COPIED
4 mins

TRAININGSPOTLIGHT

GLOW-UP guaranteed

Scratch shines a light on the Halo Centre of Excellence & shares nail training options to elevate your skills

A re you keen to expand your skillset this year – or take your first steps into the world of nail styling? Halo by Pure Nails offers courses for beginners and intermediate-level techs across the UK and Ireland, delivered by passionate trainers who are eager to help your skills soar.

“Halo educators bring extensive industry experience and knowledge to their training sessions, and participants benefit from hands-on learning and best practices,” shares Michelle Thompson, training manager at Pure Nails, Halo’s parent company. “This ensures that they stay ahead in a competitive market.”

The flagship learning space is the Halo Centre of Excellence in Gillingham, Kent, but trainers offer courses from 10 other locations across the UK and Ireland. “The Centre of Excellence is equipped with the latest Halo products, and features spacious workstations, excellent lighting and ample supplies to facilitate hands-on learning,” Michelle continues. “A welcoming atmosphere encourages collaboration and creativity, and there are comfortable seating areas for discussions and breaks. The centre’s aesthetic, functional design promotes a relaxed yet focused learning experience, making it an ideal place for both beginners and existing professionals.”

Typical training

Courses in Gel Polish, L&P Acrylic, Builder Gel, Hard Gel, Poly Gel, E-file use and Nail Art are offered by Halo’s educators, and a typical training day is ‘immersive and well-structured’. Michelle explains: “Participants begin with an introduction to the day’s agenda, including a theory session that covers essential topics like health & safety, nail anatomy and product knowledge. This is followed by a practical workshop, where learners apply their skills under the guidance of a trainer. They are given personalised feedback and support, and the atmosphere encourages interaction, so that questions can be asked and insights shared.”

Booking notes

Pure Nails has revamped its training website, making it easier than ever to reserve a space on a course. Upon booking, a confirmation email is sent with course details, manuals and any necessary preparation requirements. In the run-up to the course, learners may receive updates or required materials, such as starter kits or specific products for their training.

THE COURSES

Beginner level Gel Polish & Manicure – 1 day Acrylic – 2 days

Builder Gel & Gel Polish – 2 days Hard Gel – 2 days

Nail Art – 1 day

Intermediate level

Acrylic – 1 day

Builder Gel – 1 day

Hard Gel – 1 day

Poly Gel – 2 days

E-file – 1 day

“Once the course concludes, Halo provides ongoing support through access to online resources, follow-up sessions and community forums, where students can continue to connect and grow their skills,” Michelle adds. “Training with Halo empowers learners with confidence and creativity to express themselves in their roles as professionals.”

LOCATIONS

Halo courses are hosted at the Halo Centre of Excellence in Gillingham, Kent, as well as:

• Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland.

• Lemington, Newcastle upon Tyne.

• Keighley, Bradford.

• Shelley, Huddersfield.

• Southport, Sefton.

• Stirling, Scotland.

• Urmston, Manchester.

• Walsall, West Midlands.

• Wexford, Ireland.

• Whittlesey, Peterborough.

‘‘ At Halo, learning is more than training; it’s about joining a supportive community. ‘‘

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

“I completed the Beginners Gel Polish & Manicure course at the Halo Centre of Excellence and loved it,” explains Tallulah Quinn of @byberrysbeautyx. “The programme description was clear and communication from the team was brilliant: from detailing how to get to the premises to what the day would involve, and the specific techniques that would be covered. Instructions were presented in an easy-to-understand way, which made me feel really confident prior to starting the course.

“My trainer was so supportive and created a calm and relaxed environment in which to learn. The facilities were inspiring and comfortable, and offered a great introduction to becoming a nail tech.

“I definitely recommend training at the Halo Centre of Excellence. The entire experience was great, and my training day was brilliantly organised and a lot of fun. I’m really excited for my next chapter in nails and have Pure Nails to thank for developing my confidence.”

THE TRAINERS

MICHELLE THOMPSON

Years in the nail industry: 23 Specialist skills: Prep and long-lasting enhancements using builder gel, hard gel and L&P acrylic.

@educator_michelle79

DANNIELLE PUNTON

Years in the nail industry: Eight Specialist skills: Gel polish and intricate nail art: blending artistry with skill to help new and experienced nail artists grow in confidence.

@nails.and.beauty.by.dannielle

JASE PINSON

Years in the nail industry: Three Specialist skills: Natural nail overlays and enhancements with gel and hybrid gel products.

@jases_hideout

KAYLEIGH PARR

Years in the nail industry: 15 Specialist skills: Kayleigh has experience teaching in a college, as well as in the private sector, and is proud to support both beginners and qualified techs in the development of their nail skills. @kayleighparreducation

LISA CAMPBELL

Years in the nail industry: 20 Specialist skills: Lisa began her teaching journey in 2012 at a local college and now teaches from her salon, boasting passions for nail art and health.

@_thebeautybungalow_

LUCI GOODYEAR

Years in the nail industry: 17 Specialist skills: L&P acrylic enhancements and competition work.

@lucigoodyearnails

NICOLE DOWLING

Years in the nail industry: 20 Specialist skills: Nail extensions, shapes and gel polish application.

@nicoledowling94

PENNY BROUGHTON

Years in the nail industry: 15 Specialist skills: L&P acrylic, builder gel and gel polish application.

@pennymarie_nails.beauty

TINA BELL

Years in the nail industry: 30 Specialist skills: Tina runs Totally Polished Nails and Beauty salon and training academy in Lemington. She works with Pure Nails on product testing, development and support, and has worked internationally as an educator and competition judge.

@totallypolishedteam

To book Halo training, visit www.training.purenails.co.uk or scan the QR and use code SCRATCH25 for 25% off your first course. /purenailsprofessionalnailproducts @purenailsuk @purenailsuk @purenailsuk

This article appears in January 2026

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This article appears in...
January 2026
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Scratch Magazine
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