Posts by Helena Biggs
Celebrity manicurists partner with Star Touch Agency to mentor the next generation of nail artists
Celebrity nail stylists, Tom Bachik and Julie Kandalec, have partnered with Christina Aviles Aude, founder of Star Touch Agency, to ‘set a new industry standard for artistry, professionalism and mentoring’. The agency, which specialises in representing parts models and manicurists, is offering personalised training to its artists courtesy of Tom – an LA-based ‘man-icurist’ whose…
Read MoreTHE BLONDS LEGACY: North America’s Star Nail Artist S2 Challenge 1 Entries
Twenty-five nail creatives from the USA, Mexico & Canada turned their hands to fanciful, fashion-forward concepts for the first North America’s Star Nail Artist challenge of Season 2. Created by the team behind Scratch and Nailympia Competitions, the contest elevates the creativity and imaginations of nail pros, while celebrating talent and innovation. Season 2 presents six monthly nail art…
Read MoreNailympia London 2025: THE RESULTS
The 2025 Nailympia competition season ended on a high in London – with the reveal of the European Cup and Global Cup champions. The nine arena contests and grand finale were hosted at the Professional Beauty Autumn trade event in the ExCel centre, and saw techs and spectators from all over the world culminate for…
Read MoreThe Naked Nailist Charity Calendar: 12 UK techs bare all in aid of Mind
Twelve nail pros from across the UK have stripped off for a charity calendar shoot, to raise money for mental health charity, Mind. They’ve stepped outside their comfort zones, roped friends and family members in to take their photos and shown their support for mental health awareness – all thanks to conversation at Danny Manchip’s…
Read MoreGlitterbels appoints nail industry icon, Jan Arnold, as executive advisor
Jan Arnold, co-founder of nail brand, CND™, has been appointed as executive advisor to Glitterbels. Boasting over four decades’ experience at the helm of CND™, Jan Nordstrom Arnold has played a pivotal role in elevating nails from accessory to artistry. She has worked with some of the world’s most influential fashion designers and advocates for professional…
Read MoreThe TPO ban: what it means for nail professionals & brands
On 1 September 2025, trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), an ingredient commonly found in nail gel formulas, was banned for use in products made and placed within the EU cosmetics market. The chemical is a photoinitiator that helps gel products cure quickly under UV light and maintain colour stability, and while a ban hasn’t yet been applied…
Read MoreNorth America’s Star Nail Artist – Season 2: Top 25 contestants revealed
Hundreds of submissions were received from nail artists working in the USA, Canada and Mexico when entry opened for Season 2 of the North America’s Star Nail Artist contest. Created by the team behind Scratch and Nailympia Competitions, North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) elevates the creativity and imaginations of nail pros, while celebrating talent…
Read MoreEllisons partners with Katie Barnes Tool Range to distribute handy products for nail pros
UK beauty wholesaler, Ellisons, has partnered with Katie Barnes Tool Range to make the brand’s E-file and bits, cuticle tools, nail files and accessories available for purchase via Ellisons online and click and collect. Founded by multi award-winning nail pro & educator, Katie Clark (nee Barnes), the partnership marks a meaningful full-circle moment the tech, who completed foundational training courses…
Read MoreBeauty Trends & Innovations Conference to offer insight & inspo to pros & brands
Are you free on 24 September and want to level up your trends knowledge and accelerate the growth of your brand? The Beauty Trends & Innovations Conference is returning to London for its 13th year, welcoming over 40 beauty brands and retailers. These include L’Oréal, Unilever, Marks & Spencer, Amazon, Avon and Elemis, who will…
Read MoreGovernment announces plan for small businesses: here’s what it means for nail & beauty pros
The UK government has unveiled a Small Business Plan, which hopes to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by giving them ‘the most comprehensive support package in a generation’. Many measures within the plan will directly affect the nail, hair and beauty sectors, which comprise thousands of salons and self-employed professionals. As part of its…
Read MoreWinners announced in nail industry’s 13th annual Scratch Stars Awards (+ photo gallery)
Stunning London venue, The Underglobe, set the scene for the 13th annual Scratch Stars Awards, which recognises exceptional nail professionals, businesses and teams in the UK and Ireland. Hosted by TV’s Jeff Brazier and Scratch’s Helena Biggs, awards were presented across 18 categories, and guests enjoyed prosecco courtesy of Bluestreak Crystals, complimentary house drinks for…
Read MoreIndustry association marks 80-year milestone championing cosmetic science, innovation & excellence
The Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA) celebrated 80 years championing cosmetic science, innovation and excellence with a lavish black tie dinner in London. Since 1945, the organisation has been promoting best industry practice and advising companies about the strict legal framework for cosmetics. It represents industry views to the UK Government and external stakeholders,…
Read MoreNailympia Orlando 2025: THE RESULTS
The fifth Nailympia Orlando welcomed the most competitors to date, with 99 nail techs from eight countries choosing to compete in turn-in and arena categories. The event was hosted at Premiere Orlando 1 & 2 June 2025, and featured an esteemed international judging panel – with Alisha Rimando as head judge. Runway Nails – Stained…
Read MoreNailympia China 2025: THE RESULTS
The first Nailympia China competition was hosted in Shanghai 8-9 May, and welcomed 115 competitors across 15 categories. Hosted by nail brand, Muzer, the arena was a stunning setting for nail styling, with 27 judges lending their expertise to score on technical and artistic areas. Pros from from 15 countries entered, and the two-day competition…
Read MoreCND™ extends SHELLAC™ line with 7 ‘Vivid’ shades to elevate nail artistry
Are you craving a nail product formula that’s ideal for detailed linework, smooth to apply and streak-free? Consider adding CND™’s SHELLAC™ Vivid range to your collection: seven intensely pigmented and bold primary and secondary shades. Building on its longstanding commitments to supporting creative expression and nailcare, CND™ has introduced the hues to empower nail artistry.…
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