WHAT I’M WEARING: Sarah Painter, Glamour Beauty Salon

By Kat Hill | 26 March 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Sarah Painter, of Glamour Beauty Salon, creating this glowing design for glamorous night out. “These nails were created for a casino themed night,” Sarah reveals. “I thought it would be a fun, different and a good talking point. Unfortunately, I found…

SWEET SQUARED congratulate first Waxperts Manscaping graduate

By Helena Biggs | 25 March 2017

Sweet Squared is thrilled to announce the graduation of its first ever Waxperts Manscaping student. Debbie Hargreaves, of Inverness, was the first therapist in the UK to finish the course, which launched last month and covers male hair removal. Having undergone previous Waxperts training, Debbie was taught about ‘manscaping’ by…

Know the nail mail regulations

By Kat Hill | 24 March 2017

There were some recent changes made to the postal system that you need to know if you’re putting nail products through the post. Whether you’re posting out retail sales to clients or a just lacquer lover, failing to comply with the guidelines could even see your parcel disposed of. Save…

WHAT I’M WEARING: Sophie Hudd, Rainbow Nails

By Kat Hill | 19 March 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Sophie Hudd of Rainbow Nails is ready for spring thanks to a fresh, floral look. “Although these nails weren’t for a special occasion, I wanted to show off my new Magpie Beauty Gel Colours to my clients,” explains Sophie. “I…

PolyGel by Gelish: The lowdown

By Helena Biggs | 16 March 2017

Its piqued the interest of techs across the globe with its odourless property and ease of use, so discover what properties PolyGel by Gelish holds with our handy summary. The system features core product, PolyGel, which comes in a tube-shaped container, a bottled solution called Slip and a dual ended-tool featuring…

COURSE BITES: Nail Harmony UK E-File Courses 

By Kat Hill | 16 March 2017

Course Details: Both Option 1 and 2 are a Guild accredited courses for safe use of an electric nail file and carbide bits within a nail service. Option 1 requires an e-file and bit set for participation; Pro Power 20K E-file and full bit set (pictured) are a compulsory purchase.…

How to take a great nail photo

By Katie Barnes | 14 March 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, offers advice on making the most of your nail snaps… Taking good photographs of your nail work can increase your chances of being featured in publications and grow your clients and social media following. The quality of your photographs can show the difference between an amateur and professional nail technician. You don’t need…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Chantelle Crerand, Chantelle’s Pretties

By Kat Hill | 14 March 2017

We want to see the designs trending at your nails desks. With Beauty and Beast released this week, clients and techs alike have been swept up in the Disney mania! Chantelle Crerand – of Chantelle’s Pretties – has found her clients have been asking for magical manis – thanks to…

TECH TALK: Bethany Anne Denby

By Helena Biggs | 13 March 2017

Bethany Anne Denby, who is based in a hair studio in Bradford, reveals her steps to success and future goals.    When and why did you choose to become a nail tech? I initially went to college to study beauty therapy but when I was introduced to basic acrylic nails…

WHAT I’M WEARING Stacie Richardson

By Kat Hill | 12 March 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Stacie Richardson has taken her love of lace and transformed it into a nail design, which has resulted in this striking set of sculpted nails. These were created by using her favourite pink acrylic base, in birthday suit by CJP.…

ELEMIS OPENS new London academy

By Helena Biggs | 8 March 2017

Elemis has proudly announced the opening of its latest Academy of Excellence. Situated on London’s Farringdon Road, the academy has six training rooms and will teach students everything that they need to know to become an Elemis ambassador, advocate and brand custodian with full accreditation. “We are absolutely delighted to…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Lisa Johnson

By Kat Hill | 7 March 2017

We want to see the designs that are trending at your nail desks! Lisa Johnson has found her clients have been requesting super-sized crystals to amp up their nail service. “I think the large crystals have become so popular with my clients as they come in a variety of beautiful colours…

Why you should continue training as a nail tech

By Katie Barnes | 28 February 2017

Educator and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, explores why you should go back to basics in regard to your personal development. Going ‘back to basics’ can mean different things to different nail techs, such as improving the way you apply polish, ensuring you take repeat bookings or quickening your application time. Many techs…

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…

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…