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How to become a brow technician: what does training involve?

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 22:47:03 GMT

Training as a brow technician means learning two genuinely distinct skill sets — brow definition (shaping, tinting and mapping) and brow lamination (restructuring the hair itself) — which together let you offer a complete brow service to clients. A strong course should cover both within a single day, alongside a professional kit to start working immediately.

TL;DR

1-day course covering Brow Definition and Brow Lamination certification
Includes a fully loaded professional kit
Lamination-only option available for existing brow technicians
£600

Brow definition and brow lamination — two different skills

Brow definition covers shaping, tinting, mapping and waxing — the traditional core of brow work. Brow lamination is a newer, separate skill that restructures the brow hair itself for a fuller, more uniform look. A course covering only one of these leaves a real gap in what you can offer clients, since many now expect both services to be available.

What a proper brow tech course should cover

Beyond the physical techniques, look for a course that covers health and safety best practice, COSHH regulations, contra-indications and contra-actions, brow hair structure and growth cycle, and how to properly perform consultations and patch tests — patch testing in particular is a genuine safety requirement for lamination, not an optional extra.

The practical techniques you'll learn

On the technical side, expect hands-on training in brow definition and mapping, tinting, brow waxing, and brow lamination technique from start to finish — plus practical guidance on aftercare advice to give clients and how to price your services.

Why a proper kit matters

A genuinely useful course includes a fully loaded professional kit — a wax heater and brow products — so you can start taking clients the moment you're certified, rather than needing to source and buy equipment separately before you can work.

Already trained in brow definition? Lamination-only options exist

If you're an existing brow technician who never learned lamination specifically, a standalone half-day lamination course is a faster route to adding that skill without repeating training you already have.

For full course pricing and to enquire, see the Ultimate Brow Tech course page →.

Ready to become a qualified brow technician? See pricing and book the Ultimate Brow Tech course →

How to become a nail technician: what does training actually involve?

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 22:39:40 GMT

Becoming a qualified nail technician starts with hands-on training covering both the practical skills — gel polish, builder gel, French manicures — and the foundational knowledge around hygiene, health and safety, and client care that any professional nail tech needs. A good beginners course should take you from zero experience to fully certified and client-ready in a single day.

TL;DR

1-day course covering Gel Polish and Builder Gel certification
No experience required
Covers technique plus hygiene, health & safety, and business basics
£550, 5.5 hours

What a beginners nail tech course should cover

Beyond the practical techniques, a proper foundation course covers product knowledge and hygiene (including safe MSDS storage), client consultations and nail preparation, nail anatomy and physiology, contra-indications and contra-actions, and the health and safety regulations — including COSHH — that any working nail technician is legally required to understand. Skipping this foundational knowledge is one of the most common gaps in cheaper, rushed training courses.

The practical skills you'll actually learn

On the technical side, expect hands-on training in nail and cuticle preparation, gel polish and colour application, tip application and builder gel techniques, French manicure application, and safe product removal — the full toolkit needed to start taking paying clients immediately after qualifying.

What certifications should you come away with?

Look for a course that certifies you in both Gel Polish and Builder Gel specifically, since these are the two core services most nail clients ask for. A course that only certifies one leaves a real gap in what you can immediately offer.

Business skills matter too

The best courses don't stop at technique — they also cover the practical side of running a nail business, including how to price your services and use social media to attract and retain clients, since technical skill alone doesn't build a client base.

For full course pricing and to enquire, see the Beginners Nail Tech course page →.

Ready to start your nail technician career? See pricing and book the Beginners Nail Tech course →

What to expect from brow, nostril and lip waxing

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 22:32:50 GMT

Brow, nostril and lip waxing are quick, targeted treatments that remove unwanted hair using warm wax, leaving skin smooth for several weeks at a time. Each takes around 15 minutes and can be booked individually or combined with another nail or brow appointment.

TL;DR

Removes hair from the root using warm wax — lasts longer than shaving
Covers brow, nostril and lip in around 15 minutes each
Can be combined into one appointment
From £9

How waxing works

Warm wax is applied to the treatment area and adheres to the hair as it sets. When removed, it pulls hair out from the root — rather than just cutting it at the surface the way shaving does — which is why results last significantly longer than shaving and regrowth tends to come back finer over time.

Brow, nostril and lip waxing — what each involves

Brow waxing removes stray hairs around the natural brow shape for a cleaner, more defined line.
Nostril waxing removes visible nostril hair using a specially designed applicator suited to the sensitive area.
Lip waxing removes fine hair above the lip, a common concern that's quick and easy to address with wax.

Preparing for your appointment

Hair generally needs to be at least a few millimetres long for wax to grip it effectively, so avoid shaving or trimming the area in the days before your appointment. Skin should also be clean and free of makeup or skincare products in the treatment area.

For current pricing and to book, see the Waxing page →.

Ready for smooth, low-maintenance results? See pricing and book waxing →

What is HD Brows, and what's the difference between the full and express versions?

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 22:27:13 GMT

HD Brows is a comprehensive eyebrow shaping treatment that combines tweezing, waxing and tinting to create well-defined arches tailored to your individual face shape — rather than a generic brow template applied to everyone. Once you've had a full treatment, an express refresh keeps them looking sharp between appointments.

TL;DR

Combines tweezing, waxing and tinting for a brow shape tailored to your face
Express refresh option available once you've had a full treatment
Full treatment includes shape mapping specific to your face
From £22 (express) / £28 (full)

How the full HD Brows treatment works

Your therapist maps your brow shape against your unique face structure first, then combines tweezing and waxing to remove unwanted hair with precision, followed by a tint to add definition and a fuller appearance. The result is a bespoke shape rather than a one-size-fits-all arch.

What the express option covers

Once you've had a full HD Brows treatment, an express refresh maintains that shape between full appointments — tidying up regrowth without needing to redo the full tint and mapping process each time. It's only available once you've had a full treatment first, since it relies on that initial shape already being established.

Why tailored shaping matters

Brow shape has a genuinely significant effect on how the whole face reads — a shape that suits your individual bone structure looks noticeably more flattering than a generic template, which is the entire premise behind HD Brows as a system.

For pricing on both the full treatment and express refresh, see the HD Brows & Express Brows page →.

Ready for brows tailored to your face? See pricing and book HD Brows →

What is an LVL lash lift, and how does it work?

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 22:21:19 GMT

An LVL lash lift lifts and curls your natural eyelashes from the root, creating a wide-eyed, lengthened look without any extensions — the name stands for Lift, Volume and Length. Results typically last 6 to 8 weeks.

TL;DR

Lifts and curls natural lashes from the root — no extensions needed
Results last 6–8 weeks
Includes a tint as standard
£45, 45 minutes

How LVL actually works

Your natural lashes are lifted using a specially shaped silicone shield, then a solution is applied to reshape the lash from the root, curling it upward. A second solution sets the new shape, and a tint is usually applied at the same time for extra definition — meaning you wake up with visibly longer, darker, more lifted lashes using entirely your own natural lash hair.

LVL vs. lash extensions

Extensions add individual synthetic lashes to your natural ones, requiring regular infills as your natural lashes shed and grow. LVL works entirely with your own lashes rather than adding anything — which means significantly less maintenance, no risk of extension-related lash damage, and a more natural finished look.

Who LVL suits best

LVL is a strong option for anyone with naturally straight or downward-pointing lashes who wants lift without extensions, or anyone who wants a low-maintenance lash routine that doesn't need infills every few weeks.

For current pricing and to book, see the LVL Lash Lift page →.

Ready for longer, lifted lashes? See pricing and book an LVL lash lift →

What is brow lamination, and how does it work?

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 22:09:24 GMT

Brow lamination is a treatment that restructures the hairs of your eyebrows, brushing them into a more uniform, upward direction to create a fuller, more defined shape — think of it as a perm specifically for your brows. Results typically last several weeks.

TL;DR

Restructures brow hair for a fuller, more uniform shape — like a perm for brows
Results last several weeks
Often combined with tinting and/or a lash lift
£42, 30 minutes

How brow lamination actually works

A chemical solution is applied to soften the hair structure, allowing your therapist to reposition each hair into the desired direction and shape. A second solution then sets the hair in that new position, which is what makes the effect last rather than reverting the moment you brush your brows.

What results actually look like

The effect is fuller, more groomed-looking brows with every hair pointing in a consistent, flattering direction — particularly effective for anyone with brow hairs that naturally grow in different directions, sparse patches that benefit from hairs being repositioned to cover them, or anyone who wants a more defined shape without daily brow gel.

Brow lamination vs. microblading or tinting

Unlike microblading, brow lamination doesn't involve any needles or pigment — it works entirely with your existing brow hair. It's also commonly combined with tinting for extra definition, since lamination alone shapes the brow but doesn't add colour.

For current pricing and to book, see the Brow Lamination page →.

Ready for fuller, more defined brows? See pricing and book brow lamination →

What is toenail reconstruction, and how does it work?

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 22:02:26 GMT

Toenail reconstruction rebuilds part or all of a toenail that's been damaged, lost, or affected by injury or infection — using a specialist nail reconstruction system rather than general nail products adapted for the job. It restores a natural-looking nail shape where there previously wasn't one to work with.

TL;DR

Rebuilds damaged, lost or misshapen toenails using the specialist LCN Wilde Pedique system
Different from standard nail treatments, which need a healthy natural nail to work with
A niche service most local salons don't offer
From £20 per nail

How it's different from standard nail treatments

Most nail treatments, including gel and BIAB, are designed for healthy natural nails. Toenail reconstruction uses a dedicated system — LCN Wilde Pedique — built specifically for rebuilding damaged, missing or misshapen nails, which is why it can achieve a natural, structurally sound result that general nail products can't.

Common causes of toenail damage this treats

Fungal infection, physical trauma (a dropped object, stubbed toe, or repeated pressure from footwear), and nails lost entirely due to injury are the most common reasons clients seek reconstruction — in many cases, it's a treatment most local salons simply don't offer, since it requires specialist training and product knowledge.

What results look like

The goal is a natural-looking, properly shaped nail that restores both appearance and protection to the nail bed — not a false nail sitting on top, but a rebuilt structure that follows the nail's natural growth.

For pricing and to book, see the Toenail Reconstruction page →.

Ready to restore your toenails? See pricing and book toenail reconstruction →

What are nail extensions, and what should you expect from a full set?

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 21:57:52 GMT

A full set of nail extensions adds length beyond your natural nail using a gel tip or form, giving you a longer, customisable shape and finish that lasts several weeks. Unlike a gel overlay like BIAB, extensions are built specifically for clients who want extra length, not just strength.

TL;DR

Adds length beyond your natural nail using a gel tip or form
Fully customisable length and shape
Takes around 1 hour
From £50

How the process works

Your natural nail is prepped, then a tip or form is applied to extend beyond the nail's natural edge. Gel is then built up over both the natural nail and the extension to create a seamless, strong structure, shaped and finished to your chosen length and style before a final coat of colour or design.

What to expect from your first appointment

A full set typically takes around an hour. You'll be able to choose your preferred length and shape before your therapist begins, and the finished result is fully customisable — from a natural, subtle length through to a much more dramatic style.

Extensions vs. BIAB — which is right for you?

If you're after extra length beyond your natural nail, extensions are the right choice. If you like your natural nail length but want more strength, shine and a more polished finish, BIAB is usually the better fit — both can be used at different points depending on what your nails need at the time.

For current pricing and to book, see the Full Set Extensions page →.

Ready for longer, stronger nails? See pricing and book full set extensions →

What is BIAB, and how is it different from gel or acrylic?

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 21:48:19 GMT

BIAB — Builder in a Bottle — is a gel overlay applied directly onto your natural nail to strengthen and protect it, without adding length the way extensions do. It's applied and cured like gel polish but has a thicker, more structural formula, which is what gives it its strength.

TL;DR

BIAB is a structural gel overlay that strengthens natural nails
Unlike acrylic or hard gel, it doesn't add length — works with your natural nail
Lasts around 3 weeks before an infill is needed
From £38, 45 minutes

How BIAB is different from standard gel polish

Regular gel polish is a thin colour coat designed to sit on top of the nail and last a couple of weeks. BIAB is a structural gel — thicker and more durable — designed to genuinely reinforce weak or damaged natural nails while they grow out, rather than just adding colour.

How BIAB is different from acrylic or hard gel extensions

Acrylic and hard gel extensions add length by building a false tip or form beyond your natural nail. BIAB works with your natural nail's existing length, using its structural strength to protect rather than extend. That makes it a noticeably lighter, more natural-feeling option, and generally an easier removal process than acrylic.

Who BIAB suits best

BIAB is particularly well suited to anyone with naturally weak, thin, or damaged nails who wants strength and a polished finish without extensions — as well as anyone transitioning away from acrylics who wants a gentler option while their natural nail recovers.

For current pricing and to book, see the BIAB Nails page →.

Ready to strengthen your natural nails? See pricing and book BIAB →

What happens at a skin consultation?

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 21:42:34 GMT

A skin consultation is a free, no-obligation conversation about your skin — your concerns, your goals, and which treatment (or combination of treatments) is realistically going to get you there. It's the recommended first step for anyone unsure whether SKINSTORM, microneedling, a chemical peel or dermaplaning is right for them.

TL;DR

A free, 30-minute, no-obligation chat about your skin goals
Recommended first step if you're unsure which treatment suits you
Strongly advised before certain treatments, like scalp microneedling
No preparation needed

What actually happens during a consultation

Your therapist will talk through what's bothering you about your skin, look at your skin's current condition, and ask about your history — including any previous treatments, sensitivities or medical considerations that might affect what's suitable. From there, they'll recommend a treatment path, explain realistic timelines and pricing, and answer any questions before you commit to anything.

Why a consultation matters, even if you think you know what you want

It's tempting to book straight into a specific treatment because you've read about it — but skin concerns are rarely as simple as one single problem. A consultation catches things a self-diagnosis might miss: whether you're actually a suitable candidate for a treatment, whether a different or combined approach would get better results, and what order treatments should happen in if you're planning more than one.

Who it's especially useful for

A consultation is strongly recommended (not just helpful) before booking certain treatments directly — scalp microneedling for hair loss is a good example, since suitability genuinely affects the outcome and deposits for that treatment aren't refundable if you turn out not to be a candidate.

To see what's involved and book your slot, visit the Skin Consultation page →.

Not sure where to start? Book your free skin consultation →

What is dermaplaning, and does it really work?

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 21:30:21 GMT

Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation treatment that uses a sterile surgical blade to gently remove dead skin cells and fine vellus hair — commonly known as peach fuzz — from the surface of the skin. It's a quick, painless treatment with no downtime, and results are visible immediately.

TL;DR

Uses a sterile blade to remove dead skin and fine facial hair
No downtime, results visible immediately
Doesn't make hair grow back thicker — a common myth
Best rebooked every 3–4 weeks

How dermaplaning works

A trained therapist glides a sterile blade across clean, dry skin at a shallow angle. This lifts away the very top layer of dead skin cells along with fine facial hair, leaving skin instantly smoother and brighter. Because it's a physical exfoliation method rather than a chemical one, there's no downtime and no chemical reaction to manage afterwards.

Common myths, addressed

The most persistent myth about dermaplaning is that shaving facial hair makes it grow back thicker or darker. This isn't true — vellus hair (peach fuzz) grows back exactly the same fine texture it always was, regardless of how it's removed. Dermaplaning only affects hair at the surface; it doesn't change how hair grows beneath the skin.

Why people choose dermaplaning

Beyond the immediate smoothness, dermaplaning is popular because it improves how makeup applies (no peach fuzz for foundation to catch on), helps skincare products absorb more effectively since dead skin isn't blocking them, and gives an instant glow with zero downtime — making it a popular choice before an event.

For current pricing and add-on options, see the Dermaplaning page →.

Ready to try dermaplaning? See pricing and book dermaplaning →

How do chemical peels work, and which strength is right for you?

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 21:17:14 GMT

A chemical peel uses an acid solution to remove the outermost layers of skin, encouraging faster cell turnover and revealing smoother, more even-toned skin underneath. Peels range from very gentle, beginner-friendly formulas to advanced clinical-strength options — the right one depends entirely on your skin's history and what you're trying to treat.

TL;DR

Chemical peels use acid to remove the outer layer of skin, speeding up cell turnover
Options range from gentle Enzyme peels to Advanced MEDIK8 formulas
Treats uneven tone, fine lines, texture, congestion and pigmentation
From £40, 30-minute appointments

Choosing the right strength

Enzyme peels are the gentlest option, using fruit-derived enzymes rather than stronger acids — ideal for anyone who's never had a peel before.
Icy chemical peels use a blend of AHAs with a cooling effect, still beginner-friendly but slightly more active.
MEDIK8 peels range from a Universal formula suited to general tone and texture concerns, through to an Advanced formula designed for clients who've had peels before and want a stronger result on pigmentation, ageing or breakouts.
Body peels use the same acid-based approach specifically to treat pigmentation and scarring on the body, not just the face.

What peels can treat

Beyond general brightening, peels are genuinely effective for uneven tone, fine lines, textural concerns, congestion and pigmentation — with stronger formulas able to address more stubborn versions of all of these.

For the full peel strength breakdown and current pricing, see the Chemical Peels page → .

Ready to find your right peel strength? See pricing and book a chemical peel →

Does microneedling work for hair loss?

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 21:09:12 GMT

Scalp microneedling can genuinely stimulate hair growth — but only in areas where hair has previously grown and thinned, not in areas where follicles have stopped producing hair entirely. It works by creating controlled micro-injuries across the scalp that trigger localised blood flow and a healing response, which can wake up follicles that have become dormant.

TL;DR

Scalp microneedling stimulates existing hair follicles to encourage regrowth in thinning areas
Cannot create new follicles — only works where hair has previously grown
Requires a minimum course of 3 sessions, spaced according to severity
£150 per session, 45 minutes

How scalp microneedling works

The treatment uses the same principle as facial microneedling: controlled micro-punctures trigger the body's own repair process. On the scalp, this means increased circulation to hair follicles and a mild inflammatory response that can stimulate follicles which have slowed down or become less active — a common cause of thinning hair, as opposed to permanent hair loss.

What it can and can't do

This is the most important thing to understand before starting: microneedling cannot create new hair follicles . If a follicle has stopped functioning entirely, no amount of stimulation will bring it back. It's most effective for early to moderate thinning, where follicles are still present but producing weaker or finer hair than before.

Why a course matters

A single session won't meaningfully change scalp health — a minimum course of three sessions is required, spaced according to how advanced the thinning is: roughly every two weeks for mild thinning, three to four weeks apart for moderate thinning, or four to six weeks apart for more advanced cases.

For full pricing and to check your suitability, see the Microneedling for Hair Loss page →.

Find out if scalp microneedling is right for you. See pricing and book microneedling for hair loss →

Microneedling with exosomes, exoPDRN or FGF10: what's the difference?

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 20:54:11 GMT

Microneedling works by creating thousands of controlled micro-punctures in the skin to trigger your body's own collagen production — but the serum applied during treatment changes what it's best for. Exosomes, MEDIK8's exoPDRN and FGF10 are three genuinely different active ingredients, each suited to slightly different skin goals.

TL;DR

Microneedling creates micro-channels in skin to trigger collagen production
Three serum options: exosomes (brightening/barrier), exoPDRN (reduced downtime), FGF10 (adjustable depth)
Effective for general rejuvenation, acne scarring and stretch marks
From £100, 30-minute appointments

How microneedling actually works

A sterile microneedling device creates tiny channels across the treatment area. Your skin responds to this controlled "injury" by ramping up its natural repair process — producing new collagen and elastin — while the micro-channels also let your chosen serum penetrate far more deeply than it would on unbroken skin.

Exosomes, exoPDRN and FGF10 — how they differ

Exosomes are Lactobacillus-derived and work by supporting visible skin renewal, brightening uneven tone, reducing redness and strengthening the skin's barrier function.
MEDIK8 exoPDRN uses Prismatic Vegan PDRN combined with dual miniproteins. It's formulated to reduce downtime while diminishing wrinkles and improving brightness, texture and hyperpigmentation.
FGF10 uses 100% hyaluronic acid at varying molecular weights — around 10 to 20 times the concentration found in most skincare products — which lets it be tailored to penetrate at different depths depending on the goal.

Who it's for

What can microneedling actually improve? Beyond general rejuvenation, microneedling is one of the most effective treatments for acne scarring and stretch marks, since both respond well to the collagen remodelling the treatment triggers.

For current pricing on each serum option and to book, see the Microneedling page →.

Ready to find the right serum for your skin? See pricing and book microneedling →

What is a SKINSTORM facial, and how does it work?

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 15:58:01 GMT

SKINSTORM is a clinical facial that combines six separate treatments — oxygen infusion, cryotherapy, resurfacing, needling and light therapy — into one session, designed to reset the skin without the downtime of more invasive procedures. It works by saturating the skin with topically dissolved oxygen while keeping it cold, which lets it treat intensively without triggering the stress and inflammation that usually comes with aggressive treatments.

The science in brief: why oxygen-led treatments work

Skin needs oxygen to function properly, and a large share of what it uses comes straight from the air around it rather than from inside the body. That absorption naturally slows as skin ages, which is part of why ageing skin repairs itself more slowly and loses some of its natural resilience. Oxygen-led facials like SKINSTORM are built around that gap — getting more usable oxygen into the skin while keeping the treatment cold enough that it doesn't provoke the stress response that comes with more aggressive treatments. That combination is what lets it work intensively without the redness, sensitivity or downtime you'd expect from something this thorough.

A quick overview of how the six steps fit together

SKINSTORM isn't one treatment — it's six, delivered back to back in the same session, each building on what came before. Broadly, the sequence moves from cleansing and oxygenating, into resurfacing and light therapy for tone and texture, through an oxygen-infused peel and a needling step to stimulate collagen, and finishes with a needle-free skin-boosting injection and a final round of light therapy to lock in the results. Each element is doing a genuinely different job, which is why the combined effect is more dramatic than any single step would be on its own.

For the full official breakdown of exactly what each of the six elements involves — including the specific technology and ingredients used in each step — see the SKINSTORM Facial page , which also has current pricing and course options.

Who it's for

Because SKINSTORM addresses pigmentation, texture, ageing, congestion and dehydration all in one session, it works well as a general reset for almost any skin concern — and it's a genuinely good option for anyone who wants visible results without the downtime of more invasive treatments like deep peels or injectables.

For the full official treatment details, current pricing, course options and more FAQs, visit the SKINSTORM Facial page .

Ready to try SKINSTORM for yourself? See pricing and book your SKINSTORM Facial →