Melanie Lewendon Nail Artist Training
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Accredited Nail Training Courses in Derbyshire and Online UK | Melanie Lewendon Academy
The Melanie Lewendon Academy in Heage, Derbyshire (DE56 2AG) provides accredited nail training for students across the UK through structured, high-standard education delivered both in-person and online.
Founded by Melanie Lewendon, a multi-award-winning nail educator with more than fifteen years of industry experience, the academy is recognised for its clear, supportive teaching style and its consistent record of producing skilled, confident nail professionals.
Melanie began her career at thirty after qualifying in Beauty Therapy at Derby College and quickly discovered her passion for education. She has since trained hundreds of students throughout the UK and internationally, combining advanced techniques from leading global educators with a practical, no-nonsense approach grounded in real salon experience. Her goal is simple — to raise standards, deliver honest education and help professionals build sustainable, successful nail careers.
Award-Winning Education
Melanie’s achievements reflect her position as one of the UK’s most respected nail educators. She was named Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2024 and Scratch Online Educator of the Year 2025, alongside multiple national awards recognising excellence in education, creativity and professional development.
Accredited Nail Training
All courses offered through the academy are fully accredited and insurable, designed for both beginners and qualified nail technicians looking to advance their skills. Students can study in-person at the Derbyshire academy or online via the academy’s established digital training platform, which mirrors the same standards of delivery and assessment.
Training covers every major nail system used by professional technicians:
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Acrylic Enhancements – professional application, shaping, finishing and safe removal.
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Hard Gel and Acrygel – structured overlays, infills and extensions for long-lasting strength.
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Builder in a Bottle (BIAB) – advanced natural-nail strengthening and overlay techniques.
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Gel Polish – precision preparation, application and finishing for a flawless, durable result.
Each programme combines technical accuracy with strong underpinning knowledge of product chemistry, hygiene and professional practice, ensuring that graduates meet the expectations of modern salon work and insurance providers.
Nail Art and Advanced Creative Training
Melanie is recognised nationally for her multi-media nail art expertise. Her training covers everything from salon-ready design to competition-standard creativity, including fine brushwork, encapsulation, layered effects, 3-D construction and mixed-media composition.
The Advanced Multi-Media Nail Art Masterclass is tailored for experienced technicians who want to develop a distinctive creative style or prepare for competition and editorial work. Each class focuses on design balance, composition, colour theory and practical execution using professional products and tools.
Online Nail Courses
The Melanie Lewendon Academy Online Platform is one of the longest-running online nail-training systems in the UK, allowing students to study flexibly while maintaining professional accreditation.
Online learners receive lifetime access to video tutorials, structured theory modules and one-to-one tutor feedback. This approach allows students from anywhere, whether Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield, Manchester, London, Glasgow or overseas, to qualify with the same guidance and standards as those training on site.
Why Students Choose the Melanie Lewendon Academy
Melanie’s academy is trusted for its professionalism, clear communication and results-driven approach. Every course focuses on practical skill, safety and accuracy rather than trends or sales. Students consistently highlight the academy’s supportive environment and the depth of its teaching.
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Multi-award-winning educator with national recognition
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Accredited, insurable qualifications accepted across the UK
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Flexible in-person or online training formats
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Courses reviewed annually to reflect current science, safety and product innovation
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Professional, structured teaching with individual tutor feedback
The academy’s philosophy centres on genuine education — clear, evidence-based instruction that gives learners the competence to build successful, sustainable careers.
Location and Service Area
The academy is located in Heage, Derbyshire, within easy reach of Belper, Ripley, Matlock, Duffield, Alfreton and Derby. Students regularly travel from across the East Midlands for in-person courses, while the online platform serves learners nationwide.
Searches such as nail courses Derbyshire, accredited nail training UK, online nail courses UK, BIAB course Derbyshire, learn gel nails online and nail art training UK are all directly aligned with this page’s content and ranking strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the courses accredited?
Yes. All qualifications are accredited and recognised by major UK insurance providers.
Can I train without experience?
Yes. Foundation courses are designed for complete beginners.
Do you offer refresher or advanced training?
Yes. Advanced and creative masterclasses are available for experienced technicians.
Can I study while working full-time?
Yes. Both in-person and online courses are flexible and self-paced.
Do online students receive support?
Yes. All learners receive full tutor feedback and guidance throughout their studies.
Features
Courses Available
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Accreditations
Accreditation Provider
Verfication Badges
- Scratch Awards Winner
Work Experience
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.
Team Members
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.
Google Reviews
Fantastic training for busy professionals. I recently completed the online acrylic training course with Melanie. The course goes right back to basics, which I think is brilliant. You can never know everything and it's always good to refresh these things. The acrylic course it's self i found extremely detailed and was pleasantly surprised how easy the content was to put into practice. Melanie has really worked hard to make each module easy to follow and this shows with the content. Her feedback is so helpful and detailed when coming to case studies. She really does want you to be the best you can possibly be before giving you that certificate which I think is amazing. Thankyou mel looks forward to more training with you xx
Oct 26, 2025
I recently completed the Builder Gel Online Course with Melanie, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience! From start to finish her training was clear, detailed, and so informative. Melanie not only covers everything there is to know about builder gel, but also covers so many other crucial topics you need to know to succeed in the nail industry (vital things that many other educators don't even touch on!). Even though it was online, my training felt really personal and interactive and the 1-1 feedback is so supportive and constructive. I would highly recommend Melanie's courses to anyone thinking about getting into the nail industry or looking to up-skill. She’s not only an amazing nail tech herself but also a genuine, lovely person and a fantastic educator who really knows her stuff. You can tell she really cares about her student's success. Thank you so much for such a fabulous learning experience! 💅
Oct 29, 2025
Choosing the right nail educator can be overwhelming, so I feel so lucky to have found Mel. With 17 years of experience in the industry, her expertise is unmatched. From the moment I enrolled in her 3-day in-person course, I knew I’d made the right choice. Even before attending, the depth of information she shared through the online learning hub—covering nail theory and all aspects of the industry—was incredible. Her recognition as Scratch Nail Educator of the Year (2025) is more than deserved! During each session, I felt fully supported and encouraged in my learning and as a complete beginner, this guidance was invaluable. Mel’s genuine passion for what she does shines through in her teaching and in the way she cares for her students. Every day left me feeling inspired, motivated, and eager to apply everything I had learned. I’m thrilled to keep growing my skills and love that Mel’s support continues even after my in-person course is complete! I honestly couldn't recommend her enough ❤️
Aug 27, 2025
I recently completed a 3-day course with Melanie covering gel, builder gel and hard gel. Mel is incredibly patient and knowledgeable, and no question is ever treated as silly — she makes you feel completely comfortable to learn. She is a fantastic educator and her passion for nails and teaching really shines through. I’m so grateful for her support and guidance throughout the course. Thank you so much, Mel!
Aug 27, 2025
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mel on refreshing her brand and website, and I can honestly say it was an inspiring experience. Melanie’s passion for what she does shines through in every detail. She genuinely cares about her students and is dedicated to helping them reach their full potential. If you’re thinking about training with Mel, you’ll be in incredibly good hands!! 😊
Oct 09, 2025
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