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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‘Here’s why I actively promote my salon as gender inclusive’

By Rebecca Hitchon | 17 November 2023

Is it clear that your business is inclusive to all? Some gender norms and discrimination can hold people back from entering salon spaces. Sarah Brown, owner of Angel Avenue salon and training school in Atherton, Lancashire, reveals that she was prompted to promote her salon as a gender and trans…

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Nikki mikellides smhba award

Nail Tech Talk: Meet Nikki Mikellides, SMHBA National Nail Tech of the Year 2023

By Callie Iley | 14 November 2023

Social Media Hair and Beauty Awards (SMHBA) National Nail Technician of the Year 2023, Nikki Mikellides of Nails By Nikki M, shares her career journey and divulges the details of her win… “I’ve always been creative; I enjoyed art at school and was always interested in hair, make-up and nails…

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Pavan henna diwali

Diwali: An insight into henna for hands & feet

By Scratch Staff | 12 November 2023

November 12, 2023 marks the main day of celebration of the five-day festival of lights – Diwali (also known as Deepavali). A festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains, Diwali is embraced by many outside of its religious circle, as it’s a time to celebrate new beginnings and the…

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Anthony lloyd tech talk

Tech Talk: Birmingham drag queen nail stylist, Anthony Lloyd

By Rebecca Hitchon | 7 November 2023

Anthony Lloyd’s nail career wasn’t planned; he originally enrolled on a performing arts course after finishing school. But upon realising the challenges of getting a job in the industry, another profession presented itself… “During my performing arts training, I assisted the make-up department and loved this so much that I signed…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Claire Georgina Beauty Room, Worcestershire

By Carter Rogers | 2 November 2023

After a very successful business in the baking industry, Claire Welch decided it was time for a career change to allow her to have better time management in her personal life and swapped the bakery for the nail salon, an industry which she had been fascinated with for a long…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Crystal Tips, Kenfig Hill, Wales

By Carter Rogers | 1 November 2023

For Welsh salon, Crystal Tips, 2023 has been a year of recognition and success.  In May 2023, the team at Crystal Tips were delighted to be announced as the winners of Nail Salon of the Year at the Welsh Hair & Beauty Awards. From this, creative director, Sarah Nicholls was…

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