How-to: L&P acrylic with Halo
Tina Bell, head of education for Pure Nails & owner of Totally Polished Academy, shares how to create an L&P nail using Halo’s L&P acrylic system… L&P acrylic enhancements maintain their popularity with clients due to the length L&P can achieve, its strength and its durability. However, without the correct training and guidance,…
How to create a successful salon team
Maddie Regan, Scratch columnist & top tech at 81 Rose Garden, share her top tips for ensuring your salon staff are a happy, successful team… Effective teamwork is something that every organisation should strive for and is particularly important in the salon business. During my time at 81 Rose Garden,…
The Massage Company founder scoops award for Lockdown Leadership
Charlie Thompson, founder & managing director of the nationwide network of franchise massage studios, The Massage Company (TMC), during 2020, has been awarded the Lockdown Leader accolade for the support and guidance he provided to his team, franchisees and customers during the pandemic. The SME National Business Awards recognised that…
Do you need a social media detox?
The pressures of social media can impact our wellbeing – some times more than we even realise. So, is it time to disconnect? Amy Martin, owner of AMB STUDIO & Georgie Smedley Group brand ambassador, based in the Scottish Borders, shares her thoughts… ‘Having goals & ambition is great –…
Salon in the Spotlight: Base Coat Beauty, North East, England
When their family grew, Ella and Milly Shanks’ home salon relocated from a bedroom in the family home to a new garage conversion. “We’ve had our home salon for 3 and a half years,” the duo explain. “In the past, it’s been in our spare bedroom, which is now our…
How to prepare new nail brushes for use
You may notice that when you purchase a new brush for nail services, the bristles are stiff and contain a white residue. This residue is Arabic gum, a starch film. All manufacturers make brushes with this gum to protect and keep your brush in shape in transit and before use.…
Trademarks & your beauty business: points to consider
Nail stylist and business owner, Theresa Foddering (aka The Naildresser®) reveals why she chose to trademark her business – and the step you need to take to apply… Your business name is one of your most valuable assets and one of the first things a prospective client sees. Your business…
#NowTrending: White crystal nails by Ashleigh Rene Owens
Scratch chats to Ashleigh Rene Owens of Nails With Ashleigh, Denver, USA, about the nail art planning process & how she created this striking crystal design… “In 2011, I began doing manicures for my family and friends. What started as a hobby became my career after I realised that I…
The story behind the 42cm nail
After winning multiple nail competitions, Ildiko Gheraszim, of Nails As Jewels, used the time lockdown gave her to improve her skills by taking part in many online courses with various educators. She then put her skills to good use by creating extreme nails. “I wanted to test my skills and…
5 things I love about being a competition judge
Scratch chats to Denise Wright, who’s name is synonymous with nail competitions, about why she loves running & judging nail competitions 1: What it means to me Competitions have been an important part of my life since I started competing at the age of 24. From that very first…
NAIL TECH TALK: Aminah Akhtar of Minnie’s Beauty Lounge
Scratch chats with Aminah Akhtar of Minnie’s Beauty Lounge about the messages behind her nail art and the progress she’s made during her nail career so far… “The thing I love about nails is that it’s so much more than just painting nails. Nail art can be used to make…
5 things I love about being a session nail technician
Scratch chats to session nail technician & Scratch Stars Session Stylist of the Year 20/21 finalist, Lauren Michelle Pires, about her work life & the things she loves most about her role… Based in London, Lauren Michelle Pires works as a freelance editorial manicurist. She studied graphic design and photography…
Mindful matters: power of positivity #2
Goodness me, is it February already? Where does the time go? The word February is taken from the Latin word ‘Februa’, meaning ‘to cleanse’. The Roman calendar month of Februarias was named for Februalia, a festival of purification and atonement. With this in mind, it’s my intention this month to…
5 things I love about being a nail educator
Scratch chats with award-winning educator, Hannah Garbett of Staffordshire Nail Academy, about why she loves being a nail educator… 1.Colleagues Working with so many talented and passionate individuals. 2.Rewarding The look of the ‘eureka’ moment and pride on a student’s face when they finally nail a certain element they have…
5 ways to use Canva to support your beauty business marketing
Award-winning nail professional, Metta Francis, shares her top tips for graphic creation tool, Canva… I’m a big fan of Canva as it allows you to create free (or very low cost) professional-looking branded graphics for social media and printed marketing assets, such as business cards, price lists and even logos.…
