SLX Acrylic (Online)
From foundational structure and e-file work through to advanced artistic design. One technique, taught properly.
Or 3 monthly payments of £199
ABT ACCREDITED · LIFETIME ACCESS · SELF-PACED
For anyone serious about acrylic as a career skill.
SLX Acrylic is the beginner-to-professional foundation in one technique. You don't need previous experience or existing qualifications. What you need is the intention to do this properly.
By the end, you'll be ABT-accredited in acrylic. You'll understand the technique, the artistry, the client experience, and the business alongside it.
Nothing about being new is a disadvantage here. Every professional nail artist started at zero. The question is where you go from there.
- You're starting your career in nails and want a real qualification, not just a certificate
- You've been doing nails for friends and family and want to turn it into a business
- You've completed shorter courses but feel gaps in your foundation
- You want to specialise in acrylic, including confident e-file work
What's inside SLX Acrylic
A complete curriculum in one technique. From the foundations of nail anatomy and safety, through application and artistry, into the business of turning your work into a career. ABT-accredited throughout.
The Acrylic curriculum
Foundations and client safety
Anatomy, hygiene, and the professional standards behind safe, healthy work.
- Nail structure: plate, bed, matrix, lunula, cuticle
- Hand anatomy: phalanges, metacarpals, carpal bones
- Contra-indications and contra-actions
- Ventilation, storage, and safe disposal of monomer
Nail preparation
The prep work that determines whether your set lasts three days or three weeks.
- Sanitising protocols
- Cuticle care and non-living tissue removal
- Shaping and filing
- Shine removal and surface preparation
E-file technique
Using an electric file safely and effectively, which is where most acrylic technicians either level up or plateau.
- E-file bits: mandrel, carbide, ceramic, cuticle, buffer
- Speed control and safety
- Directional rotation
- Avoiding heat buildup and over-filing
Tip application and shaping
Sizing, blending, and shaping with acrylic-specific application in mind.
- Sizing and tailoring tips
- Blending and glue application
- The seven core nail shapes: squoval, oval, square, almond, stiletto, coffin, ballerina
Acrylic application
The monomer-to-polymer ratio that determines whether your set adheres, cures, and lasts. This is where the technique lives.
- Dappen dish setup with monomer and polymer
- Brush preparation and saturation
- Powder-to-liquid ratio: getting the bead right
- Bead placement: tip down to cuticle
- Building beads gradually as your technique develops
Refining, finishing, and design
File back to shape, refine with the e-file, buff, top coat, oil. Then the artistic side that becomes your signature.
- The full finishing sequence
- Dotting tools and liner brushes
- Airbrush technique and 3D gel work
- Blooming gel effects
The business alongside the craft
Every SLX course teaches the technique alongside the business of turning it into a career. Because knowing how to do the work is only half the picture.
- Client care and the professional standards that build repeat bookings
- Aftercare protocols that protect your work and demonstrate your expertise
- Infill and removal maintenance that keeps clients returning every 2-3 weeks
- Setting up as a nail technician: legal, insurance, tools
- Social media fundamentals: showing up in a way that attracts the right clients
- Pricing your work with confidence
A look at what you're getting.
A preview of SLX Acrylic inside the Thinkific platform. The full course includes video lessons across every module of the acrylic curriculum.
Everything you get with SLX Acrylic.
One payment. Lifetime access. No hidden extras.
Every acrylic module, taught step by step. Watch, pause, and re-watch as often as you need.
Practice worksheets, reference sheets, and technique guides you can print and use during practice.
Recognised UK beauty accreditation. The qualification that unlocks professional insurance and industry credibility.
A certificate issued once you complete the course and assessments. Yours to display in your studio or share with clients.
Learn at your own pace. Come back to any module, any time, for as long as SLX Acrylic is offered.
Your first 3 months of the SLX community included with your enrolment. Ongoing learning, peer network, and Sarah's monthly masterclasses.
The nail artists Sarah's already taught.
"[REAL TESTIMONIAL FROM PAST STUDENT — what surprised them about learning acrylic with Sarah]"
"[REAL TESTIMONIAL FROM PAST STUDENT — the business or career impact of training with Sarah]"
"[REAL TESTIMONIAL FROM PAST STUDENT — the teaching approach or depth of the curriculum]"
"[REAL TESTIMONIAL FROM PAST STUDENT — optional fourth angle]"
Sarah, founder of SLX.
Sarah built SLX from her bedroom before moving to her Brighton studio, teaching herself the craft alongside a business management degree. That combination shows up in everything she teaches: the technique matters, but so does the business you build around it.
She teaches nail artistry as a craft with a career attached to it. Which is why SLX Acrylic covers both the technique and the business fundamentals that turn a good set of nails into a career you actually want.
Check out our other courses.
Every SLX course stands on its own. Take one, or build the full picture over time.
SLX Masterclass
The original SLX artistic system for qualified technicians. Advanced composition, colour theory, and signature style development.
SLX Combined
The complete SLX signature system, taught as one integrated online course. ABT-accredited, self-paced, lifetime access.
SLX Gel Builder
The builder gel technique taught in full. ABT-accredited, self-paced, lifetime access.
SLX Social
The social media and content course. Build a brand that books clients while you sleep.
SLX Masterclass
The original SLX artistic system for qualified technicians. Advanced composition, colour theory, and signature style development.
SLX Combined
The complete SLX signature system, taught as one integrated online course. ABT-accredited, self-paced, lifetime access.
SLX Gel Builder
The builder gel technique taught in full. ABT-accredited, self-paced, lifetime access.
SLX Social
The social media and content course. Build a brand that books clients while you sleep.
SLX Masterclass
The original SLX artistic system for qualified technicians. Advanced composition, colour theory, and signature style development.
SLX Combined
The complete SLX signature system, taught as one integrated online course. ABT-accredited, self-paced, lifetime access.
SLX Gel Builder
The builder gel technique taught in full. ABT-accredited, self-paced, lifetime access.
SLX Social
The social media and content course. Build a brand that books clients while you sleep.
Things worth knowing before you enrol.
Do I need any previous experience?+
No. SLX Acrylic is beginner-friendly and starts from the foundations. Every module builds progressively, so whether you've never touched a nail before or you've been doing them at home for friends, you'll be able to follow along and build real skill.
Is this actually ABT accredited?+
Yes. SLX Acrylic is fully ABT-accredited. On completion of the course and assessments, you'll receive an ABT-recognised certificate. This qualification is what unlocks professional insurance and lets you work legally as a nail technician in the UK.
How long will the course take?+
Most of our courses can be completed in a couple of days but you can go at whatever pace you are comfortable.
What equipment do I need?+
You'll need your own acrylic supplies and an e-file to practise alongside the course. A full equipment list is provided in the first module, including specific product recommendations and where to buy them. If you're starting from zero, expect to invest around £150 to £300 in a starter kit. This is separate from the course fee.
Do I need to already know how to use an e-file?+
No. E-file technique is taught from scratch inside the course: bits, speed control, directional rotation, and how to avoid heat buildup and over-filing. It's one of the most important modules, so we don't assume any prior confidence with it.
Can I pay in instalments?+
Yes. You can pay £597 upfront, or split it across three monthly payments of £199. Both options are available at checkout.
What if I decide the course isn't for me?+
You have 14 days from enrolment to request a refund, provided you've accessed no more than 25% of the course content. This gives you time to explore the material and make sure it's the right fit. Beyond that point, refunds are at our discretion, so we ask you to consider carefully before enrolling.
Do I get a certificate?+
Yes. On completion of the course and assessments, you'll receive your ABT-accredited certificate digitally by default, sent straight to your email in a printable, high-resolution format. If you'd prefer a physical certificate posted to you, just let us know during or after your enrolment. We're happy to send one at no extra cost.
How does SLX Collective's free trial work?+
Every enrolment includes 3 months of the SLX Collective community at no additional cost. You'll receive an invitation within a few minutes of your purchase. After the 3 months, you can choose to continue as a paying member or let the trial lapse. There's no automatic charge and no obligation.
What if I'm outside the UK?+
SLX Acrylic is available worldwide. The course is delivered online in English, and the video lessons work on any device with an internet connection. ABT is a UK accreditation, so if you plan to work as a nail technician in another country, check whether your local licensing body recognises ABT or requires separate certification. We're happy to help clarify. Just get in touch.
One technique. Business fundamentals. ABT-accredited.
The acrylic foundation for a career in nail artistry, taught by someone still doing the work.
ABT ACCREDITED · LIFETIME ACCESS · SELF-PACED