Why regular training is so important in the beauty industry

By Scratch Staff | 30 August 2019

Dave Horton of ABT Insurance outlines why continued professional development is so important in the beauty industry… The start of another academic year represents, to me, the opportunity to start a new training course or improve a skill set. Of course, we can undertake training at any time throughout the…

Hygiene advice for keeping tools clean

By Sophie Nutt | 29 August 2019

All nail tools and implements must be properly cleaned and disinfected before coming into direct contact with a client, both for their health and the credibility of your business. “There is absolutely no argument that tools must be disinfected in between every client,” says Nigel Rouse of Mundo Professional. “Total…

How to make the most of an Instagram story

By Scratch Staff | 28 August 2019

Tammy Koslowski, owner of Glasgow’s award-winning NAF! Salon (and winner of the Scratch Stars Best Use of Social Media award 2017 & 2018) shares her social media tips & tricks… Remember when Instagram stories used to only last 24 hours? Now you can get old story posts from your archive…

Salon in the Spotlight: Cappellas Nails & Beauty, Bognor Regis

By Kat Hill | 28 August 2019

After always wanting a career in beauty, Giorgia Cappella decided to take a leap from her business career to beatification. “I always loved beauty, but never really thought I would be any good at it,” explains Giorgia. “So, I started my career in business, working full time as an assistant manager…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Jemma Ball, Jemma Bailey Beauty

By Sophie Nutt | 27 August 2019

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Jemma Ball, of Jemma Bailey Beauty, reveals beautiful bridal nails with a hint of sparkle have been popular with her clients recently. “I was asked to do this design by a client that is getting married but who doesn’t…

WHAT I’M WEARING: Emma Stanton, Nails 2 Inspire

By Sophie Nutt | 25 August 2019

We want to see what you’re wearing in the office! Emma Stanton wears a palette of pastels on her nails adorned with crystals to create a seaside-inspired design. “I created this design using a mixture of several colours all available from Team Gorgeous. On my thumb I used Skinny Dip,…

Robbie Tomkins on working with celebrities

By Sophie Nutt | 22 August 2019

When I tell people I am a session manicurist and explain what the job entails, one of the first questions they ask is, ‘which celebrities have you worked with?‘ or my pet hate, ‘who is the best/worst celebrity that you’ve worked with?‘. I always find these questions rather uncomfortable and…

Financial points to consider when buying a space for your beauty business

By Scratch Staff | 21 August 2019

Finance expert, Gary Hemming of ABC Finance, serves up some insight on funding options available to nail salon businesses… During the life of a business, there will naturally be times when additional funding is required. This can be for a number of reasons and is a crucial point in the…

Salon in the Spotlight: Buff Bar Bristol

By Kat Hill | 21 August 2019

“Buff Bar has grown from my own experiences with beauty, adornment and queerness,” explains Nathan Taylor, owner of Buff Bar Bristol. “I would often colour my nails as a kid, but because I was worried about being teased, I would use a marker pen so I could quickly remove the…

How to keep your nail tools in tip-top condition

By Katie Barnes | 20 August 2019

Are you experiencing premature tool breakdown? This can be a common issue among nail techs but there is a simple solution to help keep your tools in top class condition. Follow the manufacturer guidelines Following the manufacturer’s guidelines is essential for success and longevity with your tools. These precise instructions…

Elise Scholes-Pilkington on nailing your consultation process

By Kat Hill | 20 August 2019

Polish up your professional image and nail your consultation process with help from Elise Scholes-Pilkington, Scratch Stars Awards Ultimate Natural Nail Specialist…   I believe client consultation is paramount in how to maintain and gain a regular client base. It always begins with your phone manner; it helps to smile…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Debbie Marangos, Lioness Paws

By Sophie Nutt | 20 August 2019

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Debbie Marangos, of Lioness Paws, reveals dramatic, darker nail looks have been popular with her clients recently. “This design was a welcome change to all of the recent bright sets that been so popular. We wanted to do something…

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

By Sophie Nutt | 18 August 2019

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Jade Robinson, of JADE: Professional Beauty, has been wearing Coco-themed nails. “I created these nails by first coming up with the idea of theming them around Coco. I have done many themed and Disney sets of nails and Coco is…

3 rules for keeping holiday nails in tip-top condition

By Scratch Staff | 16 August 2019

Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, reveals three ways to ensure nail looks keep in the best shape while on holiday… At this time of year, many clients will be escaping for an annual summer break of sun, sea and carefree days on the…

Jenny Nagorski shares her thoughts on the industry

By Sophie Nutt | 15 August 2019

Meet Jenny Nagorski, an inspirational tech & Lecenté brand ambassador renowned for her love of sparkle… How did your career in nails begin? A long time ago, my parents bought me a nail kit as a birthday present. Initially I thought, ‘why would you get me that?‘ but it turns…