Amanda Byrne share her love of acrylic, detailed nail designs and education

By Kat Hill | 28 July 2018

What is your all-time favourite nail product? My favourite nail product has to be the acrylic system. I just love how creative I can be with all the different colours, glitters and materials.   What designs do you love to create? I love doing very detailed hand painted art work,…

Pack your mobile kit like a pro with these top tips

By Scratch Staff | 27 July 2018

“Make sure you have a good case to store your products upright and neatly for easy access,” advises Rachel Gribble, Salon System educator. “Packing things the same way makes it easier when packing up after a treatment. Plus, it also helps to keep your kit neat. There are lots of…

How to achieve consistent lengths with your nail enhancements

By Katie Barnes | 27 July 2018

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, serves u advice on achieving consistent nail lengths… Did you know that each nail is naturally a different length and grows at different rates, meaning it is unlikely that they will be exactly the same length at any time? Have you ever experienced…

How to select the perfect nude nail colour for your client

By Sophie Nutt | 26 July 2018

Barely-there hues are always in style and the sophisticated nude nail look continues to flourish across the runways, on celebrity fingertips and in the salon. Favoured by many for its ‘clean’ look and ability to complement any ensemble – without overpowering, nude nails will never go out of style –…

How to make the most of your beauty qualifications

By Scratch Staff | 25 July 2018

Anna-Cari Gund, president of CIDESCO, shares her top tips for making the most of your beauty achievements… Achieving a globally renowned beauty qualification can be an amazing feeling. Our CIDESCO graduates know that obtaining a CIDESCO diploma places the world at their fingertips. If you have a qualification you want…

Salon in the Spotlight: Luma Nails, South Lanarkshire

By Kat Hill | 25 July 2018

After juggling her duties at the local council, her family life as the mum of two young boys and a client list bursting from her part-time work as a mobile nailista, Lisa Blair knew it was time to seek a space of her own. “I started doing nails in July 2016…

Behind the scenes: Salon System brand photoshoot

By Guest Writer | 24 July 2018

On the 11 July, myself and Scratch‘s Sophie hotfooted to Cherryduck Studios in London, just a stone’s throw from Tower Bridge, to go behind the scenes on an exciting Salon System brand photoshoot. Capturing images and videos with models and products to align with the new Salon System brand image and…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Gemma Wainwright, Be Gelicious Nails

By Sophie Nutt | 24 July 2018

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Gemma Wainwright, of Be Gelicious Nails, revealed that bright and beautiful ombré designs are proving as popular as ever with her clients. “At this time of year, neon ombré is always a popular choice in my salon and, with…

WHAT I’M WEARING: Diana Pajeva, Diana’s Nail Art

By Sophie Nutt | 22 July 2018

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Diana Pajeva, of Diana’s Nail Art, wears a personal nail look that was created for her holiday to Italy and sees a motivational quote painted onto her ring finger. “I usually wear gel polish on my nails and I like…

Top 5 tips for nail competitions by Gabriella Kovács

By Helena Biggs | 21 July 2018

Nailympia judge and nail expert, Gabriella Kovács, of Hungary, reveals her 5 top tips for techs looking to compete on a national or international level. All your tools and products should be placed in the same position on your table when you practice and during the actual competition. You will be…

How to juggle social media, clients and your personal life

By Kat Hill | 21 July 2018

Are your struggling to strike a balance between juggling social media, clients and your own personal life? Jennifer Linton and J Macdonald, co-directors of Linton & Mac, Aberdeen, share their thoughts… “We opened our salon in September 2015, and since then have made a conscious effort to ensure our social…

Shoreditch Nails launches unique academy to train new techs

By Helena Biggs | 19 July 2018

Renowned for cutting-edge nail designs and quality treatments, the team at Shoreditch Nails has launched an opportunity for those seeking to join the nail sector. The Shoreditch Nails Academy will offer a Guild accredited nail course, offering skills required to work in the salon or at a freelance level. Taught…

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…

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…

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…