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: Sophia Stanley of Mama Mani Nails

By Callie Iley | 18 February 2023

Natural nail specialist & mother of two toddlers, Sophia Stanley, reveals her child-friendly nail space and why adding a play area has enticed a greater clientele. Affectionately titled ‘Mama Mani Nails’, Sophia Stanley’s business operates from her home in Walsall, with a focus on services that can be enjoyed by…

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Champion tech shares process behind extreme Valentine’s nail style

By Rebecca Hitchon | 14 February 2023

Anita Chahal of Anita Chahal Creative Designer Nails, North Wales, shares how she created this enchanting, extreme length design and its romantic inspirations. The talented tech, who has been in the nail industry for 23 years, is an educator for Nail & Beauty Excellence (NBE). At Nailympia London 2022, she…

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Nail Tech Talk: Joss Neaves of Cloud Nine Nails

By Callie Iley | 11 February 2023

With a passion for art and big dreams for the future of her beauty business, Oxfordshire-based tech, Joss Neaves of Cloud Nine Nails, works from her home studio, offering hand-painted nail art to clients. “I was originally attracted to the nail industry because of the nail community. When I got…

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Nail Tech Talk: Anta Wilkins of Nails2Empress

By Callie Iley | 4 February 2023

Mobile and freelance nail artist, Anta Wilkins of Nails2Empress shares her career progression with Scratch, and reveals her hopes for her future in the nail industry. Since gaining her City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in 2018, Anta continued to further her education, training with Glitterbels and Marie Nailz. She…

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Nail Tech Talk: Hannah Miles of Nails By Han

By Callie Iley | 28 January 2023

Sheffield-based tech, Hannah Miles of Nails By Han, sits down with Scratch to share her nail journey and her 2023 career goals.  Hannah’s interest in nails was sparked at around 13 or 14 years old, doing her own nails after school. She rekindled her love for nails during lockdown. “Like…

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Nail Tech Talk: Danny Manchip of Beau’s Beauty Box

By Chloe Randall | 27 January 2023

Scratch chats to Danny Manchip of Beau’s Beauty Box about his Scratch Star Award win, career journey & goals for the industry… What sparked your interest in nails? I had been working in retail for 12 years and as I was approaching my 30th birthday, I concluded that I didn’t…

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