What’s the difference between acrylic & gel?

By Katie Barnes | 1 September 2022

The word ‘gel’ lends itself to confusion because it describes the product’s physical state, but over time it has turned into a generic name of the product category. Whereas ‘acrylic’ is a two-part system of liquid and powder, often known as L&P. Where the powder in this two-part system has…

Nail Tech Talk: Nadine Slater of The Little Nail Shed

By Callie Iley | 6 August 2022

Scratch chats to Nadine Slater of The Little Nail Shed about what she wants to achieve within the nail industry longterm, and taking things at her own pace… “My signature nail style is a French or animal prints,” Nadine reveals. “My favourite products to use for nail art are Jade…

Salon in the Spotlight: Eden Nails & Beauty, Derby

By Callie Iley | 28 July 2022

Beginning her nail journey in 2013, Laura Lima has a variety of experience in the beauty industry. “I have always dreamed of having my own salon one day, and in 2020, I decided to experience the self-employed side of things and was never happier!”   “I started to slowly climb…

Nail Tech Talk: Sophie Day of Glam Nails 

By Callie Iley | 23 July 2022

Scratch chats to Sophie Day of Glam Nails about changing trends and pushing outside of your comfort zone… “I began training as a nail tech August 2019,” Sophie shares. “I am trained to work with natural nails, of which I find seems to be popular at the moment. “I was…

Nail Tech Talk: Tasmin Russell of Nails By Tazzy

By Callie Iley | 16 July 2022

Tasmin Russell of Nails By Tazzy chats to Scratch about her next career steps and keeping up with nail trends… “I did my training with the company I work for now, Lux Beauty Training Academy,” Tasmin reveals. “My training was what set me off on the right track. Charlotte and…

Check out the monthly subscription box packed with on-trend nail art goodies

By Callie Iley | 12 July 2022

Offering ‘high quality gel polishes at a low price point’, The Gel Box monthly subscription box has launched. Founded by mobile tech turned salon owner, Virginie Nnomo, each monthly box contains different goodies to suit current nail trends, handpicked by a tech at Virginie’s salon, Brit’pop Academy. Every month features the…

Browse Artistic Nail Design’s summer 2022 menu of cocktail-inspired shades

By Callie Iley | 17 June 2022

Fancy a cocktail by the beach? Artistic Nail Design has served up the Sippin’ Pretty summer 2022 collection, filled with fun, bold hues inspired by delicious drinks. Available in Colour Gloss Soak Off Gel Polish, Colour Revolution Reactive Nail Lacquer, and Perfect Dip Powders in six fun summer shades, the…

Salon in the Spotlight: Dead Gelous, Norfolk

By Callie Iley | 16 June 2022

Lorna Annison trained in nails initially in 2010, but her career led her onto a different path, working in photographic makeup then becoming a parent. “I began working as a lifeguard, but the hours were no longer suitable to my family life. After some thinking, I decided to go back…

Nail Tech Talk: Vicky Gillaspy of Nails by Vicky G

By Callie Iley | 11 June 2022

Vicky Gillaspy chats with Scratch about balancing life as a nail tech and a mother, and her plans for her future in the industry… “I have a very full-on life, balancing running my own business and having two small children, who to put it politely, run me ragged,” Vicky laughs.…

Salon in the Spotlight: Gelalicious, Medway

By Callie Iley | 9 June 2022

Previously working from her nail room within her home, Michaela Phillips outgrew the space, moving to a bespoke salon in her garden. “We have since converted my previous space into my son’s bedroom. Being a first-time mum has made me adapt my working life in various ways – I now…

Salon in the Spotlight: Snoozy Studio, Blyth, Northumberland

By Callie Iley | 2 June 2022

Kirrin Tasmin’s journey in the beauty industry began in 2015 when she started doing hair extensions, however in 2018, she decided to train in nails. “I started off working in a couple of local salons, before deciding to start working from home in July 2021. It’s been my best decision…

How to effectively fit a form to a wide nail

By Katie Barnes | 25 May 2022

It can be tricky to fit a form on an uneven free edge or when the fleshy pad of skin where the free edge would usually be, is raised and higher than or level with the nail plate. The nail plate is often flat or may be concave. This can…

As if! Gelish nods to the 90’s with Clueless inspired nail colours

By Callie Iley | 22 May 2022

It’s time to channel your inner Cher Horowitz with Gelish’s summer 2022 Clueless collection, in partnership with Paramount Pictures. Featuring a range of bold throwback shades inspired by the iconic 90s film, aptly named to match, the collection offers a formula to fit every nail need – in Gelish Soak-Off…

Salon in the Spotlight: Merrifield Beauty, Preston

By Callie Iley | 19 May 2022

Qualifying in 2010, Emma Merrifield has worked in various roles during her time in the beauty industry. However, after the birth of her second child in 2020, Emma realised it was time to take the plunge and set up her own business. “Setting up a business in the midst of…

Gelcare gel polish continues collaboration with photographer Gab Bois for SS22

By Callie Iley | 15 May 2022

Established in 2019, Canadian nail brand, Gelcare, was created by Emlie Sanscartier, founder of the popular Le Manoir  nail salon. Emilie’s time in the salon allowed her to bring her expertise as a nail artist and salon owner to her brand, which has announced a second collaboration with fellow Montreal artist,…