SALON IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jodie Walley Nails, Staffordshire

By Kat Hill | 4 October 2017

They say home is where the heart is and the heart of the home is the kitchen. Especially for Jodie Walley, as her home salon is actually located in her kitchen! Having previous worked from a rented nail desk, Jodie has now had her home salon for two and half years.…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Nicola Campbell, Nail Boutique Stirling

By Kat Hill | 3 October 2017

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Nicola Campbell has found her clients have been asking for dark florals for the new season. “I think as we reach autumn the darker colours are a firm favourite with clients,” reveals Nicola. “This particular look is quite gothic and perfect…

COURSE BITES: OPI Professional Absolute Acrylic 

By Kat Hill | 28 September 2017

Course Details: If you are looking to expand your treatment menu, this course is an ideal starting point for acrylic beginners. Attendees to the course will learn: Structure of the nail and physiology & anatomy of the hand & arm; Full client consultation; Salon hygiene, COSSH and sanitation; Contraindications, diseases and…

SALON IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Karen Heron Nails and Beauty, Great Harwood

By Kat Hill | 27 September 2017

After honing her nail skills and building a loyal client base, Karen Heron is celebrating the recent opening of her new salon. Commemorating in style, the opening saw a party for clients and those closest to Karen, as well as the chance for the nail tech to showcase her salon’s…

Why you shouldn’t use craft glitter in your nail services

By Katie Barnes | 26 September 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals why you shouldn’t use craft shop glitter in your nail services. There are many techs using craft glitters in their nail services because they may have seen someone else do it, it is low cost and easy. You may think it’s…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Becki Hobbs, Becki’s Beauty

By Kat Hill | 26 September 2017

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Becki Hobbs, of Becki’s Beauty, has found her clients have been requesting dainty dandelion designs. “It all started with one of my clients that has a beautiful glass necklace with an encapsulated dandelion inside it,” Becki reveals. “That was…

SALON IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Well Gel Nails, Essex

By Kat Hill | 20 September 2017

When sister duo, Ellenor Smith and Elizabeth Harold’s, beauty business outgrew its original location, the pair sought to create a new and exciting hub for their salon. “We started off working from home in a spare bedroom,” explains  Ellenor, co-owner of Well Gel Nails. “We recently moved into a summer…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Emma Hayes

By Kat Hill | 19 September 2017

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Emma Hayes, of Dolled Up, has found sultry smoked glass design have been popular. ” My clients are always looking for something to stand out from the crowd and the smoked glass look gives that edgy but sophisticated look that…

COURSE BITES: Ultimate Male Grooming with Training in Solutions

By Kat Hill | 14 September 2017

Course Details: Salon System has teamed up with Training Solutions in Hair to bring professionals a brand new male grooming course. The new Ultimate Male Grooming Course recognises the demand for male grooming treatments within salons and teaches students how to approach male facial hair with the use of RefectoCil tints.…

SEMILAC toasts new UK Academy

By Kat Hill | 14 September 2017

Semilac is celebrating the launch of its UK training Academy and the commencement of courses. The ABT and Beauty Guild accredited training sessions are aimed at nail technicians wanting to upskill and offer new products and treatments. The courses are based at the Semilac Academy in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, and at…

How to deal with damaged nails

By Katie Barnes | 12 September 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how to tackle common characteristics of damaged nails… One of the most challenging roles we play as nail technicians is the role of repair man or woman. We all have clients who come to us with weak, thin and damaged…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Samantha Moore

By Kat Hill | 12 September 2017

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Samantha Moore has found her clients have been seeking a neutral nail look for the season transition.  “This week my clients have been going crazy for Swarovski encrusted baby boomers,” Samantha reveals. “For this set, I used Crystal Nails’ new…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Louise Bradshaw

By Kat Hill | 5 September 2017

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Nail designs featuring crystal clears tips have been popular with Louise Bradshaw’s clients. “This design has been so popular because of the clarity of the product that I’m using. CJP’s Crystal Glass is exactly that, crystal clear! “It’s popular with a…

WHAT I’M WEARING: Gemma Hales, Gems Nails and Beauty

By Kat Hill | 3 September 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Gemma Hales, of Gems Nails and Beauty, has been wearing this pretty pink and rose gold design, featuring a few glittering crystals at the the cuticle. “I created theses nails for a birthday party to match the dress I was wearing,” explains Gemma.…

Organic September gets started

By Kat Hill | 1 September 2017

This month sees Organic September! The month-long campaign aims to to raise the profile of organic in the UK and shine a light on the organic farmers, producers and brands who producing these products. While the campaign has a focus on food, beauty businesses can still feel the benefit from the…