AWARD-WINNING BRAND seeks nail technician & managers

By Helena Biggs | 14 April 2017

Luxury nail business, The Hand & Foot Spa, is seeking nail technicians and a nail bar manager. Full and part time vacancies are available and applicants must have exceptional customer service skills – as well as nail skills – and be friendly and enthusiastic with immaculate attention to detail. All…

SALON IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Nail Couture Nails & Beauty, Bingley

By Kat Hill | 12 April 2017

With its quirky decor and open-plan design, Nail Couture Nails & Beauty is a conversation starter – and its clients agree. “We are a very sociable salon,” enthuses owner, Cathy Lansbury-Palmer, “We created our unique trio pedicure station and reception area with this in mind. Clients love to talk and chat, as do we.…

SCRATCH STARS AWARDS 2017 – Meet the finalists

By Helena Biggs | 12 April 2017

Here they are; the talented 2017 finalists hoping to shine later next month and be crowned a Scratch Star.  Each year, the challenge gets tougher, as more and more entries amass for Scratch magazine’s industry awards – the Scratch Stars. Following a scrupulous first round of judging, finalists in each category…

Against the clock: How to nail your treatment timings

By Katie Barnes | 11 April 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, offers advice on honing your treatment times…  Everyone these days is in a rush and wanting things done as efficiently but expertly as possible. As a business, you want to provide your service in a reasonable time while still ensuring the…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Tracy McGoogan, Notorious Nails

By Kat Hill | 11 April 2017

We want to see the designs trending at your nails desk! Tracy McGoogan of Notorious Nails has found her client have been requesting pastel hues. “Pastel colours have been super popular in recent weeks for our client,” Tracy explains. “I think it’s mostly because of the change in weather! Spring flowers are…

Be safe in the workplace with CIDESCO’s top tips

By Helena Biggs | 11 April 2017

CIDESCO, the world standard for beauty and spa therapy, has announced ‘Health & Safety month’ to help raise standards in the industry and improve your wellbeing while working. “While there are laws and requirements that help us maintain health & safety standards, going above and beyond these will be noticed by…

WHAT I’M WEARING: Nicola Cooper

By Kat Hill | 9 April 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Nicola Cooper fancied a pop of purple for her upcoming Easter break. “I’m currently wearing an overlay on my natural nails using a gel in a opaque pink shade,” Nicola explains. “I buffed and smoothed my nails, before applying two coats of…

COURSE BITES: LCN Elite Diamond Microdermabrasion

By Kat Hill | 6 April 2017

Course Details: This one day course aims to teach the attendee the knowledge required to preform popular Microdermabrasion treatments. You will learn: Health and hygiene Anatomy and physiology Client consultation Contra-indications Microdermabrasion treatment Ultrasound therapy Hot and cold therapy Wellness facial Product knowledge Client aftercare Retail opportunities Requirements: Level Two Beauty Therapy or equivalent required…

SALON IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Little Luxury, Warrington, Cheshire

By Kat Hill | 5 April 2017

With only four weeks to prepare the salon for its opening before Christmas, owner Kayleigh Marley had a lot of work to do, but the results of Little Luxury stun. With its purple and grey theme, the salon is a tranquil and welcoming space. After the salon’s many guises over…

How I juggle nail tekking around my family life

By Scratch Staff | 4 April 2017

“You just do nails” No, just “doing nails” doesn’t come close. Erica Turley (nee Horton), founder of The Nail Barn, Staffordshire, reveals her journey into the nail industry… I spent years working as a nurse and health visitor. I had worked in healthcare from the age of 16 and knew…

NAILS MAG names its Next Top Nail Artist 2017

By Helena Biggs | 31 March 2017

Following a lengthy, exciting and challenging process, Nails magazine has announced the winner of its Next Top Nail Artist competition for 2017. Netherlands nail artist, Tracey Lee, scooped the title in the online nail art competition, which is open to professionals worldwide. Jonny Diep Pham and Liina Leino took the runners up prizes…

SALON IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Nail Shack, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

By Kat Hill | 29 March 2017

After honing her craft in a busy salon and a rented room in a hairdressers, Sinead Bulley grew her client base sufficiently to go it alone. Sinead’s career took a new turn when she converted her garden room into a stylish home nail salon. “The salon offers a wide range of…

How to fit a form to bitten nails

By Katie Barnes | 28 March 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, offers advice on tending to the nails of clients that like to nibble… Many clients and techs often believe because a nail is naturally very short, they are unable to extend the nail with a sculpted enhancement or are sometimes…

COURSE BITES: Waxperts Manscaping

By Helena Biggs | 28 March 2017

Entry Requirements: This course is open to qualified Waxperts looking to gain the skills and confidence needed to deliver waxing treatments to the growing male market. Course Details: Scheduled from 10-4:30pm, this course covers intimate male waxing, as well as hair removal from the brows, ears, nose and torso. It is…

TECH TALK: Laura Wilson

By Helena Biggs | 27 March 2017

We caught up with Laura Wilson, of Bellissima Nails, to learn more about her career and her rather quirky salon space…  When and why did you choose to become a nail tech? I first enrolled on an acrylic nail course in 2006 after admiring the work of another local tech/educator…