Katie Barnes explores the value of online learning for nails
Use your time wisely between appointments and during any ‘down time’ by broadening your knowledge and skillset through online classes. During times such as lockdown, online learning has proven really beneficial. There are many online classes available – from paid and free business mentoring and webinars to technical skill building…
#NowTrending: Fairy Liquid nails
Scratch chats to Sophie Parkinson of Soph Builds Nails about how she created the instantly recognisable Fairy Liquid nail art design, featured on our Instagram in November 2020. I’ve been doing nails since 2019, but I really got into it over lockdown, and perfected my craft throughout this time. At first,…
WINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap November
The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge has been announced as Lucy Conner. In a super sweet showcase of talent, techs stepped up to the Scratch Snap challenge for November & created some delectable nail designs in the bid to win a prize. Judged by Scratch’s deputy editor, Kat…
TECH TALK: Danny Manchip of Beau’s Beauty Box
Scratch chats with Danny Manchip of Beau’s Beauty Box about his life as a nail tech and his incredible fundraising efforts. What is your all time favourite nail product? I’ve got to say Magpie Beauty’s gel paints. I love doing free hand nail art, and their paints are just…
How to make the most of Halo Create nail art products
Tina Bell, head of education at Pure Nails, divulges info about the Halo Create nail art range and how you can make the most of the products to dazzle and delight clients… Halo Create launched just in time for lockdown 2.0; an ideal time for us to experiment with nail…
Robbie Tomkins reveals how to find your nail industry USP
When I was first introduced to nails, it quickly became apparent that, as far as the session world is concerned, there seemed to be a distinct lack of men. I had met manicurist, Mike Pocock, through working at the nail brand that I was a PR manager for and of…
Jay Jay Revlon addresses the stigma around male grooming
Back in August 2018, Scratch caught up with the founder of Guys That Nail It, Jay Jay Revlon, about his passion for male self-care. Jay Jay strives to change the stigma around male grooming by normalising the language used and actions taken towards men getting nail treatments. “I want to change the…
#NowTrending: Stunning smoky amethyst nails by Natasha Barker
Scratch chats with Natasha Barker of Niche Nail Beauty about her passion for education and love for the nail industry, and explores how she created this dazzling amethyst design… I’ve been in the nail industry since 2002. My career started when I took the CND™ Liquid & Powder Beginner course…
Back To Basics: 3 steps to ensure your gel polish goes the distance
At Pure Nails, we think that Lockdown 2.0 is the perfect time to go back to basics and perfect your core skills; namely how ensure a chip-free, durable finish. Step 1: Preparation Cuticle work: This step is vital in the application of flawless gel polish. Gently push back the cuticle…
TECH TALK: Natasha Newton of Nails by Natasha
Scratch catches up with Natasha Newton of Nails by Natasha about her achievements since featuring in January 2020’s Readers Gallery and what the future holds for her career. What is it about nails that has you hooked? I’ve always enjoyed playing around with nails from a young age. It…
Beauty2trs Spices Up Colour Theory
The latest course to be on offer with Beauty2trs is Color Your Nail Art by Nancy Janssen. “Colour is a power, which directly influences the soul of every nail artist and all nail art work,” comments Nancy. “Even the most simple looking nail art can look incredible with the right…
Salon in the Spotlight: The One Nail Bar, Malvern, Worcestershire
Opening its doors in August after coming out of the first lockdown, The One Nail Bar is sunny salon offering a bright spot in its local area. “We acquired the premises a couple of days before the lockdown in March,” explain owners, Wai Lok Cham and Le Mi Pham. “It’s been…
Nail tech & male client support British Legion with Remembrance Day nails
Tracie Lawson, of Beauty Boutique, Wiltshire, explains how her salon plays its part in raising money for the British Legion for Remembrance Day, and reveals more about her male client who requests nail art to commemorate the occasion… Remembrance Sunday is a time to wear a poppy with pride and…
The nail business challenges I’ve faced throughout the Covid-19 pandemic
Hannah Garbett, MD & director of education at Staffordshire Nail Academy, shares an honest account of the business challenges faced during the coronavirus pandemic… Where on earth do I start? This year has been one of immense anxiety and stress along with sheer grit and determination. Our year started with…
8 ways nail techs can keep motivated during lockdown 2.0
Tina Bell, head of education at Pure Nails, serves up key ways to keep your creativity flowing and spirits high during lockdown 2.0… Here we are, back in lockdown. Once again, I have packed up my salon, moved my nail desk onto my dining room table and taken over whole…
