About me
About Barbara Preil-Kovács
I'm Barbara Preil-Kovács, a nail technician, educator and coach with 16+ years of experience in the nail industry.
I created BPK Nails & Academy for nail techs who want more than “pretty sets” — they want strong retention, clean structure, confidence, and a professional method they can repeat on every client.
How I teach
My teaching style
I'm very practical. I teach:
- Why something works — so you can troubleshoot
- How to do it step by step — so you can replicate it
- The small details that create a luxury finish — so your work stands out
Beginner or experienced
Whether you’re a beginner building strong foundations or an experienced tech refining speed and precision, my goal is the same: help you level up with clarity and confidence.
What drives this
Vision and mission
- Our vision
- To raise professional standards in the nail industry by making luxury-level technique accessible, clear and achievable for every dedicated nail tech.
- Our mission
- To support nail techs at every stage with training that removes confusion, builds confidence, and turns technique into consistent results.
Experience
Experience & credentials
Over the years I've trained nail technicians through:
- 1:1 private training
- Group workshops
- Online education (coming soon)
Accreditation and awards
I’m an ABT-accredited nail educator and have received recognition through multiple industry awards — including Ultimate Nail Master (UK, 2019) and Nailympia Division 3 (master level), 2nd place for “Runway Nailart”.
Track record
Competition results
- 2012
- Budapest, Beauty Forum — 10th place, Nail Design Hungarian Cup, “Pink & White” category, builder gel
- 2012
- Budapest, Nail Selection Hungary — 3rd place, “La Dolce Vita” designer category
- 2014
- Budapest, Crystal Nails Hungarian Nail Cup — 2nd place, “Pin-up American wife”, in a team with Veronika Gócza
- 2015
- Budapest, Crystal Nails Hungarian Nail Cup — 1st place, gel polish design category
- 2015
- Budapest, MOSZI Salon — 4th place, sculpting technique “Pink & White”, acrylic nails
- 2015
- Budapest, Nail Grand Prix — 1st place, gel polish design category
- 2017
- London ExCeL, International Nail Championship, Professional Beauty — 2nd place, “Pink & White”
- 2017
- Birmingham, UK Nail Tech Competition — UK Top Tech 2017: 2nd place freestyle nail art, 2nd place Top Tech Stiletto
- 2017
- London, Olympia Beauty, Nailympia Division 3 (master level) — 2nd place, “Runway Nailart”
- 2017
- Manchester, Professional Beauty — 1st International Nail Art Master title: 1st place Nail Master Heat (French), 3rd place Nail Master Heat (design), 1st place One Stroke tip box
- 2018
- London, Professional Beauty — 2nd International Nail Art Master title: 1st place Nail Master Heat (design), 2nd place Nail Master Heat (French), 4th place Pink & White, 5th place One Stroke tip box, 9th place Mixed Media tip box
- 2019
- London, Professional Beauty — 3rd International Nail Art Master title, and Ultimate Nail Art Master in the UK: 1st place Nail Master Heat (5 extreme shapes), 3rd place One Stroke tip box, 3rd place Photographic Classic Nails, “Pop Art” theme
- 2020
- Nail Top Master UK online — 1st place, “Marvellous Monochrome” photo category, and the Judges’ Choice Award
- 2023
- Finalist, Top 5 UK Scratch Stars — 2nd place, Gel Tech of the Year
- 2024
- Finalist, Top 5 UK Scratch Stars in two categories — Gel Tech of the Year, and 2nd place Nail Stylist of the Year
- 2025
- Finalist, Top 5 UK Scratch Stars in two categories — Gel Tech of the Year, and 2nd place Nail Stylist of the Year
Who books this
Who I work with
My training is ideal for you if you want to:
- Improve prep and retention
- Create a strong, balanced structure
- Get a cleaner finish with less filing
- Build confidence with a clear, professional system
- Work towards higher standards and certifications
Location
Where I’m based
I’m based in Nottingham, UK.
- In person
- Training locally in Nottingham
- Travelling
- Group training across the UK and abroad, subject to availability and scheduling
- Online
- Available worldwide
Next step
Ready to choose your next step?
Book a Clarity Call (30 or 60 minutes) if you’re not sure what’s best for you — or explore private training, group workshops and online courses.