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: Kelly Bradford on her colourful career

By Chloe Randall | 25 June 2021

Kelly Bradford, owner of Kels Gels has had a varied career before becoming a nail technician four years ago. From being a service engineer, to cabin crew for British Airways, Kelly shares her story… I started working at Somerfield as a checkout supervisor at 16, followed by NatWest bank as…

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NAIL TECH TALK: Oksana Smirnova, Scratch Stars finalist 20/21

By Lilly Delmage | 22 June 2021

Scratch Stars Gel Tech of the Year finalist 20/21, Oksana Smirnova, shares how she discovered her passion for nails, how it felt to be announced as a finalist and her next career steps… Tell us about your nail industry journey… I started my career as a nail technician in 2009,…

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Fathers day nails feature

Meet the fathers that have found fame in the nail industry

By Helena Biggs | 19 June 2021

Scratch puts the spotlight on famous nail industry dads and finds out more about them from their children… SAMUEL SWEET, co-founder/CEO, Sweet Squared & his son, Dexter Samuel Sweet has always been creative and, showing a talent for artistry, he was invited to work at his great aunt’s salon and learn…

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NAIL TECH TALK: Kat Crammon of Katz Klawz Luxury Nail Bar

By Callie Iley | 19 June 2021

Scratch chats to Kat Crammon of Katz Klawz Luxury Nail Bar about her transition from teaching assistant to nail tech and how she has grown her business since 2020… Before branching into nails, I was a teaching assistant. I competed the training when my son was young and it was…

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Nail educator Rachel Lunn discusses the attitude towards nail education, the importance of elevating industry standards & the power of practice

By Alex Fox | 13 June 2021

Great expectations …by Rachel Lunn @rachel­.lunn_nails https://m.facebook.com/The-Nailroom-254269057922527/ @rachel­.lunn_nails I trained as a nail tech in 2003. Gel polish had not yet been born and the trend was pink & white acrylic enhancements, one colour polish or a manicure. Nails were just starting to grow into a more popular service that everyone…

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My life as a dyslexic & dyspraxic nail technician

By Guest Writer | 9 June 2021

Jade Mullin, Owner of Jade Mullin Academy and Educator for Glitterbels shares what it is like working as a dyslexic and dyspraxic nail technician… After having a long passion for nails I started training in nails in 2019. I am now qualified in hard gel enhancements, acrylic enhancements, gel polish and…

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