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: Georgia Rose of Georgia Rose Nails

By Callie Iley | 21 January 2023

Builder gel manicurist, Georgia Rose of Georgia Rose Nails, chats to Scratch about her love for the nail community and her advice for aspiring techs. After nearly five years of offering gel, builder gel and acrylic services, Georgia Rose opted to fully emerge herself in builder gel in 2022, specialising…

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Nail Tech Talk: Abbie-Lea Elliott of Able Nails 

By Callie Iley | 14 January 2023

Cardiff-based tech, Abbie-Lea Elliott, completed her training in March of 2021, dedicating her time throughout lockdown to practise. “I trained on the first course that opened up after Covid, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made,” Abbie smiles. “I love anything weird and wonderful when it comes to…

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Nail Tech Talk: Trick Or Treat Nails

By Callie Iley | 7 January 2023

Alana of Trick Or Treat Nails chats with Scratch about her unique, horror-inspired nail style, and reveals her aspirations for 2023… Southampton-based tech, Alana of Trick Or Treat Nails, completed her training from home throughout the lockdowns via zoom. “Training online was so much harder to do, as there’s no…

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County Donegal nail technician shares benefits of PHAB Service Star accolade

By Helena Biggs | 4 January 2023

County Donegal nail technician shares benefits of PHAB Service Star accolade Rina du Plessis of Signature Nails by Rina in Letterdenny, Co. Donegal, has been recognised for her exemplary nail treatments and customer care with a PHAB Service Star. The PHAB Service Stars initiative was launched by Nergish Wadia-Austin, esteemed…

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Nail Tech Talk: Carlie Fidgett of Bycarlie

By Callie Iley | 31 December 2022

Scratch chats to Carlie Fidgett of Bycarlie about her nail journey and the difficulties she’s faced dealing with diverticulitis… Carlie’s nail journey began in 2019 while she was working a full time job at Centre Parcs full time, when she enrolled on a gel polish course with Gellux. Following from…

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Nail Tech Talk: Emily Jones of Nailed By Emily

By Callie Iley | 10 December 2022

Nail Tech Talk: Emily Jones of Nailed By Emily North Yorkshire-based tech, Emily Jones of Nailed By Emily, chats to Scratch about mobile tekking alongside her studies at university and her passion for creating nail art.  “My nail journey began in summer 2020. As a university student who lives at…

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