The gel technique, taught in full

SLX Gel Builder (Online)

From foundational structure through to a refined, client-ready finish. One technique, taught properly.

£397one payment · lifetime access

Or 3 monthly payments of £132

ABT ACCREDITED · LIFETIME ACCESS · SELF-PACED

SLX Gel Builder graduate holding a certificate of achievement at SLX Studio
WHO THIS IS FOR

For anyone serious about gel as a career skill.

SLX Gel Builder 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 builder gel. You'll understand the structure, the finish, 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 right for this if...
  • 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 gel and build a signature finish clients recognise
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

What's inside SLX Gel Builder

A complete curriculum in one technique. From the foundations of nail anatomy and safety, through application and finish, into the business of turning your work into a career. ABT-accredited throughout.

The Gel Builder curriculum
01

Foundations

Nail anatomy, hand anatomy, and the professional standards behind safe, healthy work.

  • Nail structure: plate, bed, matrix, lunula, cuticle
  • Hand anatomy: phalanges, metacarpals, carpal bones
  • Salon hygiene protocols
  • Health and safety, insurance basics
02

Client safety

Recognising what to work with, what to avoid, and how to protect yourself and your clients.

  • Contra-indications: fungal, bacterial, viral, skin conditions
  • Contra-actions: allergic reactions, chemical burns, over-filing
  • Allergies and overexposure
  • Ventilation, storage, and safe disposal
03

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
04

Tip application and shaping

Getting the foundation right before any product touches the nail.

  • Sizing and tailoring tips
  • Blending and glue application
  • The seven core nail shapes: squoval, oval, square, almond, stiletto, coffin, ballerina
05

Gel builder application

The core technique, taught properly. Slip layer, apex construction, curing.

  • Dehydrator and preparation
  • Slip layer application and curing
  • Building the apex with a liner brush
  • Multi-layer curing protocols
06

Refining and finishing

The details that separate a good set from a great one.

  • Removing the tacky layer
  • Nail refinement and buffing
  • Top coat application and curing
  • Cuticle oil and final finish
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
INSIDE THE COURSE

A look at what you're getting.

[VIDEO EMBED: coming soon]

A preview of SLX Gel Builder inside the Thinkific platform. The full course includes video lessons across every module of the builder gel curriculum.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Everything you get with SLX Gel Builder.

One payment. Lifetime access. No hidden extras.

01
Full video curriculum

Every builder gel module, taught step by step. Watch, pause, and re-watch as often as you need.

02
Downloadable resources

Practice worksheets, reference sheets, and technique guides you can print and use during practice.

03
ABT accreditation

Recognised UK beauty accreditation. The qualification that unlocks professional insurance and industry credibility.

04
Certificate on completion

A certificate issued once you complete the course and assessments. Yours to display in your studio or share with clients.

05
Lifetime access

Learn at your own pace. Come back to any module, any time, for as long as SLX Gel Builder is offered.

06
SLX Collective, 3 months free

Your first 3 months of the SLX community included with your enrolment. Ongoing learning, peer network, and Sarah's monthly masterclasses.

TESTIMONIALS

The nail artists Sarah's already taught.

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"[REAL TESTIMONIAL FROM PAST STUDENT — what surprised them about learning builder gel with Sarah]"
[Real Name]
Trained with Sarah in Brighton, [year]
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"[REAL TESTIMONIAL FROM PAST STUDENT — the business or career impact of training with Sarah]"
[Real Name]
Trained with Sarah in Brighton, [year]
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"[REAL TESTIMONIAL FROM PAST STUDENT — the teaching approach or depth of the curriculum]"
[Real Name]
Trained with Sarah in Brighton, [year]
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"[REAL TESTIMONIAL FROM PAST STUDENT — optional fourth angle]"
[Real Name]
Trained with Sarah in Brighton, [year]
Sarah, founder of SLX Academy
TAUGHT BY

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 Gel Builder covers both the technique and the business fundamentals that turn a good set of nails into a career you actually want.

EXPLORE OTHER SLX PRODUCTS

Check out our other courses.

Every SLX course stands on its own. Take one, or build the full picture over time.

SLX Masterclass

SLX Masterclass

The original SLX artistic system for qualified technicians. Advanced composition, colour theory, and signature style development.

SLX Combined

SLX Combined

The complete SLX signature system, taught as one integrated online course. ABT-accredited, self-paced, lifetime access.

SLX Acrylic

SLX Acrylic

The acrylic technique taught in full, including e-file work. ABT-accredited, self-paced, lifetime access.

SLX Social

SLX Social

The social media and content course. Build a brand that books clients while you sleep.

SLX Masterclass

SLX Masterclass

The original SLX artistic system for qualified technicians. Advanced composition, colour theory, and signature style development.

SLX Combined

SLX Combined

The complete SLX signature system, taught as one integrated online course. ABT-accredited, self-paced, lifetime access.

SLX Acrylic

SLX Acrylic

The acrylic technique taught in full, including e-file work. ABT-accredited, self-paced, lifetime access.

SLX Social

SLX Social

The social media and content course. Build a brand that books clients while you sleep.

SLX Masterclass

SLX Masterclass

The original SLX artistic system for qualified technicians. Advanced composition, colour theory, and signature style development.

SLX Combined

SLX Combined

The complete SLX signature system, taught as one integrated online course. ABT-accredited, self-paced, lifetime access.

SLX Acrylic

SLX Acrylic

The acrylic technique taught in full, including e-file work. ABT-accredited, self-paced, lifetime access.

SLX Social

SLX Social

The social media and content course. Build a brand that books clients while you sleep.

Q&A

Things worth knowing before you enrol.

Do I need any previous experience?+

No. SLX Gel Builder 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 Gel Builder 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 builder gel supplies and a good-quality lamp 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 £250 in a starter kit. This is separate from the course fee.

Can I pay in instalments?+

Yes. You can pay £397 upfront, or split it across three monthly payments of £132. Both options are available at checkout.

Is the course all video?+

The teaching is video-led, module by module, with downloadable worksheets and reference sheets alongside it. You can watch on any device, pause mid-technique, and re-watch a step as many times as you need while you practise.

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 Gel Builder 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.

READY TO START?

One technique. Business fundamentals. ABT-accredited.

The builder gel foundation for a career in nail artistry, taught by someone still doing the work.

£397
Or 3 monthly payments of £132

ABT ACCREDITED · LIFETIME ACCESS · SELF-PACED

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