Posts by Lilly Delmage
L&P acrylic vs dip powder nails: what’s the difference?
The L&P acrylic and dip powder systems are both artificial nail offerings, and popular choices for a long-lasting, durable nail finish. However, they have distinct differences. Understanding the terminology and chemistry behind the products is essential for meeting your clients’ needs. Here’s what you need to know about each system… What is L&P acrylic? Award-winning…
Read MoreNail piercings: the trending way to upgrade your manicure
Nail piercings are everywhere – offering a simple, pain-free solution to nail enthusiasts wanting to add some edge to their looks, without having to commit to a body piercing. The autumn/winter 2025 Fashion Weeks could be to thank for this rise in nail jewellery, with pierced nails seen on the Sinead Gorey London Fashion Week…
Read MoreStaffordshire tech: Working from a home salon has been the best decision I’ve made
Katie Pritchard of Katie Lou Nail Artist and Educator opens her salon’s doors to Scratch and shares the benefits of becoming a home-based tech. Having been in the nail industry for 20 years, Katie has experimented with a variety of ways of working. She says: “I have worked as a mobile tech, rented a chair…
Read MoreGlossy black, green nude & 2 other nail colours dominating Paris Fashion Week
After London, New York and Milan, the AW25 Fashion Week has concluded in Paris, finishing the season with a stylish bang. Over the past weeks, we’ve seen intricate and daring nail art designs, including nail piercings and embellishments, but the Parisian nail choices have been all about colour. Here are the hues to note for the…
Read MoreBecoming a nail tech at 16: I was the youngest student Bryony Howell had ever trained
17-year-old self-employed nail tech, Ruby Galluzzo, opens up about the journey that led her to pursue a nail career at such a young age. “I first became interested in nails when I was only eight-years-old, but my passion grew massively in 2020 during lockdown. That’s when I really started dreaming of becoming a nail technician.”…
Read MoreYorkshire salon: The beauty therapists dedicated to making women feel their best
Lisa-Marie Hoggard, owner of Lisa-Marie’s Hair & Beauty Lounge, shares how her all-female team empowers clients to feel their best. “My salon team consists of amazing women who make other women feel amazing,” shares Lisa-Marie. “It comprise five women: Sheree Kim Harrison, Elle Burrow, Kath Scaife, Jill Ralph and Patricia McGranaghan. They all work different…
Read MoreGel vs gel polish nails: What’s the difference?
The gel and gel polish nail systems have notable differences, and serve distinct purposes at the nail desk. Understanding their uses and benefits is essential, in order to choose the right product for each client’s nail goals. The science behind gel products In the book: Nail Therapist – A Professional Guide, author, Maria Sundberg Stuxgren,…
Read MoreMeet Corrine Jackson: the nail tech behind Molly-Mae Hague’s manicures
Nail tech & educator, Corrine Jackson, who has tended to the nails of influencer, Molly-Mae Hague, for over five years, shares her experiences of and advice for working with high-profile clients. Working with celebrity clients “I started doing Molly-Mae’s nails after the first lockdown, when my husband, who’s a builder, was working on her manager,…
Read MoreSelf-employment help for nail techs: interior design, safety & more considerations
As a self-employed tech, you can take control over your nail environment: from interior design and décor to cleaning schedules and product inventories. Here’s everything you need to know about tailoring your business to you… Interior design If working solo from a home salon or rented space, your aesthetic allows your creativity to flow –…
Read MoreManchester tech: I run my nail business from a shipping container
Laura Kelly, owner of House of Beauty Manchester, shares what it’s like to run her nail business from a shipping container. “I work from a shipping container yard in Ancoats, on the edge of Manchester city centre. It’s a really special place full of creatives, with a lovely community feel,” shares the tech. “I think…
Read MoreThese are the nail colour collections you need for spring/summer 2025
Spring/summer presents a time to spring clean your nail product inventory. Swap out winter hues for fresh and vibrant tones to suit the seasons, and get arty with vibrant patterns and plenty of florals. Here are the nail colour collections to note for SS25… CND™ Quiet Luxury collection, www.sweetsquared.com Available in CND Shellac™ Gel Polish,…
Read MoreMaximalist manicures & 4 other nail trends that dominated London Fashion Week AW25
London Fashion Week offers the second showcase in the AW25 Fashion Week lineup. Accompanying the trendsetting and stylish garments from designers were show-stopping manicures, which are set to dominate client requests in months to come. So, get prepared and scroll to discover the key trends spotted on the LFW catwalks. Maximalist manis Maximalist nail art…
Read MoreIngrown nails & greenies: how to manage them as a nail tech
Have clients presented you with conditions like ingrown nails or greenies, but you’ve felt unsure about whether you should continue their appointments? Read on to freshen up your initial training and note the natural nail conditions that require medical intervention. While nail professionals should refrain from making medical diagnoses, it’s important to be aware of…
Read MoreLancashire tech: The local council didn’t recognise my nail & beauty salon as a valid business
Owner of The Nail & Beauty Lounge, Julie McCabe, shares the challenges she faced when trying to set up her business, as well as its growth and success… Julie McCabe was excited to open her salon after finding the perfect space. She details: “It is a former hair salon in a historic, grade 2 listed…
Read MoreSelena Gomez, Cynthia Erivo & 3 other celebrity nail looks spotted at the BAFTAs
The 2025 British Academy Film Awards saw celebrities flaunt stylish and trendsetting manicures. The star-studded event showcased an impressive roster of nail looks on the red carpet, and these looks are set to influence nail colour and art requests. We’ve rounded up the nail styles of some of your favourite A-list stars… Selena Gomez Always…
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