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🎓 Training Course
Training Academy · Torquay, Devon

BIAB & Hard Gel
Training Course

A one-day course for qualified, e-file trained nail technicians. Learn to apply both Builder in a Bottle and hard gel correctly — better structure, longer retention, and the confidence to charge more for every set.

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🎓 ABT Accredited 🧰 Kit included ⚡ Qualified techs only 💳 Spread the cost

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

Two services. One day.
Twice the earning potential.

Please note: This course is designed for qualified nail technicians who are already e-file trained. It builds on existing skills rather than starting from scratch. If you're new to nails, our Beginners BIAB, E-File & Dry Manicure 2-Day Course is the right starting point.

BIAB and hard gel are two of the most requested nail services right now — and knowing both puts you in a much stronger position than techs who only offer one. This course teaches you when to use each product, how to apply both correctly, and how to get the structure, retention and finish that keeps clients coming back.

You'll understand the reasoning behind every technique, not just the steps — so your results are consistent from the very first client. By the end of the day you'll be ready to add two new insurable services to your menu and start charging more for specialist work.

Product One
Builder in a Bottle (BIAB)

A flexible, soak-off builder gel — ideal for natural nail overlays, strengthening weak nails and shorter enhancements. Clients love the natural-looking finish and the fact it grows out without lifting.

Product Two
Hard Gel

A stronger, file-off product suited to longer extensions and sculpted nails. Better durability for clients who need more length or strength, opening up a whole new range of services.

Duration 1 Day (intensive)
Investment £429 inc full kit
Level Qualified Nail Technicians
Accreditation ABT Certificate
Kit included Full professional kit
Location Torquay, Devon
What you'll walk away with

Ready to add both services to your menu

ABT accredited certificate Full professional kit BIAB application skills Hard gel application skills Improved structure & apex Better retention, less lifting Two new insurable services Post-course support
Course content

What the course covers

01
BIAB application
Full Builder in a Bottle application technique — correct coverage, product control and achieving a smooth, even finish from brush to lamp.
02
Hard gel application
How to apply hard gel cleanly and confidently — understanding viscosity, brush control and how this product behaves differently to soak-offs.
03
Natural nail overlays
Overlay technique for both products on natural nails — when to use each one, how to prep correctly and how to match the right product to each client.
04
Structure & apex building
Creating the correct nail structure and apex for strength, balance and a professional finish — the foundation skill that makes everything else better.
05
Advanced preparation
Prep techniques specific to builder products — dehydration, bonding and surface preparation that make a real difference to longevity.
06
Dry manicure refinement
Refining e-file dry manicure technique in the context of overlay application — clean cuticle lines and precise preparation for a flawless result.
07
Product control & placement
Understanding how both products move on the nail, how to control them and how to place product exactly where it needs to be every time.
08
Preventing lifting & retention
The causes of lifting and poor retention — and how to eliminate them through correct prep, product choice and application technique.
09
Refinement & finishing
Filing, shaping and surface refinement after application — how to achieve a clean, professional finish that photographs and wears well.
10
Salon speed & efficiency
Working through the service at a pace that's sustainable in a busy salon — without cutting corners or compromising the result.
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.

🧴pH Bond
💅Base Gel
✨Top Coat
🏗️Builder in a Bottle
💪Hard Gel
🎨3 Gel Colours (your choice)
🖌️5 Nail Art Liner Brushes
🪵Clean-up Sticks
Student reviews

Loved by our students

★★★★★

"Zoe is amazing as a teacher, nail tech and as a person. The information and techniques she gives you are only the highest standards. I left knowing exactly what I was doing with both products."

Anastasija O
★★★★★

"I've done a few courses before and this was by far the best. So patient, not rushed at all. I left feeling so much more confident — and my retention has improved dramatically since."

Chloe Bennett
★★★★★

"Such a professional course from start to finish. Everything is well organised and very practical — you're not just watching, you're doing it. I've already booked my next course with Zoe."

Jessica Turner
★★★★★

"Zoe gives 100% of her knowledge and ongoing support. She is such an inspiration and so incredibly talented within the industry. I've been going back to train with her for years."

Claire Nichols
Common questions

Your questions answered

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

Yes — this course is for qualified nail technicians who are already e-file trained. It builds on existing knowledge rather than starting from scratch. If you're new to nails, our Beginners BIAB, E-File & Dry Manicure 2-Day Course is the right starting point.
BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) is a flexible, soak-off builder gel — ideal for natural nail overlays, strengthening and shorter enhancements. Hard gel is a stronger, file-off product for longer extensions and sculpted nails. Knowing both means you can choose the right product for each client, making you more versatile and able to charge more for specialist services.
Everything: your professional kit (pH bond, base gel, top coat, Builder in a Bottle, hard gel, 3 gel colours of your choice, 5 nail art liner brushes and clean-up sticks), all materials used on the day, expert instruction throughout, and your ABT accredited certificate on completion. You leave with everything needed to offer both services straight away.
Yes. The course is fully accredited by ABT (Associated Beauty Therapists), accepted by all major UK beauty insurance providers. You can add both BIAB and hard gel to your insured treatment list from the day you complete the course.
It's a full hands-on day combining theory and practical work throughout. You'll cover the differences between BIAB and hard gel, advanced prep, natural nail overlays, structure and apex building, product control and placement, retention, preventing lifting, and refinement techniques. You'll be working all day — not watching from the sidelines.
Yes — retention and preventing lifting are covered in depth throughout the day, from correct prep and product placement through to structure and apex. Many techs attend specifically to troubleshoot these issues and leave with an immediate improvement in their work.
Class sizes are kept 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 elements of the day and wear comfortable clothing. Full joining instructions will be 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

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 → All Levels · 1 Day E-File & Dry Manicure Course Safe e-file technique, bit selection and dry manicure prep — the foundation skills that make every other overlay service better. View course → Qualified Techs · 1 Day Russian Manicure Masterclass Advanced cuticle technique and precision finishing for qualified, e-file trained technicians who want to charge more for their work. View course →
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