Brillbird Educator Training, Tenerife 2020: Day 1

By Scratch Staff | 16 February 2020

Michelle Brookes, Brillbird educator, reveals the tales from the brand’s trip to Tenerife for educator training… Day 1 I woke up bright and early, ready to set off to Tenerife from Doncaster airport for Brillbird Educator Training 2020.  With my kit pack and ready, I arrived at the airport with…

WHAT I’M WEARING: Chelsea Tipper, Beauty by Chelsea at Aspire

By Sophie Nutt | 16 February 2020

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Chelsea Tipper, of Beauty by Chelsea at Aspire, wears an on-trend cow print nail design. “To create these nails I used CND Shellac in Cream Puff, as well as Born Pretty’s Black Stamping Polish with a MoYou London Stamping Plate.…

Choosing an insurance provider for nail services

By Sophie Nutt | 14 February 2020

All technicians need public and products liability insurance. This type of insurance is inexpensive and will protect you from most situations involving products, whether as a result of an accident or an allergic reaction, for example. It often covers accidental damage to property and loss of products and tools, and…

Simone Radley shares her top tips for nail competition success

By Sophie Nutt | 14 February 2020

Since immersing herself in the nail industry just three years ago, Simone Radley has stunned the UK nail sector by excelling in industry competitions country-wide and imparting her skills on others in her role as an INK London educator. Enthralled by the excitement, buzz and sense of achievement associated with…

Tech Talk: Natacha Botting

By Zoe Wickens | 12 February 2020

Scratch catches up with nail tech, Natacha Botting, to learn more about her industry journey… Natacha Botting used to work as a receptionist in a local beauty salon, where she would admire all of the client’s nails as they were paying for their treatments. “I decided to train as a nail…

Salon in the Spotlight: The Duchess SummerHouse Salon

By Kat Hill | 12 February 2020

Situated in a summerhouse in her family garden, Leanda Priya Kenny’s set-up offers a serene and chic space for clients to enjoy their treatments. “My partner built the summerhouse around six years ago,” Leanda explains. “Half way through my Level 3 Nail Technician course, I knew the nail industry was…

Dancing On Ice: Nail Designs – Week 6

By Guest Writer | 12 February 2020

Hey Scratch readers! This week the theme for the Dancing On Ice performances was ‘dance’. Each couple had a different genre of dance to perform and I created the nails to match, alongside my amazing assistant, Hannah, of @bananasbeauty_. Here is an in-depth look at two of my favourite looks created this week… Vanessa…

Nail tech reveals the journey to launching her own product range

By Scratch Staff | 11 February 2020

Nail technician, Jessica Harris, from Chesterfield, has been in the industry for almost eight years – and has put her passion into practice with the launch of her own cuticle oils and hand lotions. Here, she reveals to Scratch how and why she launched the Nails By Jessica range –…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Hazel McLachlan, Hazel McLachlan Nail Artist

By Sophie Nutt | 11 February 2020

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Hazel McLachlan, of Hazel McLachlan Nail Artist, reveals Valentine’s Day nails with a hint of glitter have been popular with her clients recently. “As Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, clients are loving a hint of Valentine’s within their nail…

The big mistake nail students make on a training course

By Scratch Staff | 11 February 2020

Are you about to take the leap into the nail industry, or are you signing up to learn a new service? Hannah Garbett, educator at Staffordshire Nail Academy and distributor of Astonishing Nails products, warns of the key mistake students make on their journey… Signing up for your first nail…

WHAT I’M WEARING: Katie Foster, Nomad Beauty

By Sophie Nutt | 9 February 2020

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Katie Foster, of Nomad Beauty, created a witch-inspired nail art look. “I was inspired to create these nails because I wanted something simple with no glitter for a change. I love anything witchy/occult and I have several stamping plates by…

Selfridges introduces sales ban on plastic glitter beauty products

By Zoe Wickens | 9 February 2020

Department store Selfridges has pledged to ban the sale of plastic glitter beauty products by 2021. The store will work with its more than 300 beauty partners, brands and services to remove the microplastic ingredient from all collections over the next 11 months. However, many beauty brands already stocked by…

Fie Pedersen on nail tutorials, Instagram & Lecenté Create Gel Polish

By Kat Hill | 8 February 2020

With feeds of striking nail art designs and handy tutorials, last year saw social media success for Fie Pedersen. “I started 2019 with 3,500 followers on Instagram,” Fie states. “Now, I have over 55,000. It has been an amazing experience and has brought with it many exciting opportunities.” Starting out…

London Grace shares the story to its success as a nail care brand

By Sophie Nutt | 6 February 2020

London Grace believes ‘catching up with friends, a glass of wine and a good-looking set of nails’ are amongst the best things in life, which is why it has created a space where all three can be enjoyed in equal measure. London Grace questions what it means to be a…

Ensure optimum hygiene in the salon with these tips

By Scratch Staff | 5 February 2020

Jenn Linton and Jaye Macdonald, co-directors of Aberdeen-based salon Linton & Mac, share their tips for ensuring a spick and span salon for clients and a safe place to work for you… “Maintaining a safe, secure and hygienic salon is super important, not only for your staff, but for any visitors or clients, too.…