TECHS & SALONS

Robot laptop

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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This Victorian-style Doncaster beauty salon is designed to feel like home

By Jess Watts | 26 July 2025

Salon owner, Khristie Lawton, shares how she crafted a home-away-from-home oasis just outside the hustle and bustle of Doncaster city centre. Relaxing, welcoming, and safe are three words that inspired the design of Khristie Lawton’s Victorian-style salon. Defining her parents’ living room as the muse for the space, Khristie explains…

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Freya poppy bowden profile

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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#TRENDINGTUESDAY Alicia Clough, Lunula Nails and Beauty

By Kat Hill | 21 February 2017

We want to see what designs are trending at your nail desks! Alicia Clough, of Lunula Nails and Beauty, has found requests for cosmic nails have skyrocketed. “One of my regular clients, who always likes to set me a challenge, asked for cosmic nails,” Alicia explains, “Now, it has sparked off a…

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The spa at the midland

The Spa at The Midland partners with WELLNESS FOR CANCER

By Kat Hill | 19 February 2017

Manchester’s city centre spa, The Spa at The Midland, has partnered with Wellness for Cancer, a non-profit educational foundation that provides cancer therapy training to spas and wellness facilities. Wellness for Cancer has specifically trained and certified The Spa at The Midland to provide services for guests who have experienced or…

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WHAT I’M WEARING: Lauren Holmes, Nailed It Beauty

By Kat Hill | 19 February 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Lauren Holmes, of Nailed It Beauty, wanted to celebrate her industry in the best way she knew – with nails, of course! “On the 17th of February, I will have been self employed running Nailed It Beauty for four years,” Lauren…

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SELFRIDGES WELCOMES The Hand & Foot Spa

By Helena Biggs | 16 February 2017

Award-winning company, The Hand and Foot Spa, has opened a nail bar in Selfridges, Birmingham. Launched by Donna Haar-Jørgensen in London nine years ago, The Hand and Foot Spa scooped a Scratch Star owing to its stunning decor and commitment to hand and foot care. The arrival of the nail…

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A little tlc studio, guildford

SALON IN THE SPOTLIGHT A Little TLC Studio, Guildford

By Kat Hill | 15 February 2017

With its pretty wallpaper and fresh feel,  A Little TLC Nail Studio in Guildford started life as quite a different environment – one not as welcoming, as owner Tina Campbell explains. “A year ago, the salon was a dirty garage but now it’s my stunning salon. “I offer all aspects…

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An insight into the waterless manicure

By Katie Barnes | 14 February 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, susses out the waterless manicure… The traditional method of dipping your fingers into a bowl of water while getting a manicure has become somewhat dated, with many techs now offering a waterless ‘dry’ manicure service. Waterless manicures are becoming increasingly popular, particularly with…

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