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Trends

The latest beauty trends and predictions.

What you need to know about soap nails!

The latest nail trend for 2025 is soap nails – a minimalist manicure suitable for all nail clients! Enough to make even the most steadfast stiletto nail fan turn to a more natural look! But what is this trend and how can you achieve it?

Soap nails are a natural nail look combining a glossy top coat over a barely there pink or nude polish tone. The look can be achieved using traditional polish or gel polish. For added nail strength, you can even use builder in a bottle gel to help encourage natural nail growth.

This look has evolved from the popular ‘milky nail’ trend popular at the end of 2024, which used white or neutral tones. This gentle ballet pink look for soap nails is about giving the impression of healthy natural nails with the wet gloss of soap bubbles.

The look can be achieved using popular nail shades such as OPI Bubble Bath, OPI Put it in Neutral, Orly Rose Coloured Glasses, Essie Ballet Slippers or OPI Rosy Future.

Learn to create beautiful glossy nails with our popular nail courses, suitable for complete beginners. Gain an ABT Accredited diploma allowing you to work from home or mobile offering your nail treatments. Or simply learn the skills to save on salon costs, pamper your own nails or those of friends / family!

Want to take your soap nails to the next level? How about a short, square Russian manicure?

Russian manicure involves use of an electrical nail drill (e-file) to carefully refine and perfect the nail shape and surface for a longer lasting, flawless manicure finish. Combining this with precision gel polish application, that applies the colour to behind just the usually visible nail plate surface to give the appearance that the colour is growing with the nail for an edge to edge, high shine colour result. Nails trends have driven popularity of more natural nail shapes, with shorter and square or squoval looks becoming hugely popular on the catwalks and among celebrities.

Russian manicure techniques work so well when applying a French polish finish, or combine trends with a milky or soap manicure shade to finish!

Learn the skills to provide a longer lasting, high quality Russian manicure with our IPHM Accredited online course…

February 17, 2025
Which brow treatment is best in 2022?

Brow trends come thick and fast just like fashion, the way we shape and style our brows can be directly linked to pop culture. From the over plucked 90s to the bushy 2020’s there’s a style for every era and with so much at our disposal now the possibilities for brow styling are endless!

All about the Lamination

Arguably, the most popular treatment in recent years is Brow lamination, favoured by celebrities and fashionistas! The treatment itself is a straight forward process where the brows are brushed and set using fixing product into the desired style, creating fuller more even brows. Often combined with tinting the treatment allows for the therapist to increase the visual volume of the brows which makes it a great treatment for clients looking to grow out their brows for a more natural style.

Our Brow Lamination, Shaping & Tinting Training Course is designed to help you give your clients a uniform, full eyebrow shape. This is the ultimate solution for eyebrows that do not have symmetry where the hairs follow a different pattern, with lamination (also known as lifting) we can realign the brows in such a way to give them the desired shape they want. This treatment solves the messy brow issue, creates volume and fullness, while giving you a sleek well-kept brow shape for up to 2 months. Treatments are typically between £30-£50 when combined with a brow tint and shape. A very lucrative service to offer to your clients!

Highly Defined Brows

Promoted by celebrities, this treatment aims to create natural-looking brow shape, defined colour and give the illusion of fuller, thicker brows, making these brows a must-have treatment. This high-precision procedure transforms eyebrows into a naturally arched shape, dramatically enhancing and defining facial features. Perfectly-groomed brows are one of the most popular treatments within the salon. Performed by a skilled brow artist the treatment includes techniques to create the desired brow shape and appearance, including waxing, tinting and threading.

Our Highly Defined Brows Training Course is a generic treatment course designed to teach you one of the most popular beauty treatments currently offered within the industry. You will learn a range of brow-grooming procedures, including waxing, threading and tinting of the brows, to allow you to competently offer this in-demand treatment from home and/or mobile, creating a natural-looking arches and a defined brow shape for your clients. These treatments typically earn you between £25-£40! Clients return every 3-6 weeks to maintain their precise brow shape, keeping your appointment book filled!

Henna Brows

Similar to brow tinting Henna colours the natural brow. Henna is a natural alternative to other chemical dyes and is plant based making it an appealing option for colouring the brow and creating a more expressive brow. Henna also creates a better skin stain which gives a denser, fuller brow. Although a safe way to colour the hair and skin it is vital to perform a patch test when using Henna to check for skin reaction.

On our Henna course you will learn a range of brow-grooming procedures, including hot waxing, and application of henna of the brows, to allow you to competently offer this in-demand treatment from home and/or mobile, creating a natural-looking arches and a defined brow shape for your clients. Earn up to £35 an hour providing these lucrative brow treatments!

Want to up your Brow Skills & start earning up to £40 an hour? Explore our ABT Accredited Courses:

August 10, 2022
Spring Make up trends 2022

The weather is starting to brighten up and so is our make up. This year is all about paring modern looks with the nostalgia of times past to create the ultimate spring make up looks!

Bare face beauty

This spring is all about the skin you’re in! Embracing a lighter coverage concealer and foundation and focussing on skin health. Regular skin treatments are a must! At home amp up your skin care routine to increase hydration and a dewy glow with masks and serums containing hyaluronic acid, a hero ingredient in the skin care industry!

Glossy lips

2021 gave us #flashbackvibes and it looks like the 90s trends are here to stay with one of the top trends predicted for this years spring/summer runways being the ultra-wet/glossy lip!

Fluffy Natural Brows

Brow lamination is becoming the most requested, go-to brow treatment in the industry, creating fuller fluffier brows is this years must have! Create natural, fluffy brows at home with brow sculpting products.

Back to the 80s!

Neon is back and we are living for it! These bright, bold statement eyes are the perfect look for spring 2022. Leave the neutral tones in 2021 now is the time to be daring!

Sparkle and Dazzle!

Another daring look is embellishment! A look straight off the runways, embellished eyes are a perfect spring/summer trend.

March 3, 2022
2022 Nail trend predictions

2022 is an exciting year for the Nail industry, clients are looking to make a statement this year so now is the time to be creative, take risks and be bold! Here are the top nail trends we predict will be popular in 2022.

The Colour Purple…

When Pantone, the experts in colour communication published their 2022 colour of the year sales of lilac nail varnishes increased. Light purples are associated with light-hearted, romantic energies and is the perfect spring summer nail colour!

Micro detail

Towards the end of 2021 we started to see the rise of the micro detail, mini hearts and dainty designs are set to stick around for 2022. These details are favoured by brides, many wanting to add a little something to the standard French Mani. The key to the perfect micro mani is your brushes! Invest in some thin detail brushes to achieve the perfect set.

French with a twist

Bold colours, swirls and waves. 2022 will bring a creative twist to our classic French manicure, so dare to be different!

3D additions

Gems, flowers, or even nail piercings. These statement additions will create the wow factor to finish any set.

January 12, 2022
Should I try coloured lashes?
Make those eyes POP this Christmas with coloured lashes!

If Christmas isn’t the time to try something out there than when is? Coloured lashes are becoming increasing popular for creating dramatic looks around the festive season. Here are some top tips for using colour within your lash treatments…
1. Complement the clients natural eye colour. Complimentary colours:
Green eyes: Layering purple lashes will intensify green eyes

Hazel/Brown eyes: Green lashes will enhance brown eyes and make them appear bigger

Blue eyes: Layer blue lashes with black will create a dramatic affect
1. Allow extra time
Adding coloured lashes is an art. Chances are you won’t be doing a full set of colour, rather using them with black to create a desired look. It’s vital to create symmetry with colour so allow an extra half an hour of treatment time to ensure you’re creating the perfect set!
1. Choosing your glue
Black glue can create an eyeliner effect with coloured lashes, creating a more dramatic look. If you’re looking for a more subtle, natural look clear glue would be best.
1. Work with the natural lash layers
Applying coloured lashes to the bottom layer of lashes will make them stand out the most, giving an instant pop of colour. For more of a layered subtle look apply them to the top layer of lashes or mix them in with black lashes will create more of a day look.
December 16, 2021
Top Nail Trends for 2021
The catwalks may have been digital this autumn, but the trends for spring 2021 are out including all the latest predictions for top nail trends for next year. Get ahead with practising your nail art skills and updating the polish shades within your kit, ready to promote your nail services as one step ahead of other nail techs and set your work apart from the competition. Eye catching nail polish shades and distinctive nail art can be real conversation starters and get word of mouth out about your work so don’t miss out…

Nail Shapes
- Short, natural nails – there has been a shift following lockdown towards more natural, lower maintenance nail lengths and we expect to see this continue into 2021.
- For those nail extension fans, fashion is moving away from the almond and pointy shapes of 2020 towards stronger, squarer styles. Think squared off ballerina nails, squoval or straight up square for a more modern look.
Nail Colours & Nail Art
- The metallic trend remains strong with silver nails created using matte finish polishes, quick dip and glitter infused acrylic powders and pressed glitters for everything from shimmer to high shine chrome finishes that will certainly be popular into the festive period and beyond.
- Bubblegum pink is set to be HUGE in 2021, better yet if matched to pink lipstick of a co-ordinating bold statement.
- Emerald green, especially when combined with graduated glitter or contrasting metallics like copper or rose gold will be everywhere in spring.
- Vibrant shades of blue from royal blue to pastel blues.
- Matching your nail shade to your face mask has also been an emerging trend that may continue into early 2021.
- Natural nudes from beige to barely there pinks. The classic french tip over clear polish is also another more natural look growing in popularity. Negative space florals over nude shades or clear polish will also be another big look for Spring 2021.
- Dark brown shades, especially when combined with tortoiseshell or cow print nail art will be a popular look for Autumn/Winter 2020 and into next year. Animal print in general will also be making a return to favour with leopard prints being a strong contender on nails.
- Punk inspired looks from dark black and purple hues will be appearing towards Christmas and into the New Year. Overlaid with chunky crystal embellishments or gold leaf foil over a dark polish will be a key look. Monochrome will also do well over the next 6 months with black and white, nudes and silver touches expected to be in demand.
- Geometric nail art continues to be a popular style with everything from patterns on just the tips to a ‘feature’ ring finger alongside neutral shades. Think linear designs in bold colours against softer, muted or pastel shades.
- Quirky takes on classic French from a rainbow collection of pastel shades on nail tips only to glitter fades from free edge to centre of the nails. French will be back in a big way so now is a great time to start revisiting your skills in creating crisp smile lines.
Instagram inspired Nail Art for the brave…
- Seashell nails as inspired by LA based nail artist Bana have been a huge hit on Insta. The look appears complicated but is actually very simple to create and certainly a talking point design for more open minded clients.
- Rainbow nails with a plethora of colour or ‘anything goes’ nail art that is different on every nail will be very popular with celebrities into the Summer 2021.
- Inspired by famous nail artist Unistella, instagram is on fire with crochet nails – crocheted designs from flowers to stars are adhered to the nail for an ‘out there’ nail look that is not for the faint hearted.
Products emerging…
- Quick nail systems like quick dip powders and gel polish will be huge in 2021 as more clients seek faster appointments that are easier to wear and care for than traditional nail extensions.
- 17-Free products will also become much more readily available and sought after as more clients become conscious of the products they are using on their nails and seek healthier options.
- Vegan friendly products will also grow in popularity in 2021 as more clients seek more ethical and conscious product choices.
Need to update your nail skills? Explore our Accredited Classroom based & Online Courses to get savvy and all set to take 2021 by storm…
October 29, 2020
Add Some Colour to Your Lashes
Coloured mascara has been around for decades, flash back to the 80’s and blue mascara was all the rage. Fast forward 40 years and coloured lashes are back! As more people invest in lash extensions, the classic black lashes are pretty standard but coloured lashes are gaining serious popularity as more clients seek something different to their standard lash enhancement. Fashion dictates bolder lash looks and coloured lashes are the perfect way to stand out from the crowd…

Clients may want to accentuate their eye colour, match an outfit or occasion, or just make a fashion statement.

The effects can be subtle such as a few carefully weaved in blue lashes to get that blue-black look many of us are already familiar with through tinting. Or you can go for a bright rainbow effect with ombre lashes. Our new Rapid Lashes, Tinting & Brow Shaping Course covers not only the quick lash extension application process suitable for beginners (and taking only 20-30 minutes for a full set); but also introduces the use of coloured lashes which you can incorporate across all lash extension services.

What are coloured lashes?

Lash extensions come in a range of curls, lengths and thicknesses, but now they are also more readily available in a wide range of colours too. Black lashes remain the standard lash but coloured lashes can be mixed with black lashes for a subtle effect, come in ombre options that allow you to apply a pre-selected complementary range of colours or selected in a chosen hue like blue or pink for desired effects. Every colour you can imagine is now available as a lash from subtle shades of brown to neon bright pinks and blues.

What are the benefits of coloured lash extensions?
- Create the perfect graduated ombre look that can be as subtle or dramatic as desired, simply apply more or less coloured lashes. That isn’t possible with a coloured mascara which just applies uniformly to all lashes.
- A quick, easy way to get ‘look at me’ lashes that stand out and get your work as a Lash Tech talked about.
- Easy word of mouth and new client recommendations guaranteed once you introduce coloured lashes!
- Coloured eye lash extensions can enhance natural eye colour.
How to…

To enhance eye colour:

Go for shades which complement their natural eye colouring or provide a contrast. Applied as an outwards flick from a third of the way inwards all the way to the outer corner of the eye. Keep the inner third of the lash line to dark lashes to give definition and open up the eye area.
- Green eyes are great with purple lashes.
- Blue eyes really glow with blue lashes.
- Brown / hazel eyes look great with most shades but especially purple, green or blue lashes.
To create a fashion statement:

Bright shades to match an outfit or occasion make a bold statement. Applied either interspersed through a full set of black lashes or entirely in place of black extensions. You can create some bright, beautiful looks with extra time and creativity.

Top Tips for Coloured Lashes
1. Remember to factor in some extra time if considering coloured lashes both for the consultation stage to agree the look and for application. Let your client know this will add a little time to their appointment but is well worth it for the results!
2. Careful lash mapping is key – decide where you’re going to apply the coloured lashes, how many etc. and make sure you work evenly acros both eyes in stages to get a professional, symmetrical look.
3. Consider using a clear lash adhesive. Typically lash extensions have a black colour to them to optimally help blending of standard black lash extensions but when going to the effort of using coloured lashes, this may be spoiled through use of a standard black adhesive. Clear adhesive is perfect when using lighter coloured lashes or when applying only coloured lashes; but can sometimes be less effective or most costly due to the thinner formulation. It may also take a little getting used to in terms of different glue drying times. Black adhesive will still work well for darker coloured lashes applied among standard black lashes. Remember if using a different adhesive, the client will need to have been patch tested with it 24-48 hours prior.
4. Charge extra for coloured lashes to reflect the artistry involved in their application. This will cover your additional treatment time and some possible extra cost for materials. It will also stand the service out ahead of your competition as many lash techs are not yet up to speed with coloured lashes and signal a premium service to your clients.
5. Advertise the option well on your social media, website and price lists so that clients know it is available and can let you know they want this when booking so you can factor in sufficient time and they’ll know the treatment cost ahead of the appointment. Also whether they need a patch test for a clear adhesive, you might want to start patch testing with both glues as standard anyway.
Book your place now on our Rapid Lashes, Tinting & Brow Shaping Course. Click below to Book Online, or have questions? Call our friendly team on Freephone 0800 999 2277.
September 10, 2020

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