Social media icons internet app application

Key apps & organisational tools for mobile nail techs

By Metta Francis | 19 July 2018

Award-winning mobile nailist, Metta Francis, shares some handy apps and tools to ease manicuring on the move… There are a number of tried, tested and mainly free apps and tools that I find helpful as a mobile nail technician, from organisational to marketing and accounting tools. ORGANISATIONAL TOOLS Google Calendar, Contacts…

Read More
Andy rouillard

Male waxing: Andy Rouillard shares six tricks for furless fingers

By Sophie Nutt | 19 July 2018

Whether you’re considering branching into male waxing or are a mobile tech with limited space varying from appointment to appointment, smaller services such as ear and nose waxing can be a good place to start. Waxing expert and owner of Axiom Bodyworks, Andy Rouillard, explains, “For nail techs interested in…

Read More
The powder room beauty parlour11

Salon in the Spotlight: The Powder Room Beauty Parlour, Hull

By Kat Hill | 18 July 2018

With a tight budget but a clear dream, Claire Edwards knew she wanted to achieve – the upmost luxury in a boutique setting. “The Powder Room Beauty Parlour was established in November 2011,” explains Claire. “I already had a small business renting a room within a hair salon, but I just…

Read More
Artistic led pro 36 light

How to look after your UV/LED lamp

By Kat Hill | 17 July 2018

Louella Belle educator and Scratch Stars winner, Carrie Leigh-Allen, reveals how you should be looking after your lamp to ensure a oh-so professional service… “UV or LED lamps are expensive but an important part of our kit,” explains Carrie-Leigh Allen. “It is advisable to use the same brand as the product you…

Read More
Hannah leahy nails

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Hannah Leahy, Too Glam To Give A Damn

By Sophie Nutt | 17 July 2018

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Hannah Leahy, of Too Glam To Give A Damn, reveals that this design featuring soft and elegant hues, glitter and freehand nail art has been popular with her clients recently. “I think this design is so popular because of…

Read More
Chaun legend mani monday

MANI MONDAY: Jazzy jelly nails

By Sophie Nutt | 16 July 2018

Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! A cute trend that has recently caught our eye here at Scratch HQ is ‘jelly nails’ – the latest Instagram worthy trend that serves up both a cute and chic look. Reminiscent of vibrant jelly sweets and sandals, the popular…

Read More
Jemma ball

Jemma Ball reveals her love of CND Shellac™, Kirsty Meakin and the nail community

By Kat Hill | 14 July 2018

Tell us about your training… I trained in beauty therapy up to level 3 eight years ago. I bagged my first salon job and loved watching the other team members create enhancements so I knew I had to train in liquid & powder. I saved all my wages up and…

Read More
Karina perematko 5

Shoot for photographic competition success with tips from Karina Perematko

By Kat Hill | 13 July 2018

Scratch chats to Karina Perematko, master nail technician and absolute master international educator with Crystal Nails London Studio Academy and owner of KP Vintage Studio, about entering The Great Scratch Shoot Out – and discover the story behind the shoot that scooped a close second place… “I was so happy…

Read More
Kim tu nails

Enhance your nail skills with an international master artist

By Helena Biggs | 12 July 2018

The Nail Academy Essex is welcoming nail artist, Kim Tu, to its seaside premises for a two-day workshop in July. Known as ‘That Nail Girl’, Kim Tu is an international master artist and educator and will visit the premises, which celebrates its first anniversary next month, on 22 and 23…

Read More
Professional amateur

What is a nail technician? Discuss…

By Scratch Staff | 11 July 2018

Bob Giblett, co-owner of Swedish nail product & education provider, Iryna Giblett AB, dissects the role of the nail technician and discusses differing standards across the globe… What is a nail technician? Who you ask and where you ask will produce very different answers! In most countries, nail tekking is…

Read More
Nail files that need replacing

How to tell when nail files need replacing

By Katie Barnes | 11 July 2018

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, reveals why its important to know when your nail files need replacing… Something that is often overlooked (but is one of the most important tools in a tech’s kit), is the nail file. Without files, we cannot prep the natural nail or get…

Read More
36761955 10155325201116736 5746133975340941312 n

Salon in the Spotlight: Skye Beauty Salon, Highland, Scotland

By Kat Hill | 11 July 2018

Lynn Riley opened Skye Beauty Salon in July 2017 with great ambitions for the business. “I had a huge client base already built up in my area which made the transition to the new salon easy and its gone from strength to strength,” Lynn states. “It’s been the best decision…

Read More
Lauren holmes nails

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Lauren Holmes, Nailed It Beauty

By Sophie Nutt | 10 July 2018

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Lauren Holmes, of Nailed It Beauty, reveals that Lana heart nail looks are constantly popular with her clients, however the summer months has seen the design incorporate bright and pretty hues. “As the sun is out, all the bright…

Read More
Gena nails

MANI MONDAY: Holographic twist

By Scratch Staff | 9 July 2018

Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! This striking set of holographic nails caught our eye, serving up an alternative option as a summer design for those that aren’t a fan of bright, poppy rainbow hues on their talons. The set was created by…

Read More
Nicola cooper nails

WHAT I’M WEARING: Nicola Cooper

By Sophie Nutt | 8 July 2018

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Talented tech, Nicola Cooper, opted for a bright and beautiful tie dye nail look using a variety of Magpie Beauty products. “I created this design using products from my favourite brand, Magpie Beauty. I started with a layer of Plain…

Read More