Keen to train in LashUs? Read this…

By Kat Hill | 6 February 2019

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to experience the new LashUs treatment training day first-hand. I hotfooted to Sittingbourne in Kent, to arrive at Bodylines Salon and Academy ready for a day of learning. The course seeks to provide students with the skills and understanding to perform the LashUs Lift with…

Salon in the Spotlight: Blush, Warrington 

By Kat Hill | 6 February 2019

After her client list grew and the demand for more hours came, Sarah Hill knew it was time to seek a solution to meet her nail needs. “I started Blush in 2012,” reveals Sarah. “At first, I worked it part time, mainly in evenings and alongside my full time job work…

Causes of bubbles in L&P & Gel nail enhancements

By Katie Barnes | 5 February 2019

Award-winning nail tech and educator, Katie Barnes, reveals reasons for pocket lifting… ‘Pocket lifting’ is a term used to describe when an enhancement gets a ‘bubble’ in the middle of the nail plate but the area around it is still sealed down. There are several causes for this kind of…

Attracting bridal nail clients through social media

By Scratch Staff | 5 February 2019

Are you using social media effectively to attract potential bridal clients? Helena Linsky, co-director of salon chain, Q61, shares her top tips… “When it comes to attracting the attention of new bridal clients, social media is a very powerful tool,” states Helena Linsky. “Remember that brides-to-be often rely heavily on social…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Lisa Blair, Luma Nails

By Sophie Nutt | 5 February 2019

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Lisa Blair, of Luma Nails, says abstract nails have been very popular with her clients recently. “I think abstract nails are getting very popular with clients at the moment. It gives the clients a chance to be creative and…

Why I use healing crystals in hand & foot therapies

By Scratch Staff | 4 February 2019

Kim Alexis, crystal healer, psychic spiritual medium, hypnotherapist & past life regressionist, reveals why she uses crystals in her hand & foot treatments… When a therapist massages the feet or hands, it feels so good because the physical sensation stimulated by touch sends messages from the skin’s nerve cells to the…

WHAT I’M WEARING: Sinead Bulley, The Nail Shack

By Sophie Nutt | 3 February 2019

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Sinead Bulley, of The Nail Shack, wears leopard print-filled stars against a navy hue for an on-trend winter glam look. “I sculpted my nail extensions with Akzentz hard builder gel. Then, using Magpie Beauty Gel Colour in Midnight Sky, I…

Points to consider when pedicuring cancer patients

By Sophie Nutt | 2 February 2019

While hands are almost always on show and manicures can often be seen to take priority, it’s imperative to remind your clients of the importance of regular foot care. However, while many professionals already know what makes for a classic or luxurious pedicure, occasionally a client may visit your salon…

Women to be given more rights after maternity leave, says the NHF/NBF

By Kat Hill | 2 February 2019

Beauty and hair trade association, The NHF and NBF have revealed that the government has announced new plans to give more protection against redundancy for pregnant women and new parents when they return to work after having children. A consultation has been launched on proposals to extend the legal protection…

Scratch Stars Awards: Your questions answered!

By Helena Biggs | 1 February 2019

Scratch editor & Scratch Stars Awards organiser, Helena Biggs, answers your questions about the Scratch Stars Awards 2019… Q: What is it and who should enter? The Scratch Stars Awards is run by Scratch magazine and recognises UK-based nail techs, bloggers, teams, salons and spas across 18 categories. There really…

Celebrity nail tech, Robbie Tomkins, on how to manage stress

By Scratch Staff | 31 January 2019

When you’re back-to-back with appointments and rushed off your feet in the salon or on the move, your work life can feel a little daunting. To help promote calmness in his tekking career, session nail stylist, Robbie Tomkins, recommends meditation. “I’ve been meditating for around three years. It allows me…

Salon in the Spotlight: The Beauty Shop, Southend-on-Sea

By Kat Hill | 30 January 2019

Created to promote a sense of self-care, The Beauty Shop was opened by Courtney Smith four years ago. “We are planet conscious, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free salon,” Courtney states. “Our strap line is ‘more than just a pretty face’, reflecting the fact that beauty isn’t about vanity but so much more. We…

Techs add sparkle to nails at the Swarovski Crystal Heaven Workshop

By Helena Biggs | 29 January 2019

Angel Crystals, a UK distributor of Swarovski nail crystals, invited a select group of techs to a fun-filled workshop at which they jazzed up their nails with Swarovski embellishments. Scratch‘s editor-in-chief, Alex, joined me for the trip to Swarovski’s London HQ, at which we were met by Antony Arnold of…

How to look after your posture when pedicuring

By Kat Hill | 29 January 2019

When carrying out pedicures, it is import to ensure you’re also looking after yourself and your posture. Here, we reveals some tips to consider… Consider a footstool with a back rest for yourself that is adjustable in height to help see your back straight and supported. When using the stool,…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Jodie Walley, Nail Artist & Educator

By Sophie Nutt | 29 January 2019

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Jodie Walley, Nail Artist & Educator, reveals metallics have been popular with her clients recently. “I think the metallic look is so popular as it’s on trend and looks so effective! January is a dull month and my clients…