1. Essential mindset for trainees

• Before creating beautiful overlays, technicians must understand product characteristics (for example: Flexibuild vs Strongbuild, gel thickness, acrylic setting times).
  
• Do not rush to complete full sets; focus first on mastering each small individual skill.
  
• Small bead control must be mastered before moving on to ombré techniques.
  
• Learn to control the amount of liquid in the brush to pick up the correct bead — neither too dry nor too runny.
  
• Develop a feel for when the bead is at the perfect working point before placing it on the nail.
  

2. Days 1–2: Mastering powder pick-up and bead placement

Learning to pick up a bead:

• Dip the brush into the monomer until about 70–80% soaked.
  
• Gently touch the brush into the powder, letting the bead form naturally without stirring.
  
• Wait for the bead to start showing a light wet shine (surface looks moist but not grainy) before lifting it out.
  

Learning to place the bead on the nail:

• Do not drag or press down hard.
  
• Gently place the bead, allowing it to spread naturally.
  
• Practise placing multiple small beads side by side, focusing on even control rather than speed.
  

3. Days 3–4: Working with larger beads – covering half the nail

• Practise picking up a larger bead (roughly one-third to half the nail size).
  
• Place the bead in the centre of the nail.
  
• Use the belly of the brush to gently guide the bead outwards towards both sidewalls.
  
• Avoid using the brush tip to drag, as this disrupts the bead surface.
  
• Begin rough shaping (using a basic file to refine the form).
  

Goal: Achieve a relatively smooth surface without major bumps or dents.

4. Days 5–6: Learning basic ombré techniques

Creating the ombré base:

• First, place a nude-toned bead near the cuticle.
  
• Spread lightly towards both sidewalls.
  
• Gently pull the edge of the bead towards the centre of the nail to create a soft fade.
  

Adding the white or light colour at the tip:

• Place a small bead at the free edge.
  
• Use the brush tip to softly push the colour from the tip towards the centre, blending into the nude base.
  

Learning to blend colours:

• Use a dry brush to gently swipe where the two colours meet.
  
• If a harsh line appears, practise lightly dipping the brush into monomer and blending again carefully.
  

5. Days 7–8: Full ombré set practice – building, shaping, and finishing

• Complete full sets:
  
  • Apply two beads: nude base + white tip.
    
  • Blend the ombré fade between the two colours.
    
• Refine shaping:
  
  • File straight sidewalls.
    
  • Shape a strong and balanced g-point (stress apex).
    
• Buffing and finishing:
  
  • Use a fine buffer to smooth the surface.
    
  • Apply top coat carefully, ensuring the free edge is sealed.
    
• Timing practice:
  
  • Set a goal for trainees to complete a full ombré set within 2.5–3 hours.
    
  • By the end of week two, aim to complete a set within around 2 hours.
    

6. Supporting soft skills for nail technicians

• Keep hands and the workstation clean throughout the service to build professional habits.
  
• Communicate with clients briefly and positively; for example, simply say, “I’m blending the colour more for a smoother finish” instead of giving long explanations.
  
• Develop the habit of self-checking after finishing:
  
  • Check both sidewalls for even shaping.
    
  • Test the surface smoothness by lightly running a fingertip over the nail.
    

Common mistakes to avoid

Additional notes

• Focus on building strong and even overlays first, do not chase speed too early.
  
• Practise for at least 2–3 hours daily to see rapid improvement.
  
• Record practice sessions on video to review and correct frequent mistakes.
  
• Aim to complete at least 5–7 full ombré sets during the first two weeks to develop stable hand control.