Joanna bandurska 2019

Nailympia crowns Global Champion 2019

By Helena Biggs | 2 October 2019

Joanna Bandurska from Poland has been crowned Nailympia Global Champion 2019. In a close contest against Germany’s Olena Özman, Joanna amassed the most points in the Stiletto, L&P Acrylic Sculpture and UV Gel Tip & Overlay categories at Nailympia competitions in Estonia, Orlando and London. She was presented with the…

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Ssas19 winners revealed

WINNERS ANNOUNCED: The Scratch Stars Awards 2019

By Helena Biggs | 21 July 2019

The winners of the prestigious Scratch Stars Awards 2019 were revealed at a glittering ceremony in London on Sunday 21 July. Over 350 guests gathered at Proud, Embankment, to enjoy a fun-filled evening hosted by Rylan Clark-Neal, with performances from R&B boy band, Damage and an incredible acrobat. The evening…

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Nail design slovenia sue

Here’s what happened at Slovenian nail competition, Nail Design 2019

By Scratch Staff | 25 June 2019

Multi-award winner and founder of Nabuno, Sue Davies, reveals nail tales from a trip to Slovenia, at which she lent her judging expertise to the Nail Design 2019 competition… Last winter, I received a message from a nail buddy, Mojca Janezic, from Slovenia. Mojca owns Akademija Studio Lepota – a…

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Scratch stars judging 1200

Behind-the-scenes at the Scratch Stars Awards 2019 judging day – part 1

By Helena Biggs | 16 June 2019

While the mid-June weather presented competitors and judges with a downpour on their travels into London, it certainly didn’t dampen spirits – as the first of the two Scratch Stars Awards judging days for 2019 finalists saw passion, creativity and enthusiasm come alive. Split into two days, the first judging…

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Nailympia estonia

Nailympia Estonia 2019: THE RESULTS

By Scratch Staff | 13 May 2019

The second Nailympia Estonia took place 10-12 May 2019 at Beauty World, Talinn, and attracted 69 competitors from 16 countries. 320 competition seats were taken and the results are as follows: SOAK OFF GEL MANICURE Division 1 1st – Aleksandra Karnosova – Finland 2nd – Agne Montivilaite – Lithuania 3rd…

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Scratch stars finalists 1

Finalists announced in nail industry’s Scratch Stars Awards competition

By Helena Biggs | 6 May 2019

Over 1000 entries and nominations were submitted into the 2019 Scratch Stars Awards, making it the most competitive year to date. After a tough initial judging process, the finalists have been revealed in each of the 18 categories, below. Each finalist has received information about the next stage in the…

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Kayley cairns

Kayley Cairns scoops Nail Professional of the Year title

By Helena Biggs | 26 February 2019

Essex-based nail technician and educator, Kayley Cairns, was awarded the Nail Professional of the Year title at the Professional Beauty Awards 2019. Held at The Brewery in London on Sunday 24 February, the awards saw 11 categories spanning beauty, spa and business. The black-tie ceremony kicked off with a  Champagne…

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Questions answered

Scratch Stars Awards: Your questions answered!

By Helena Biggs | 1 February 2019

Scratch editor & Scratch Stars Awards organiser, Helena Biggs, answers your questions about the Scratch Stars Awards 2019… Q: What is it and who should enter? The Scratch Stars Awards is run by Scratch magazine and recognises UK-based nail techs, bloggers, teams, salons and spas across 18 categories. There really…

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Camera shoot out

Hazel Dixon on entering photographic comps

By Kat Hill | 14 November 2018

Award winning tech, educator and Scratch front cover creator, Hazel Dixon, reveals how nail photographic competitions helped her to  success and why you should get snapping too. “I’m always asked what makes a good front cover”, Hazel explains, “and what is needed to enter photographic competitions. “Competing, in general, has been…

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Joanna tompkins

Joanna Tompkins talks about life as a Scratch Stars Award winner

By Sophie Nutt | 26 October 2018

French & Drench founder, Joanna Tompkins, winner of the Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year award 2018, paid a visit to Scratch HQ to chat about her career and light after the big win. While I was treated to a signature French & Drench manicure, I chatted to Joanna about what the business has been…

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Lorna andrews.

North Nail Championships winners announced

By Helena Biggs | 22 October 2018

Professional Beauty North played host to the North Nail Championships 21-22 October 2018, organised by Denise Wright. Competition was fierce, and a number of new nail faces took to the floor to try their hand at categories including Permanent Polish and Spa Manicure. A ceremony at the end of each…

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Ivana winner

THE GREAT SCRATCH SHOOT OUT 2018: The Results

By Kat Hill | 1 October 2018

Ivana Prokic has scooped first place in Scratch’s annual photographic competition. After a recording breaking amount of entries of 127 this year, the top three and winner of the new Voter’s Choice award were revealed live at Olympia Beauty. 1st – Ivana Prokic 2nd – Oksana Smirnova 3rd – Eloise Nom…

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Checking lengths

How to achieve consistent lengths with your nail enhancements

By Katie Barnes | 27 July 2018

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, serves u advice on achieving consistent nail lengths… Did you know that each nail is naturally a different length and grows at different rates, meaning it is unlikely that they will be exactly the same length at any time? Have you ever experienced…

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22 catriona leith 22

Create a winning concept with Catriona Leith

By Kat Hill | 24 July 2018

We quizzed 2016’s winner of The Great Scratch Shoot Out, Catriona Leith… “It felt amazing to win last year! I’ve entered The Great Scratch Shoot Out so many times and each time I’ve done better and better. To finally win and receive that commendation was just incredible! “The concept behind my…

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Gabriella kovács

Top 5 tips for nail competitions by Gabriella Kovács

By Helena Biggs | 21 July 2018

Nailympia judge and nail expert, Gabriella Kovács, of Hungary, reveals her 5 top tips for techs looking to compete on a national or international level. All your tools and products should be placed in the same position on your table when you practice and during the actual competition. You will be…

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