One-Day Structured Gel Nail Workshop
Introductory Certification in Structured Overlay Application
Class Length: 5–6 hours (with short breaks)
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly, no license required
Includes: Certificate of completion, workbook, and product practice
Workshop Schedule:
Hour 1: Foundations & Safety
Nail anatomy & structure basics
Common nail conditions & contraindications
Overview of sanitation (Illinois standards)
How to set up and disinfect your workspace
Tool identification (manual & electric)
Hour 2: Nail Prep & Dry Manicure
Proper nail prep steps for gel adhesion
Safe cuticle care using manual and electric tools
Shaping the natural nail
Cleansing, dehydrating, and priming the nail plate
Hour 3: Structured Gel Overlay – Theory & Demo
What is a structured overlay and why it matters
Product breakdown: base, builder, color, and top gels
Demonstration of full application with proper apex
Self-leveling, flash curing, and controlling thickness
Hour 4: Student Practice – Structured Overlay
Hands-on application on practice hand or model
Instructor guidance and real-time corrections
Shaping and refining the cured overlay
Applying color gel and finishing top coat
Hour 5: Removal, Client Flow & Photo Tips
Safe removal process without damaging natural nails
Overview of service timing & client consultation
Tips for photographing your work (angles, lighting)
How to price beginner structured overlay services
Hour 6: Wrap-Up & Certification
Q&A session
Troubleshooting common problems (lifting, bubbles, flooding)
Final feedback
Certificate of Completion awarded
Group photo & social media tag session (optional)