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: Meet Jiak Hing, Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year 2023

By Rebecca Hitchon | 30 August 2023

Scooping a second consecutive win in the category, Jiak Hing became the Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year 2023 in July. Here, she shares her competition story, career beginnings and favourite part of her role… Jiak, based in North West England, has a passion for nail art that…

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Nail Tech Talk: Meet Lucy Price, Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2023

By Callie Iley | 26 August 2023

Get to know Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2023, Lucy Price of Lucy Rose Nails, as she shares insight into her career journey & reveals details from the night of the Scratch Stars Awards 2023… Initially training in manicure, pedicure and gel colour treatments at 16 after…

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Nail Tech Talk: Beth Buckley of Sassy Nails

By Callie Iley | 19 August 2023

Despite not considering nails as a career until later in her life, Beth Buckley of Sassy Nails had a lifelong passion for nails. “I even used to paint my friend’s nails in the toilets at school,” she laughs. “I trained in L&P Acrylic and later in gel polish, and never…

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The Great Scratch Shoot Out: Meet the 2022 winner, Ania Kesiak

By Chloe Randall | 14 August 2023

Scratch chats to Ania Kesiak, winner of The Great Scratch Shoot Out 2022, about how winning helped her career and why fellow nail pros should enter… What did you enjoy about creating your competition entry? I loved that there is no theme for The Great Scratch Shoot Out, so the…

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Nail Tech Talk: Denise Maples of Onestop Nails

By Callie Iley | 12 August 2023

Attending Olympia Beauty with a nail technician friend, Denise Maples became enthralled in the world of nails, making the decision to train and qualify herself. A single parent to three sons, Denise was working as a cleaner during school hours to make ends meet, with one of her jobs based…

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Nail Tech Talk: Nicola Julian of Oakwood Nails

By Callie Iley | 5 August 2023

Overcoming self-doubt to pursue a career in the nail industry, Nicola Julian of Oakwood Nails discovered her love for nail art during the pandemic before completing her training in 2021. Having had an interest in make-up, hair and nails from a young age, Nicola Julian initially pursued a career in…

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