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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Iram Shelton on 2024 nail art trends, raising your status & working with OPI

By Helena Biggs | 1 January 2024

Luxury nail artist & lifestyle content creator, Iram Shelton, has amassed a huge social media following, owing to her enviable travel stories and stylish nail posts. A star resident at the Bulgari Hotel London Spa, she offers luxury manicures to clients in the capital, and was appointed as global ambassador…

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Nail Tech Talk: Rachel Foreman of Effy Nails

By Callie Iley | 29 December 2023

With a wealth of experience both on set and in-salon, nail artist, Rachel Foreman of Effy Nails, shares how her colourful career in the nail industry began and offers an insight into her day-to-day life… Returning to education in 2008 to train for two years in make-up artistry, the year…

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Community spirit: How Yorkshire nail techs are promoting positive mental wellbeing for fellow pros

By Callie Iley | 17 December 2023

Following her transition from a role in the NHS to the nail industry, Natasha Katoro of By Natasha Katoro shares how she and her local support group are tackling high feelings of isolation amongst industry pros… Hoping to foster a sense of community to promote positive mental wellbeing for nail…

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Why I chose a Diploma to enhance my nail career

By Callie Iley | 21 November 2023

Seeking a deeper understanding of the nuances of education, Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2023, Lucy Price-Marshall, enrolled on a TQUK Level 5 Diploma in Education & Training in 2021, graduating this year. Lucy began her nail journey with private tuition, before enrolling at a college to…

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‘Here’s why I actively promote my salon as gender inclusive’

By Rebecca Hitchon | 17 November 2023

Is it clear that your business is inclusive to all? Some gender norms and discrimination can hold people back from entering salon spaces. Sarah Brown, owner of Angel Avenue salon and training school in Atherton, Lancashire, reveals that she was prompted to promote her salon as a gender and trans…

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Nail Tech Talk: Meet Nikki Mikellides, SMHBA National Nail Tech of the Year 2023

By Callie Iley | 14 November 2023

Social Media Hair and Beauty Awards (SMHBA) National Nail Technician of the Year 2023, Nikki Mikellides of Nails By Nikki M, shares her career journey and divulges the details of her win… “I’ve always been creative; I enjoyed art at school and was always interested in hair, make-up and nails…

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