TECH TALK

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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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Amberley robinson maternal mental health

Nail tech’s maternal mental health struggles: ‘Talking & finding support saved my life’

By Guest Writer | 7 May 2025

New Mexico tech, Amberley Robinson, aka The Nail Tattooist, opens up about her maternal mental health experiences… When my first child was six months old, I juggled roles as a full-time beauty student and breastfeeding mum. Leaving my son with a caregiver each day made me feel heartbroken and guilty,…

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YOUR FAVE Scratch cover of 2017: revealed!

By Helena Biggs | 20 December 2017

The results are in for your favourite Scratch magazine cover image of 2017. Open to all Scratch readers, voting took place last weekend – with votes amassed in their hundreds for 13 eye-catching cover images. From bold, punchy nail styles to sultry poses and clever use of props, the images…

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Kelly colley

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Kelly Colley, Lavish Nails

By Sophie Nutt | 19 December 2017

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Kelly Colley, of Lavish Nails, revealed that this glittered winter-ice look has been popular amongst her clients that want to be prepared for festivities beyond Christmas Day. “I think this design has been popular as some clients want to…

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Emma stanton

WHAT I’M WEARING: Emma Stanton, Nails 2 Inspire

By Sophie Nutt | 17 December 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Emma Stanton, owner of Nails 2 Inspire and educator for Rebecca Abernethy Training Academy, sculpted these bold stiletto nails as an alternative to the typical Christmas glitz and glam. “I wanted to create a set of nails that reflected my bold…

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Katie Barnes on why you don’t say ‘Chinese salons’

By Katie Barnes | 12 December 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, addresses the issue of non-standard salons and incorrect terminology – with a helping hand from CND educator, Anna Lee Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Many technicians and clients are guilty of referring to non-standard salons as ‘Chinese salons’, ‘Viet…

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#TRENDINGTUESDAY Sarah Vernon-Cowell, Sarah Vernon Nails and Beauty

By Sophie Nutt | 12 December 2017

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Sarah Vernon-Cowell, of Sarah Vernon Nails and Beauty, revealed that a deep red hue complete with embellishments has been popular with her clients. “I am finding at the moment that clients are wanting something simple but glamorous. “This nail…

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WARWICK TECH reaches final 12 in worldwide nail competition

By Helena Biggs | 11 December 2017

Scratch blogger, nail artist and educator, Katie Barnes, has been shortlisted as the only UK finalist in NAILS magazine‘s Next Top Nail Artist competition. Now in its fifth season, NAILS Next Top Nail Artist is open to techs all over the world and sees contestants undergo a rigorous screening process after…

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