Learning the art of the manicure is genuinely rewarding, whether you're a licensed pro or just getting curious about nail design. Either way, staying current on trends matters. HICI Go offers the courses and resources to help you grow as a nail technician, with live webinars and online video courses available to professionals and aspiring technicians across the U.S., along with select live, in-person courses.
Here's a closer look at the manicure techniques covered through HICI Go.
Manicures come in more varieties than you might expect. HICI Go’s courses walk through several styles and techniques, including:
A regular polish manicure starts with prep and cleanup: trimming nails, removing old polish, pushing back cuticles, and shaping the nail. Solid prep work is the foundation of any great manicure, and it’s a core focus in HICI Go’s nail tech courses, since it sets up smoother polish application and better results overall. Once prepped, polish goes on, and clients wait for it to fully dry before heading out.
Gel manicures start with the same prep and cleanup, but skip the long dry time. Instead, polish cures under a UV light, forming a hard, shell-like coating over the natural nail. This added strength is a big part of why gel manicures last longer and remain so popular.
Removal works differently too. Regular polish comes off with a simple swipe of remover, but gel polish needs time soaking in acetone to soften before it can be removed.
Gel-X manicures use pre-made soft gel extensions to add length across the entire nail, offering more durability alongside the length. Like gel polish, Gel-X cures under UV light to form a hard, protective coating.
Once applied, nails just need shaping and a coat of polish to finish. Prep work is similar to a standard manicure, and Gel-X has grown popular in recent years thanks to its nail health benefits and simpler application.
Acrylic nails use a powder-and-liquid mix to build a hard coating over the nail and, when needed, an extension. Unlike Gel-X, acrylic extensions cover just the tip of the nail rather than the whole nail bed. After applying the tip, the technician brushes on the acrylic mixture over the entire nail.
Once dry, nails are filed and shaped down for a natural look, and finished with regular polish, gel polish, or dip powder.
Acrylic prep is more involved than a standard manicure, often requiring a drill to remove old acrylic or trim nails down. Knowing proper safety procedures around drilling equipment is essential to keeping clients safe.
Beyond these core techniques, clients often request specific nail shapes too, from classic round and square to trendier options like coffin, almond, or stiletto.
HICI Go’s manicure courses cover the latest techniques and trends, taught by instructors with real, hands-on experience. Whether you’re an experienced nail technician or completely new to the field, there’s a course for you. While completing a course doesn’t come with certification, it’s a great way to break into the field or sharpen skills you already have.
Select live, in-person courses offer a more hands-on way to practice technique in a realistic setting.
HICI Go is here to support students building a career in the nail tech industry, with accessible online courses available across the U.S. and select live, in-person options for hands-on learners. To learn more about our manicure courses and everything else we offer in cosmetology, contact us today. Course listings change frequently, so check back often for new topics and upcoming offerings.
With online courses available across the U.S., HICI Go is a one-stop resource for esthetician continuing education and license renewal. We offer courses across many beauty and wellness topics, including:
Select live, in-person instruction is available as well. And you don’t need to be a licensed professional to register, either. HICI Go welcomes anyone curious about beauty and skincare. For more on body waxing courses and other educational opportunities, contact us today.
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