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…

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 –…

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…

Tech Talk: Spreading positive vibes via a 4D Piglet

By Helena Biggs | 7 April 2020

Scratch shines the spotlight on Amber-Jane McLeod, a talented tech who has crafted a 4D creation to promote positivity during the coronavirus outbreak Amber-Jane McLeod of The Little Beauty House, Salisbury, began her journey into the nail industry eight years ago, when she trained in Gelish application courtesy of the…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Diana Pajeva, Diana’s Nail Art

By Sophie Nutt | 7 April 2020

We want to see the nail designs that are proving popular on your social media pages! Diana Pajeva, of Diana’s Nail Art, says that this tropical nail look has been popular with her followers. “This wild tropical look has been very trendy for quite a while now. We see it…

Coronavirus: Learning from ‘unprecedented times’

By Kat Hill | 6 April 2020

Tracy Nash, director of Vu Nail Systems, shares her thoughts on these ‘unprecedented times’… Sit and just take a minute. Reflect on you; relax, breathe, calm. The world is wonderful and already repairing itself. Picture the beauty and set your mind ready… ready for the months ahead. Start with a…

WHAT I’M WEARING: Jade Robinson, JADE: Professional Beauty

By Sophie Nutt | 5 April 2020

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Jade Robinson, of JADE: Professional Beauty, wears Mulan-inspired nails in anticipation of the upcoming movie. “I created my Mulan nails first by infilling my nails with The Gel Bottle Inc BIAB in Teddy. I always like to paint my character nails first…

Coronavirus: 6 ways to make the most of your extra time

By Sophie Nutt | 4 April 2020

Julie-Anne Larivière, Salon System nail expert and salon owner of Sketched by J-A Nails, shares top tips for how techs can utilise the extra time they have as a result of Covid-19… As difficult as this time is for most self-employed nail technicians, it is, for some, a blessing in…

Tech Talk: Rainbow swirl nails by Shelley Richards

By Scratch Staff | 3 April 2020

Scratch learns more about the career story of talented nailist, Shelley Richards of Elite Nails… Shelley began her career journey in 2015 following encouragement from her sister, Lee-ann Moore. “Lee-Ann is a nail tech and she signed me up to a government funded course for Level 3 Nail Services,” Shelley…

3 ways to boost your income during low trading periods

By Sophie Nutt | 3 April 2020

The team at Sienna X shares three top tips to boosting your income during quiet periods… Covid-19 has given many of us a new perspective, not only on our health, but also the way that we can operate business during times of extreme trading lows and uncertainty. With normality interrupted, we…

Coronavirus: How to remain positive in times of adversity

By Sophie Nutt | 2 April 2020

Ruth Atkins, Salon System educator, shares an insight into remaining positive in times of adversity along with practical advice for techs…  We are facing unprecedented times and it is very difficult to keep positive when businesses face closure, family and close friends are struggling with their health, worries about financial…

Coronavirus: An update from NHBF

By Scratch Staff | 2 April 2020

We are living through extraordinary times and our industry is facing weeks, if not months, of huge anxiety as the Coronavirus pandemic continues. Here, NHBF chief executive, Hilary Hall, shares an update on the organisation’s efforts… The NHBF is reacting rapidly to the developing situation, from putting out daily updates…

Salon in the Spotlight: The Beauty Den by Cherrelle, Blackburn

By Kat Hill | 1 April 2020

Seeing bold wallpaper and sassy neon lights, The Beauty Den by Cherrelle was created by Cherrelle Wright to offer a nail haven for clients. “I worked full time from a salon self employed until I had my third son,” Cherrelle explains. “I realised it wasn’t going to be as easy…

Tech Talk: Creative colour blocking nails by Lucy Sibley

By Zoe Wickens | 1 April 2020

Scratch catches up with nail tech, Lucy Sibley, to learn more about her industry journey… Lucy entered the nail industry at the end of 2018 after her youngest daughter became unwell. “I needed a career that was flexible but that also fulfilled my creative personality,” she explains. “Now I work part…

Business considerations you need to make – despite closure due to coronavirus

By Katie Barnes | 31 March 2020

For business owners, much of this week may have involved considerable time spent on hold on the phone. On hold to the landlord, local authorities, energy and water companies, business advisors, accountants and insurance companies, to name just a few. I took the decision on the first government recommendation on…