Inside the Leeds nail salon known for its Y2K decor & viral nail art
Meet Freya-Poppy Bowden, the Y2K-obsessed nail tech whose Leeds-based salon is every millennial’s dream! Growing up in a family of artists, it is no surprise that Freya-Poppy’s creativity flourished early. At the age of 11, she began experimenting with nail art and quickly fell in love with the medium. She…
What are brush-on builder gel & BIAB™ nails?
Brush-on builder gel is an ever-popular request at the nail desk – but what is it, and when should it be used? Brush-on builder gel is a more convenient variation of traditional builder gels, which are housed in pots. Packaged in a bottle with an integrated brush, the product allows…
Crowland log cabin nail salon: “My clients love being surrounded by nature”
As’ka Baran, owner of Crowland-based nail salon, Holistic Health & Beauty, opens the doors to her unique space – a log cabin nestled in the corner of her garden. “Working from a log cabin brings a sense of connection with the earth and nature,” shares As’ka. “Clients often comment that…
A guide to the gel system: when & how to use & troubleshooting tips
Nail pros share insight on the gel system… When to use the gel system Theresa Foddering, Lecenté business development manager & Scratch Stars Shooting Star Award finalist 2025, adds: “If a client has weak or brittle nails that require extra support and strength, hard gel is a great option for enhancements.…
Brighton nail artist: mixed media allows me to create nail art with greater impact
Get to know Scratch Stars Mixed Media Artist of the Year finalist 2025, Sabre van Dijk, in an exclusive interview on her career journey and why she applied for the competition… Tell us about your nail journey… I’ve studied art for as long as I can remember: Photography at the University…
Award-winning nail tech: How I’ve found success despite suffering with fibromyalgia
Kirsty Brown is the owner of Paintbrush Nails, Stirling, Scotland, which is the Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year 2024 & a finalist for 2025. Here, she shares about her experiences with fibromyalgia… Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue and cognitive difficulties. It can be…
Powys nail salon: where rustic charm meets luxury beauty treatments
Jodie Evans, owner of Wales salon, Nail Envy, speaks to Scratch about the journey of building her thriving nail business. “Nail Envy is designed to feel like a luxurious home-from-home, combining rustic charm with modern elegance,” says Jodie. “The interior features brickwork, warm wood tones and plush velvet chairs –…
LGBTQ+ tech & drag nail artist: the nail industry allows me to embrace my truest self
Birmingham-based nail artist, Anthony Lloyd, shares about his LGBTQ+ journey and the important role nail artistry has played in it… My journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community has been a positive and affirming one. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been raised in a supportive family environment, and…
I invited my salon team to create nails for Cannes Film Festival
The Nail & Beauty Lounge owner, Julie McCabe, takes us behind the scenes of her Cannes Film Festival experience, where she and her salon team delivered manicures and pedicures. The team at Poulton-le-Fylde-based salon, The Nail & Beauty Lounge, were called upon by owner, Julie McCabe, to provide the manicures and…
How to accommodate nail clients with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Nail techs share advice for catering to clients with multiple sclerosis (MS)… What is MS? On its website, the NHS states: “Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord. It’s a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be…
Leicester nail tech: My maternal mental health struggles led me to the beauty industry
Nail artist & educator, Mika John of Contours by Mika, shares how poor mental health has impacted her life, and the positive impact of tekking… I first realised I was struggling with my mental health about seven years ago while working in hospitality, but I didn’t take action at the…
Hampshire nail pro on maternal mental health struggles & pressure to be a perfect mum
Andover-based nail artist & educator, Jo Bennett, opens up about feeling her lowest after having twins… When I was a new mum, I struggled to focus, my mood dropped significantly and I had no motivation, whether to take my twins out, work or even wash my face. I also had…
Having a niche as a nail tech: is it important?
Whether your skills focus is natural nailcare, premium pedis or portrait painting, Scratch investigates the importance of identifying and capitalising on your expertise… What is a niche? ‘Niche’ is a business term used to describe a focused approach to offering goods and services, and tailoring them to a specific consumer…
The nail techs who went from online friends to podcast hosts
Nail techs, Rachel Coast and Evie Glows, started out as online friends within a nail tech community, and have since launched their podcast, The Nail Files. Describing the podcast as ‘relatable, uplifting and a way to facilitate connection’, the duo is passionate about entertaining nail techs with relatable and humorous…
My client’s nautical-themed manicure went viral on her cruise ship holiday
Manchester nail tech, Natalie Reay, and her client, Joanne Darby, spent over twelve months planning Joanne’s nail design for her cruise holiday – a style that unexpectedly found fame among cruise-goers, sparking conversations, connections and creativity. Imagine having ‘famous’ nails. This was the experience of Joanne Darby, who turned to…
Read the latest issue
