TECHS & SALONS

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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Reverie beauty room on the isle of wight

Step inside the nail salon & academy by the sea on the Isle of Wight

By Jess Watts | 16 August 2025

The Gel Art Academy is the passion project of Rebecca Evans, a tech with a love for nail art and education. The cosy salon is located in Rebecca’s home on the Isle of Wight and provides the ultimate relaxation spot for clients. “The space used to be the utility room…

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Aug 25 low res scratch cover

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Kayley cairns nails

WHAT I’M WEARING: Kayley Cairns

By Sophie Nutt | 28 July 2019

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Talented tech, Kayley Cairns, wears arctic ice stiletto nails accompanied by glistening embellishments. “These nails were created using Pro Impressions stiletto tips and liquid and powder. As I’ve been super busy I chose to use tips instead of sculpting as…

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Bradley 190721 9175

5 minutes with Helen Burton-Ward

By Kat Hill | 27 July 2019

We chatted to Helen Burton-Ward, Scratch Stars Awards 2019 Natural Nail Care Specialist of the Year, about her love for competing, CND Vinylux™, and her ‘Dream Nail Pro Dinner Party’… Tell us about your training… My journey in the nail world started at just 15 years of age when I…

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Katie ru

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Katie Ru, Katie Ru Nail Design

By Sophie Nutt | 23 July 2019

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Katie Ru, of Katie Ru Nail Design, reveals fun 90s trends are proving popular with her clients. “Lately I’ve been feeling like the 90s are having a huge comeback at my nail desk. My clients are loving all the…

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Pink geode

MANI MONDAY: Pink geode

By Sophie Nutt | 22 July 2019

Begin the week the right way with some inspiration this mani Monday! A twist on the marble trend, we are loving this pink geode nail look by Emily Platt. The super cute design was prepped with Navy Professional tools, Ethel and Helen, and painted with The Gel Bottle Inc BIAB…

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Hayley winder

WHAT I’M WEARING: Hayley Winder, Hayley Winder Hair, Nails, Beauty & Educator

By Sophie Nutt | 21 July 2019

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Hayley Winder, of Hayley Winder Hair, Nails, Beauty & Educator, wears ultra glittery nails, which went on to inspire her clients. “These nails were infilled using clear L&P, then I did a thin layer of Ideal Pink Builder Light Elegance…

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Alchemy Nails

Salon in the Spotlight: Alchemy Nails, Launceston, North Cornwall

By Kat Hill | 17 July 2019

Pixie White decided to make the move into the nail realm for a magical career change. “I was a counsellor for years, working with young offenders and people with addictions and mental health issues, as well as the homeless,” explains Pixie. Moving from Chester to Launceston, North Cornwall, from Chester nearly…

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