1. Forcing trainees to learn advanced techniques too early
Description of mistake:
The trainee still lacks basic skills, such as correct bead control, but the trainer or salon owner pressures them to apply a full nail with one large bead straight away.
Consequences:
- The bead easily runs or loses form.
- The trainee feels stressed and discouraged because they feel they “can’t keep up.”
- Fundamental technical mistakes become ingrained and are very difficult to correct later.
Correct solution:
- Trainees must first practise using multiple small beads — for example, building the nail with two to three smaller beads for better control.
- Only after mastering bead pickup, flow control, and pliability should they progress to full single-bead applications.
Example (from real training transcription):
“New techs should practise building with three beads: one bead near the cuticle, one bead on the nail body, and one at the tip. Don’t force them to work with a single bead straight away — it easily ruins the nail shape.”
2. Failing to teach correct bead pickup before starting overlays
Description of mistake:
The trainer focuses only on application techniques but neglects to teach how to pick up the correct bead (proper liquid absorption, identifying the right “wet shine”).
Consequences:
- Trainees pick up beads that are either too dry or too wet.
- When placed on the nail, the bead either runs uncontrollably or becomes too stiff to work with.
- Incorrect habits form from the start.
Correct solution:
- Teach trainees how to observe bead shine, how to control liquid absorption, and when exactly to place the bead.
- Explain how to feel the pliability of the bead on the brush.
Trainer’s quote:
“It’s not just about applying the bead — you must learn to pick it up properly. If you can pick it up right, you can apply it anywhere.”
3. Focusing too much on speed too early
Description of mistake:
Trainees are pressured to work as fast as senior technicians even though their basic skills are not yet stable.
Consequences:
- Leads to sloppy technique and poor nail shapes.
- Trainees develop careless habits, prioritising speed over quality.
Correct solution:
- At the early stages, correct technique must always come first. Speed should only be increased later once skill and consistency are achieved.
- Emphasise “beauty first, speed later.”
Trainer’s quote:
“New techs must first learn to do it right and make it beautiful. Don’t push them to be as fast as senior staff straight away.”
4. Not analysing mistakes clearly for the traine
Description of mistake:
When a trainee makes a mistake, the trainer simply says “that’s wrong” without explaining what exactly went wrong (such as wrong bead pickup, wrong placement, delayed placement, etc.).
Consequences:
- The trainee keeps repeating the same mistakes without understanding the cause.
- They feel frustrated and demotivated.
Correct solution:
- Break down each small mistake for the trainee:
“Your bead is a bit too dry; add a little more liquid.”
“You dropped the bead too late, it dried out; you need to place it as soon as it shines.”
5. Not building a structured training roadmap
Description of mistake:
Teaching is random, changing day by day, with no clear plan or step-by-step progression.
Consequences:
- Trainees feel confused and overwhelmed by unorganised techniques.
- They cannot clearly see their own progress.
Correct solution:
- Set out a clear learning schedule — for example:
Week 1: learning bead pickup + small bead overlays
Week 2: shaping
Week 3: ombré basics
Week 4: finishing techniques and final looks
Trainer’s quote:
“If you want trainees to improve, you need a method. Focus on one small skill each week and build it properly.”
