The Great Scratch Shoot Out: Meet the 2022 winner, Ania Kesiak
Scratch chats to Ania Kesiak, winner of The Great Scratch Shoot Out 2022, about how winning helped her career and why fellow nail pros should enter… What did you enjoy about creating your competition entry? I loved that there is no theme for The Great Scratch Shoot Out, so the…
Why it’s important to empower your beauty salon staff & how to do it
Beauty business expert & founder of the International Salon Business School, Liz McKeon, discusses staff empowerment and its importance for business success. Empowerment is the degree of autonomy and self-determination in people, communities and business. This enables them to represent their interests in a responsible and self-determined way, acting on…
Nail Tech Talk: Denise Maples of Onestop Nails
Attending Olympia Beauty with a nail technician friend, Denise Maples became enthralled in the world of nails, making the decision to train and qualify herself. A single parent to three sons, Denise was working as a cleaner during school hours to make ends meet, with one of her jobs based…
Stamping, gel polish & so much more… discover Hungarian nail brand, Moyra
Scratch shines a spotlight on Moyra, a family-run nail brand focused on quality products, top-notch education and excellent customer service… For over two decades, Csaba and Reka Frile of Hungary have been sharing their professional nail products across the globe, supporting nail stylists in the creation of slick, colourful services.…
Salon in the Spotlight: BeautyHour by Carlianne, Blaydon
Training in December 2022 with Nicole Dowling of Totally Polished, Carlianne Elliott-Purkins had previously studied beauty therapy at college upon leaving school but initially pursued another career. Deciding to take the leap and retrain, Carlianne notes beauty and nails as her main interests, encouraging her to make the decision. “I’d…
How to organise a nail photoshoot in 10 steps
Entering Scratch’s annual photographic nail competition – The Great Scratch Shoot Out? Here we reveal ten top tips for a smooth shoot day and beyond… Choose your concept Unleash your creativity and showcase your originality, style and imagination with your concept. One the most important factors of your shoot, your theme…
Nail Tech Talk: Nicola Julian of Oakwood Nails
Overcoming self-doubt to pursue a career in the nail industry, Nicola Julian of Oakwood Nails discovered her love for nail art during the pandemic before completing her training in 2021. Having had an interest in make-up, hair and nails from a young age, Nicola Julian initially pursued a career in…
Salon in the Spotlight: Mayfair Aesthetics & Beauty, London
Offering a one-stop salon for nail, beauty and aesthetics treatments in a contemporary central London salon location, Mayfair Aesthetics & Beauty shares its journey since its establishment in 2001. Since opening in 2001 offering nail and tanning services to clients, Mayfair Aesthetics & Beauty has developed and grown its business…
Which Gelish system works best for my nail needs?
No nails are identical in their needs, so get clued up on three offerings from Gelish – each with different properties to ensure an appropriate, long-lasting and smooth nail finish for your clients. Delve into the benefits of the brand’s Brush-On Builder Gel, Foundation Flex and Structure Gel… Brush On…
Insight: Understanding scoresheets from nail & beauty competitions
To not be a finalist or winner in a nail competition or awards can leave you wondering what you did wrong and make you question your skills. As a competitor and judge, I would like to share my experiences… Recognition aside, simply applying for a nail award or being shortlisted…
What the government’s policy change means for the cosmetics animal testing ban
The Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA) explores what the government’s policy change means for the cosmetics animal testing ban… You may have seen media reports in May that suggested that animal testing of cosmetic ingredients could restart, following the result of a UK High Court ruling. Shortly afterwards, the…
15 common nail conditions & how to deal with them
Do you know what to do when you’re faced with a natural nail concern? Scratch shares expert advice and product recommendations for 15 common nail issues… Addressing the issue The natural nail is the foundation of any great nail enhancement, so knowing how to approach common issues if and when…
Nail Tech Talk: Tammy Fontaine of Nails By Tammy
Without an artistic background, East London-based tech, Tammy Fontaine, shares that when completing her training in 2006, she never believed she’d have the patience for nail art. “Nail art didn’t come naturally to me,” she remembers. “I trained in basic manicures and pedicures at college, gaining my NVW Level 2…
Seeking a removable alternative to nails? Check out Karen Boyle’s press-on nail rings
Managing her nail career alongside a full-time IT job of 34 years, Bolton-based nail tech & press-on nail artist, Karen Boyle of Gel A Licious, shares her venture into the removable nail realm… Karen Boyle wouldn’t have described herself as artistic, so was surprised to discover her passion for nail…
Salon in the Spotlight: Nailed it by Jo, East Kilbride, Scotland
With a background in finance and a BA Honours in Business Management, Jo Simpson’s passion for nails and nail art remained as a hobby until 2019, when a serious infection led her to re-evaluate. “I had a long recovery and a few stays in hospital, which really made me reflect,”…
