TECH TALK

Laura gilbert anderson maternal mental health

Portsmouth nail pro: What I learned from mental health struggles during pregnancy

By Guest Writer | 15 May 2025

Laura Gilbert-Anderson of Basic Witch Nails shares her maternal mental health experiences and what they have taught her… I was diagnosed with a liver condition during my first pregnancy, so my baby and I had to be closely monitored. If test results weren’t good, it meant days spent at the…

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Beyond The Brush: The nail tech community built on relationships, support & honesty

By Lilly Delmage | 10 May 2025

Gel nail educator & artist, Gemma Siverns, speaks to Scratch about her online community, Beyond The Brush (BTB) – a supportive, educational space she created for nail professionals. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Gemma is a natural mentor. She began her journey in 2000, earning her…

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Suffolk nail artist: ‘My salon isn’t just about treatments – it’s a whole experience’

By Lilly Delmage | 8 May 2025

Allie Eve, owner of The Nail Matrix, opens the doors of her bohemian sanctuary salon, unveiling a space to ‘spark creativity and escapism’. “The Nail Matrix is all about stepping out of the chaos and into a space where time slows down and the world melts away,” explains Allie. “From…

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Becky wicks

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Becky Wicks

By Sophie Nutt | 25 September 2018

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Talentech tech, Becky Wicks, reveals that 3D encapsulated flowers have been popular with her clients recently. “Encapsulated 3D flowers have been so popular with my clients lately, they like that it makes the simplest of designs stand out. “I…

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Oi nails

MANI MONDAY: Black heart

By Sophie Nutt | 24 September 2018

Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! As autumn approaches and crisp weather calls for winter coats, make the most of seasonal shades with chic nail art. We love this design created by the talented tech behind @oi_nail, seeing a matte black overlay and…

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Chelsea nails

WHAT I’M WEARING: Chelsea O’Connor, Nails By Chelsea

By Sophie Nutt | 23 September 2018

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Chelsea O’Connor, of Nails By Chelsea, opts for a glamorous manicure filled with autumnal hues and chunky glitters. “My go to medium is coloured acrylic. All my work is done using coloured acrylic and anything I can encapsulate! On this…

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Lisa Lilley on Gelish, singing and Charli Jepson

By Kat Hill | 22 September 2018

Tell us about your training… I started my journey in nails by training with Charli Jepson from Nail Harmony UK in November 2013 completing Manicure, Gelish and acrylic training. Since then I’ve gone on to do more courses with Charli in hard gel, Polygel and Gelish Design Phd.   I’m…

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Katie Barnes on…young people & nail treatments

By Katie Barnes | 18 September 2018

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, discusses the appropriate age for a nail treatment… As the number of teenagers and children seeking nail and beauty treatments continues to rise, techs need to ask themselves whether it is safe or appropriate to treat a client under the age of 16.…

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Arlene fraser

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Arlene Fraser, Nails By Arlene

By Sophie Nutt | 18 September 2018

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Arlene Fraser, of Nails By Arlene, reveals that designs seeing super cute flamingo feature nails have been popular with her clients recently – especially those lucky enough to be jetting off on holiday. “Most of my clients have been…

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