TECHS & SALONS

BFLY salon in Derby

The Derby beauty salon where clients & staff are ‘one big family’

By Jess Watts | 24 August 2025

Meet Holly Asamoah, owner of BFLY – the beauty salon creating a home from home. BFLY, located two miles south of Derby city centre, was converted from a tattoo parlour to a luxurious relaxation hub in 2024, spearheaded by owner, Holly Asamoah. The salon space is reflective of Holly’s preferred…

Read More
Michelle brookes scratch stars educator of the year 2025

Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2025 shares secrets to nail industry success

By Jess Watts | 21 August 2025

Michelle Brookes is an award-winning nail technician & educator who won Scratch Stars Educator of the Year for the second time in July. She tells Scratch what makes a good educator, how her processes have evolved and what’s next for her career… “Winning the Scratch Stars Educator of the Year…

Read More
Jade fox nail tech with moebius syndrome

Norwich nail tech: finding success with a rare neurological condition

By Guest Writer | 20 August 2025

I’m Jade Fox and I have Moebius syndrome: a rare neurological condition that is present from birth and affects facial muscles, speech, eye movement and mobility. I face daily challenges that most people never have to consider, and these obstacles have shaped nearly every part of my life. Unexpectedly, they…

Read More
Aug 25 low res scratch cover

Read the latest issue

Karen brown nails

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Karen Brown, Sanctuary In The City

By Sophie Nutt | 25 February 2020

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Karen Brown, of Sanctuary In The City, reveals Billie Eilish-inspired nails have been popular with her clients recently. “Billie Eilish is the talk of the red carpet at the minute and her current hair colours, as well as her…

Read More
Claire wheeler nail tech

#ManiMonday: Striking crystal nails by Claire Wheeler

By Zoe Wickens | 24 February 2020

Scratch puts the spotlight on a funky crystal-studded nail design and the talented tech behind it… Nail tech Claire Wheeler, owner of home nail business Beauty and the Wish in Essex, has been working in the nail industry for two and a half years. “I have always had an artistic…

Read More
Sarah hunns nails

WHAT I’M WEARING: Sarah Hunns, Beauty With Sarah

By Sophie Nutt | 23 February 2020

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Sarah Hunns, of Beauty With Sarah, wears an 80’s print-inspired nail look. “I created these nails using Premier Gel in Strawberry Daiquiri and Black for the base colours. I then used the Lecenté D2 Brush to hand paint the design…

Read More
Niamh hartley lead

9 Nail Questions for Pure Nails ambassador, Niamh Hartley

By Kat Hill | 22 February 2020

1.Tell us about your training… I went to college in 2013 to study Beauty Therapy. During the manicure and pedicure sections, I found my love for nails. Once finishing that course, I knew that I needed to do nails; being able to be so creative on such ittle tiny canvas…

Read More
Michelle brokes tenerife blog 6 brillbird

Brillbird Educator Training, Tenerife 2020: Day 6

By Scratch Staff | 21 February 2020

Michelle Brookes, Brillbird educator, reveals the tales from the brand’s trip to Tenerife for educator training… Day 6  I woke bright and early to pack my suitcase, as I was to head to the airport straight after the last training session. I think there were a few sore heads amongst the educators…

Read More
Michelle brookes brillbird blog 5

Brillbird Educator Training, Tenerife 2020: Day 5

By Scratch Staff | 20 February 2020

Michelle Brookes, Brillbird educator, reveals the tales from the brand’s trip to Tenerife for educator training… Day 5  Today, educator Galina Kokovikhina from Russia taught us how to create animal art using gel polish. She was an amazing tutor and broke down each step to show us shading, shadowing and placement. I…

Read More