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…

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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…

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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…

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Karen brown blog 1

Glass gel nails: Why I love the look & how to create it

By Scratch Staff | 20 February 2020

Nail tech & salon owner, Karen M Brown, shares her creativity and wisdom in a series for Scratch… Based in Scotland, Karen co-owns (with her sister) Sanctuary in the City; two multi-award-winning salon destinations. The duo also owns training academy, NABTA UK, and provides nail and beauty education across the…

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Michelle brookes ed training brillbird 4

Brillbird Educator Training, Tenerife 2020: Day 4

By Scratch Staff | 19 February 2020

Michelle Brookes, Brillbird educator, reveals the tales from the brand’s trip to Tenerife for educator training… Day 4  Today, we enjoyed training in 3D & 4D techniques courtesy of educator, Karina Frias, using a mix of 3D Forming Gel and builder gels. We started the day by creating a 3D Fairy using…

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nail tech Carly Reilly

Tech Talk: Carly Reilly of Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire

By Zoe Wickens | 19 February 2020

Scratch catches up with nail tech, Carly Reilly, to learn more about her industry journey… Carly Reilly has been working in the nail industry since the age of 17. “It’s been nearly 20 years since I became self-employed and I still have just as much passion, if not more, for the…

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Michelle brookes blog 3 brillbird

Brillbird Educator Training, Tenerife 2020: Day 3

By Scratch Staff | 18 February 2020

Michelle Brookes, Brillbird educator, reveals the tales from the brand’s trip to Tenerife for educator training… Day 3  The education team woke early as today’s itinerary saw plenty of training and exams. Luckily, I’ve been sharing a room with Brillbird UK founder, Liliya Moss, and she’s an early riser, so I have…

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Laura chree nails

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Laura Chree, Chreeative Nails

By Sophie Nutt | 18 February 2020

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Laura Chree, of Chreeative Nails, reveals neon effect shades have been popular with her clients recently. “I feel this design has been popular with clients because it is so bright. We’re post-Christmas and we’ve made it through the January…

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nail tech Kristina Thompson

#ManiMonday: Sparkling silver stilettos by Kristina Thompson

By Zoe Wickens | 17 February 2020

Scratch puts the spotlight on a silvery nail design of varying textures and the talented tech behind it… Nail tech Kristina Thompson, owner of The White Rooms salon in Bedfordshire, has worked in the beauty industry for 30 years and currently teaches students using CJP Nail Systems. “I found these…

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