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NAILYMPIA USA reveals judging line-up

By Helena Biggs | 28 February 2017

The first Nailympia USA has revealed its prestigious judging panel for the 2017 event. Featuring industry personnel from Russia, Australia and the USA, the 15-strong panel is headed up by head booth judge, Elaine Watson. Organised by Scratch editor-in-chief, Alex Fox, and Athena Elliot, Nailympia USA invites techs to perform in up to nine…

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2016 SEES HIGH DEMAND for iiaa training

By Kat Hill | 27 February 2017

Last year saw a record high in demand for iiaa training. Across its three brand areas of Advanced Nutrition Programme, Environ and Jane Iredale, over five thousand training spaces were booked across the iiaa training centres in the UK and Ireland. “2016 has been such an amazing year,” Clare Muir, director of training for the iiaa…

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Soil association

Organic beauty blooms with sales up 13%

By Kat Hill | 23 February 2017

New research from the Soil Association’s Organic Beauty and Wellbeing Market Report has revealed that the sales of certified organic and natural beauty products saw an increase. The report also noted key trends to keep an eye on, including the hot trend of beauty products containing extracts from unusual food…

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DOUG SCHOON discusses new book

By Helena Biggs | 23 February 2017

Renowned scientist and nail expert, Doug Schoon, has been speaking about the release of his latest book, Face-to-Face with Doug Schoon Vol 1. In a recent interview with Scratch, Doug revealed that volumes 1 & 2, which is due for release in March, have been printed in a Q&A format,…

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Harvey's nails, staffordshire

SALON IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Harvey’s Nails, Staffordshire

By Kat Hill | 22 February 2017

A real labor of love, the newly decorated Harvey’s Nails has been the result of years of hard work and perseverance from owner, Samantha Harvey. Starting out in the nail industry 12 years ago, Samantha’s career has seen many ups and downs including illness and salon relocations. Despite that, Samantha…

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#TRENDINGTUESDAY Alicia Clough, Lunula Nails and Beauty

By Kat Hill | 21 February 2017

We want to see what designs are trending at your nail desks! Alicia Clough, of Lunula Nails and Beauty, has found requests for cosmic nails have skyrocketed. “One of my regular clients, who always likes to set me a challenge, asked for cosmic nails,” Alicia explains, “Now, it has sparked off a…

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The spa at the midland

The Spa at The Midland partners with WELLNESS FOR CANCER

By Kat Hill | 19 February 2017

Manchester’s city centre spa, The Spa at The Midland, has partnered with Wellness for Cancer, a non-profit educational foundation that provides cancer therapy training to spas and wellness facilities. Wellness for Cancer has specifically trained and certified The Spa at The Midland to provide services for guests who have experienced or…

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WHAT I’M WEARING: Lauren Holmes, Nailed It Beauty

By Kat Hill | 19 February 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Lauren Holmes, of Nailed It Beauty, wanted to celebrate her industry in the best way she knew – with nails, of course! “On the 17th of February, I will have been self employed running Nailed It Beauty for four years,” Lauren…

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SELFRIDGES WELCOMES The Hand & Foot Spa

By Helena Biggs | 16 February 2017

Award-winning company, The Hand and Foot Spa, has opened a nail bar in Selfridges, Birmingham. Launched by Donna Haar-Jørgensen in London nine years ago, The Hand and Foot Spa scooped a Scratch Star owing to its stunning decor and commitment to hand and foot care. The arrival of the nail…

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A little tlc studio, guildford

SALON IN THE SPOTLIGHT A Little TLC Studio, Guildford

By Kat Hill | 15 February 2017

With its pretty wallpaper and fresh feel,  A Little TLC Nail Studio in Guildford started life as quite a different environment – one not as welcoming, as owner Tina Campbell explains. “A year ago, the salon was a dirty garage but now it’s my stunning salon. “I offer all aspects…

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An insight into the waterless manicure

By Katie Barnes | 14 February 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, susses out the waterless manicure… The traditional method of dipping your fingers into a bowl of water while getting a manicure has become somewhat dated, with many techs now offering a waterless ‘dry’ manicure service. Waterless manicures are becoming increasingly popular, particularly with…

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AWARD-WINNING BRAND unveils vacancies opportunities

By Kat Hill | 13 February 2017

The award-winning Hand & Foot Spa is looking for looking for franchisees for its mobile service, as well as both technicians and managers. The company, which was awarded the 2012 Scratch Star for Nail Salon of the Year: Independent for its Chelsea flagship, is expanding to meet demand. Delivering quality treatments to clients’ homes,…

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TECH TALK: Siobhan Galloway

By Helena Biggs | 13 February 2017

Home-based nail tech, Siobhan Galloway, details her love for the job and the impact that social media has had on her business.  When and why did you choose to become a nail tech? I’ve always been interested in nails for as long as I can remember. When I started working…

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Train for FREE with HIGH DEFINITION

By Kat Hill | 8 February 2017

High Definition has announced the redesign of its make up training, which will see it be offered free-of-charge to its customers. The new High Definition Make-up Masterclasses, a series of one-day, compact courses are set to educate salons on a variety of different looks that can be taken back and…

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HAZEL DIXON hosts photographic course

By Kat Hill | 7 February 2017

Award-winning tech, Hazel Dixon, recently hosted a three-day photographic event to polish participants’ photographic competition skills. Designed to answer questions the top tech is often asked, Hazel created the course to share her experience with the style of competition. The event saw the participants work with a theme – Alice in…

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