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: Tammy Fontaine of Nails By Tammy 

By Callie Iley | 29 July 2023

Without an artistic background, East London-based tech, Tammy Fontaine, shares that when completing her training in 2006, she never believed she’d have the patience for nail art. “Nail art didn’t come naturally to me,” she remembers. “I trained in basic manicures and pedicures at college, gaining my NVW Level 2…

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The Great Scratch Shoot Out: Winning advice

By Scratch Staff | 22 July 2023

2019 winner of The Great Scratch Shoot Out, Nina Lewis, shares her thoughts on the importance of entering competitions and why you should enter this year’s The Great Scratch Shoot Out… What are your thoughts on industry competitions? Why are they so important? I believe you need tenacity when entering…

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Nail Tech Talk: Abi Hassan of Hot Wheels Nails

By Callie Iley | 15 July 2023

With a colourful nail art library & an equally bright personality to match, Abi Hassan, owner of Canterbury-based salon, Hot Wheels Nails, sits down with Scratch to discuss the importance of creating an inclusive & accessible salon space… “When I was a little girl, I looked up to my older…

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Nail Tech Talk: Susan Steel of Susan Steel Nails

By Callie Iley | 8 July 2023

With big career dreams and a lifelong passion for nails, Susan Steel shares her nail journey & reveals her hopes for the future of Susan Steel Nails… “I’ve always loved nails and beauty from a young age, but I never realised that it would be my dream career until I…

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Nail Tech Talk: Lilli Pullman of Lilli Paintz 

By Callie Iley | 1 July 2023

A lover of all things bright, bold & outrageous, Sevenoaks-based nail artist, Lilli Pullman, reveals the details of her creative endeavours & shares her plans for the future of Lilli Paintz… Heading straight to college to complete her NVQ’s in Levels 2 and 3 upon leaving school, Lilli jumped headfirst…

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Nail Tech Talk: Alex Hilton of By Alex

By Callie Iley | 24 June 2023

York-based nail artist, Alex Hilton of By Alex details what she loves most about the nail industry and shares her plans for the future of By Alex… “I’ve always had an interest in the beauty industry,” Alex remembers. “From the young age of about 11 years old, I would ask…

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