Mel Lewendon nail art challenge

Nail tech embraces lockdown with A-Z nail art challenge

By Helena Biggs | 20 April 2020

Melanie Lewendon, Scratch Stars Mixed Media Artist of the Year finalist 2020, has been keeping her creative streak alive through an A-Z nail art challenge. The talented tech has been creating one mixed media nail design a day for every day of lockdown, each themed around a different letter of…

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Furlough coronavirus

Coronavirus: Furloughed workers & what it means for business

By Helena Biggs | 20 April 2020

Tina Chander, partner & head of the employment team at Midlands law firm, Wright Hassall, deals with employment law issues for businesses of all sizes. Here, she reveals what being ‘furloughed’ means amidst the coronavirus crisis… The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is designed to help businesses that would otherwise be forced…

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Catherine Wong Beauty 2trs

Master 3D acrylic art with Catherine Wong

By Scratch Staff | 19 April 2020

Scratch puts the spotlight on the esteemed educators at Beauty2trs, the online platform for nail classes… This month:  Catherine Wong reveals how to perfect 3D acrylic nail artistry Tracey Lee of Beauty2trs comments: “Do you remember that one nail crush you had when you first started in the industry? The person you looked up…

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Kelly Wells

WHAT I’M WEARING: Kelly Wells, Beauticle Nails

By Sophie Nutt | 19 April 2020

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Kelly Wells, of Beauticle Nails, wears black tips and a glitter fade over nude nails. “After having barely nails for nearly two weeks and having no motivation to do them, I came across a picture on Pinterest that encouraged me…

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Online video stock

How can I create great nail & beauty videos for social media?

By Scratch Staff | 16 April 2020

Simon Day of Toastmasters International, an organisation that provides communication & leadership skills, reveals how to engage others & communicate effectively via online videos… While salons and beauty businesses are closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, you may find yourself turning to online means of communication to keep in touch…

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Natasha Ray Noir Grooming

Ways to self-care while self-isolating

By Scratch Staff | 15 April 2020

Salon owner, Natasha Ray, owner of the Noir Men’s Grooming Lounge in Beverly Hills, USA shares her ideas on self- love & care while self-isolating… It’s important to use this time of uncertainty to focus on gratitude instead of fear to help remove anxiety during this stressful time. Focus your…

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Empty nail salon

How to keep your salon secure during lockdown

By Katie Barnes | 14 April 2020

In any business, the most important consideration is safety. Without a safe work environment you, your staff, and customers will be at risk and you will not be insured. The second most significant concern is often overlooked; security. During these current times, your business can become more vulnerable and it…

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Remote learning TPC

Remote learning: How to keep students motivated

By Scratch Staff | 14 April 2020

Sarah Brenton-Sara, lecturer in Level 2 & 3 Nail Services & Beauty Therapy at Truro & Penwith College, shares advice for fellow educators considering a remote way of teaching, & how to keep students motivated during the coronavirus pandemic… Thank goodness for social media. I have had meetings with my…

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Hayley Winder

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Hayley Winder, Hair, Nails, Beauty & Educator

By Sophie Nutt | 14 April 2020

We want to see the nail designs proving popular on your social media! Hayley Winder, of Hayley Winder Hair, Nails, Beauty & Educator, reveals a fun and vibrant spring time nail look featuring glitter swirls has been popular. “I think these have been popular because they are happy positive colours…

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Kayley Cairns NHS nails

Mani Monday: Nails in honour of the NHS

By Alex Fox | 13 April 2020

Multi award-winning nail artist and Scratch Stars finalist 2020, Kayley Cairns, speaks to Alex Fox about the steps she took to create extreme stiletto nails in honour of the NHS amidst the coronavirus pandemic… Humbled, as we all are watching key workers dedicate their time to saving lives, nail professional,…

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Jemma Ball

WHAT I’M WEARING: Jemma Ball, Jemma Elizabeth Beauty

By Sophie Nutt | 12 April 2020

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Jemma Ball, of Jemma Elizabeth Beauty, wears a dainty butterfly nail look for spring. “I created the nails by using a base of CND Shellac™ in Bouquet – it’s the perfect semi-sheer pinky nude base. I then painted the butterfly…

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Technology phone watch

Coronavirus: 3 ways to use tech to keep clients interested

By Scratch Staff | 12 April 2020

Jo Martin, marketing director at Sally Salon Services UK & Ireland, reveals how you can you use technology to engage existing clients and attract new ones… Like many other sectors, the nail industry has been significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. At first, nail salons and freelancers took the decision…

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Untitled design

Helen Burton-Ward on allergy prevention

By Sophie Nutt | 10 April 2020

Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2019 and CND™ education ambassador, Helen-Burton Ward, shares her advice to preventing allergies… Allergies and overexposure are widespread issues within the industry. An allergy may develop as a response to the improper application or cure of a nail system, or sensitivity to certain…

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Amy Pierce Beauty Loft

Rochdale nail tech to appear on ITV to discuss business impact of COVID-19

By Helena Biggs | 9 April 2020

Amy Pierce, founder of The Beauty Loft in Rochdale, is to appear on ITV’s Tonight show to reveal the impact of coronavirus on her business. Airing at 7.30pm on 9 April, the programme explores the emotional and financial implications that COVID-19 is having – and may continue to have –…

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Lizzy Wade lead

Salon in the Spotlight: Lizzy’s Nails, Norfolk

By Kat Hill | 8 April 2020

Starting out as a mobile technician, Lizzy Wade built up a loyal clientele and was soon seeking a more permanent base for her beauty business. “I decided to set up a salon space at home,” Lizzy explains. “This meant I could fit more clients into my busy schedule and arrange…

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