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SERBIAN NAIL ARTIST helps perfect styling & shaping skills for select UK techs

By Helena Biggs | 3 May 2017

Multi award-winning nail artist, Kostka Bojana, jetted to the UK to host a four-day training event at Katie Barnes Training Academy, Warwick. Attended by some of the UK’s top nail artists, the Serbian nail supremo helped enhance skills in gel painting, as well as L&P acrylic nail shapes, including the…

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#TRENDINGTUESDAY Lauren Holmes, Nailed It Beauty

By Kat Hill | 2 May 2017

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Lauren Holmes, owner of Nailed It Beauty, has been getting in the swing of spring with plenty of floral nail requests. “Everyone has been asking for floral nails!” Lauren laughs, “Unlike some nail art trends, flowers have no age…

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TECH TALK: Lisa Smith

By Helena Biggs | 1 May 2017

Lisa Smith reveals why she works from home and in mobile environments, as well as why she’s enlisted the help of a local photographer…  When and why did you choose to become a nail tech? A few years ago I was going to a friend’s wedding and I had my…

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BCI OFFERS 10% off microblading course for beginners

By Helena Biggs | 30 April 2017

Beauty Concepts International is offering Scratch readers an exclusive 10% off its LCN Microblading Beginners course. Held in various locations across the UK, the course involves a period of pre-study, three-and-a-half days in the classroom and six weeks of case study practice. While in the classroom, students are taught the…

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WHAT I’M WEARING: Karen Heron

By Kat Hill | 30 April 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Karen Heron celebrated her birthday with a stylish nail look to match her Swarovski watch. “The watch was a gift from my husband,” Karen smiles. “I thought these nails would look nice with it! Using Gelish shades I Or-chid You Not,…

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COURSE BITES: OPI GelColor Artist Series

By Kat Hill | 27 April 2017

Course Details: Up your nail art game with OPI’s GelColor Artist Series Design Gels and its corresponding training day. Learn how to use the brand’s gel colours, allowing you to unleash your inner artist with the pigment-rich, high-intensity gels that can create striking designs. A model is not required and a kit will be supplied.…

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How to practice nail techniques away from clients

By Katie Barnes | 26 April 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, offers advice on finding time and tools to practice your techniques… A sentence I hear more than often, especially from those fresh in the industry or learning is ‘I can’t find anyone to practice on’. There is no better way…

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SALON IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sparkle Beauty, Skelmersdale

By Kat Hill | 26 April 2017

Originally dissuaded from a career in nails and beauty in favour of a more ‘professional’ career, Suzanne Edge knew her true calling could’t be ignored. Now with her new career and salon, she’s never been happier. “I’d always known I wanted to be a nail technician but my family felt…

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#TRENDINGTUESDAY Alexandra Cassells

By Kat Hill | 25 April 2017

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! “I think floral nails for spring will always be popular but the cooler colours and edgier designs keep it fresh and modern,” explains Alexandra Cassells. “My clients always look to me to give them something a little different, and…

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TECH TALK: Jenny Nagorski

By Helena Biggs | 24 April 2017

Jenny Nagorski discusses her nail career and reveals how it felt to be chosen by Sweet Squared and Lecenté to create designs with their products.  When and why did you choose to become a nail tech? I have to give credit to my parents for this. They know I’ve always…

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WHAT I’M WEARING: Rebecca Abernethy, Matrix Nails and Beauty

By Kat Hill | 23 April 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Scratch Stars finalist, Rebecca Abernathy of Matrix Nails and Beauty, has been wearing this turquoise spring look. “I created these for a trip over to Poland to visit the Semilac head office and training academy,” Rebecca reveals, “I head over to learn more…

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South East named UK hair and beauty capital

By Kat Hill | 20 April 2017

New research from Direct Line for Business has revealed that nearly one in three hair beauty and nail businesses operate in the South East of England. The small business insurer found that there are nearly 29,000 of these businesses based in the South East – seeing one salon for every…

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COURSE BITES: Access All Areas Nail Art, Sweet Squared

By Kat Hill | 20 April 2017

Course Details: This intermediate level nail art class is about learning how to create impressive nail art in a way that is quick and easy to execute on clients using SHELLAC™, VINYLUX™ Creative Play™ Lecenté Glitters, Foils, Stamping and hand painting. The attendees will create four looks and also learn how to set up their photographs to show…

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SALON IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Beauty Box, Wiltshire

By Kat Hill | 19 April 2017

“I originally started my nail business working on mine and my family’s nails as a hobby while I worked as a nanny,” remembers owner of The Beauty Box, Nicola Robbins. “I decided it was time to get some training so I could launch a  part time business. I chose to train with Nail…

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#TRENDINGTUESDAY Diana Pajeva

By Kat Hill | 18 April 2017

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! “With the arrival of spring, cherry blossoms have started to bloom,” smiles Diana Pajeva. “More and more of my clients are asking for pretty pastel pink and lilac shades with Sakura tree nail art. It’s an easy and quick…

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