WHAT I’M WEARING: Hayley J’s Nails
We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Hayley, of Hayley J’s Nails, wears a sparkling glitter ombre nail look. “The Gel Bottle Inc BIAB Baby was used for the nude base, which I set the loose multi cut glitter into before curing and then encapsulated it using…
Ilona Vasiliauskiene shares her career story & highlights
Fresh from scooping third place in Scratch’sphotographic nail competition, The Great Scratch Shoot Out 2019, Ilona Vasiliauskiene is keen to share her passion for competing through her role as an educator at her international nail training centre, ONIKSAS. “My career started in 2015 when I sought my first manicure course,” she explains. “In…
Salon in the Spotlight: The Lounge at Chapelton, Aberdeen
Opening in 2017, the team at The Lounge at Chapelton have worked hard to ensure the boutique salon is the beauty go-to for residents of Chapelton, near Aberdeen. “We offer a range of hair, beauty and spa treatments for men and women,” explains co-owner, Kelly Daun. “Clients can enjoy a variety…
How to manage your nail client’s expectations
Many clients bring pictures of nail designs that they have found on social media to the nail desk and want us to recreate the exact nails from the photograph. While to some techs, having an image to work from is a safety blanket, many dread being presented with this. Nail…
Sarah Thompson on being an NSI educator
Scratch quizzes Sarah Thompson, an NSI educator & Gold nail artist, about her love for nails & career story so far… How did you get into the nail industry? When I became pregnant with my son, I wanted to find a career that allowed me to work from home and that…
Advice for working out your prices
Mobile techs – are you thinking of adjusting your prices in the New Year? Liz Richards, head of education of Cuccio Europe, shares her advice… “Charging can be so hard for techs to work out,” explains Liz. “One method I would recommend is to start by working out what your products…
Robbie Tomkins reflects on 2019
December marks the end of the year and my last column for Scratch before I hand over the reins to the columnists for 2020. I have had such a great time writing for you and being a part of the Scratch family. If you’d told me I would be a columnist for the leading…
When & why you should increase your treatment prices
Many of you may be considering January as the time to increase your prices but I believe that it is the worst time to implement a price increase. In January, everyone is recovering from Christmas spending. The bills are starting to come in, pay day seems like it will never…
Preparing your business for the New Year
With 2020 fast approaching, it’s time to get some 20/20 vision for the year ahead and ensure your salon business continues to go from strength to strength. Hilary Hall of the NHBF shares her advice… Cash flow and business plan updates Take some time out to revisit your cash flow…
How to manage your time & ensure self-care
Award-winning mobile nailist, Metta Francis, reveals why it’s important to manage your time effectively as a nail professional and take care of Y-O-U… As nail professionals, we spend a lot of time pampering others and working on our businesses while often juggling other commitments like family. It’s easy to burn…
How to succeed in the run-up to Christmas
Sharon Sandhu, Category Manager for Nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, explores key pointers to ensure you stay on top of your game this festive season… With so many festive parties, meals and get-togethers happening over the Christmas period, nail salons are undoubtedly seeing a rise in bookings as…
#TRENDINGTUEDAY Natalie Mason, The Shack Nails
We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Natalie Mason, of The Shack Nails, reveals full-on sparkle has been popular with her clients recently. “This design has been popular as it enables clients to keep a clean classic look but still with a whole lot of sparkle.…
WHAT I’M WEARING: Katie Foster, Nomad Beauty
We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Katie Foster, of Nomad Beauty, wears a super sparkly galaxy design on her nails. “These nails were based on a galaxy theme! I created them using Magpie Beauty products. I started with a couple of layers of Give Me Strength,…
What to look for in a professional lash brand
Ruth Atkins, lash expert and Salon System educator, reveals some points to consider when selecting a lash brand or training provider… “When a technician is looking for a lash brand and lash training, professionals should consider a few important things. Choose a reputable brand that has all UK and EU…
BeautyLab ensures HDTV-ready skin for X Factor: Celebrity finalists
Skincare brand, BeautyLab, returned to the set of the X Factor for another year to tend to the complexions of this year’s X Factor: Celebrity contestants. The brand, which has partnered with the show for a number of years, reveals the skincare journey of the celebs involved… So, another X Factor series…
