The Nail Tech Society

Melanie Lewendon

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Education
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The Nail Tech Society is a space for nail technicians who want real understanding, not just trends. Each episode explores the why and how behind technique, products, and building a successful career in the nail industry. Honest conversations, brand neutral education, and no gatekeeping.

Oct 20

Why Are My Nails Lifting? Learn to Troubleshoot Your Retention

Why are your nails lifting? And what if that lifting is actually trying to tell you something? In this episode, I’m talking all about lifting and retention, why lifting happens, what causes it and how we can troubleshoot it within our everyday nail services. Lifting isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, where and how a nail lifts can tell us so much about our prep, application and technique. Instead of simply blaming the product, changing brands or assuming the client has done something wrong, we need to learn how to analyse what we’re seeing and work out WHY it happened. I also discuss why I believe the majority of lifting issues come down to technique and tech error rather than the client, and why recognising that can actually make us better nail technicians. Because lifting isn't something to be embarrassed about, it's something we can learn from. 🎧 In this episode:• Why lifting happens• How to troubleshoot retention problems• What your lifting could be telling you• Why prep matters so much• Over-prepping and the problems it can cause• Why lifting isn't automatically your client's fault• How analysing your lifting can improve your skills My FREE Lifting Guide is available here: https://melanielewendonacademy.co.uk/products/free-lifting-guide?srsltid=AU7gw4XLAA5wNTnPDpB3__CLpnTqDOEAyZ2Q1n23PC-lBZOJtg2qCVRX For courses and free resources please head to my website. www.melanielewendonacademy.co.uk
Sep 2

The TPO Ban Explained… And Why I’m Finally Talking About HEMA

Episode 11 — The TPO Ban Explained… And Why I’m Finally Talking About HEMA Well… I went there! 😳 In this episode I’m talking all things TPO, what the ban actually means, why TPO was banned, the evidence behind it, the important dates, insurance and why I believe there has been far too much panic and misinformation surrounding it. But while I was at it, I decided it was finally time to talk openly about HEMA too. This is a subject I’ve avoided discussing publicly for a long time, mainly because of the fear and judgement surrounding it within our industry. But I’m an educator, I work within product development, and I believe we need to be able to have honest conversations about the products and ingredients we use. So I’m not holding back in this one. We’re talking HEMA vs HEMA-free, allergies and sensitisation, product exposure, curing, lamps, natural nail damage, professional responsibility and why changing the bottle on your desk will never compensate for poor education or poor working practices. You may not agree with everything I say. You might hear some truths you don't particularly like, and that's OK. My aim isn't to tell you what products you should or shouldn't use. It's to make you think, question what you're being told and understand enough to make your own informed professional decisions. Because there will always be another ingredient, another headline and another social-media panic. Knowledge over fear. Every single time. 🎧 Listen now to Episode 11 of The Nail Tech Society Podcast. For online and in-person nail education, courses and more, visit: Melanie Lewendon Academywww.melanielewendonacademy.co.uk And yes… I definitely needed a large glass of wine after recording this one! 🍷😂
Jul 25

What is an apex ? And why is it now hidden !!

In this episode, we're breaking down one of the most misunderstood parts of nail enhancements: the apex. We explain what the apex actually is, why it's essential for strength and durability, and why its ideal placement changes depending on nail length. We also dive into the hidden apex, a growing trend in the industry, covering the free-edge building and underside filing technique it requires, which products work best (hard gel, acrygel, acrylic), and why soft biab isn't a good fit. Whether you're a working nail tech or a student just starting out, this episode will help you understand apex placement on a deeper level and avoid the most common mistakes that lead to breaks, lifting, and return clients for repairs ! Great resources for structure and apex : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nail-Shapes-Structure-Compendium-Beautiful/dp/0993079113 See courses here. www.melanielewendonacademy.co.uk Follow my instagram : https://www.instagram.com/melanielewendon_nailartist/
Jul 12

Infill & Rebalance. What are they and why we do them !

Think an infill and a rebalance are the same thing? Think again. In this episode, I explain the key differences, when each service should be performed, and why soaking off and starting from scratch at every appointment isn't always the right choice. If you want to improve your maintenance appointments and understand the science behind long-lasting enhancements, this episode is for you. For education, upskilling courses and resources, visit: www.melanielewendonacademy.co.uk Please rate and follow this podcast to help me show up in front of nail techs just like you.
Jun 4

The nail plate exposed..... why it matters in everything you do.

Understanding the nail plate is one of the most important parts of becoming a great nail technician… yet it’s often the most overlooked. In this episode of The Nail Tech Society, I break down the structure of the natural nail in a way that actually makes sense. No overcomplicated language, no confusion, just a simple explanation of the nail plate layers, what they do, and why they matter in every single service you carry out. If you’ve ever struggled with lifting, over filing, poor retention, or just felt unsure about what’s happening beneath your product, this episode will help connect the dots. We cover the dorsal, intermediate, and ventral layers, their purpose, and how your prep, application, and removal techniques directly affect them. Because once you understand the nail plate properly, everything changes: your application improves, your retention improves, and your confidence as a nail tech grows. This is about respecting the natural nail, working with it, not against it, and truly understanding the foundation of everything we do. 🎧 Perfect for beginners, struggling techs, or anyone wanting to tighten up their knowledge and raise their standards. Please follow this podcast and give me a like so I can show up in front of other techs, just like you. Website: https://melanielewendonacademy.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanielewendon_nailartist/
May 26

How heat affects your nail products... and what to do about it

In this episode, I look at how heat affects our nail products and the steps we can take to make working in warmer temperatures much easier. From changes in viscosity and product flooding, to heat spikes, curing concerns, and client comfort, I break down what’s actually happening to your products during hot weather and why your normal application methods may suddenly stop working the same way. I also discuss storage tips for salon and mobile nail techs, why thick application can become even more problematic in the heat, and how understanding your chemistry can help you work cleaner, safer, and with better retention. As nail techs, understanding how our products react to environmental changes helps us become more knowledgeable and adaptable professionals. Sometimes it’s not the product failing, it’s the environment changing around it. Do you feel you have gaps in your knowledge and education? Then take a look at my website and the courses I offer. www.melanielewendonacademy.co.uk
May 12

Monomers, oligomers & polymers dont have to be complicated... lets simplify

Does nail chemistry and science completely confuse you? You’re not alone… and honestly, it’s one of the biggest things that holds nail techs back from really understanding what they’re doing. In this episode of The Nail Tech Society, award-winning nail educator Melanie Lewendon breaks down monomers, oligomers, and polymers in a way that actually makes sense. No complicated jargon, no overthinking… just simple, clear explanations you can apply to your work straight away. If you’ve ever wondered: What these terms actually meanWhy curing matters so much for strength and retention…this episode is for you. Think of this as your foundation. Because once you understand the chemistry behind nail products, everything else starts to click… from application to retention, curing, and even preventing issues like lifting and breakdown. And don’t worry… you’re not getting a science lecture. Just a Derbyshire lass breaking it down simply for you. I’ve also included a downloadable visual guide in the show notes to help you understand this even further. You can get this here. Training, courses, and support: www.melanielewendonacademy.co.uk
May 5

Changing Your Brand Won’t Fix Your Lifting… Here’s What Will !

Struggling with lifting, poor retention, or nails not lasting as long as they should? You’re not alone… and more importantly, it’s probably not your products. In this episode of The Nail Tech Society, I break down one of the biggest misconceptions in the nail industry right now… that switching brands will fix your problems. With constant ingredient changes, reformulations, and trends influencing the industry, many nail techs are spending hundreds or even thousands rebranding their kit… only to find the same issues still happening. So what’s really going wrong? In this episode, we cover: Why lifting and retention issues are rarely caused by your brandHow incorrect prep and application impact adhesionThe importance of lamp compatibility and proper curingA simple explanation of the nail plate layers and how they affect retentionHow over-filing or under-prepping the nail can lead to liftingWhy upskilling is more valuable than constantly switching productsIf you’re a nail tech feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or stuck chasing the “perfect” brand… this episode will help you refocus on what actually makes a difference. Because once your fundamentals are right… your results change. 🎧 Follow The Nail Tech Society for honest, educational conversations that cut through the noise and help you become a confident, knowledgeable nail technician. 📲 Connect with Me for training, courses, and support: Website: www.melanielewendonacademy.co.uk Instagram: @melanielewendon_nailartist Free resources : Builder gel guide

The Nail Tech Society is a space for nail technicians who want real understanding, not just trends. Each episode explores the why and how behind technique, products, and building a successful career in the nail industry. Honest conversations, brand neutral education, and no gatekeeping.

Creator

Melanie Lewendon
Years Active

2026
Episodes

13
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Melanie Lewendon
Show Website

The Nail Tech Society