#TRENDINGTUESDAY Laura Easby, Laura’s Beauty

By Sophie Nutt | 5 March 2019

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Laura Easby, of Laura’s Beauty, reveals neon hues have been popular with her clients recently. “Honestly, I think clients’ nails totally depend on their mood and the season. Last week we hit 16 degrees and everyone lost their minds…

How to hold your nail brush correctly for optimum results

By Katie Barnes | 5 March 2019

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, reveals why it’s important to hold your nail brush correctly – and offers up some handy tips… Your nail brush is one of your primary tools. No matter what brush you are using, if you are not holding it right, you won’t achieve…

Ways to offer exceptional customer care

By Scratch Staff | 4 March 2019

Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, reveals her top tips for showing clients you care and enhancing their treatment experience… With competition in the nail industry so fierce, going the extra mile to care for your customers during their appointment can make a dramatic…

WHAT I’M WEARING: Hannah Leahy, Too Glam To Give A Damn

By Sophie Nutt | 3 March 2019

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Hannah Leahy, of Too Glam To Give A Damn, wears a combination of turquoise and yellow hues for a tropical nail look. “To create my latest set of nails, I used the new Flower Power collection and the new releases…

Behind the scenes with The Gel Bottle Inc

By Scratch Staff | 2 March 2019

Go behind the scenes for The Gel Bottle Inc’s spring collection advert photoshoot with the TGB team… The GelBottle Inc Spring collection 2019 is a celebration of iconic women and female empowerment! Each polish is named after an inspirational woman, all iconic in their own way, from Twiggy – known for…

Nail tech predicts client pregnancy

By Kat Hill | 2 March 2019

Laura Easby was able to predict her client’s pregnancy after noting their nail condition – even before the client knew! “I’ve known my client, Laura, for around six years now,” explains Laura Easby. “Laura already has one little girl, Lydia, and I remember during that pregnancy, her nails took a…

5 awkward waxing questions answered

By Scratch Staff | 28 February 2019

Salon System educator & wax specialist, Lisa Stone, answers the waxing questions you may have felt too awkward to ask… Q: What are the waxing rules for clients with skin tags or moles? Some therapists may choose to put Vaseline on the mole or skin tag and continue the wax…

How to master health & safety as a mobile nail tech

By Sophie Nutt | 28 February 2019

Providing treatments on the move means you’re never guaranteed the ideal working environment that you might have in a treatment room. However, there are steps you can take to ensure you are delivering hygienic and safe practices for the benefit of yourself and clients. Consider carrying a portable desk lamp…

 Salon in the Spotlight: RosielyNails, The Custard Factory, Digbeth

By Kat Hill | 27 February 2019

“My little studio is a nail art sanctuary,” smiles Rosie Lynall. “Before I start my own business, I was always so frustrated with the lack of creativity at my local nail salons. This led me to reopen the studio last year after having some time away from nails. What was…

Kayley Cairns scoops Nail Professional of the Year title

By Helena Biggs | 26 February 2019

Essex-based nail technician and educator, Kayley Cairns, was awarded the Nail Professional of the Year title at the Professional Beauty Awards 2019. Held at The Brewery in London on Sunday 24 February, the awards saw 11 categories spanning beauty, spa and business. The black-tie ceremony kicked off with a  Champagne…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Becki Hobbs, Becki’s Beauty

By Sophie Nutt | 26 February 2019

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Becki Hobbs, of Becki’s Beauty, reveals that bumble bees have been all over her clients nails recently. “Bumble bees seem to be really on-trend at the moment in the home decor department. I have a few bumble bee items…

WHAT I’M WEARING: Amanda Byrne, Divine Nails by Amanda Byrne

By Sophie Nutt | 24 February 2019

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Amanda Byrne, of Divine Nails by Amanda Byrne, wears nude French ombré nails with a touch of iridescent foil and Swarovski crystals. “I created these nails by sculpting out a clear base of CJP Crystal Glass and then filed into…

Nail competition tips from champion Anastasiia Morozova

By Kat Hill | 23 February 2019

Thinking of entering The Scratch Stars Awards? Anastasiia Morozova shares her story to inspire and encourage… My students very often ask me how to become an international nail educator. The secret is very simple: nail competitions! My career began as an nail technician, taking customers at home and in the salon.…

Aftercare advice for bridal clients

By Kat Hill | 23 February 2019

In order for your client to maintain their nail look past the big day, it is important to impart aftercare advice and your product recommendations for use at home. Not only does this present the perfect retail opportunity, the correct information also helps reduce the risk of service breakdown and…

How & why you should retail beauty products

By Scratch Staff | 21 February 2019

Esteemed salon & spa business consultant, Susan Routledge, serves up advice on how & why you should make the most of retail opportunities.. Q: Why is it so important for a nail business to offer retail products? Retailing is such an integral and important part of any nail business. It…