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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#TRENDINGTUESDAY Tracy McGoogan, Notorious Nails

By Kat Hill | 11 April 2017

We want to see the designs trending at your nails desk! Tracy McGoogan of Notorious Nails has found her client have been requesting pastel hues. “Pastel colours have been super popular in recent weeks for our client,” Tracy explains. “I think it’s mostly because of the change in weather! Spring flowers are…

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WHAT I’M WEARING: Nicola Cooper

By Kat Hill | 9 April 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Nicola Cooper fancied a pop of purple for her upcoming Easter break. “I’m currently wearing an overlay on my natural nails using a gel in a opaque pink shade,” Nicola explains. “I buffed and smoothed my nails, before applying two coats of…

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How I juggle nail tekking around my family life

By Scratch Staff | 4 April 2017

“You just do nails” No, just “doing nails” doesn’t come close. Erica Turley (nee Horton), founder of The Nail Barn, Staffordshire, reveals her journey into the nail industry… I spent years working as a nurse and health visitor. I had worked in healthcare from the age of 16 and knew…

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NAILS MAG names its Next Top Nail Artist 2017

By Helena Biggs | 31 March 2017

Following a lengthy, exciting and challenging process, Nails magazine has announced the winner of its Next Top Nail Artist competition for 2017. Netherlands nail artist, Tracey Lee, scooped the title in the online nail art competition, which is open to professionals worldwide. Jonny Diep Pham and Liina Leino took the runners up prizes…

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TECH TALK: Laura Wilson

By Helena Biggs | 27 March 2017

We caught up with Laura Wilson, of Bellissima Nails, to learn more about her career and her rather quirky salon space…  When and why did you choose to become a nail tech? I first enrolled on an acrylic nail course in 2006 after admiring the work of another local tech/educator…

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WHAT I’M WEARING: Sarah Painter, Glamour Beauty Salon

By Kat Hill | 26 March 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Sarah Painter, of Glamour Beauty Salon, creating this glowing design for glamorous night out. “These nails were created for a casino themed night,” Sarah reveals. “I thought it would be a fun, different and a good talking point. Unfortunately, I found…

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