: Learning Centre 2. Danielle led me to a nail desk, where two big pink boxes contained everything needed for the learning experience. This starter kit featured essential tools and prep products, three stunning gel polish colours and the Glitterbels DreamCure lamp. Alongside four other students, I prepared myself for a day of learning and laughter.

Danielle began the course with an overview of what we would be learning, explaining that the first half an hour would focus on theory, before the practical training would commence. Danielle was engaging and thorough, and she discussed nail anatomy and detailed allergen advice, while we avidly took notes.

The practical element of the course ensured that my fellow students and I learned how to apply gel polish correctly and safely. Danielle demonstrated a properly prepped nail, while live screens showed close-ups of her work. Then, it was our turn!

We practiced on our own nails, kicking off with Glitterbels Sanitiser Spray. We filed our natural nails and used the Glitterbels Curved Cuticle Pusher to neaten the surface area for application. Danielle commented that ‘prep should be very therapeutic’, and I was thrilled by how clean my nails looked after this stage.

We used a red gel polish for a solid colour overlay: renowned for being challenging and unforgiving to work with due to its strong pigment. Danielle demonstrated correct application: use of Glitterbels Dehydrator then Primer, followed by Base Coat, two coats of Gel Polish and Top Coat (curing in between) and finishing with Cleanser and Cuticle Oil. She gave us plenty of advice for the process, and while we attempted application on our own nails, she walked around the classroom offering tips.

Glitterbels Hema Free Gel Polish in Believe It £8.99 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com

Glitterbels Gel Polish application:

1. Demo.

2. Prep.

3. Apply.

4. Cure.

5. Assess.

With Glitterbels educator, Danielle Brindley (@missbrinnynailartist).

“The Glitterbels Gel Polish course and Danielle’s guidance ensured I came away confident in natural nail prep, gel polish application, a French finish and the anatomy of the nail.”

Focusing intently, I tried everything Danielle had suggested. I was very happy with the result, and the colour –

Glitterbels Hema Free Gel Polish in Believe It – was stunning!

Danielle noted points for improvement and areas that had been completed to a good standard. As the other students and I finished the task, our pre-ordered lunch arrived, and we headed to the next-door room to eat, admire each other’s nails and indulge in copies of Scratch that were laid out on the table.

During our hour lunch break, we were invited to look around the Glitterbels HQ shop, which contained everything a nail pro could wish for and more. From bubblegum pink apparel to every Glitterbels product and collection, there was so much to choose from, and every student had the opportunity to purchase products that caught their eyes.

The start of the afternoon session explored gel polish removal. Demonstrating the soak-off method, Danielle commented: “You shouldn’t put pressure on the nail; removal should be painless and smooth.” And she was right. After over 10 years of getting my nails done, I learned what a gel polish removal should look and feel like. It was a straightforward process, and included hydration with cuticle oil before soaking. After learning about removal, it was time to recreate a classic look in every nail enthusiast’s arsenal: a French tip.

“I left the course with not only professional products and the knowledge of how to use them, but a big smile and sense of achievement. It was a great day with an exceptional educator, spirited students and premium products.”

Danielle detailed the various ways to achieve a crisp French manicure, and the benefits of each. Starting with a dotting tool to create a white tip, she moved on to using a fine liner brush, before demonstrating a technique that involves painting a rough white tip and using a flat brush to clean to the desired shape.

We were encouraged to try a variety of methods and products, including Glitterbels Hema Free Gel Polishes in Send Nudes and White, and Unbelievabel Gel in Cream Cake. I settled on the fine liner brush technique as a firm favourite. Though not perfect, I was proud of my accuracy and finished nails. I enjoyed experimenting with the shape and style of tips, noting that I gravitated towards a micro-French most.

Glitterbels Hema Free Gel Polish in Send Nudes £8.99 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com

French manicure application

The Glitterbels Gel Polish course and Danielle’s guidance ensured I came away confident in natural nail prep, gel polish application, a French finish and the anatomy of the nail, as well as how to carry out a client consultation and provide aftercare for enhancement longevity and nail health.

I left the course with not only professional products and the knowledge of how to use them, but a big smile and sense of achievement. It was a great day with an exceptional educator, spirited students and premium products – hosted within a luxurious and lavish environment. I cannot wait to earn my certificate by completing my case studies.

Glitterbels Hema Free Gel Polish in White £8.99 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com