TECHS & SALONS

Kay cooper nails lead

Inside the child-friendly countryside nail salon that caters to comfort

By Jess Watts | 8 August 2025

Meet Kay Kirsop, the owner of Kay Cooper Nails, a child-friendly salon that prides itself on comfort and safety. Kay Kirsop has always loved nails. “From Tipp-Exing the tips of my nails in primary school, to being suspended at the age of 14 for refusing to take off acrylic enhancements,…

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England womens football nails euros 2025

Women’s Euro 2025: the nail tech behind England Lionesses’ winning manicures

By Rebecca Hitchon | 6 August 2025

Following the Women’s Euro 2025, Dzastina Jovaisaite – the pro behind nail looks for members of the triumphant England squad – shares about the ‘career highlight’ with Scratch… “I felt so privileged and couldn’t believe it when I received a message from Chloe Kelly about creating nail looks for some…

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Psoriasis

Nail techs with psoriasis reveal what life is like with the skin condition

By Rebecca Hitchon | 5 August 2025

Psoriasis is a ‘condition that causes dry, scaly and sometimes itchy or sore patches on the skin,’ according to the NHS. Here, two nail techs share their experiences with psoriasis… “I suffer from seasonal psoriasis on my fingers and hands (mostly during autumn and winter) and psoriatic arthritis,” shares Fie…

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Nail Angel Studley Salon In The Spotlight

Salon in the Spotlight: Nail Angel Studley, Warwickshire

By Rebecca Hitchon | 2 May 2024

Bringing a creative flair to her West Midlands home salon, Anni Watson shares how she’s incorporated her artistic background and love for upcycling into Nail Angel Studley… “While starting a family over 20 years ago, I decided to qualify in nails. I always wanted to use my artistic talents, as…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Samantha Laura Nails, Newport, Shropshire

By Rebecca Hitchon | 25 April 2024

After her nail technician changed careers, Samantha Gripton was left missing her monthly treat of a gel polish manicure and was inspired to create her summerhouse studio, Samantha Laura Nails. “I used all of my savings to renovate the summerhouse in my back garden,” Samantha tells Scratch. “I invested in…

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Salon in the Spotlight: The Apothecary Room, Halifax, West Yorkshire

By Callie Iley | 18 April 2024

Transforming a plain grey office space into a moody maximalist nail studio carefully curated with curiosities, oddities and antiques, April Kitson wanted to reflect a dark academia aesthetic through her salon décor. “My personal style is heavily influenced by Stevie Nicks and Morticia Addams, so I’ve used vintage and thrifted…

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Nail Tech Talk: Bethany Mann of Beth’s Beauty

By Callie Iley | 17 April 2024

Hand-painted nail artist, Bethany Mann of Beth’s Beauty, Cambridge, shares her love for creating detailed designs and reveals where she finds inspiration for her bright and bold artistry… Having had a passion for nails from a young age, Bethany loved art and studied the subject in school, which inspired her…

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Nail Tech Talk: Carla Brannan of Gelled Pretty 

By Callie Iley | 12 April 2024

Following her success in winning two Scratch Snap competitions, Carla Brannan of Gelled Pretty shares her nail art journey and goals for 2024…  Carla recalls a lifelong passion for beauty, having always known that her career would be in the industry. “I loved anything to do with hair, make-up and…

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Eleven Kings Salon In The Spotlight Header

Salon in the Spotlight: Eleven Kings, Royston

By Callie Iley | 11 April 2024

Explore Eleven Kings salon as Jess Dickerson discusses its pink and green colour scheme and reveals her future plans in the beauty industry… Despite not enjoying doing her own nails, Jess loved the idea of styling others’ nails. In October 2021, she enrolled in training with Next Step Beauty via…

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