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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Salon in the Spotlight: Beauty By Mollie Mae, Wetherby, West Yorkshire
Initially working from the conservatory at her mums house and enjoying the convenience of working from home, Mollie Mae Hiles had to rethink her set up after only four months in business. “My mum was diagnosed with Dementia and sadly had to move to a care home. This meant I…
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Nail Tech Talk: Olga Armengol Palomino of Holy Nails
Olga Armengol Palomino of Holy Nails chats with Scratch about her introduction to the nail industry and pushing out of your comfort zone as a tech… “Marble nails are on the top of my list when it comes to nail art,” Olga shares. “I find it super fun to mix…
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Salon in the Spotlight: Chantelle Louise Nails-Beauty-Holistics-Training, Blackburn
Chantelle Baldwin decided to take the leap and set up her own salon space, affectionately named The Beauty Room, in an established beauty salon. “The Beauty Room is located in a salon in Blackburn called Libra. It was one of the first salons in Blackburn and is still open and…
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Nail enhancements: How, why & when to maintain them
There are so many terms in the industry surrounding nail enhancement maintenance, such as back-fills, fill, fill-in, touch-up and maintenance, which can be confusing to nail techs and clients. Most clients seem to be familiar with the term ‘infill’s’ but this isn’t always the enhancement maintenance service that is best…
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Not sure which E-file bit to use? Willow Academy is here to help
Are you looking for the right E-file & bits to suit your services? Scratch chats to founder of Willow Academy, Lucy James about the brand, the story and educating nail techs on this piece of kit… When Lucy James’ repetitive strain injury left her with no choice but to either learn…
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Nail Tech Talk: Nadine Slater of The Little Nail Shed
Scratch chats to Nadine Slater of The Little Nail Shed about what she wants to achieve within the nail industry longterm, and taking things at her own pace… “My signature nail style is a French or animal prints,” Nadine reveals. “My favourite products to use for nail art are Jade…
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Report urges govt to ‘speed up’ licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures
The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has welcomed a report this week from the Commons Health & Social Care Committee, which urges the government to speed up the introduction of the licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures. It is hoped that a stringent licensing initiative for treatments such as…
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