Missy Dunning on finding self confidence and her love of Pure Nails

By Kat Hill | 12 January 2019

How did you get into the nail industry? I’ve always had an interest in the beauty industry but lacked the confidence when I was younger to pursue it. However, in recent years I found myself working in the education sector and mentoring young people to find their passion and pursue…

Margaret Dabbs on how to care for hands and feet in the winter

By Sophie Nutt | 10 January 2019

Founder of Margaret Dabbs London, celebrated podiatrist and foot expert, Margaret Dabbs, talks about how the cold weather can affect your feet as well as advising on how best to treat them. How can the change in season and weather affect hands and feet? Hands and feet are affected adversely…

Salon in the Spotlight: JD Beauty Studio, Norfolk

By Kat Hill | 9 January 2019

The new year has brought new prospect for Jessica Davis. Opening November last year, JD Beauty Studio saw Jessica Davis convert her garage into a sleek, new home studio. “Previously, I was primary mobile and teaching from rented rooms or at Sally’s Salon Services,” explains Jessica. “I wanted to have…

How to increase the staying power of nail gems

By Katie Barnes | 8 January 2019

Educator and award-winning tech, Katie Barnes, reveals her top tips for applying crystals, gems and embellishments to nails… Most techs will have their favourite technique as there are several different methods that can be used such as nail glue, top coat and gel. Gel is my favourite method to apply nail…

What is CPD?

By Kat Hill | 8 January 2019

You are responsible for your own personal development and this should be kept track of via a CPD log. This record should act as evidence of your development over the year, be correct and up-to-date, while meeting the requirements of their professional body or association, according to the The CPD…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Karen M Brown, Sanctuary In The City

By Sophie Nutt | 8 January 2019

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Karen M Brown, of Sanctuary In The City, has revealed that alternative festive designs have been favoured by her clients this season: throwing out the greens and reds. “Not everyone whats red, gold and green nails at Christmas. These…

WHAT I’M WEARING: Jessica Davies, Killer Krystals and Alter Ego Nails

By Sophie Nutt | 6 January 2019

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Jessica Davies, of Killer Krystals and Alter Ego Nails, created a shimmering nude nail look complete with crystal cuticle detail and encapsulated foil. “I created this design using Naio’s acrylic system. I used Soft Beige to cover the nail beds,…

How to advertise a vacant job role

By Sophie Nutt | 3 January 2019

As an employer, hiring and keeping the right staff for your business will undoubtedly be your biggest ongoing challenge. In terms of hiring, you will need to be thorough in your employment process; clear on what your business requires and can afford, and ensure your staff understands and is happy…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Jemma Ball, Jemma Bailey Beauty

By Sophie Nutt | 1 January 2019

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Jemma Ball, of Jemma Bailey Beauty, reveals tartan accent nails have been very popular with her clients over the winter season. “Tartan accent nails have been so popular this winter: I have no idea where it has come from…

How to encourage CPD within your team

By Kat Hill | 1 January 2019

Helena Linsky, co-director of salon chain, Q61, shares her thoughts on the importance of encouraging CPD within your team. “Education is at the heart of Q61, and has allowed us to develop our team, and, consequently, our brand since our inception in 2015. “As an integral part of the business,…

Why it’s important to enter nail competitions

By Scratch Staff | 31 December 2018

With the Scratch Stars Awards 2019 opening for entry 1 February and Nailympia competitions on the horizon, industry veteran Sue Davies reveals why it’s important to enter nail competitions – and what it takes to win… With a number of industry awards at our reach, is can be a challenge to figure out which ones…

WHAT I’M WEARING: Kirsty Coltman, Glamour and Nails

By Sophie Nutt | 30 December 2018

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Kirsty Coltman, of Glamour and Nails, wears a nail design seeing lilac, berry and violet hues, finished with Swarovski Crystals. “I created these nails using Trilogy Nail Systems Acrylic in Blackberry, Venetian Violet, Plush Berry, Lilac Quartz and Clear alongside…

Tales of working as a nail tech while pregnant

By Scratch Staff | 29 December 2018

Celebrity nail tech, Amy Ganney, reveals her experience of working while expecting a baby – and how she now juggles work with motherhood… “Working while pregnant was challenging as I suffered with sickness regularly, but I had to continue working as I knew I would need some time off when…

How to deal with price challenges

By Sophie Nutt | 27 December 2018

No two days are the same in the life of a nail pro, which sometimes throws up some awkward occurrences. One common incident is when a client questions the price of a manicure; but how do you handle such a query once the treatment has been completed? Kelley Colley, of…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Hayley Winder, Hayley Winder Hair, Nails & Beauty

By Sophie Nutt | 25 December 2018

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Hayley Winder, of Hayley Winder Hair, Nails & Beauty, says clients have been opting for Christmassy colour combinations and sparkles. “My clients like the classic red but don’t want obvious Christmas colours, so they are not all walking around…