Name
Melanie Lewendon
Verified Verified User

Educator , Nail technician

Biography

About Me

Melanie Lewendon – Nail Artist, Trainer & Founder of Melanie Lewendon Academy

Hi, I’m Melanie,  a nail artist, therapist, and educator based in Derby. I specialise in accredited nail training courses for beginners and professionals across the UK.

I started my beauty career at 30, training at Derby College, and have now spent over 15 years building a successful salon, teaching others, and earning multiple industry awards. Today, I run the Melanie Lewendon Academy a centre for high-quality nail education in Derby and online.

 

I offer professional, accredited training in:

  • Acrylic nails

  • BIAB (builder in a bottle)

  • Gel polish

  • Hard gel

  • E-file

  • Mixed-media and advanced nail art

  • Manicures & pedicures

 

Whether you're looking for your first nail course in Derby, or you’re an experienced tech wanting to level up your skills, I offer supportive, creative training designed to help you grow in both skill and confidence.

My courses are available in person at my Derby training centre or as flexible online nail courses with tutor support. I’m known for my friendly teaching style, real-world guidance, and my promise of ongoing support after training.

I’ve trained with leading industry figures including Katie Barnes, Paulina Zdrada, Hazel Dixon and more, and my work has been recognised through awards including:

  • Scratch Stars Mixed Media Artist of the Year (Winner, 2023)

  • Scratch stars educator of the year 2024

  • Scratch stars online educator of the year 2025

  • BABTAC Nail Technician of the Year 2019

  • Finalist for Educator of the Year & Salon of the Year 2019/2020

  • Salon of the year winner 2019

 

My specialist area is mixed-media nail art — combining chrome, marble, foils, one-stroke painting, and fine-detail design to create unique looks. I'm passionate about creativity, industry standards, and helping students build a career they’re proud of.

 

If you're searching for:

  • Accredited nail courses near Derby

  • Online nail courses with tutor support

  • Short courses in BIAB, acrylic, e-file or gel polish

  • A supportive trainer who cares about your success

Then you're in the right place. Whether you're here to book a nail art course, improve your speed, or gain confidence with salon work — I’d love to help you take your next step.

 

Verification Badges

  • Scratch Awards Winner

Work Experience

Work Experience

Melanie Lewendon – Work Experience Overview

I'm Melanie Lewendon, a multi award-winning nail and beauty educator with over a decade of hands-on experience in the industry. I started out in salon work, eventually opening my own successful salon where I built a busy client base and discovered my passion for teaching.

I worked as a qualified assessor at Derby College, where I supported and trained many apprentices, gaining valuable experience in formal education and learner development. I’ve helped countless students – both in salons and in the classroom – build real skills and long-term careers in the nail and beauty industry.

Alongside teaching, I’m also a consultant for a major UK nail brand, where I’ve contributed extensively to product testing, development, and education content. This behind-the-scenes work keeps me at the forefront of product science and industry innovation – and I bring all of that knowledge straight into my training.

Today, I run the Melanie Lewendon Academy in Heage, Derbyshire, offering 1-to-1 and small class accredited training in acrylic, hard gel, acrygel, builder in a bottle, gel polish, nail art, manicure, pedicure, waxing, tinting, and lash lifts. I also lead one of the UK’s longest-standing online nail and beauty course platforms, supporting students worldwide with flexible learning and lifetime access to training.

I’ve proudly earned Scratch Magazine’s Educator of the Year (2024) and Online Educator of the Year (2025) titles, and I continue to update my training annually to keep it current, practical, and empowering – with no gatekeeping, ever.

Awards & Achievements

Qualifications

Manicure Nail extensions Pedicures

Accreditations

Assessor Brows Electric File (E-File) Certification Gel polish Lash and brow tinting Lash lift Nail Correction & Rebalancing Techniques Nail extensions
Waxing