‘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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Salon in the Spotlight: Boo Does Nails, Birmingham
During lockdown, Beckie Jones reflected on her career, deciding to take a risk when restrictions eased, opening up her own salon. “It was a risk I needed to take, as I felt a deep need to finally carve out a space where I could be free to do what I…
Nail Tech Talk: Carrie Bohan of Nails by Carrie
Carrie Bohan of Nails by Carrie sits down with Scratch to talk about her love for natural nail transformations and the importance of posting regularly on Instagram… “I love natural nail transformations and restoring peoples confidence in their nails,” Carrie reveals. “I am a builder gel only tech, so my…
Salon in the Spotlight: Eden Nails & Beauty, Derby
Beginning her nail journey in 2013, Laura Lima has a variety of experience in the beauty industry. “I have always dreamed of having my own salon one day, and in 2020, I decided to experience the self-employed side of things and was never happier!” “I started to slowly climb…
5 ways to keep nail salon appointment books busy this summer
Beauty business expert and founder of Beauty Boss HQ, Layla Tourh, serves up advice for keeping the appointment books busy during the summer months… As we enter the summer holidays, we know to expect an increase in the obvious summer trending services, such as waxing, spray tans, and pedicures, but we…
How to use salon towels more sustainably
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, Stephanie Hodgson, head of research and development at GSC, reveals the Collective’s top tips…
Nail Tech Talk: Sophie Day of Glam Nails
Scratch chats to Sophie Day of Glam Nails about changing trends and pushing outside of your comfort zone… “I began training as a nail tech August 2019,” Sophie shares. “I am trained to work with natural nails, of which I find seems to be popular at the moment. “I was…
