TECH TALK

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Do AI chatbots like ChatGPT have a place in the nail industry?

By Rebecca Hitchon | 31 July 2025

Disclaimer: this article is not written by a robot. But it does explore how language processing tools driven by artificial intelligence (AI) technology, or ‘chatbots’, are influencing the nail and beauty sector. As this technology integrates into our lives, many are wary of its place in society – and its…

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Inside the Leeds nail salon known for its Y2K decor & viral nail art

By Jess Watts | 25 July 2025

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…

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What are brush-on builder gel & BIAB™ nails?

By Lilly Delmage | 3 July 2025

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…

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Nail Tech Talk Emma Stephens Of Gemini Nails Sussex

Nail Tech Talk: Emma Stephens of Gemini Nails Sussex

By Callie Iley | 27 March 2024

Get to know Emma Stephens of Gemini Nails Sussex, as she shares her story as a nail artist living with chronic illnesses and reveals the inspiration behind her dazzling nail designs… Emma remembers seeing press-on nails for the first time at Claire’s Accessories, noting that since that moment, she was hooked. “Nails…

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Nail Tech Talk: Leanne Briggs of Empowering Beauty 

By Callie Iley | 20 March 2024

Rebranding her business to Empowering Beauty, Leanne Briggs reveals the meaning behind her name choice and shares the story behind her luxury mobile nail and beauty business… Growing up, Leanne’s mother was a hairdresser, giving her exposure to the beauty industry from a young age. Attending college at the age of…

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Nail Tech Talk: Monica Malfa of The Cosmic Nails Club

By Callie Iley | 17 March 2024

Discover the personal significance behind Monica Malfa’s choice of The Cosmic Nails Club as the name for her beauty business, as she reveals her next steps in the nail industry… With a background in marketing spanning nine years, Monica Malfa was head of department at a trade-exclusive printing company when…

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Endometriosis

My life as a nail technician with endometriosis

By Scratch Staff | 15 March 2024

The NHS states that endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It is a long-term condition, which can have a variety of symptoms and affects each woman differently, ranging from severe…

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Nail Tech Talk: Kimberley Hearn of byKIMI Nails

By Callie Iley | 9 March 2024

Seeking a career that offers flexibility around her family, Kimberley Hearn of byKIMI Nails shares her journey of establishing her nail business around her three children. Kim spent eight years working in the car industry, but was furloughed for 10 months during the pandemic, followed by maternity leave with her…

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Nail Tech Talk: Meet Katie Dutra, gel nail artist, educator & content creator

By Callie Iley | 2 March 2024

A passionate educator determined to use her experiences to benefit other nail pros, Katie Dutra shares her career story and reveals her hopes for the future of the nail industry… With intentions of becoming a hair stylist, Katie Dutra enrolled in a full cosmetology course in 2011. However, her plans…

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