Learn Hands-On. Leave Confident.

Become a confident nail technician with our comprehensive 3-day practical training programme.

Designed specifically for beginners, this hands-on course teaches you the essential techniques used in professional salons today. You'll learn how to prepare the natural nail correctly, apply beautiful long-lasting gel polish, create flawless soft gel tip extensions, and master builder gel applications on both natural nails and sculpting forms.

Throughout the course you'll work alongside experienced educators in a supportive learning environment, receiving step-by-step guidance, demonstrations and individual feedback every step of the way.

Whether you're looking to start a new career, add professional services to your business or simply learn the correct techniques from the beginning, this programme provides the perfect foundation.

  • 💖 Certificate of Completion

    Upon successfully completing the practical requirements of the course, you'll receive a NZ Nail Academy Certificate of Completion to recognise your new skills.

  • 💖 Free Online Theory Course Included

    Your enrolment includes complimentary access to our Online Theory of Nails Course, allowing you to build your knowledge of nail anatomy, hygiene, safety and professional practices at your own pace.

  • 💖 Small Class Sizes

    We keep our classes small so every student receives personalised guidance, individual feedback and plenty of one-on-one support throughout the course.

  • 💖 Suitable For Complete Beginners

    No previous nail experience is required. Our step-by-step training is designed to take you from beginner to confident nail technician in a supportive learning environment.

  • 💖 Ongoing Educator Support

    Your learning doesn't end when the course finishes. Our team is here to answer questions, provide guidance and support you as you continue building your confidence and skills.

  • 💖 Hands-On Practical Training

    Learn by doing. You'll spend the majority of your training practising techniques under the guidance of experienced educators, helping you build confidence with every service.

Why Train With NZ Nail Academy?

At NZ Nail Academy, we're passionate about helping students build real skills, real confidence and real opportunities through professional nail education.

Whether you're taking your first step into the nail industry or learning a new skill for yourself, our goal is to provide a supportive learning experience that helps you succeed long after you've completed your course.

Meet the Team Behind Your Success

Learn from passionate educators who genuinely care about your success.

When you train with NZ Nail Academy, you're learning from experienced industry professionals who are passionate about helping students build confidence and develop real salon-ready skills.

Our educators bring combined 100+ years of industry and practical experience, ongoing professional development and a genuine love for teaching. Throughout your training, you'll receive personalised guidance, hands-on demonstrations and individual feedback in a friendly, supportive learning environment.

Whether you're taking your very first steps into the nail industry or building on existing skills, our goal is to help you feel confident, capable and inspired throughout your learning journ

What You'll Learn

During your three days of practical training you'll complete four essential modules.

Professional Nail Preparation

Learn how to correctly prepare the natural nail for maximum product adhesion while maintaining natural nail health.

You'll learn:

• Hygiene and sanitation

• Client preparation

• Natural nail preparation

• Cuticle work

• Nail shaping

• Safe product removal

Professional Gel Polish Application

Create beautiful salon-quality gel manicures that last.

You'll learn:

• Product selection

• Base coat application

• Colour application

• Perfect top coat finish

• French application

• Troubleshooting common mistakes

Soft Gel Tip Extensions

Master one of today's most popular extension systems.

You'll learn:

• Tip sizing

• Tip preparation

• Application techniques

• Blending

• Shaping

• Finishing

• Maintenance

• Safe removal

Builder Gel Foundations

Build strong, beautiful overlays and extensions using Builder Gel in a Bottle.

You'll learn:

• Natural overlays

• Apex placement

• Builder gel application

• Sculpting using forms

• Filing and refining

• Rebalancing

• Safe removal

  • Training Only Package

    Perfect if you already own suitable professional nail products and equipment.

    Includes:

    • 3-Days Training

    • FREE Online Theory Course

    • Printed Training Workbook

    • Practical Assessment

    • Certification upon successful completion

    • Access to Demonstration Videos

    • Ongoing Student support

    • Exclusive Student Discounts

    $1290.00

    Products and equipment required for training are not included. A full kit list will be provided.

    Book Training Only 
  • Starter Success Package - ⭐ MOST POPULAR

    Perfect for beginners wanting training plus the essential products to start their nail journey.

    Includes everything in Training Only, plus:

    • Starter Nail Kit

    • Gel Polish Products

    • Builder Gel

    • Soft Gel Tip products

    • Nail preparation products

    • Files, tools, and your essentials

    $1490.00

    SEE FULL STARTER KIT CONTENTS BELOW

    Book Now 
  • Professional Success Package

    Our complete option for beginners wanting a more comprehensive professional setup.

    Includes everything in Training Only, plus:

    • Professional Nail Kit

    • 10 Gel Polish colours

    • Base, Top, Rubber Base

    • Builder Gel

    • Soft Gel Tip products & multiple tip shapes

    • Rechargeable 66W LED Lamp

    • Professional preparation products

    • Files, tools & consumables

    • Nail art brushes & additional products

    $1990.00

    MOST COMPLETE OPTION

    Book Now 

Flexible Payment Options

Invest in your future with confidence.

We offer a range of payment options to make starting your nail journey even easier.

✔ Pay in Full

✔ Afterpay Available

Choose the option that suits you best and start learning with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

💖 Do I need any previous nail experience?

No. This course has been specifically designed for complete beginners, so no previous experience is required. We teach everything step-by-step, from the fundamentals of nail preparation through to professional gel polish, soft gel extensions and builder gel application.

💖 What will I learn during the course?

Over three practical training days you'll learn:

✔ Professional nail preparation

✔ Gel polish application

✔ Safe gel polish removal

✔ Soft Gel Tip Extensions

✔ Builder Gel in a Bottle overlays

✔ Builder Gel sculpting using forms

✔ Product knowledge

✔ Professional salon techniques

You'll also receive free access to our Online Theory of Nails Course to support your practical learning.

💖 Is the Online Theory Course included?

Yes.

Every student enrolled in our Beginner Nail Technician Certification Program receives complimentary access to our Online Theory of Nails Course.

This allows you to study important topics such as nail anatomy, hygiene, sanitation, contraindications and professional consultation in your own time before, during or after your practical training.

💖 Which training package should I choose?

We offer two training package options to suit different needs and budgets.

Our Starter Success Package is perfect for students beginning their nail journey, while our Professional Success Package includes an expanded professional kit for those wanting a more complete salon setup.

If you're unsure which option is right for you, we're always happy to help.

Do I need to bring anything?

We'll provide you with a confirmation email before your course outlining everything you'll need to bring.

Depending on the package you choose, your professional kit may be included. If any additional items are required, we'll let you know well before your training begins.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes.

Students who successfully complete the practical requirements and theory assessment of the course will receive a NZ Nail Academy Certificate of Completion in It's All About Theory, Gel Polish Application, Soft Gel Extensions and Builder Gel as an online version.

How many students are in each class?

We keep our class sizes to no more than 2-4 student to ensure every student receives plenty of one-on-one guidance, individual feedback and practical support throughout the course.

Will I get hands-on practice?

Absolutely.

This is a practical training course, meaning you'll spend the majority of your time practising techniques with guidance from your educator.

Our goal is for every student to leave feeling confident performing the services they've learnt.

What products will we use?

You'll train using professional salon-quality products and equipment supplied by NZ Nail Academy.

Throughout the course you'll become familiar with products commonly used within the professional nail industry while learning correct application techniques.

Can I purchase products after the course?

Yes.

Students receive access to professional products and exclusive student offers after completing their training, making it easy to continue practising and building their skills at home or in the salon.

Is Afterpay available?

Yes.

Afterpay is available on eligible course packages, allowing you to spread the cost into manageable interest-free payments.

What happens after I complete the course?

After completing your training you'll have the confidence and practical foundation to continue building your nail career.

Many of our students continue practising at home, begin offering services to clients, or progress onto our advanced education courses such as Acrylic, Polygel, Nail Art and E-File Mastery.

Our team is always here to support your learning journey.

What if I need to cancel my booking?

Please refer to our Course Terms and Conditions for our cancellation and refund policy.

If your circumstances change, contact us as soon as possible and we'll discuss the options available.

Can I ask questions after the course?

Absolutely.

Learning doesn't stop when the course finishes. Our educators are here to support you, and you'll also have access to your online theory materials for future reference.

Will I need to bring a model?

Yes we do recommend bringing a model for certain practical assessments. We'll let you know well in advance so you have plenty of time to make arrangements. Full details will be included in your course confirmation email.

What if I can't find models?

Please contact us as soon as possible as we may be able to help find models for you but we will give you plenty of notice so you can organise this well in advance.

Still have a question?

We're always happy to help.

Contact our friendly team before booking and we'll help you choose the right training package for your goals.

  • 💗"Thanks for Sharing Your Knowledge"

    "Thanks for sharing all your knowledge and experience with us, it's so awesome to learn from someone that has so much passion! Our team always finds your courses beneficial to our business. Thanks for only being a phone call away if we ever need anything!"

    The Nail Shoppe - NZ

  • 💗 I Loved This Course

    I have always wanted to do a nail course with NZNA and finally having the online option made it possible :) The cost is perfect and I can not wait to do my next one :)

    Thank you so much NZNA Team

    C Rangitaawa - NZ

  • 💗 Jamie was Fantastic

    I recently did the 3 day builder gel, gel polish and gel extensions training with Jamie.
    Jamie was fantastic! She has a wealth of knowledge and is very attentive and helpful, I highly recommend Jamie as a trainer and NZ Nail Acadamy.

Ready to Start Your Nail Career?

Every expert nail technician was once a beginner.

Your journey starts with learning the right techniques, building confidence through hands-on practice, and training with educators who genuinely want to see you succeed.

Whether your goal is a new career, additional income or simply learning a skill you'll love, we're here to help you every step of the way.

Your future starts here.