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Winners of the Malaysian Momo Make-Up Comp

By Alex Fox | 31 January 2021

Scratch editor-in-chief, Alex Fox, was invited to join the judging panel for the Momo Make-Up Competition, hosted by Stephy Pang of the Momo Make-Up Academy in Malaysia. A make-up academy with a wide portfolio of courses for nails and make-up, Momo embraces and inspires creativity, innovative international techniques and professionalism…

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Online Education: Hazel Dixon on the future of nail learning

By Guest Writer | 22 January 2021

Award-winning nail artist and founder of HD Nail Artist Academy, Hazel Dixon, shares her thoughts on why online education isn’t suitable for every nail tech and what she predicts for the future of learning. Why isn’t online learning appropriate for all techniques/nail learning needs? Online learning is a great platform…

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Want to create the perfect smile line?

By Alex Fox | 16 January 2021

Tracey Lee of Beauty2trs highlights her own course, which focus’ on the creation of the perfect smileline. If you’re looking to learn more about the tips & tricks to make beautiful sharp smilelines in gel, acrylic, acrygel or all three, check out the lessons ‘Create Your Perfect Smileline’. https://beauty2trs.com/classes/?product_cat=&author_id=&class-category=&lang=English&q=smileline How…

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Covid career changes: Retraining as a nail tech after losing my job

By Chloe Randall | 8 January 2021

Samantha Haste’s life was turned upside down when the pandemic hit and she lost her job, shortly after moving to a new city. Unable to pay her bills and rent, she decided to head down the path of training as a nail tech with Beauty Tribe.  “I was working as…

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Keen to enhance nail skills at home? Check out Edu-Mats

By Helena Biggs | 6 January 2021

Learn one stroke, fine line, mixed media skills and more with an exciting nail training innovation from Derbyshire tech, Melanie Lewendon. The celebrated educator and Scratch Stars 2020/21 finalist has created a series of ‘Edu-Mats’ packages, which each include access to an in-depth, online course and a reusable practise mat…

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The Massive Nail Tips of Moscow by Maltseva

By Alex Fox | 23 December 2020

Leading Russian nail artist, educator & international judge, Elena Maltseva, shares with Scratch her quirky nail art canvasses There are certain nail cultures that we can depend upon to come up with amazing, unique and bizarre ways to deliver exciting nail art ideas and on this occasion Russia has scooped…

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Covid career changes: Why I decided to train as a nail tech during lockdown

By Guest Writer | 16 December 2020

Sophie Akerman decided to train as a nail technician during the Covid-19 pandemic after being forced to work from home gave her time to reflect on her career path. She shares with Scratch the highlights and the challenges of her nail journey so far. “I was fortunate enough to keep…

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Rachel Lunn on… launching a nail academy during lockdown

By Guest Writer | 7 December 2020

Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2019, Rachel Lunn launched training centre during lockdown called The Nailroom- Rachel Lunn Nails and Training. Here, she shares her experience of launching during a difficult time and the inspiration behind going independently… I think like many nail technicians and salon owners, lockdown gave…

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Katie Barnes explores the value of online learning for nails

By Katie Barnes | 24 November 2020

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…

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Beauty2trs Spices Up Colour Theory

By Alex Fox | 12 November 2020

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…

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Nailcare Training to Care for Cancer Patients

By Alex Fox | 27 October 2020

A specialist in oncology therapies, skincare and wellbeing for cancer patients, Jennifer Young has made it her mission to support cancer patients’ wellbeing by helping therapists, salons and spa partners to provide the best possible service to those affected by cancer. An experienced microbiologist, nutritional therapist, associate member of the…

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How to become a first class educator in nails

By Alex Fox | 23 October 2020

Teaching is a skill in its own right and therefore being well educated, informed and skilled does not mean you’re a natural born teacher, but it does mean you could have the makings of one. Being a phenomenal nail tech doesn’t automatically mean you’re able to educate. In fact, in…

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Truro educator shares success stories of former nail students

By Guest Writer | 28 September 2020

Sarah Brenton-Sara, lecturer in Level 2 & 3 Nail Services & Beauty Therapy at Truro & Penwith College, shares how she supports her present and past nail students in the quest for a great career in the industry… My role as tutor, lecturer and assessor does not stop at the end of the…

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A Wealth of Top Training & Tips for Techs

By Alex Fox | 28 August 2020

It’s no secret that Sam Biddle is a great nail art educator, with a wealth of online nail art courses on offer for all ages, skill sets and schedules. Sam has spent the last 20 years teaching nail pros all over the world the art of nail art. However, mastering…

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A bohemian nail style rhapsody with Cat Wong

By Alex Fox | 27 August 2020

My favourite pastime is to browse nail designs and nailists on Instagram and Facebook, whenever I can. I do this in the hope of being arrested by art so strong, powerful, colourful and original that it will bring sparkles to my eyes. I’m pleased to inform, I get sparkles on…

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