Salon in the Spotlight: Chars Gel Nails, Bristol

By Kat Hill | 28 October 2020

Found in the garden of Charlotte Cliff’s home is summerhouse nail studio, offering clients a colourful experience designed to unleash nail creativity. “I feel like the size of my studio creates a warm, personal experience for my clients,” Charlotte smiles. “My studio is more than just a workspace for me;…

Nailcare Training to Care for Cancer Patients

By Alex Fox | 27 October 2020

A specialist in oncology therapies, skincare and wellbeing for cancer patients, Jennifer Young has made it her mission to support cancer patients’ wellbeing by helping therapists, salons and spa partners to provide the best possible service to those affected by cancer. An experienced microbiologist, nutritional therapist, associate member of the…

Nail technique: How to successfully file the lower arch in 5 steps

By Katie Barnes | 27 October 2020

One of the most common mistakes a tech can make is over filing the lower arch of the nail, especially if the form or tip fit was incorrect in the first place. Careful and controlled filing can help to prevent this. The way you hold your file is important when…

#NOWTRENDING Pink marbled galaxy nails by Beth Gaunt

By Callie Iley | 27 October 2020

Scratch chats with Beth Gaunt of Elegance Beauty Boutique about her love for sparkle and freehand nail art… I work from my home salon in Swadlincote, Derbyshire and I qualified as a nail technician in 2016. I studied Art and Business Studies at school, and have always had a love…

TECH TALK: Alice Sanderson of One Nail To Rule Them All

By Callie Iley | 24 October 2020

Scratch chats with Alice Sanderson of One Nail To Rule Them All, award winning nail art blogger and nail tech, about her love for all things nails.   Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your nail career so far? Hi! I’m Alice, and I’m from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. I…

How to make the most of seasonal events in the salon

By Guest Writer | 23 October 2020

Thanh Vu, managing director of four Dream Nails salons, reveals how and why you should make the most of seasonal events in the calendar… I thoroughly enjoy writing for Scratch as it gives me time to sit and reflect on Dream Nails as a business and helps carve out a clear…

How to become a first class educator in nails

By Alex Fox | 23 October 2020

Teaching is a skill in its own right and therefore being well educated, informed and skilled does not mean you’re a natural born teacher, but it does mean you could have the makings of one. Being a phenomenal nail tech doesn’t automatically mean you’re able to educate. In fact, in…

Salon in the Spotlight: Glossy by Leeanne, Wasall, West Midlands

By Kat Hill | 21 October 2020

Having evolved her business from a fold-up table in her dining room, Leeanne Andrews has found success in the world of nails. “I was previously a graphic designer, but I was bored of looking at a computer screen all day,” Leeanne explains. “I wanted to retrain in something that still…

#NOWTRENDING Lovely lilac abstract nails by Cat Upjohn

By Callie Iley | 20 October 2020

Scratch catches up with Cat Upjohn of Blossom Nails Bristol about what motivates her to do well as a nail tech and her future goals… My name is Cat Upjohn and I work as a nail technician on a part-time basis at Blossoms Nails Bristol. The name Blossom is an…

Thinking of renting a space in a salon? Here’s some advice…

By Guest Writer | 19 October 2020

Kara Kotsonis, owner of the award-winning NailSquad salon in Deal, Kent, shares her top tips for those thinking of renting a space inside a salon… A self-employed position within a salon usually involves renting a space, desk or room for a fixed rent or commission split. However, its not uncommon…

Nail tech supports #SaveTheArts campaign with custom nail design

By Helena Biggs | 18 October 2020

Abi Markey, of Nailed It Beauty, South Wales, reveals why and how she’s helping to raise awareness of the #SaveThe Arts campaign, an initiative that encourages support of those working in the entertainment sector throughout the coronavirus pandemic… “As a self employed nail tech with with my own salon, this…

Polished Pink Males to Raise Awareness

By Alex Fox | 17 October 2020

As we hit just over halfway through October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to showcase a fantastic gallery of men who painted their nails  to raise awareness and funds for the cause. To remind readers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK; as one in…

TECH TALK: Cassandra White of Cass Creations

By Callie Iley | 17 October 2020

Scratch chats with Cassandra White of Cass Creations about her experiences within the industry and how nails have helped her through difficult times within her life.   I’ve been doing my own nails on and off for 10 years now, mixing between doing them myself, and going to salons. However,…

Sam & Mel Show nail art contest winners announced

By Alex Fox | 15 October 2020

Sam Biddle and Melanie Lewendon of the Mel & Sam Show have announced the winners of their September month-long nail art competition, which attracted 40 entries. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month for October 2020, this competition afforded great industry support and prizes while inviting contestants to enter for free, yet…

Salon in the Spotlight: SKETCHED by J-A Nails, Larkfield, Kent

By Kat Hill | 14 October 2020

“I originally opened SKETCHED four years ago after having worked as a resident nail tech in a hair salon for four years,” Julie-Anne Lariviere explains. “I was expecting my son at the time and found it was the right time to convert my garage into a nail salon so I…