SALLY UK & IRELAND announces new managing director

By Helena Biggs | 3 February 2017

Sally UK & Ireland has announced the promotion of Warren Scarr to managing director. Warren Scarr replaces Michael Dewey who, after over a decade with the company, is returning to the U.S. with his family. Warren, who worked closely with Michael in his role as commercial & marketing director, has played an…

SALON IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Blush, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh

By Kat Hill | 1 February 2017

With its romantic name and matching interior, Blush opened its doors in August last year. “It’s been one of the best decisions I ever made,” owner Kelly Pestell enthuses. “I qualified in 2002 at NVQ Level 3. After a short period in a high street salon, I went into financial…

This is why nail primer is so important

By Katie Barnes | 31 January 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, explores the two types of primer and their importance… Proper preparation of the nail plate – including the application of primer – can help eliminate service breakdown. Improper use of primer however, could cause skin and nail problems. Applying too much primer can also affect…

#TRENDING TUESDAY, Lisa Johnson, of Ultimate Goddess

By Kat Hill | 31 January 2017

We want to see the designs trending at your nails desks! Lisa Johnson, owner of Ultimate Goddess in Doncaster has found her clients have been asking for grey tones to complement and contrast. “I think grey has become a classic colour for nails,” Lisa enthuses. “It is neutral and therefore…

REVIEW: LoLa Designer Brows by Lash Perfect

By Kat Hill | 30 January 2017

I was invited to the Lash Perfect Lash Bar to try out the LoLa Designer Brow treatment, and the team at the Lash Perfect Lash Bar in London ombined the brand’s LoLa Brow service with the Brow Perfect treatment. When I arrived, I was ushered downstairs to a private and calm…

WHAT I’M WEARING: Jade Robinson, of JADE: Professional Beauty

By Kat Hill | 29 January 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Jade Robinson, of JADE: Professional Beauty has been wearing this magical look inspired by Harry Potter! “For this look, I started by enhancing my nails to my preferred length with CND BRISA™ gel,” Jade explains. “Next, I painted my nails…

SALON IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Nails By Fleur, Chichester

By Kat Hill | 25 January 2017

After taking a career break that saw her travel through Thailand and Vietnam, Fleur Burley found inspiration to strike out on her own and open her home-based salon. After spending the end of last year decorating and prepping the salon, Fleur opened the door to clients this month. Offering a…

How to remove enhancements without damaging nails

By Katie Barnes | 24 January 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how to remove enhancements correctly – and what happens if you don’t. One of the biggest nail myths is that ‘nails need to breathe’. Nails are made up of several layers of dead, compacted cells and do not have the…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Jo Duncan, Beauty by Joanna Louise

By Kat Hill | 24 January 2017

We want to see what designs are trending at your nail desks! Jo Duncan, of Beauty by Joanna Louise has found her clients have be asking for an alternative design. Named ‘Evil and Angel’ nails, the design involves one hand in a light shade and the other in a darker…

TECH TALK: Rachael Beaumont

By Helena Biggs | 23 January 2017

Rachael Beaumont, of Nails by Rachael, discusses life as a nail tech and reveals her hopes for the future of the industry and her own career.  When and why did you choose to become a nail tech? I’d been working part time in retail but after having my son I…

WHAT I’M WEARING Lisa Lilley, Love Lilley Nails

By Kat Hill | 22 January 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Lisa Lilley of Love Lilley Nails has been rocking this marble inspired look. Using Gelish shades Last Call, Arctic Freeze, Look At You Pink-achu, She’s My Beauty and Black Shadow, she completed the set with feature nails of chrome and…

NAILYMPIA USA competition accepting entries from nail techs worldwide

By Helena Biggs | 21 January 2017

Nailympia, the leading global nail competition run in association with Scratch, is proud to present the first USA edition, set to take place at the end of March in Houston, at The Best Lil’ Nail Show. Entry is being accepted from competitors worldwide in the following competitions, open to licenced…

SALON IN THE SPOTLIGHT The Pink Room, Fair Oak, Southampton

By Kat Hill | 18 January 2017

Taking the leap, Verity Evans moved her home salon to a new high street location. Unmissable thanks to its shades of pretty pink, the salon is reaping the rewards of its move.  “We expanded from being a cosy log cabin to a bustle high street in a village,” owner Verity Evans explains.…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Laura Wenn, Nails by Laura

By Kat Hill | 17 January 2017

We want to see the designs that are trending at your nail desk! Laura Wenn of Nails by Laura has found that ‘brushed’ effect nails have been causing a stir among her clients. “”I think this design element has been popular as chrome and holo powders were all the  craze last year,…

BRILLBIRD DISTRIBUTOR scoops award for second year running

By Helena Biggs | 17 January 2017

Talented tech and educator, Michelle Brookes, has been awarded Brillbird Distributor of the Year for the second year in a row. Serving the north east and Midlands, Michelle is dedicated to bringing the products into the hands of fellow pros and teaching correct use and techniques. “I feel so proud…