GlossaryLive Pro Tips Alisha Rimando Wait ti Nip!

Wait to Nip!

UPGRADE TO PREMIUM TO WATCH THIS VIDEO

Upgrade your account to access this Premium
video and so much more educational content.

Wait to Nip!

When working on your client around the cuticle area, it's common for the skin to become thin. To prevent any potential injury to the client, it's advisable to wait before using nippers. Refrain from removing any hangnails or dry skin until the service is complete and all filing has been finished.

UP NEXT ON PRO TIPS

RELATED VIDEOS

MORE TO EXPLORE

Hazel Dixon | Artist of the Month

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Hazel Dixon

An international nail champion, educator, product developer, expert, judge and artist, Hazel Dixon has her finger in every nail pie imaginable, but where did it all start?

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2023

Known worldwide as an award-winning Fantasy Nail Art champion, Hazel was up to her neck in nappies, AKA diapers, when she was drawn into the world of nails. Seduced by the creative edge that nail styling presents, as well as the ability to stay at home with her three young children, Hazel swiftly immersed herself in everything nails. “I was drawn to the idea of doing nails when I saw an airbrushed set sporting the Nike logo. I’d never seen anything like it before,” Hazel recalls. Her interest sparked and creative taste buds tickled, Hazel looked directly into courses as, she confesses, “I felt it couldn’t be that hard, but boy was I in for a shock!”

Attracted to a schedule of working evenings and weekends around her family, Hazel quickly realized it was more a calling than a quick-fix solution. “I love nails,” she chuckles. “I can explore my creative edge while transforming nails into tiny pieces of art. The buzz I get when I’ve finished a set, and see the client’s face light up, renders me speechless, it’s such a powerful, positive feeling.” Boasting a wide repertoire of nail skills, Hazel admits her strengths lie in both structure as well as all nail art genres including extreme techniques. Entering the world of nails in 2006, she took her initial training with CND and has since taken over 73 different classes with an array of brands including Akzentz, NSI, EzFlow, Crystal Nails, Brillbird, as well as completing an NVQ 3 in nails, and untold trainings with a host of award-winning educators across the world. Hazel cites, “Great education, lots of patience, an immense amount of practice and fantastic ongoing support from educators,” as the secret to her ongoing success.

Keen to share her entrepreneurial spirit, the highly decorated trophy and medal winner, Hazel, hung up her competition brushes in 2021 and picked up the mentor mantle. With her own nail brand (HD Professional Systems) and academy to run, alongside her salon, Hazel stood down from the competition circuit in order to use her expertise to support others moving in that spectrum. Working one day a week in her salon, Purely Nailz, Hazel’s philosophy steers her into keeping on top of her salon skills while innovating and raising industry standards. She explains, “The HD Nail Artist Academy has several locations up and down the UK where the 10-strong educator team presents a full array of ABT accredited courses plus workshops from total beginners to the most advanced techniques.” Located in the patchwork of pines and heathland that make up Thetford Forest in Norfolk, Hazel’s trinity comprising salon, academy and warehouse is a hive of activity and a thriving family business. “My academy offers something for everyone. Over the past few years I’ve written over 100 classes and workshops, presenting an array of training that best suits individual needs. I offer both in-house and online training, however, it’s my belief that complete beginners should only be taught in-house due to the science that must be covered. I feel it’s so important the educator be beside the student every step of the way.”

With two types of online training on the menu, Hazel is sure she’s got all bases and learning styles catered for. “Online training is packaged as pre-recorded workshops for existing techs with core, fundamental nail knowledge already in their repertoire. I also offer live Zoom training sessions, which are not accredited, but for students that prefer having the educator ‘live’ with them whilst learning.” A boost like no other, a mentoring program offers significant advantages to those who take the plunge. Mentor, Hazel advises, “Find a fellow, passionate nail tech or mentor. Surround yourself with like-minded people that will encourage, motivate and help you through the good and bad times. Having someone you can call or message that ‘gets you’, is so important. I don’t know what I’d have done without the people who keep me motivated on a daily basis.” Hazel also encourages nail pros to, “Invest your time and money wisely. Research the academy properly before taking a course, to ensure it can provide you with the skills and outcomes you’re looking to achieve, then be specific about this, don’t try to ‘learn’ too much, too quickly. Take your time and be sure you’ve successfully learned and perfected each skill before moving onto the next. Choose one that offers ongoing support, as this is so important.” Believing in a ‘practice makes perfect’ work ethic, Hazel concludes, “I don’t get time for hobbies, but I always make time for my husband and family, as well as indulging in retail therapy and dinner dates. Quality time outside of nails is essential to success, for balance as well as to relieve and relax the mind.” Hazel’s mantra sums this up nicely.

“Be happy with what you have, while working for what you want.”

Follow Hazel & Share this article!

Related videos, articles & glossary terms on GlossaryLive

GlossaryLive Peel Back the Polish Marilyn García

Marilyn García

GlossaryLive Peel Back the Polish Marilyn García

UPGRADE TO PREMIUM TO WATCH THIS VIDEO

Upgrade your account to access this Premium
video and so much more educational content.

MARILYN GARCÍA

With over 24 trophies and 35 years experience, Marilyn Garcia is one of the most celebrated Latino Edcuators in the Nail Industry. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, this fiery educator has taken her career around the world to train over 25k nail artists in over 25 countries. Marilyn has recently recorded a 9 course advanced certification program for GlossaryLive University allowing nail artists from around the globe the opportunity to not only learn from her but for the first time, become Educators for CUCCIO Professional by completing her online training. With this new opportunity technicians can have Marilyn one on one at their own pace, learning everything from gel polish applications to more advanced sculpting techniques. This ``takes away the barriers of travel expenses`` and allows nail technicians to ``learn at their own pace``, says Marilyn. Her passion and drive continue to inspire as she shares her nail story, her personal struggles and the kindness she has found along the way, in this special episode of Peel Back the Polish.

RELATED VIDEOS

MORE TO EXPLORE

GlossaryLive Social Stars Courtney Cantwell

Courtney Cantwell

UPGRADE TO PREMIUM TO WATCH THIS VIDEO

Upgrade your account to access this Premium
video and so much more educational content.

Courtney Cantwell

With over 120,000 followers on Instagram alone, Courtney Cantwell is a true social star. Her nails are infamously stilleto while her nail designs are intricate and one-of-a-kind. With over 25 years in the nail industry, this California based nail artist has established her style, perfected her craft and now shares her secrets to creating a ``confident post`` for GlossaryLive viewers. Watch and learn what inspired this veteran tech to step out of her comfort zone and switch her focus to social media and teaching her unique techniques to nail artists around the globe.

UP NEXT ON SOCIAL STARS

RELATED VIDEOS

MORE TO EXPLORE

GlossaryLive Life on the Free Edge Hazel Dixon

Hazel Dixon

UPGRADE TO PREMIUM TO WATCH THIS VIDEO

Upgrade your account to access this Premium
video and so much more educational content.

Hazel Dixon

Learn more about Hazel Dixon, founder & director of the Hazel Dixon Nail Artist Academy, HDTV & the HD Professional nail brand. Leading a team of nationwide educators, a distribution & working in the salon once a week, Hazel lives & breathes the nail industry. From her premises nestled in Norfolk, UK, Hazel strives to build, create & deliver top-class education material that is up-to-date, in-depth & reflects every facet of skill required to work in the nail industry. Multi-award winning, Hazel is an international industry pioneer, artist, educator expert & mentor.

UP NEXT ON LIFE ON THE FREE EDGE

RELATED VIDEOS

MORE TO EXPLORE

GlossaryLive Life on the Free Edge Jacqui & Sean O'Sullivan

Jacqui & Sean O’Sullivan

Jacqui & Sean O'Sullivan

With over 30 years nail experience under her belt, there is barely an area of the nail industry that Jacqui O'Sullivan has not worked in. Always championing education & skills. alongside her husband Sean, this dynamic couple is on a mission to uplift, inspire, motivate and guide the youth training in nails towards industry betterment. With this mantra in her mind, ``The capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill and the willingness to learn is a choice``, Jacqui, through her roles as a nail lecturer at Stockport College UK, running the nail skills side of World Skills UK, as a columnist, competition director, international judge & all round industry expert, is a leading light for the UK nail industry as she tempers a path of education & clear direction for the young people starting out in their nail career.

UP NEXT ON LIFE ON THE FREE EDGE

RELATED VIDEOS

MORE TO EXPLORE

Lace Effect Design on Extreme Nails

tag that trend

Erika Nortier

Erika Nortier’s nail journey started in South Africa, where her passion was ignited as a very young girl. After marrying and moving to Italy, Erika discovered a whole new world of nails and realized she had to study further. Taking every step of the way slowly and carefully, Erika, built upon her nail skills while following her dreams and realizing her passion. “In 2019, she entered Nailympia London, where she won her first gold medal and is a qualified educator with her own nail brand, You B You Nails.

UPGRADE TO PREMIUM TO VIEW TAG THAT TREND
HOW TO STEPS AND WORKBOOKS

Upgrade your account to access this Premium
How To and so much more educational content.

Want to see your nail art featured on Tag That Trend? Our team is excited to see your work and get you published. Contact us for details.

MORE TAG THAT TREND

RELATED VIDEOS

MORE TO EXPLORE

Michelle Soto

UPGRADE TO PREMIUM TO WATCH THIS VIDEO

Upgrade your account to access this Premium
video and so much more educational content.

Celebrity & Award-Winning Nail Artist

An industry veteran, Michelle Soto, AKA chellys_nails, began her journey into nails at the age of 12, and by 16 in Puerto Rico, was already trained & had built up experience working in a salon. Now, over 20 years later, Chelly is one of the brains & creatives behind the Valentino Beauty Pure nail brand. Acting as one of its top educators, as an influencer & product developer, celebrity & award-winning manicurist, Chelly is a driving force behind the direction of the brand & an inspirational pull for those searching for a brand that speaks to them. Nail art is Chelly's forte & her funky, elaborate & intricate styles are simply awe-inspiring.

UP NEXT ON SOCIAL STARS

RELATED VIDEOS

MORE TO EXPLORE

sole to soul

sole to soul

As service industry professionals, you know how to take care of others, but do you take the time & effort to care for yourself? Learn tips on how to care for your body & soul from professional doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, nutritionists, life coaches & more, that focus on guiding nail professionals on how to lead a well-balanced healthier, lifestyle.