How to take nail art designs to the next level

Scratch puts the spotlight on the esteemed educators at Beauty2trs, the online platform for nail classes… This month:  Nancy Janssen reveals how to elevate nail artistry About Nancy Nancy’s nail career started in around 2011, and she claims to have been ‘living and breathing nails’ ever since. She has scooped various podium places in a number of…

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Naomi Taylor: Why I love the fibreglass system

Here Naomi Taylor shares her love of the fibreglass system – and why you should consider adding it to your kit… Where do I start? I believe fibreglass has well and truly earned its place in the nail world; it is such an important skill for the nail professional. Sadly, people tend to follow trends or…

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What it’s really like to work at London Fashion Week

Session nail stylist, Jennie Nippard, shares her tales from behind the scenes at London Fashion Week… My alarm was set for 4.45am, which can only mean one thing… it was time for London Fashion Week! I headed into London to the Serpentine Gallery where Vivienne Westwood was shooting a lookbook and holding a presentation. I…

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#BeKind: why & how you should support fellow nail techs

Nail tech & salon owner, Karen M Brown, shares her creativity and wisdom in a series for Scratch… Based in Scotland, Karen co-owns (with her sister) Sanctuary in the City; two multi-award-winning salon destinations. The duo also owns training academy, NABTA UK, and provides nail and beauty education across the UK. Karen co-founded nail brand, Gelica, with fellow Scottish…

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Why you shouldn’t choose a one-day nail training course

Award-winning educator, Hannah Garbett of Staffordshire Nail Academy,  reveals the implications of learning the art of nails in one day… Do you want to be a ‘pro’ or a ‘have a go’? If you want to become a nail tech, that’s awesome news. But if you want to become one in a day, then that’s…

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Behind-the-scenes at Fashion Week: Halpern AW20

Marian Newman reveals the nail tales & styles for Halpern’s autumn/winter 2020 Fashion Week showcase… The nail team: Jennie Nippard, Charli Jepson, Nic Hills, Rachel Furr, Amy Oldale, Kristine Toce The brief for Halpern came a week before the show with a mood board from the stylist, Patti Wilson, and a nail shape that Michael…

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An online journey around the natural nail unit

Scratch puts the spotlight on the esteemed educators at Beauty2trs, the online platform for nail classes… This month:  Tracy Shelverton offers an insight into the natural nail unit About Tracy Tracy’s nail industry passion focuses on the nail itself and on maintaining and improving its integrity – regardless of what is built on top of…

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5 top tips for perfect nail competition preparation

Lauren Holmes, winner of the Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year award 2019, reveals her 5 top tips for nailing your competition prep: Practice, practice, practice! Make sure you have done your competition set plenty of times, so you know your timings and order. Plan it out and write it down in steps.…

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Brillbird Educator Training, Tenerife 2020: Day 6

Michelle Brookes, Brillbird educator, reveals the tales from the brand’s trip to Tenerife for educator training… Day 6  I woke bright and early to pack my suitcase, as I was to head to the airport straight after the last training session. I think there were a few sore heads amongst the educators following a fantastic final night.…

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Brillbird Educator Training, Tenerife 2020: Day 5

Michelle Brookes, Brillbird educator, reveals the tales from the brand’s trip to Tenerife for educator training… Day 5  Today, educator Galina Kokovikhina from Russia taught us how to create animal art using gel polish. She was an amazing tutor and broke down each step to show us shading, shadowing and placement. I learnt so many new techniques…

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Glass gel nails: Why I love the look & how to create it

Nail tech & salon owner, Karen M Brown, shares her creativity and wisdom in a series for Scratch… Based in Scotland, Karen co-owns (with her sister) Sanctuary in the City; two multi-award-winning salon destinations. The duo also owns training academy, NABTA UK, and provides nail and beauty education across the UK. Karen co-founded nail brand,…

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