Glitterbels Gel Polish course: My experience with the Scratch Stars Ultimate Nail Team

Join me as I relay my visit to Stoke-on-Trent and Glitterbels’ stunning HQ, where I took my first official steps into professional nail styling...

My first encounter with the Glitterbels team was at The Scratch Stars Party 2025, at which the brand’s education team was recognised with a third win in the Scratch Stars Nail Team of the Year category. This catapulted them into the Hall Of Fame, where the team now shines as Scratch Stars Ultimate Nail Team.

As I’ve dabbled in nail product application in the past, I wondered what it would be like to train under the expertise of award-winners, so pitched a request which became a reality, as I was invited to partake in the Glitterbels Gel Polish course.

The Glitterbels HQ is hard to miss. Marked by a baby pink van with the brand’s logo emblazoned across the side, the HQ – a converted church – is located on a residential road in Stoke-on-Trent, with pops of pink indicating something truly special behind the stone walls.

On arrival, I was greeted by Glitterbels educator, Danielle Brindley, who is in the Scratch Stars Hall Of Fame – not just as part of the Glitterbels Education Team, but as an individual. This is for her three wins in the Scratch Stars Polish & Paint Artist of the Year category. The day of education promised to cover ‘preparation, application, removal and homecare techniques that allow for gel polish to be applied to natural or enhanced nails’.

I had completed the Essential Nail Knowledge Diploma online prior to the course, and Danielle recapped on nail anatomy and client consultation tips. Upon successful completion of the gel polish course (including case studies performed after the training day), an ABT-accredited certificate will be issued by Glitterbels.

Walking into the HQ felt akin to entering a spa version of Barbie’s Dreamhouse. Cascades of pink flowers cocooned each room, while fluffy clouds hugged the walls and gold accents upholstered the furniture. I followed the unicorn motifs deeper into the building to find a wall of luscious greenery leading to the classroom: Learning Centre 2.

Danielle led me to a nail desk, where two big pink boxes contained everything needed for the learning experience. This starter kit featured essential tools and prep products, three stunning gel polish colours and the DreamCure lamp. Alongside four other students, I prepared myself for a day of learning and laughter.

Solid colour success

The practical element of the course ensured that my fellow students and I learned how to apply gel polish correctly and safely. Danielle demonstrated a correctly prepped nail, with live screens showing close-ups of her work. Then, it was our turn!

We practiced on our own nails, kicking off with Glitterbels Sanitiser Spray. We filed our natural nails and used the Glitterbels Curved Cuticle Pusher to neaten the surface area for application. Danielle commented that ‘prep should actually be very therapeutic’, and I was thrilled by how clean my nails looked after this stage.

We used a red gel polish for solid colour application: renowned for being challenging and unforgiving to work with due to its strong pigment. Danielle demonstrated correct application and gave us plenty of advice for the process. While we attempted application on our own nails, she walked around the classroom offering tips.

Focusing intently, I tried everything Danielle had suggested. I was very happy with the result, and the colour – Glitterbels Hema Free Gel Polish in Believe It – was stunning! Danielle noted points for improvement and areas that had been completed to a good standard.

French tip tryout

The start of the afternoon session explored gel polish removal. Demonstrating the soak-off removal method, Danielle commented: “You shouldn’t put pressure on the nail; removal should be painless and smooth.” And she was right. After over 10 years of getting my nails done, I learned what a gel polish removal should look and feel like. It was a straightforward process, and included hydration with cuticle oil before soaking.

After learning about removal, it was time to recreate a classic look in every nail enthusiast’s arsenal: a French tip. Danielle detailed the various ways to achieve a crisp French manicure, and the benefits of each. Starting with a dotting tool to create a white tip, she moved on to using a thin brush, before demonstrating a technique that involves painting a rough white tip and using a flat brush to clean to the desired shape.

We were encouraged to try a variety of methods and products, including Glitterbels Hema Free Gel Polishes in Send Nudes and White, and Unbelievabel Gel in Cream Cake. I settled on the thin brush technique as a firm favourite. Though not perfect, I was proud of my accuracy and finished nails. I enjoyed experimenting with the shape and styles of tip, noting that I gravitated towards a micro-French most.

The Glitterbels Gel Polish course and Danielle’s guidance ensured I came away confident in natural nail prep, gel polish application, a French finish and the anatomy of the nail, as well as how to carry out a client consultation and provide aftercare for enhancement longevity and nail health.

I left the course with not only professional products and the knowledge of how to use them, but a big smile and sense of achievement. It was a great day with an exceptional educator, spirited students and premium products – hosted within a luxurious and lavish environment.

Check out a reel of my day here!

Visit the Glitterbels website to browse products and training here: www.glitterbels.com

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