Posts by Rebecca Hitchon
£170+ prize up for grabs in seaside-themed nail art competition
The July Scratch Snap competition is open! Scratch Snap is a monthly, online nail art challenge that invites nail pros to create a salon-style nail design in line with a theme. Simply snap a pic of the design on yourself, nail tips or a client – and you could be in with a chance of…
Read MoreHow to stop nail biting & picking: experts share treatment plans to break the habit
Natural nail specialists share tips for nail biting and picking clients… Why do people bite and pick at their nails and skin? “Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, and skin picking and biting, named perionychophagia, are habits associated with stress, anxiety and compulsive disorders,” explains Lucy Price-Marshall, Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year…
Read MoreUK beauty industry grew four times faster than overall economy in 2024
The British Beauty Council has published its Value of Beauty report 2025, revealing a significant increase in the personal care sector’s GDP contribution and workforce. The annual report, compiled by Oxford Economics and commissioned by the British Beauty Council, is designed to highlight the economic impact of the UK personal care industry, and found that…
Read MoreHow to nail your social media game: 10+ tips from internet nail stars
Want to boost your engagement and connect with more people on social media? Check out expert tips from online nail stars… “We all have unique life experiences, tastes and aesthetics, and we process beauty differently, so it’s important to post content that is unique and shows your style.” – San Sung Kim @sansungnails “Post at…
Read More7 tips to enhance wellbeing in the nail space
Your role involves supporting the self-care needs of others, but how often do you consider your own wellbeing? While it may be the last thing on your mind during a busy day at the nail desk, it’s crucial – as Elissa Newton, Lecenté educator for Northern Ireland, notes: “If even one salon team member is…
Read MoreScratch Snap winner announced: tropical nail art contest with 60 entries
The winner of Scratch’s monthly salon-style nail art contest for June has been announced as Mia Murray of Painted by Mia, Kinross. In a showcase of talent, UK&I techs created nail designs inspired by theme, Tropical Talons, in the bid to win a prize from Gelish. Entries were judged by Georgie Smedley, head of digital education…
Read MoreYork event brings 150 nail techs together & raises £2,040 for charity
North Yorkshire nail pro, Maisie Jackson, hosted a summer iteration of the Maisie’s Nail Tech Soirée this month at the Pitcher & Piano bar in York. The tech held her first event in Leeds in November last year, and the summer party saw 150 nail pros come together to network, scoop nail prizes, enjoy refreshments…
Read MoreStaffordshire salon owner to run 24-hour nailathon charity event
Stafford-based nail pro, Abigail Roscow, is raising money for the British Heart Foundation via a ‘24 hour Nailathon’. On 12 July, the owner of Aura By Abigail Kate will create a nail design each hour for 24 hours, in honour of her dad who passed away from a heart condition when she was eight months…
Read MoreTimely salon software unveils nail artist, Jessica White, as brand ambassador
Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year finalist 2025, Jessica White, has been announced as Timely UK brand ambassador. Having used the business management software throughout her nail career, Jessica’s role will see her work to inspire and educate beauty business owners, via practical advice, behind-the-scenes and educational content, and events. Jessica started in…
Read MoreSweet Squared acquires salon hygiene & disinfection brand, Mundo Professional
Leeds-based nail, beauty and hair distributor, Sweet Squared, has acquired Mundo Professional. The brand offers a variety of salon-grade hygiene solutions to ensure health & safety in the beauty space, from Sanitizing Skin Wipes to tool disinfectant. “We are both proud and privileged to become the new custodians of the Mundo Professional brand,” comments Samuel…
Read MoreGlitterbels expands product portfolio & reach with nail polish line
Staffordshire-based nail brand, Glitterbels, has launched a nail varnish range, comprising 10 polishes, a base coat and top coat. The nail varnish shades are designed to match best-selling hues from Glitterbels’ professional colour ranges, from soft pastels and nudes to bold red. The formula is quick dry, offers up to 10 days’ wear and boasts…
Read MoreAward-winning Dorset beauty salon on the challenges & benefits of renovating period properties
Recently relocating to the town of Beaminster, The Painted Nail is a salon and academy comprising two period properties. “I felt it was time to relocate the business, as we had outgrown our previous space,” says owner, Toni Rodway. “After searching for a new property for months, I fell in love with a grade 2…
Read MoreTechs paint fairytale nail art for Scratch Snap comp: winner announced
The winner of Scratch’s monthly salon-style nail art contest for May has been announced as Brigitta Fajt. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs inspired by theme, Fairytale Figures, in the bid to win a prize from MSK Nails. Entries were judged by Megan Heppinstall, owner of MSK Nails & Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year finalist…
Read MoreHow to accommodate nail clients with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Nail techs share advice for catering to clients with multiple sclerosis (MS)… What is MS? On its website, the NHS states: “Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord. It’s a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild. Depending on the type…
Read MoreOPI announces updates to its UK brand team
Global nail brand, OPI, has unveiled the three members of its restructured UK brand team. Jess Gregory has been appointed OPI’s associate brand director. In this role, she oversees and leads OPI’s brand strategy, and ensures an exciting product innovation roadmap for UK customers and businesses. She is also responsible for brand campaigns across all…
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