Week 2: Nail Tips and First Tests

The pace is definitely picking up at nail school!

This week we had our first written tests (multiple choice) and our first practical (nail tips). During the week, we also received lectures on anatomy and physiology, basics of chemistry, manicuring, and nail tips and wraps. This is so much information to hold in my poor head. And we’ve only scratched the surface!

The tests were on the subjects we covered during the first week: history and career opportunities, life skills, professional image, communication, and infection control. So far, I have an A average on the tests. Fingers crossed I can keep up the momentum.

We also played a game called Kahoot. For those of you who don’t know what Kahoot is (and I was ignorant until this week), it’s an internet-based learning platform where the instructor projects questions and multiple choice answers on a screen. The players receive points for quickly answering the questions correctly, and the “leaderboard” is displayed on the screen following each question. The first time we played the game I was fortunate and came in first place. The second time we played… Well, not so much. I’ve learned it helps to read the entire question before answering!

As I mentioned, we had our first practical exercise, which was applying artificial tips to a practice hand. I understand it’s customary to name one’s practice hand, so I’ve named mine “Shirley,” after my mother. Let’s hope Shirley brings me good luck! I’ve included a photo of Shirley and her new nail tips. The masking tape on the fingertips is so we can easily remove the glued on tips when we’re done and the hand is all ready for the next procedure. BTW, in the picture the tip on the thumb looks askew, but that is due to the way the thumb is positioned on the practice hand. At least Shirley didn’t complain.

I’ve also included a picture of our classroom. While the room is quite large, it gets rather crowded when it’s filled with 40± Tech I students (my class) plus about eight Tech II students and their clients. I’m gradually trying to become acquainted with my classmates, but the large number of students coupled with the fast pace of the class makes it difficult. I have managed to interact with a couple of the Tech II students: Alexa (alexa.didthat) and Nyaomi (nailsbynay__). They are both extremely talented nail artists, so I strongly recommend you check them out and follow them on Instagram. You’ll be glad you did.

That about covers it for the second week of nail class. Looking ahead, it appears we’ll be having less lectures and doing more labs (practicals); which I think everyone is looking forward to. So until next time…

Happy trails!