Posts by Scratch Staff
Meet The World’s Star Nail Artist shortlist: FROUKJE GROENENDIJK, The Netherlands
Froukje Groenendijk is a nail artist from The Netherlands, and one of the 21 shortlisted applicants in The World’s Star Nail Artist competition 2023. Get to know her… What’s your background in nails? When and why did you enter the nail industry? The first time I came into contact with artificial nails was when I got…
Read MoreMeet The World’s Star Nail Artist shortlist: ERIN PASCHKE, USA
Erin Paschke is a nail stylist from Oregon, USA, and one of the 21 shortlisted applicants in The World’s Star Nail Artist competition 2023. Get to know her… What’s your background in nails? When and why did you enter the nail industry? I’ve been doing my own nails since I was in my teens. I…
Read MoreMeet The World’s Star Nail Artist shortlist: GEMMA DAWSON, UK
Gemma Dawson is a nail pro from Essex, UK, and one of the 21 shortlisted applicants in The World’s Star Nail Artist competition 2023. Get to know her… What’s your background in nails? I entered the nail industry while on maternity leave with my first baby in 2016. I had always loved being creative, but…
Read MoreSweet Squared recertifies 500 CND Shellac™ nail techs
Sweet Squared, distributor of CNDTM products in the UK & Ireland, has recertified 500 CND ShellacTM nail technicians through a series of one-hour training webinars. These sessions allowed experienced nail techs to refresh their knowledge of the system and perfect application techniques. CND ShellacTM was launched over 10 years ago, and the Sweet Squared recertification…
Read MoreIndependent study finds UV nail lamps do not cause cancer
The Professional Beauty Association’s (PBA) Nail Manufacturers Council on Safety (NMC) has announced its support of an independent study that demonstrates that UV (ultraviolet) nail lamps are safe and do not increase the risk of developing skin cancer. This follows comment released by nail scientist, Doug Schoon, in response to concerns about the safety of…
Read MoreLeading nail industry scientist responds to online claims about UV lamp safety
A number of articles have appeared online to suggest that ‘UV nail lamps can lead to cancer-causing mutations in hands’. This suggestion comes following a report by researchers at the University of California San Diego. Scratch has addressed comments surrounding the safety of UV nail lamps on numerous occasions, and will not be linking to…
Read MoreNHBF urges Chancellor to protect the hair & beauty sector with 6-point plan
The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has urged the Chancellor, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, to adopt a six-point plan to protect the hair and beauty sector. Stressing that the hair and beauty sector is experiencing a ‘cost of doing business’ crisis, with energy and business costs escalating, the six-point plan asks for: Continued…
Read MoreWhat to look for when renting a nail space
With over 60% of people working in the hair and beauty industry reported to be freelance – and this figure increasing every year, the ways that techs and salon owners can manage their work pattern is changing. Renting a desk or space in a salon is switching up the sector. Why rent a space? “I…
Read MoreThe GelBottle Inc unveils 10 trend-led nail shades in House of TGB collection
The GelBottle Inc’s autumn 2022 collection of gel polish ‘combines glamour and attitude’ in 10 head-turning shades. House of TGB features a multitude of textures and finishes, including glass amber and glitter, each available in a full-size 20ml bottle or 7ml minis. The non-yellowing formula lasts up to four weeks and can be soaked off.…
Read MoreNHBF launches Skills Zone to support beauty businesses at a higher level
The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has created ‘Skills Zone’, a series of business support resources that can be accessed by members anytime via phone, tablet or laptop. Skills Zone will host guidelines and lessons in line with the NHBF Professional Code of Conduct. Launching first under the ‘Time to Shine’ theme is a…
Read MoreTownhouse salon brings luxury nailcare to East London
Scratch Stars Nail Salon of the Year 2022, Townhouse, has expanded its franchise with the opening of a salon in the historic Spitalfields market, London. The brand’s fifth location, the state-of-the-art space is situated just off Liverpool Street and brings Townhouse’s signature slick décor, digital colour libraries, self-book kiosks and seasonal nail art menu to…
Read MoreNail industry mourns passing of Steven Rhys Wells
The team at Scratch magazine is saddened by the passing of Steven Rhys Wells, an exceptional nail stylist, creative and educator who was active in the nail industry in the mid 2010s. Welsh native, Steven, worked as an educator and creative director for Cuccio, and travelled the world to demonstrate nail techniques and share his…
Read MoreOPI encourages self-expression through 12 nail colours for summer 2022
OPI’s summer nail colour collection, Power Of Hue, has arrived to send a bold message through nail colour. With a 12-piece palette of mood-boosting summer hues, from electrifying fuschia and turquoise to tangy orange and yellow, OPI wants consumers and pros to use the collection to unleash their creativity and be unapologetically themselves – in…
Read MoreWowBao Nails reveals pink portable E-file for left & right handed techs
WowBao Nails has unveiled a slick pink E-file that boasts a speed of up to 35,000RPM. Founded by Jen Nguyen, who moved to London from Vietnam to pursue a business studies course before turning her part-time job in a nail salon into her full-time career, WowBao Nails made its mark on the UK nail sector…
Read More7 tips for a more eco salon
Can you tick off this list of seven eco-friendly ideas? The National Hair & Beauty Federation shares these top tips… Choosing more sustainable ways to run your salon or business will not only save you money, for example in utility bills, but will also help attract new clients who are actively looking for more eco-friendly…
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