E-files: Myth vs fact

By Scratch Staff | 10 June 2021

Awarding winning tech & educator, Paulina Zdrada of The Nail Lab, tackles common questions about e-files. E-files are one of the more versatile tools at your disposal in the sense that they can be used in a variety of ways for a range of reasons. Whether it be for prep…

How to perfect tortoiseshell nail art using The GelBottle Inc

By Guest Writer | 10 June 2021

The GelBottle Inc’s resident nail technician, Helena Marimon, shares how to create tortoiseshell nail art… I advise using a layering method, first coined by TGB brand ambassador, Amy Rickaby. Start your design off with strong nail prep, ensuring cuticles are removed from the nail to enable perfect polish application. Apply…

Salon in the Spotlight: Nail Techniques, Northampton

By Kat Hill | 9 June 2021

The multiple lockdowns hit Corey Jade Stockwell’s salon business hard, meaning relocation was necessary to survive. “The future of the business looked grim,” Corey explains. “The most important thing was to keep a roof over my family’s head; as a single mum, it was down to me. “Luckily, I had…

My life as a dyslexic & dyspraxic nail technician

By Guest Writer | 9 June 2021

Jade Mullin, Owner of Jade Mullin Academy and Educator for Glitterbels shares what it is like working as a dyslexic and dyspraxic nail technician… After having a long passion for nails I started training in nails in 2019. I am now qualified in hard gel enhancements, acrylic enhancements, gel polish and…

5 ways to style up your nail salon with interior designer, Haz Dean for a modern & chic beauty space

By Alex Fox | 8 June 2021

Today, this blog will focus on furnishing the nails arena. Whether it’s a small nail bar, or a luxurious spa, if nail services are part of your business offerings then you definitely understand the effort needed to make sure the space is practical and safe. TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY…

#NowTrending: Neon butterflies by Charlotte Edwards

By Callie Iley | 8 June 2021

Scratch chats to Charlotte Edwards of Charls Nails and Beauty about her future goals and how she created this neon butterfly nail design… I did my acrylic course at Northwest Training College with Diane Senogles. I started with only a handful of clients, and then thought something was missing, so…

Health issues lead to nail educator building her own nail brand with 22 gel polish shades for starters

By Alex Fox | 7 June 2021

After working for 10 years as a nail educator, Hayley Winder of Cheadle, Stockport decided it was time to create a nail brand tailored to her needs and those of her students. “Working in the trusted position of nail educator, made me feel I needed to provide products that I…

NAIL TECH TALK: Kayleigh Bowser of Kayleigh Creates Nails

By Callie Iley | 5 June 2021

Scratch chats to Kayleigh Bowser of Kayleigh Creates Nails about her career change from teacher to nail tech… I have always loved painting my own nails, and before I got married, a friend took me to get a set of gels done. I was instantly in love with the shine…

Course Bites: NSI Foundation Courses

By Kat Hill | 3 June 2021

Are you looking to add enhancements to your nail treatment menu? NSI UK has two course options ideal for learners: Gel Foundation Course and Acrylic Foundation Course. Keep reading to learn more… About the courses The five-day foundation course is designed to provide a platform upon which the beginners can develop…

@fayelouisedennis, Chigwell, Essex

By Kat Hill | 2 June 2021

Found at the bottom of the family home’s garden, Faye Louise Dennis’ studio proffers a chic, city-style décor in the comforts of a home setup. Specialising solely in hand and foot services, the recently renovated private studio provides the ideal workspace for Faye. “I have had an incredible pedicure station…

Tech Talk: Scratch goes down under to visit Lynda Sanchez of Manicandie, Sydney, Australia

By Alex Fox | 1 June 2021

“My home-based salon has moved with me into four different family homes until my husband and I found our forever home in 2017. I’ve since moved into two different rooms in the house but have finally found my fit!” enthuses Lynda Sanchez. A mix of pastel and gold shades exuding…

Are e-file manicure techniques safe?

By Katie Barnes | 1 June 2021

As nail technicians, there is already a lot of strain and stress put on our hands, wrists and shoulders. It is important that we make the necessary changes and follow safe working techniques to look after our hands while offering our clients the very best service. We all know that…

How to create a TikTok for your nail designs

By Chloe Randall | 31 May 2021

Faith James of @faithjamesnails on TikTok, which boasts over 50,000 followers, shares how to create a TikTok for your nail designs… Step 1- Press the ‘+’ button at the bottom of the screen to get started. Step 2- Select the ‘60’ at the bottom of the screen if you would…

NAIL TECH TALK: Erin Lynch of La Pintora Nails

By Callie Iley | 29 May 2021

Scratch chats to Erin Lynch of La Pintora Nails about finding inspiration in nature and charging your worth… Like many people, the pandemic made me re-evaluate a few things and I decided to take forward my love of nails and nail art by gaining my gel manicure certification. I completed…

How to keep your business finances on track

By Guest Writer | 27 May 2021

Ria-Jaine Lincoln aka The Beauty Accountant, shares top tips for keeping on top of your beauty business finances… It has been so great to see the industry get excited and ready to re-open and now is the perfect time, at the start of the financial year and in a fresh…