Ottawa · In-person only
Nail TechnicianBasic & Advanced.
Master the fundamentals — manicures, pedicures, shellac — and progress into Russian technique, gel extensions, and editorial nail art.
Program Overview
Start with the basics — graduate as a specialist.
The Nail Technician program is built as two stackable certifications. Basic establishes the technical foundation — sanitization, manicure, pedicure, shellac and clean art — preparing you to work confidently with everyday clients.
Advanced includes the complete Basic curriculum plus the premium services that drive higher service tickets: Russian E-file manicure, three extension systems (Biogel, Softgel/Gel-X, Acrylic), editorial nail art and safe removal across every system you'll offer.
Both pathways are delivered exclusively in-person in our Ottawa studio with individual stations, a full student kit, and live client practice supervised by working nail technicians.
Tier One
Basic Curriculum — $1,299
Four foundational modules. Everything you need to begin serving paying clients.
Manicure
Classic and spa manicure technique built on hygiene, shaping, and cuticle care.
What's covered
- Nail anatomy & client consultation
- Cuticle work & shaping (square, oval, almond)
- Hand massage & spa protocol
- Sanitization & tool sterilisation
Pedicure
Full pedicure workflow from soak to finish with safety and comfort at the centre.
What's covered
- Foot assessment & contraindications
- Callus reduction technique
- Exfoliation & paraffin treatments
- Pressure-point foot massage
Shellac Application
Gel polish application that lasts — from prep through cure and clean removal.
What's covered
- Nail prep & dehydration
- Base, colour & top coat layering
- Lamp curing times & safety
- Soak-off removal without damage
Basic Art Design
Foundational nail art — clean lines, French tips, dots and minimalist designs.
What's covered
- Brush handling & line work
- French manicure technique
- Dotting tools & colour theory
- Minimalist & negative-space designs
Tier Two · Includes Basic
Advanced Curriculum — $2,499
Everything in Basic, plus the six premium modules that define a specialist nail technician.
Russian Manicure (E-file)
Precision dry manicure with an electric file — the most in-demand premium service.
What's covered
- E-file bit selection & handling
- Dry cuticle work technique
- Pressure & angle control
- Safe troubleshooting & corrections
Biogel Extensions
Flexible, natural-feeling extensions built with biogel sculpting technique.
What's covered
- Form fitting & apex building
- Sculpting on forms & tips
- Strength & flexibility tuning
- Refill & maintenance
Softgel / Gel-X Extensions
Pre-formed soft gel tips for lightweight, durable, salon-fast extensions.
What's covered
- Sizing, tailoring & blending tips
- Adhesive selection & curing
- Shape refinement (almond, coffin, stiletto)
- Removal without nail damage
Acrylic Extensions
The classic powder-and-liquid system for sculpted strength and architectural shapes.
What's covered
- Monomer to polymer ratio
- Bead control & placement
- Apex, c-curve and structure
- Filing, finishing & buffing
Advanced Arts & Designs
Editorial nail art — chrome, ombré, 3D, encapsulated florals, and freehand work.
What's covered
- Chrome & cat-eye effects
- Ombré (airbrush & sponge)
- Encapsulation & 3D sculpting
- Freehand painting & detail
Removal Methods
Safe removal of every system you'll apply — gel, acrylic, extensions, shellac.
What's covered
- Soak-off for gel & shellac
- E-file removal for extensions
- Nail repair & rehab
- Aftercare & strengthening
Compare
Choose your level of mastery.
Basic
$1,299
The foundation. Everything you need to confidently serve clients with classic services.
- Manicure — classic & spa technique
- Pedicure — full sanitization protocol
- Shellac application & removal
- Basic art design — line work, dots, French
Advanced
Most Popular$2,499
Includes the complete Basic curriculum, plus six advanced specialist modules.
- Everything in Basic
- Russian Manicure with E-file
- Biogel extensions
- Softgel / Gel-X extensions
- Acrylic extensions
- Advanced arts & editorial designs
- Removal methods for every system
*Both programs are delivered in-person in Ottawa. A full student kit is included.
The Studio
A space built for focused craft.
Individual stations, professional lighting, salon-grade equipment, and a calm, boutique atmosphere — designed to mirror the kind of studio you'll work in.
- CAMSAS-accredited curriculum
- Live client practice on every module
- Small cohorts — max 8 students
- Full student kit included
Common Questions
Before you enrol.
Where are the classes held? +
Our Nail Technician program is exclusively in-person at our Ottawa studio. We do not offer this program online.
Do I need prior experience? +
No prior experience is required for the Basic course. The Advanced course is open to graduates of Basic or licensed nail technicians.
Are tools and products included? +
Yes. A full student kit is provided. You'll keep it after graduation.
How long is each program? +
Cohorts are run intensively. Speak with admissions for the upcoming start dates.
Is a payment plan available? +
Yes — we offer flexible installment plans. Book a call to discuss.
Admissions
Talk to admissions
Have a question about the Nail Technician program? Book a 15-minute call.