Training Courses
Kelly Ashby Nail Academy offers hands-on nail courses, fully accredited by ABT (Associated Beauty Therapists).
Specialising in the education and development of Nail Technicians, Kelly Ashby Nail Academy offers professional training in a friendly and supportive atmosphere where you will gain all of the skills you need to work confidently with clients, creating beautiful nails that they'll love.
If you're serious about working in the beauty industry, you will need accredited training in nail treatments; salons and spas increasingly require therapists who can perform nail services and becoming a fully qualified nail technician is one of the most flexible ways of working for yourself.
All of the courses are meticulously created by Kelly, who with more than 20 years under her belt as a self-employed Nail Technician and Educator has drawn on her own experience and passion to enable others to reach their full potential.
Kelly Ashby Nail Academy is especially dedicated to providing a 1-2-1 learning environment where those who experience social anxiety can thrive.

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Upcoming Dates
NailKnowledge

Kelly Ashby Academy is excited to offer The NailKnowledge Essential Professional Diploma.
This fantastic course gives everyone – from trainees to qualified nail professionals - a deeper knowledge and insight into their work, and leads to a useful professional qualification.
Duration: Flexible
Course Fee: £120 inc VAT
Course Details
Gel Enhancements

Duration: 2 Days
Course Fee: £230
Qualification: ABT
Course Details
Gel Polish

Duration: 6 Hrs
Course Fee: £110
Qualification: ABT
Course Details
Hard Gel

Duration: 4 Hrs
Course Fee: £150
Qualification: ABT
Course Details
E-File

Duration: 3 Hrs
Course Fee: £110
Course Details
Builder Gel Overlay

Duration: 4 Hrs
Course Fee: £150
Qualification: ABT
Course Details
1-2-1 Training

Practical training that’s customised to your needs.
Course Fee: £40/Hr
Qualification: ABT
Course Details
Nail Art

Duration: 4 Hrs
Course Fee: £80
Course Details
Nail Art Online Course

Learn 19 fantastic nail art techniques
Course Fee: £40
Course Details
NailKnowledge Essential Nail Professional Diploma
Who this course is for
This course is suitable both for trainees and experienced nail professionals. It’s for anyone working in the nail and beauty industry who wants to gain a deeper knowledge of their subject. It leads to a qualification that can set you apart from other candidates.
Course Details

The NailKnowledge Essential Nail Professional Diploma gives you the tools to work safely and ethically in the nail industry, together with a solid understanding of nail anatomy and product chemistry.
The Nail Knowledge course has been authored by three highly respected industry experts, and is a new standard in flexible, interactive and visual nail training.
Over 16 bite-sized lessons, you’ll take your professional knowledge to the next level, and learn to separate scientific fact from product hype. The course has been designed so that even the most technical ideas are easily understood, with the help of high-quality animations and graphics. You can watch and enjoy lessons at your own pace, anyplace, anywhere and on any device.
What’s Covered
The Nail Unit
Learn about the structures of the nail, how the nail plate grows and its structure, and common nail conditions.
- Anatomy of the nail unit
- Nail plate growth
- Nail plate structure
- Nail bed and lunula
- Seals of the nail
- Nail conditions
Product Chemistry
Learn basic product chemistry and understand the polymerisation process that sits at the heart of the nail industry.
- What is a chemical?
- Lotions, potions and polishes
- Acrylics and their place in the industry
- Liquid and powder
- UV gels and other systems
Health and Safety
Essential health and safety to keep you and your clients safe; with strategies to minimise your risks from dust, vapours and products.
- Your working environment
- Hygiene
- Safe use of products
- Allergies and irritations
- Working safely with clients
Enrol on the Nail Knowledge course
Course Fee £120.00 inc VAT
If you’re ready this fantastic diploma course, or want to find out more,
contact Kelly at kellyashbyacademy@gmail.com or 07720 051013
Kelly Ashby is an approved Nail Knowledge Educator.
Gel Enhancements Course - Accredited training course
Course Details
This is a two day course.
On this course, you will learn how to perform Gel Enhancements. The course takes place over two days, set two to three weeks apart to give you time to practice and provide case studies.
You will be required to study a manual before your first training day and will need to complete a theory assessment with questions in relation to the manual. Once you have successfully completed the training course you will receive a Kelly Ashby Nail Academy / ABT accredited certificate.

You will also learn to:
- Prepare the treatment area
- Carry out a client consultation
- Prepare the client for treatment
- Prepare natural nails for application
- File and shape the nails
- Apply tips
- Apply gel overlay
- Refine enhancement
- Maintain enhancement
- Carry out safe removal
- Provide aftercare advice
You will also study:
- Relevant hygiene, health and safety
- Sterilising and care of equipment
- Relevant anatomy and physiology
- Client Consultation
- Contra-indications
- Contra-actions
- Disorders that can affect clients nails
- Non-Medical conditions
- Equipment and Products
A kit is not provided, please find a kit list below. You must come to training with clean nails as students work on each other.
Requirements:
To attend this course you must already be qualified in either Manicure or Gel Polish
You will need to come to training with clean nails as students work on each other (models are not required).
A kit is not provided, you will need to bring all items detailed in the kit list below to training.
Gel Enhancement kit list:
- 120/180 grit file
- 180 sponge buffer
- 240 grit file
- Nail glue
- Ultraform tips
- Pure acetone
- Hand sanitiser
- Cuticle pusher
- Iso-propyl alcohol
- Cotton buds
- Tissues
- Detail brush
- Hard Gel
- Rubber Base
- Top Coat
- Lint free wipes
- Nail clippers
- Lamp
- Duster brush
- Couch roll
- Microfibre eyelash brush
This course is unbranded, so please bring whichever gel system you prefer to use. Advice can be provided on this.
Most of the products on this list can be bought from The GelBottle and other products can be bought from a wholesaler or Amazon.
Please ask if you need help on where to buy your products.
It is advisable to use the lamp that the manufacturer of the products you are using recommends, for insurance purposes as well as quality of service.
Course Fee £230.00 (£115.00 non refundable deposit required upon booking)
For dates & more information, contact Kelly at kellyashbyacademy@gmail.com or 07720 051013
- Please let me know if you would like me to register you for a discount for The GelBottle. This discount code will work for three orders.
- I also have discount codes for insurance. For ABT use code “KELLYASH66” and for The Beauty Guild, use code “11244”
- 1-2-1 Training is available for this course
Gel Polish Course - Accredited Training Course
Course Details
On this course, you will learn how to perform a professional dry manicure and gel polish treatment.
You will be required to study a manual before your training day, and then attend a 5.5 hour training session to study the theory and practical elements.
You will be asked to complete a theory assessment with questions in relation to the manual and you will be required to perform a professional Gel Polish treatment. On successful completion, you will receive a Kelly Ashby Nail Academy / ABT accredited certificate.

You will learn to:
- Prepare the treatment area
- Carry out a client consultation
- Perform a dry manicure
- File and shape the nails
- Apply gel polish
- Maintain cuticles
- Remove gel polish
- Provide aftercare advice
You will also study:
- Relevant hygiene, health and safety
- Sterilising and care of equipment
- Anatomy and physiology
- Contra-indications
- Contra-actions
- Non-medical conditions
- Equipment and products
During this course I also provide a consultation for business advice.
Requirements:
You will need to come to training with clean nails as students work on each other (models are not required).
A kit is not provided, you will need to bring all items detailed in the kit list below to training.
Gel polish kit list:
- Client consultation card
- Hand sanitiser
- Nail clippers
- Cuticle pusher & Nipper
- 180 grit file
- 240 grit file
- 180 sponge file
- Acetone/Cleanser
- Lint free wipes
- Detail brush
- Base coat
- Gel polish colour
- No wipe top coat
- Cuticle oil
- Couch roll
- UV/LED Lamp *
- Microfibre eyelash brush
- IPA (Iso-prophyl Alcohol)
This course is unbranded, so please bring whichever gel system you prefer to use. Advice can be provided on this.
Most of the products on this list can be bought from The GelBottle and other products can be bought from a wholesaler or Amazon.
Please ask if you need help on where to buy your products.
It is advisable to use the lamp that the manufacturer of the products you are using recommends, for insurance purposes as well as quality of service.
Course Fee £110.00 (£55.00 non refundable deposit required upon booking)
For dates & more information, contact Kelly at kellyashbyacademy@gmail.com or 07720 051013
- Please let me know if you would like me to register you for a discount for The GelBottle. This discount code will work for three orders.
- I also have discount codes for insurance. For ABT use code “KELLYASH66” and for The Beauty Guild, use code “11244”
- 1-2-1 Training is available for this course
Hard Gel Overlays (Conversion) Course - Accredited Training Course
Course Details
On this course, you will gain knowledge of :
- The anatomy and physiology of the nails
- Health and safety
- How to prepare the work area
- The importance of good client consultation
- Contra-indications
- Contra-actions
- Practical elements of preparing a nail
- How to complete the practical treatment of applying gel overlays
- Aftercare advice
- Removal process
- Soak Off Gels & Hard Gels
- Troubleshooting any problems that may arise
This is not a gel extension course, it is for converting to hard gel if you are already qualified in extensions, or for use as an overlay on natural nails.
You will be required to study a manual before your training day and then attend a 4 hour training session to study the theory and practical elements.
You will be required to perform a professional Hard Gel Overlay.
On successful completion, you will receive Kelly Ashby Nail Academy / ABT accredited certificate.

Requirements:
To attend this course you must already have a qualification in either Gel or Acrylic Enhancements.
You will need to come to training with clean nails as students work on each other (models are not required).
A kit is not provided, you will need to bring all items detailed in the kit list below to training.
Hard Gel kit list:
- 120/180 grit file
- 240 grit file
- 180 sponge buffer
- Acetone
- Hand sanitiser
- Cuticle pusher
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Cotton buds
- Tissues
- Hard Gel
- Rubber Base
- Top Coat
- Lint free wipes
- Gel brush
- Cleanser
- Lamp
- Duster brush
- Couch roll
- Microfibre eyelash brush
This course is unbranded, so please bring whichever gel system you prefer to use. Advice can be provided on this.
Most of the products on this list can be bought from The GelBottle and other products can be bought from a wholesaler or Amazon.
Please ask if you need help on where to buy your products.
It is advisable to use the lamp that the manufacturer of the products you are using recommends, for insurance purposes as well as quality of service.
Course Fee £150.00 (£75.00 non refundable deposit required upon booking)
For dates & more information, contact Kelly at kellyashbyacademy@gmail.com or 07720 051013
- Please let me know if you would like me to register you for a discount for The GelBottle. This discount code will work for three orders.
- I also have discount codes for insurance. For ABT use code “KELLYASH66” and for The Beauty Guild, use code “11244”
- 1-2-1 Training is available for this course
E-File Course - Accredited Training Course
Course Details
On this course, you will learn the techniques required to safely and efficiently use an E-File (Electric File), taking the hard work out of maintenance and helping to avoid RSI as well as reducing treatment times, allowing you to work more cost effectively.
A professional quality E-File is recommended (you should bring an E-File with you to training).
We recommend some brands such as the Saeyang (K38 or K35), The GelBottle and Kupa. Cheaper files from eBay / Amazon are not suitable for a professional treatment and can be uncomfortable for your client.
It is important that your E-File feels comfortable for both you and your client, does not vibrate during use, has variable speeds, will accept standard sized bits and comes with a warranty.
You will learn how to use your E-File to:
- Remove Gel Polish from overlays/enhancements
- Debaulk product
- Reduce length
- Prepare natural nail
- Cuticle work
- Refine
You will also learn:
- Safe removal
- What the different E-File bits are used for
- Hygiene for your E-File and your client
- How using an E-File can speed up your treatment time
Requirements:
You will need to come to training with extensions/overlays with gel polish that have been on your own nails for two to three weeks, as students work on each other (models are not required).
A kit is not provided, you will need to bring all items detailed in the kit list below to training.
E-File kit list:
- E-File
- Fine grit Safety Bit*
- Medium grit Safety Bit*
- Face mask
- Goggles
- Hand sanitiser
- Acetone
- Cuticle pusher
- 180 grit file
- 180m grit sponge buffer
- Duster brush
- Lint free wipes
- Cuticle oil
* Safety bits can either be carbide or ceramic
Recommended E-File Bits:
- Carbide safety bits - fine, medium & coarse (Christie Pearce Nail Supplies or Amazon) Buy online
- Ceramic Safety Bits - fine medium & coarse (Amazon) Buy online
- Prepper (Petra Jakes) Buy online
- Burr (Christie Pearce/Petra Jakes - Pjs Nail Lounge) Buy Small – Medium Grit Online / Buy Large – Xcoarse Grit Online
Course Fee £110.00 (£55.00 non refundable deposit required upon booking)
For dates & more information, contact Kelly at kellyashbyacademy@gmail.com or 07720 051013
- Please let me know if you would like me to register you for a discount for The GelBottle. This discount code will work for three orders.
- I also have discount codes for insurance. For ABT use code “KELLYASH66” and for The Beauty Guild, use code “11244”
- 1-2-1 Training is available for this course
Builder Gel (Soak Off Gel) Overlay Course - Accredited Training Course
Course Details
On this course, you will learn how to use perform Overlays using Builder Gel / Soak Off Gel.
You will be required to study a manual before your training day, and then attend a 4 hour training session to study the theory and practical elements.
You will be asked to complete a theory assessment with questions in relation to the manual and you will be required to perform a professional Builder Gel Overlay. On successful completion, you will receive a Kelly Ashby Nail Academy / ABT accredited certificate.

You will learn to:
- Prepare the treatment area
- Carry out a client consultation
- Complete the practical treatment of applying gel overlays
- Provide aftercare advice
- Troubleshoot any problems that may arise
You will also study:
- Removal
- Practical elements of preparing a nail
- Relevant hygiene, health and safety
- Sterilisation and care of equipment
- Relevant anatomy and physiology
- Contra-indications
- Contra-actions
- Non-medical conditions
- Equipment and products
Requirements:
You will need to come to training with clean nails as students work on each other (models are not required).
A kit is not provided, you will need to bring all items detailed in the kit list below to training.
Builder Gel kit list:
- 120/180 grit file
- 240 grit file
- 180 sponge buffer
- Acetone
- Hand sanitiser
- Cuticle pusher
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Cotton buds
- Tissues
- Builder Gel
- Top Coat
- Lint free wipes
- Gel brush
- Cleanser
- Lamp
- Duster brush
- Couch roll
- Microfibre eyelash brush
This course is unbranded, so please bring whichever gel system you prefer to use. Advice can be provided on this.
Most of the products on this list can be bought from The GelBottle and other products can be bought from a wholesaler or Amazon.
Please ask if you need help on where to buy your products.
It is advisable to use the lamp that the manufacturer of the products you are using recommends, for insurance purposes as well as quality of service.
Course Fee £150.00 (£75.00 non refundable deposit required upon booking)
For dates & more information, contact Kelly at kellyashbyacademy@gmail.com or 07720 051013
- Please let me know if you would like me to register you for a discount for The GelBottle. This discount code will work for three orders.
- I also have discount codes for insurance. For ABT use code “KELLYASH66” and for The Beauty Guild, use code “11244”
- 1-2-1 Training is available for this course
1-2-1 Training
Available By Appointment
Course Details
Kelly Ashby Nail Academy provides personalised training for nail technicians. We offer one-to-one sessions with our expert tutor, delivering practical training that’s customised to your needs.
We can cover anything you require, including:
- Troubleshooting with application, lifting, chipping of any products.
- Conversion from your current brand to The Gelbottle
- The Gelbottle, including Builder in a Bottle and the new gel pots
- Gel polish application
- Gel enhancements
- Nail Art

Course Fee £40.00 per hour
For further information, contact Kelly at kellyashbyacademy@gmail.com or 07720 051013
- Please let me know if you would like me to register you for a discount for The GelBottle. This discount code will work for three orders.
- I also have discount codes for insurance. For ABT use code “KELLYASH66” and for The Beauty Guild, use code “11244”
Nail Art Course
Course Details
An introduction to up-to-date nail art techniques that are fashionable within the nail industry, this course will help you discover which techniques you most enjoy performing and which designs may best suit your clientele.
This course is not brand specific and advice will be given about where to buy products as well as tips on how to increase your treatment menu through offering Nail Art. Most of the nail art is performed using gel polish.
Nail pops are provided for you to work on so you can take your designs away with you.
Techniques Covered:
- Stamping
- Glitters
- Dust
- Holographic Powder
- Detail work
- Colour Changing
- Marbling
- Cats Eye
- Stencilling
- Gems
- Ombre
- Pigments
- Chrome Powder
- Foils
- Matte effect
- Chameleon Flakes
- Tye-Dye
- Flexi Tape
- Encapsulating
Requirements:
Materials are provided but please bring a top coat and a lamp.
Nail Art kit list:
- Top Coat
- UV/LED Lamp
Course Fee £80.00 (£40.00 non refundable deposit required upon booking)
For dates & more information, contact Kelly at kellyashbyacademy@gmail.com or 07720 051013
- Please let me know if you would like me to register you for a discount for The GelBottle. This discount code will work for three orders.
- I also have discount codes for insurance. For ABT use code “KELLYASH66” and for The Beauty Guild, use code “11244”
- 1-2-1 Training is available for this course
Nail Art Online Course
Course Details
This course uses easy-to-follow videos showing you 19 fantastic nail art techniques. You’ll also learn how to make them cost effective, the materials you will need and where to get them!
Certificate supplied on completion.
Techniques Covered:
- Stamping
- Glitters
- Chameleon Flakes
- Cat Eye
- Gems
- Tye-Dye
- Stencils
- Mesh
- Cuffs
- Water Decals
- Flexitape
- Striping Tape
- Blooming Gel
- Marbling
- Thermal Gels
- Matte
- Encapsulating
- Ombré
Course Fee: £40
For more information, contact Kelly at kellyashbyacademy@gmail.com or 07720 051013
- Please let me know if you would like me to register you for a discount for The GelBottle. This discount code will work for three orders.
- I also have discount codes for insurance. For ABT use code “KELLYASH66” and for The Beauty Guild, use code “11244”