Honouring heritage through a passion for polish
In recognition and celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (15 Sept-15 Oct 2022), Scratch puts the spotlight on Cuban-American entrepreneur and influencer, Kathleen Fuentes (aka KathleenLights). Founder of Lights Lacquer, a cruelty-free nail lacquer line, started in November 2019, Kathleen honours Hispanic Heritage Month with the otra noche en Miami collection, which presents…
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Salon in the Spotlight: Niche Hair & Beauty, Nottingham
Established in 2012, Jade Miller took over Niche Hair & Beauty in 2016. “We relocated during the 2021 lockdown, to a ground floor premises, reopening with a new logo, new look and with a bang.” “Niche is unique due to our diversity,” Jade reveals. “We provide a relaxed, non-uniformed atmosphere,…
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Explained: Circular economy for salons
Green Salon Collective (GSC) was founded in 2020 by environmental experts, campaigners and beauty professionals, with an aim to help member salons in the UK and Ireland to responsibly dispose of their waste. In this blog, GSC details what a circular economy is and how beauty businesses can help to…
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Salon in the Spotlight: Maisie Leah Nails, Birmingham
Starting out doing nails in her parents’ living room before moving into her dads summer house, Maisie Leah Poultney expanded for a third time to achieve the salon set-up of her dreams. “My boyfriend and I brought a house with a separate garage, so my dad and boyfriend teamed up…
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Spanish Sculpting, it’s More Tips than Tapas, for Nail Learning in London
In the heart of Barcelona can be found a nail artist and international educator, who’s 3D French work and extreme nail styling are a visual symphony. Of Romanian descent, nail stylist Ioana Cristescu has carved out such a high reputation for her bespoke nail education that she was flown into…
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Tech Talk: Invite the Wolf right up to your salon door
The first Nailympia global champion back in 2017, Sweden’s Madelene Wolf, has jumped into the slipstream of her success and launched a new nail system with education, known as Wolf. “For a long time, I dreamt of having all the best materials gathered in one place instead of having to…
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Nail Tech Talk: Alyssa Fronce of Alyssa Nail Tech
Alyssa Fronce chats to Scratch about how she keeps up with industry trends and her favourite personal bespoke nailcare regime, principles & styling… “I love doing nails because I’m super artistic and it’s a great outlet for me,” Alyssa beams. “I also love that I get the opportunity to make…
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What’s the difference between acrylic & gel?
The word ‘gel’ lends itself to confusion because it describes the product’s physical state, but over time it has turned into a generic name of the product category. Whereas ‘acrylic’ is a two-part system of liquid and powder, often known as L&P. Where the powder in this two-part system has…
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Salon in the Spotlight: Nail Creations, Lincolnshire
Nail Creations was established in 2007 above a hair salon in Market Harborough, Leicestershire by Dannii Webster, who relocated to Lincolnshire in 2020 to be closer to her family. “I’m always going on courses to better myself and my salon,” Dannii shares. “I’m currently planning a 3 day trip to…
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Susan Gerrard on a year of Mii Manicure + Pedicure
As Manicure + Pedicure by Mii celebrates its first birthday this August, the natural nailcare line’s founder, Susan Gerrard, reflects on its success… Describing manicures and pedicures as ‘firmly rooted in her DNA’, Susan Gerrard has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the UK nail industry.…
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Nail Tech Talk: Rebecca Mackie of RMNAILTECH
Rebecca Mackie of RMNAILTECH chats with Scratch about why she loves tekking and her hopes for her future in the industry… “I always tailor my nail art to my clients requests, I so have a wide ranging style,” Rebecca shares. “However, my signature nail style is definitely hand painted mix…
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Salon in the Spotlight: Scratch Nail and Beauty Salon, Stourbridge, West Midlands
Since its opening in 2004, salon owner Chantal Chambers has grown and developed Scratch Nail and Beauty Salon to a team of seven, with four nail techs, including Chantal, Cassie, Elise and Eve; two beauty therapists, Jen and Lucy; and nurse practitioner, Natalie. “All of the team get on so…
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My Other Life: Nikki Boulton of Nails by Nikki Boulton
Scratch chats to Nikki Boulton, a nail pro who’s busy juggling her nail career alongside a very different role… Session manicurist, Nikki Boulton, started a second business; creating beautifully shaped wax crayons for children, while the nail industry was under lockdown restrictions. Initially keeping her venture under wraps, ColourMe Lincoln…
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‘Free exposure’ doesn’t pay the bills… or does it?
If you’re a creative of some kind, whether a nail tech, educator or content creator, then you’ve probably come across the offer of exposure for free work. More often than not, this request comes from a successful, well established individual or business. The paradox is, if they are so successful,…
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How the Lisa & Lou initiative has helped my nail business make more money
Scratch chats to Louella Belle brand ambassador, Rachel Herar, about how online sales platform Lisa & Lou has helped boost her business. The initiative, named after Louella Belle founder, Lisa Crook, allows pros to retail products through the platform, giving them the opportunity to generate extra revenue through sales with…
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