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🎓 Training Course
Training Academy · Torquay, Devon

E-File & Dry Manicure
Training Course

A one-day course covering safe e-file technique, bit selection, dry manicure prep and cuticle work — the skills that directly determine how long your gel lasts, how clean your application looks, and how satisfied your clients are.

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🎓 ABT Accredited 🧰 Kit included ✅ All levels welcome 💳 Spread the cost

Get cleaner prep, better results

Enter your details and we'll come back with upcoming dates, everything that's included, and how to secure your place.

    ABT Accredited Reply within 1 working day Spread the cost available Ongoing support included
    Why this course matters

    Better prep means
    better everything

    Most lifting, chipping and client dissatisfaction comes down to prep — not product. E-file technique and dry manicure are the skills that underpin every service you offer, whether that's gel polish, BIAB, hard gel or Russian manicure. Get these right and everything else improves alongside them.

    This course is suitable for complete beginners starting their nail journey, and equally valuable for experienced techs who've never had formal e-file training and want to correct bad habits before they become bigger problems.

    Better Retention

    Correct dry prep removes the barriers to adhesion that cause lifting — so your gel lasts longer with every client.

    Cleaner Finish

    Proper cuticle work and nail prep gives you a cleaner canvas, so your application looks sharper from the very first coat.

    Faster Appointments

    E-file technique speeds up prep significantly once you're confident with it — meaning more clients and less fatigue.

    Safer Practice

    Understanding safe zones, correct speed and the right bits for each task protects both you and your clients from damage.

    Duration 1 Day (intensive)
    Investment £249 inc full kit
    Level All levels welcome
    Accreditation ABT Certificate
    Kit included Full professional kit
    Location Torquay, Devon
    What you'll walk away with

    Confident, safe and ready to apply the skills immediately

    ABT accredited certificate Professional e-file kit Safe e-file technique Correct bit selection Dry manicure skills Advanced cuticle prep Better gel retention Faster appointment times Cleaner nail finish Post-course support
    Course content

    What the course covers

    01
    E-file anatomy & machine settings
    Understanding the machine itself — RPM, torque, handpiece types and how to set up correctly before you ever touch a nail.
    02
    Bit types, selection & uses
    Which bit does what and when to use it — removal bits, cuticle bits, mandrels and sanding bands explained and practised in context.
    03
    Safe zones & nail anatomy
    The nail's structure and where the e-file can and cannot safely work — the knowledge that prevents thinning, heat spikes and client discomfort.
    04
    Correct speed & pressure control
    How to adjust speed and pressure for different tasks and nail types — the variables that most techs get wrong without formal training.
    05
    Dry manicure technique
    Full dry manicure process from start to finish — the waterless approach that gives better gel adhesion and a cleaner, longer-lasting result.
    06
    Safe cuticle work & removal
    Precise, safe cuticle removal with the e-file — the technique that produces a clean proximal fold without damage or client discomfort.
    07
    Preventing damage & discomfort
    How to recognise the signs of incorrect technique before damage occurs — and how to adjust in real time to protect every client.
    08
    Nail surface prep for gel
    Preparing the nail plate correctly for gel application — surface texture, dehydration and bonding that create the best possible foundation.
    09
    Removing product with e-file
    Safe removal of gel, BIAB and hard gel using the e-file — how to de-bulk, infill and remove without thinning or damaging the natural nail.
    10
    Hygiene & sterilisation
    Cleaning, sterilising and storing bits correctly — the hygiene standards your insurance and your clients both require.
    11
    Client consultation & aftercare
    How to assess the nail before starting, identify contra-indications and give clients the aftercare advice that extends wear and builds rebooking habits.
    12
    Building speed & efficiency
    Working through the dry manicure at a pace suitable for real appointments — confident, consistent and without rushing the steps that matter most.
    Included in the course fee

    Your professional kit

    Everything in your kit is yours to keep and use with clients from the day you complete the course. No extra purchases needed.

    🔧Removal Bits × 2
    ✂️Cuticle Bits × 2
    🪄Mandrel
    🧻Sanding Bands
    ✨Exfoliation Heads × 2
    🪵Orange Stick
    🖌️Dusting Brush
    📦No extra spend needed
    Student reviews

    Loved by our students

    ★★★★★

    "I'd been using an e-file for months but had no formal training. This course completely changed my approach — my prep is so much cleaner now and my gel is lasting twice as long."

    Chloe Bennett
    ★★★★★

    "I was nervous about using an e-file safely and this course gave me the confidence I needed. Zoe is so patient and explains everything clearly. I left feeling genuinely ready."

    Sophie Williams
    ★★★★★

    "The difference in my work since doing this course is night and day. My clients have noticed and I've had so many more rebookings. Understanding the why behind the technique makes everything click."

    Emily Carter
    ★★★★★

    "Really practical, hands-on day. Not just watching — you're actually doing it from the first hour. The small class size meant I got proper individual feedback on my technique throughout."

    Jessica Turner
    Common questions

    Your questions answered

    Still have a question? Use the enquiry form above or email info@zoe-lavender.co.uk

    No — this course is suitable for all levels. If you're completely new to nails it gives you the foundation for safe e-file use before you progress to other services. If you're an existing tech who's been using an e-file without formal training, it helps you correct technique and understand the reasoning behind everything you're doing.
    Yes, often especially so. Many techs pick up e-file use informally and develop habits that work until they cause problems — lifting, heat spikes, client discomfort or nail damage. This course gives you the formal knowledge to understand what you're doing correctly and what needs adjusting, and the certificate to insure the service properly.
    Your professional kit (2 removal bits, 2 cuticle bits, mandrel, sanding bands, 2 exfoliation heads, orange stick and dusting brush), all materials used on the day, expert hands-on instruction throughout, and your ABT accredited certificate on completion.
    Yes. The course is fully accredited by ABT (Associated Beauty Therapists), accepted by all major UK beauty insurance providers. You can add e-file and dry manicure to your insured services from the day you complete the course.
    It's a fully hands-on day. You'll start with the theory — bit types, machine settings, nail anatomy and safe zones — then move straight into practical work. You'll practise on yourself and a model throughout the day, with individual feedback on your technique from start to finish.
    Yes — that's one of the most common reasons techs attend this course. Most lifting and premature chipping comes down to prep rather than product. Correct dry manicure technique and cuticle prep removes the barriers to adhesion that cause gel to lift, and the results are usually noticeable from the very first set after training.
    Class sizes are deliberately small so every student gets genuine individual attention and personalised feedback on their technique throughout the day.
    Your kit is included so there's nothing to source in advance. You'll need to bring a model for the practical session and wear comfortable clothing. Full joining instructions are sent once your place is confirmed.
    Yes — interest-free payment plans are available. Get in touch via the enquiry form and we'll talk through the options that work for you.
    All courses are held at our training academy in Torquay, Devon — Hill View, Edginswell Lane, TQ2 7JF. Free on-site parking is available. Full address and joining instructions are sent once your place is confirmed.
    Also at the academy

    Other courses you might be interested in

    Beginners · 2 Days Beginners BIAB, E-File & Dry Manicure Three essential techniques across two days — BIAB, e-file and dry manicure taught from scratch, with three full sets of hands-on practice. View course → Qualified Techs · 1 Day BIAB & Hard Gel Training Course Add both builder products to your menu in one day — better structure, longer retention and the confidence to charge more for every set. View course → All Levels · 1 Day Russian Manicure Training Course The complete foundation — nail anatomy, cuticle care, massage, gel polish and a full professional kit, all in one intensive day. View course →
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