Tech Talk: Carla May Wainwright
Scratch catches up with nail tech, Carla May Wainwright, to learn more about her industry journey… Carla May Wainwright from Doncaster entered the nail industry five years ago when she left school. “My mum is also a nail technician, so I was brought up around nails and always modelled for her…
Salon in the Spotlight: Nail Hart
After years working mobile and across her dining room table, Kirstan Hart’s recent house move saw space for her very own nail studio. “I’ve always been obsessed with interior design and having my very own studio to decorate how I like (without having to confer with the husband) was the…
Dancing On Ice: Nail Designs – Week 5
Hey Scratch readers! This week, fairytale week has returned and it’s a favourite of mine. We didn’t have as many manicures to prepare this week due to sickness but we were still there to create dramatic nail art for different characters. Here is a couple of my personal favourite looks from this…
Face-to-face vs. online nail education
In the last decade, online learning in the nail industry has become increasingly popular. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of both learning methods. It doesn’t have to be online learning vs face to face learning; a case of one or the other. Instead, these can work hand in hand…
#TRENDINGTUESDAY Sinead Bulley, The Nail Shack
We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Sinead Bulley, of The Nail Shack, reveals rainbow framed tips have been popular with clients recently. “I think this nail design has been popular as January is such a long, gloomy month. It’s nice to add a pop of…
How to develop your own creative ideas & make your business stand out
Kara Kotsonis, Squad Leader at NailSquad Nail Bar in Deal, Kent, shares her valuable business advice… It can’t possibly get any better than Scratch’s managing editor, Helena Biggs, saying she’d noticed our salon’s Instagram page and asking to pop down for a visit. OMG! It really was the stuff of…
WHAT I’M WEARING: Kathleen Ryan, KMR Nails
We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Kathleen Ryan, of KMR Nails, wears a super chic pearl nail look on almond nails. “I created this set using Magpie Beauty Builder Gel in Build Me Up Buff, which is a lovely sheer pink tone. I then chromed Shelly…
How to write a winning competition entry
With the Scratch Stars Awards 2020 open for entry from 1-28 February, multi-winner, Katie Barnes, reveals her tips for a winning entry… Preparation is one of the key elements to success. Are you looking at entering the Scratch Star Awards this year? In this blog, I share my top tips…
How to correctly store gel nail products
To keep your kit working at an optimum level, it is vital your gel-based products are stored correctly. Read on to refresh your knowledge… “The manufacturer’s advice and guidance should be adhered to,” explains Tina Bell of Pure Nails. “Follow its advice looking after your products as this will ensure…
Natural skincare with Sienna X
To celebrate the launch of Sienna X‘s skincare range, Sophie and I headed to Mortimer House Loft & Gallery, an upmarket venue in London. The brand new capsule skincare collection consists of 11 products, including cleansers, facial oils and a glycolic and fruit acid chemical peel ideal for signature in-salon…
Britney Tokyo on working with A-List celebrities
Hello! I’m Britney Tokyo, I began my career as a manicurist in a nail salon, which was around the same time as I started my Instagram account on which I posted photos of the nail art I was creating every day. At that time, nail art definitely wasn’t as popular as it…
What is a nail workshop?
Nail workshops are continuing to boom in popularity – but what are they and how can they benefit you? Nail workshops allow techs or educators to pass on their skills and techniques to fellow professionals in the form of demonstrations and practical ‘play time’. While workshops and guest artist residencies…
Tech Talk: Tracey Hazeldon
Scratch catches up with nail tech, Tracey Hazeldon, to learn more about her industry journey… Tracey Hazeldon from Ashford in Kent has been qualified as a nail tech since 2010, when she swapped a retail career to embrace her artistic flair. “I wanted to combine a love of art with…
Salon in the Spotlight: The Beauty Barn Mobberley, Cheshire
Set in a quaint village, this snug salon set-up can be found within the grounds of a milk farm. “I used a warm palette of pink, gold and copper to create a cosy, friendly feel,” explains owner, Zoe Ola. “The salon sees a flower feature wall as I also wanted…
#TRENDINGTUESDAY Dominique Sharpe, Beau’tique Beauty
We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Dominique Sharpe, of Beau’tique Beauty, has revealed rich grape hues with added sparkle have been popular with her clients recently. “I feel this design has been so popular because many of my clients chose full-on festive nail art over…
