OUR STORY... HOW IT ALL STARTED

A Journey from Passion to Profession

Before training as a nail technician, Hazel Dixon had no clear idea of what she wanted to do after having her three children. With a natural love for art and drawing, she never considered nails as a career—until one day, everything changed.

Like many people, Hazel’s perception of nails was limited to traditional pink and white designs, which didn’t appeal to her at the time. That was until she spotted a woman with glittery, sparkly tips that immediately caught her eye. Intrigued, she started researching the world of nails and soon realized the industry was far more creative, artistic, and limitlessthan she had ever imagined.

Determined to explore this new passion, she enrolled in a 5-day acrylic beginner course with a reputable nail company. However, what seemed like a simple beauty treatment turned out to be far more challenging than expected. But Hazel wasn’t one to give up easily. With perseverance, dedication, and a hunger to improve, she passed the course in March 2006, marking the beginning of an incredible journey.

The Power of Education

From that moment on, Hazel made it her mission to never stop learning. She completed numerous courses, earned her NVQ Level 3, and sought out the best education and training to perfect her skills. As she advanced in her career, she recognized that education was the key to success—not just for herself, but for every nail technician who wanted to excel.

Her passion for continuous learning didn’t just transform her own abilities—it also helped her salon thrive, even during challenging economic times. Clients were always looking for something new and exciting, and education gave her the tools to stay ahead of industry trends and innovations.

Creating the HD Nail Artist Academy

With years of experience, awards, and expertise under her belt, Hazel saw a growing need for high-quality, professional nail education. Many technicians were eager to improve their skills, but the industry lacked structured, high-standard training programs that truly prepared them for success.

This inspired her to establish the HD Nail Artist Academy, a training center dedicated to raising industry standardsand helping nail technicians unlock their full potential. The academy was founded on the principles of passion, education, and excellence, ensuring that every student received the best possible training and support.

Growing into an Industry Leader

What started as a personal journey has now become one of the most respected nail academies in the UK. The HD Nail Artist Academy offers courses for all levels, from beginners to advanced professionals, covering everything from nail enhancements and sculpting to intricate nail art and cutting-edge techniques.

To expand access to education, Hazel and her team developed a nationwide network of educators, allowing students across the UK to train with HD-certified educators closer to home. Today, HD Nail Artist Academy has educators based in:

📍 Norfolk – Home of the HD Nail Artist Academy Headquarters
📍 Cambridge
📍 Wisbech
📍 Hertfordshire
📍 Essex
📍 Manchester
📍 Inverness
📍 South West
📍 Cheshire

You can view more information on our team HERE

The academy also launched HD Nail Academy Online, allowing students to learn from multi-award-winning educators from the comfort of their own homes.

The academy has been recognised as an industry leader, winning ‘Nail Team of the Year’ three times and earning a place in the Scratch Magazine Hall of Fame.

More Than Just a Training Academy

Beyond technical skills, Hazel has built a supportive community for nail technicians to continue growing long after their training ends. The academy offers mentorship, online support groups, and advanced workshops, ensuring that students never feel alone in their journey.

For Hazel, the HD Nail Artist Academy is more than just a training center—it’s a place where creativity, confidence, and careers flourish.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is never to underestimate the power of education. There’s always something new to learn, and in this industry, growth never stops.” — Hazel Dixon

The HD Nail Artist Academy continues to inspire, educate, and elevate the next generation of nail professionals—one course at a time.