Course Description

If you are a Foundation Certificate student, we recommend you complete this module first.

The theory behind your art is even more important than the art and skill itself.

During this course we will cover -

  • Client Consultations
  • Hygiene
  • Nail Anatomy
  • Troubleshooting and Disorders
  • UV Light
  • Biohazards
  • Chemical Hazards
  • Common Product Ingredients and Safety When Using Them
  • Introduction to Acrylates
  • Polymers and Acrylate Characteristics
  • Prescribing the Right Service for Your Clients
  • Working with Nail Biters

Your fees cover all online training content, 7-Day access to Educators in our Student Facebook Group and personal access to an assigned Educator via email.

What are the benefits of completing The Theory of Nails online?

First, it's not an E-Book, it's a video and text-based E-Course. That means you can still read and enjoy it on your phone, tablet or computer but that we can also include videos, interactive quizzes and multimedia lessons along the way.

Second, every time we come up with new content to add to the workbook, you will get that update too. Your Online Workbook will never outdate or go stale - as technology changes, so will the information you have access to.

Are products included?

No products are needed for this course.

Will I be qualified as a Nail Tech when I finish this course?

Stand Alone Qualification

If you are not working towards the Foundation Certificate in Nail Technology but would like a certificate for this course, you now need to pass The Theory of Nails Assessment online, from home. Once passed with a mark of 80% or higher, please email [email protected] and let us know that you've finished this training and do not wish to continue with further study. Once verified, you will receive a certificate.

Working towards the Foundation Certificate in Nail Technology

You need to complete -  
- either in person or online. 
Pass - 
And submit -  
  • Your Portfolio

    - after which you will be awarded the Foundation Certificate in Nail Technology


Educator

Penny Lawler

Penny Lawler has combined her two passions - teaching and the beauty industry - into an extremely successful career. She began working in adult education in 2006 and qualified as a Nail Technician a year later. In 2011 she took the leap to make nails her full time job and it was a natural progression to include education within that role. Between 2011-2016 she built 4 successful businesses, all within the beauty industry - the very first of which was a nail salon that went from zero clients in a spare bedroom to 300 clients and several staff in 18 months. "With 9 years’ industry experience including 5 years running a school for Nail Technicians I see, on a daily basis, a steady stream of women who are drawn to our industry by passion BUT so many struggle after graduation, lacking the skills to turn their qualification into a viable business." Penny now shifts her focus to mentoring others in the industry and turning passion into profit.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    1 Admin

    • Copyright

    • 1.1 About Monaco

    • 1.2 MonacoPro

    • 1.3 Tell Us About Yourself

    • 1.4 Contact Details

    • 1.5 Keep an eye out for mistakes!
  • 2

    Your Qualification/Theory Assessment

    • Your Qualification

    • Theory Assessment

    • Practical Assessments

    • Portfolio Requirements

    • Portfolio Photos Guide

    • Printable Portfolio Checklist

    • How to Get Extra Support
  • 3

    2 Client Consultations

    • VIDEO LESSON - Client Consultations

    • 2.1 Consultations = Customer Service

    • 2.2 When the Client Arrives

    • 2.3 Making Recommendations

    • 2.4 Other Information to Gather

    • 2.5 After the Appointment

    • 2.6 Summing It Up

    • 2.7 Sample Client Card

    • 2.8 Consultations Activity (Optional)

    • 2.9 Client Consultations Quiz (Optional)

    • 2.10 We Don't Believe in Homework But... (Part 1)
  • 4

    3 Sanitisation and Safety

    • VIDEO LESSON - Sanitisation and Safety

    • 3.1 Introduction to Basic Salon Sanitisation

    • 3.2 When a Client Arrives (Wall Print Out)

    • 3.3 Sanitisation and Disinfection of Tools and Implements

    • 3.4 Correct Methods of Disinfection

    • 3.5 When a Client Leaves (Wall Print Out)

    • 3.6 Individual Client Packs

    • 3.7 Added Responsibilities for Pedicure Equipment

    • 3.8 Added Responsibilities for Blood and Bodily Fluids

    • 3.9 Blood Spill (Wall Print Out)

    • 3.10 Safe Use of Reusable Products

    • 3.11 The Importance of Ventilation

    • 3.12 First Aid

    • 3.13 Ergonomics

    • 3.14 Ergonomics Activity

    • 3.15 Educating Clients

    • 3.16 Self Evaluation 1 (Print Out)

    • 3.17 Self Evaluation 2 (Print Out)

    • 3.18 Sanitisation and Safety Quiz (Optional)

    • 3.19 We Don't Believe in Homework But... (Part 2)

    • 3.19 We Don't Believe in Homework But... (Part 2)
  • 5

    4 Nail Anatomy and Disorders

    • VIDEO LESSON Nail Anatomy

    • 4.1 Introduction

    • 4.2 Basic Nail Anatomy

    • 4.3 Self Evaluation

    • 4.4 Nail Anatomy Quiz (Optional)

    • VIDEO LESSON - Disorders

    • 4.5 Nail Disorders

    • 4.6 Nail Pitting

    • 4.7 Terry's Nails

    • 4.8 Beau's Lines

    • 4.9 Onycholysis

    • 4.10 Yellow Nail Syndrome

    • 4.11 Nail Clubbing

    • 4.12 Koilonychia (Spoon Nails)

    • 4.13 Paronychia

    • 4.14 Onychomycosis (Nail Fungus)

    • 4.15 Pseudomonas (Greenies)

    • 4.16 Dermatophytes

    • 4.17 Melonychia

    • 4.18A Nail Disorders Activity (Online Version)

    • 4.18B Nail Disorders Activity (Printable Version)

    • 4.19 Nail Disorders Quiz (Optional)

    • 4.20 Nail Troubleshooting

    • 4.21 Nail Troubleshooting Activity (Printable)

    • 4.22 Nail Troubleshooting Quiz (Optional)

    • 4.23 We Don't Believe in Homework But... (Part 3)
  • 6

    5 Biohazards

    • VIDEO LESSON Biohazards

    • 5.1 What is a Biohazard?

    • 5.2 The Risks

    • 5.3 Steps to Prevent Exposure

    • 5.4 What Should I Do If I Am Exposed To Bodily Fluids?

    • 5.5A Biohazards Research Activity (Online Version)

    • 5.5B Biohazards Research Activity (Printable Version)

    • 5.6 Biohazards Quiz

    • 5.7 Blood Spill Drill

    • 5.8 Blood Spill Drill Answers

    • 5.9 We Don't Believe in Homework But... (Part 4)
  • 7

    6 Chemical Hazards

    • VIDEO LESSON - Chemical Hazards

    • 6.1 Chemical Hazards

    • 6.2 How To Reduce Exposure Due To Inhalation

    • 6.3 How To Reduce Skin Exposure

    • 6.4 Reduce The Risk Of Accidental Swallowing

    • 6.5 The Risks of Exposure to Chemicals Via the Nail Plate

    • 6.6 Checklist for Salons

    • 6.7 Checklist for Employees

    • VIDEO LESSON - Ingredients

    • 6.8 Potential Symptoms and Health Effects of Overexposure

    • 6.9 Methyl Methacrylate (MMA)

    • 6.10 Vegan Products

    • 6.11A Understanding Ingredients Activity (Photo Resources for Activity 6.11B)

    • 6.11B Understanding Ingredients Activity

    • 6.12 MSDS Sheets

    • 6.13 Artistic Nail Design and Be Creative MSDS Sheets

    • 6.14A MSDS Activity (Online Version)

    • 6.14B MSDS Activity (Printable Version)

    • 6.15 Chemical Hazards Quiz (Optional)

    • 6.16 We Don't Believe in Homework But... (Part 5)
  • 8

    7 UV Light

    • VIDEO LESSON - UV Light

    • 7.1 What is UV Light?

    • 7.2 The Difference between LED and UV Lamps

    • 7.3 The Dangers of Improper Curing

    • 7.4 The Complexity of UV Curing by Doug Schoon

    • 7.5 Do UV Lights Cause Cancer?

    • 7.6 How Can We Increase Client Peace of Mind?

    • 7.7 "Do UV Nail Lamps Emit Unsafe Levels of Ultraviolet Light?" - A Study

    • 7.8 UV Quiz (Optional)

    • 7.9 We Don't Believe in Homework But... (Part 6)
  • 9

    8 Chemistry

    • VIDEO LESSON - Acrylates

    • 8.1 Plastics

    • 8.2 Monomers

    • 8.3 Polymerisation/Curing

    • 8.4 Cross-Linking Monomers

    • 8.5 Shrinkage

    • VIDEO LESSON - Cyanoacrylates

    • 8.6 Cyanoacrylates

    • 8.7 Shock Curing

    • VIDEO LESSON - Oligomers

    • 8.8 Oligomers

    • 8.9 Exothermic Reactions

    • VIDEO LESSON - Polymers

    • 8.10 Polymers

    • 8.11 - Liquid and Powder Ingredients Reference

    • 8.12 Mix Ratios

    • 8.13A Chemistry Activity (Online Version)

    • 8.13B Chemistry Activity (Printable Version)

    • VIDEO LESSON - The Lifecycle of an Acrylate

    • 8.14 Acrylate Characteristics

    • 8.15 Adhesion

    • 8.16 Wetting Agents

    • 8.17 Flexibility

    • 8.18 Strength

    • 8.19 Removal

    • 8.20 The Difference Between Artistic and Everyone Else

    • 8.21 Chemistry Quiz (Optional)

    • 8.22 We Don't Believe in Homework But... (Part 7)
  • 10

    9 Module: Manicures and Pedicures | Traditional Manicure Services

    • 9.1 Module Introduction

    • 9.2 Natural Nail Preparation

    • 9.3A Traditional Polish Manicure - Introduction *PORTFOLIO SET*

    • 9.3B Traditional Polish Manicure - Steps

    • 9.3C Traditional Polish Manicure - Self Evaluation

    • 9.4A French Traditional Polish Manicure - Introduction *PORTFOLIO SET*

    • 9.4B French Traditional Polish Manicure - Steps

    • 9.4C French Traditional Polish Manicure - Self Evaluation

    • 9.4D French Traditional Polish Manicure - Activity

    • 9.5A Traditional Manicure for Men - Introduction

    • 9.5B Traditional Manicure for Men - Steps

    • 9.5C Traditional Manicure for Men - Self Evaluation

    • 9.6 FAQ - What is 3-Free Polish?

    • Recommended Kit List - Traditional Manicures
  • 11

    10 Module: Manicures and Pedicures | Treatments

    • 10.1 Treatments - Introduction

    • 10.2 Treatments - Practical

    • 10.3 Treatments - Luxury - Prep

    • 10.4 Treatments - Luxury - Repair/Treat

    • 10.5 Treatments - Luxury - Relaxation

    • 10.6 Treatments - Combos and Pricing

    • 10.7A Traditional Polish Manicure (Add Deluxe Upgrade) - Introduction

    • 10.7B Traditional Polish Manicure (Add Deluxe Upgrade) - Steps

    • 10.7C Traditional Polish Manicure (Add Deluxe Upgrade) - Self Evaluation

    • Recommended Kit List - Treatments

    • You can purchase these separately or as part of one of the kits we offer (linked above).
  • 12

    11 Module: Manicures and Pedicures | Gel Manicure Services

    • 11.1A Gel Polish Manicure - Introduction *PORTFOLIO/EXAM SET*

    • 11.1B Gel Polish Manicure - Steps

    • 11.1C Gel Polish Manicure - Self Evaluation

    • 11.2A French Gel Polish Manicure - Introduction *PORTFOLIO/EXAM SET*

    • 11.2B French Gel Polish Manicure - Steps

    • 11.2C French Gel Polish Manicure - Self Evaluation

    • 11.3A Gel Polish Removal - Introduction

    • 11.3B Gel Polish Removal - Steps

    • 11.3C Gel Polish Removal - Self Evaluation

    • 11.4 FAQ - How Often Can We Buff the Natural Nail?

    • 11.5 How to Pass the Manicure Assessment

    • Recommended Kit List - Gel Polish Manicures

    • You can purchase these separately or as part of one of the kits we offer (linked above).
  • 13

    12 Module: Manicures and Pedicures | Pedicure Services

    • 12.1 Natural Nail Preparation

    • 12.2A Traditional Polish Pedicure - Introduction

    • 12.2B Traditional Polish Pedicure - Steps

    • 12.2C Traditional Polish Pedicure - Self Evaluation

    • 12.3A Gel Polish Pedicure - Introduction

    • 12.3B Gel Polish Pedicure - Steps

    • 12.3C Gel Polish Pedicure - Self Evaluation

    • 12.4 10 Things Your Local Podiatrist Wishes You Knew

    • 12.5 FAQ - Managing Callouses

    • Recommended Kit List - Pedicures
  • 14

    13 Module: Dipping Systems for Beginners

    • 13.1 Module Introduction

    • 13.2A Dip Manicure - Introduction

    • 13.2B Dip Manicure - Steps

    • 13.2C Dip Manicure - Self Evaluation

    • 13.3A French Dip Manicure - Introduction

    • 13.3B French Dip Manicure - Steps

    • 13.3C French Dip Manicure - Self Evaluation

    • 13.4A Dip Removal - Introduction

    • 13.4B Dip Removal - Steps

    • 13.4C Dip Removal - Self Evaluation

    • 13.5 Artistic Nail Design 'Perfect Dip' Handout

    • Recommended Kit List - Dipping Systems
  • 15

    14 Enhancement Introduction (Applies to Acrylic, Hard Gel and PolyGel)

    • 14.1 Enhancement - Preparation Steps (Forms) *PORTFOLIO SET*

    • 14.2 Enhancement - Preparation Steps (Tips) *PORTFOLIO SET*

    • 14.3 Five Reasons to Sculpt Instead of Using Tips

    • 14.4 Reasons for Using Brush on Gel Under Enhancements

    • 14.5 Enhancement Structure

    • 14.6 Active vs. Fashion Length

    • 14.7 Pinching C-Curves

    • 14.8 Smile Lines vs. C Curves

    • 14.9 Filing Steps

    • 14.10 Finishing Your Enhancements

  • 16

    15 Module: Mastering Acrylic Application 1

    • 15.1 Module Introduction

    • 15.2 Liquid & Powder - Introduction

    • VIDEO LESSON - Beads and Ratios

    • 15.3 Beads and Ratios

    • 15.4 Liquid and Powder Practice Sheet

    • 15.5A Liquid & Powder Overlay - Introduction *PORTFOLIO SET*

    • 15.5B Liquid & Powder Overlay - Steps

    • 15.5C Liquid & Powder Overlay - Self-Evaluation

    • 15.6A Natural Liquid & Powder Extension with Forms - Introduction *PORTFOLIO SET*

    • 15.6B Natural Liquid & Powder Extensions with Forms - Steps

    • 15.6C Natural Liquid & Powder Extensions with Forms - Self Evaluation

    • 15.7A Natural Liquid & Powder Extensions with Tips - Introduction

    • 15.7B Natural Liquid & Powder Extensions with Tips - Steps

    • 15.7C Natural Liquid & Powder Extensions with Tips - Self Evaluation

    • 15.8A Liquid & Powder Backfill - Introduction

    • 15.8B Liquid & Powder Backfill - Steps

    • 15.8C Liquid & Powder Backfill - Self Evaluation

    • Recommended Kit List - Mastering Acrylic 1 & 2
  • 17

    16 Module: Mastering Acrylic Application 2

    • 16.1 Module Introduction

    • 16.2A French Liquid & Powder Extensions - Introduction *PORTFOLIO/EXAM SET*

    • 16.2B French Liquid & Powder Extensions - Steps

    • 16.2C French Liquid & Powder Extensions - Self Evaluation

    • 16.3A Liquid & Powder Removal - Introduction

    • 16.3B Liquid & Powder Removal - Steps

    • 16.3C Liquid & Powder Removal - Self Evaluation

    • 16.4A Blended Liquid & Powder Extension - Introduction *PORTFOLIO SET*

    • 16.4B Blended Liquid & Powder Extension - Steps

    • 16.4C Blended Liquid & Powder Extension - Self Evaluation

    • 16.5A Reverse Application of French Liquid & Powder Extensions - Introduction

    • 16.5B Reverse Application of French Liquid & Powder Extensions - Steps

    • 16.5C Reverse Application of French Liquid & Powder Extensions - Self Evaluation

    • 16.6A French Liquid & Powder Extensions with Extended Nail Bed - Introduction *PORTFOLIO SET*

    • 16.6B French Liquid & Powder Extensions with Extended Nail Bed - Steps

    • 16.6C French Liquid & Powder Extensions with Extended Nail Bed - Self Evaluation

    • 16.7A Liquid & Powder Rebalance - Introduction

    • 16.7B Liquid & Powder Rebalance - Steps

    • 16.7C Liquid & Powder Rebalance - Self Evaluation

    • 16.8 How to Pass the Liquid and Powder Assessment

    • Recommended Kit List - Mastering Acrylic Application 2
  • 18

    17 Module: Mastering Hard Gel Application

    • 17.1 Module Introduction

    • VIDEO LESSON The Difference between Hard Gel and Acrylic

    • 17.2 Picking Up Beads

    • 17.3A Hard Gel Overlay - Introduction *PORTFOLIO SET*

    • 17.3B Hard Gel Overlay - Steps

    • 17.3C Hard Gel Overlay - Self Evaluation

    • 17.4A Natural Hard Gel Extensions - Introduction *PORTFOLIO SET*

    • 17.4B Natural Hard Gel Extensions - Steps

    • 17.4C Natural Hard Gel Extensions - Self Evaluation

    • 17.5A French Hard Gel Extensions - Introduction *PORTFOLIO/EXAM SET*

    • 17.5B French Hard Gel Extensions - Steps

    • 17.5C French Hard Gel Extensions - Self Evaluation

    • 17.6A Hard Gel Backfill - Introduction

    • 17.6B Hard Gel Backfill - Steps

    • 17.6C Hard Gel Backfill - Self Evaluation

    • 17.7A Hard Gel Rebalance - Introduction

    • 17.7B Hard Gel Rebalance - Steps

    • 17.7C Hard Gel Rebalance - Self Evaluation

    • 17.8A Hard Gel Removal - Introduction

    • 17.8B Hard Gel Removal - Steps

    • 17.8C Hard Gel Removal - Self Evaluation

    • VIDEO LESSON Hard Gel with Extended Nail Bed

    • 17.9 How to Pass the Hard Gel Assessment

    • Recommended Kit List - Mastering Hard Gel
  • 19

    18 Module: Mastering PolyGel Application

    • 18.1 Module Introduction

    • 18.2 What is PolyGel?

    • 18.3 Picking Up Beads

    • 18.4A PolyGel Overlay - Introduction

    • 18.4B PolyGel Overlay - Steps

    • 18.4C PolyGel Overlay - Self Evaluation

    • 18.5A Natural PolyGel Extensions - Introduction

    • 18.5B Natural PolyGel Extensions - Steps

    • 18.5C Natural PolyGel Extensions - Self Evaluation

    • 18.6A French PolyGel Extensions - Introduction

    • 18.6B French PolyGel Extensions - Steps

    • 18.6C French PolyGel Extensions - Self Evaluation

    • 18.7A PolyGel Backfill - Introduction

    • 18.7B PolyGel Backfill - Steps

    • 18.7C PolyGel Backfill - Self Evaluation

    • 18.8A PolyGel Rebalance - Introduction

    • 18.8B PolyGel Rebalance - Steps

    • 18.8C PolyGel Rebalance - Self Evaluation

    • 18.9A PolyGel Removal - Introduction

    • 18.9B PolyGel Removal - Steps

    • 18.8C PolyGel Removal - Self Evaluation

    • 18.9 PolyGel FAQs

    • 18.10 Artistic Nail Design 'Putty' Handout

    • Recommended Kit List - Mastering PolyGel
  • 20

    19 Workshop: Thinking Outside the Square (Extension Shapes)

    • 19.1 Introduction to Shapes

    • 19.2 Shapes

    • 19.3A Changing Shapes - Part 1

    • 19.3B Changing Shapes - Part 2

    • 19.4 Which Shape is the Strongest?
  • 21

    20 Workshop: E-Filing

    • Workshop Information

    • 20.1 An Introduction to E-Filing

    • 20.2 Choosing an E-File

    • 20.3 Choosing E-File ‘Bits’

    • 20.4 Recommended Equipment

    • 20.5 Backfill Steps

    • 20.6 Rebalance Steps

    • 20.7 ​Removal Steps - Extensions

    • 20.8 ​Removal Steps – Gel Polish on Natural Nails

    • 20.9 ​Cleaning and Sanitising

    • 20.10 ​Looking After Your E-File

    • 20.11 ​Looking After Your E-File Bits
  • 22

    21 Workshop: IBX Certification

    • 21.1 Why Use IBX?

    • 21.2 How Does IBX Work?

    • 21.3 IBX - Steps

    • 21.4 IBX - Self Evaluation

    • VIDEO LESSON IBX with Gel Polish
  • 23

    22 Bonus: Nail Biters

    • Bonus: Nail Biters
  • 24

    Finished!

    • What to do now...

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