Piggy Paint Girls

Katie Barnes on…young people & nail treatments

By Katie Barnes | 18 September 2018

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, discusses the appropriate age for a nail treatment… As the number of teenagers and children seeking nail and beauty treatments continues to rise, techs need to ask themselves whether it is safe or appropriate to treat a client under the age of 16.…

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Sheffield salon stars in E4’s Super Salon TV show

By Sophie Nutt | 17 September 2018

Sheffield-based salon, the StyleBar, is opening it’s doors to the nation by starring in it’s own reality TV series on E4, revealing the trials and triumphs that come with running such a business. Inspired by the sheer size of the salon, the TV series has been dubbed The Super Salon and the…

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Paintbox Glossier

MANI MONDAY: Yellow lines

By Sophie Nutt | 17 September 2018

Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! The team at Paintbox nail studio, located in the heart of SoHo, Manhattan, tended to the nails of executive assistant at Glossier, Priscilla Quaye, and we love the minimalism of the chic and on-trend manicure. Following a natural…

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Host a fundraising mani party to help fight blood cancer

By Kat Hill | 13 September 2018

It’s time to pick up your nail tools and help fight blood cancer! The international non-profit organisation, DKMS, is inviting salons, technicians and clients alike to host a #LetsNailBloodCancer Party. By lending your salon or set-up to a mani-pedi party for family, friends and colleagues, you can help raise funds…

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Salon in the Spotlight: The Nail and Beauty Specialist, Wiltshire

By Kat Hill | 12 September 2018

“I started my journey in the corner of my kitchen at my little fold away table in 2016, just doing gel polish manicures,” smiles Amber-Jane McLeod. “From there, I have gone on to become a Level 3 Beauty Therapist and Level 3 Nail Technician, as well as pro stylist with…

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Entice male clients with ‘below the belt’ retail packages

By Helena Biggs | 10 September 2018

The Below The Belt Grooming brand has released a number of retail items targeted at males that make for ideal gifts or retail items – as well as a way to attract men into the salon. Dedicated to celebrating and protecting a man’s body above and below the belt, the…

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Jan Soar salon photo

The importance of a well-lit workstation for nail technicians

By Sophie Nutt | 6 September 2018

As a nail professional, you rely on your vision for precise product application, so make life a little easier and prevent strain with adequate task lighting. Hannah Robertson, Nail Harmony UK South West educator, explains, “If you don’t have great light to work in as a nail tech, you can…

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OPI Prostay Base Coat

Offer extended weartime with new OPI ProStay Base Coat

By Kat Hill | 4 September 2018

OPI has unveiled a new base coat for its Infinite Shine system, helping to extend wear time for clients. The OPI ProStay Primer Base Coat boasts new technology and is formulated for optimum sticking power. The base coat can be used with the Infinite Shine range of colours and Gloss Top…

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The industry’s thoughts on…CYBER BULLYING

By Alex Fox | 3 September 2018

The September issue of Scratch explores the issue of cyber bullying and its impact on the nail sector. Here, more techs reveal their experiences and thoughts… Jan Soar, UK head of education & Nail Harmony PhD master educator for Essex discusses the term ‘bully’ “Cyberbullying is bullying in a cowardly form.…

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Sarah Vernon

Salon in the Spotlight: Sarah Vernon Nails and Beauty, Doncaster

By Kat Hill | 29 August 2018

Having worked from home previously, Sarah Vernon Cowell knew it was time for a new working space when she started to outgrow her set-up. “I started up the business seven years ago,” Sarah reveals. “I worked from a log cabin from home. Over the years, I worked hard to build…

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Rainbow Nails

MANI MONDAY: Think pink

By Sophie Nutt | 27 August 2018

Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! Is there such a thing as too much pink? At Scratch HQ, the answer is always no! We adore this pretty pink set created by Sophie Hudd, of Rainbow Nails, on natural nails. Sophie used Magpie Beauty…

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What I loved about my visit to Townhouse nail salon

By Sophie Nutt | 25 August 2018

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of visiting Townhouse – a nail bar located just off Regent Street and only a hop, skip and jump away from Oxford Circus station. Describing itself as ‘London’s no. 1 independent luxury nail salon’ and a ‘premium nail studio’ that is ‘redefining clean…

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Tinu Bello

London salon owner talks abut having ‘healthy competition’

By Kat Hill | 24 August 2018

London salon owner, Tinu Bello, recently opened her second location for her brand Colour Riot Nails in the vibrant district of Shoreditch, going her existing location in Fitzrovia. Here, Tinu talks about her experiences… “Competition? Yes, London has some amazing nail salons, and we welcome a bit of healthy competition – but there is more than…

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Nail Salon

Branding tips to make your nail salon stand out

By Scratch Staff | 23 August 2018

Brand your salon to ensure it stands out from the crowd with top tips from Andrew Dark, director and co-owner of printwear and branding specialists, Custom Planet Setting up a nail salon can be the start of something exciting, but with so many up and down the country, it can be…

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Salon in the Spotlight: GirlHub Nail, Beauty & Tanning Salon, Bury

By Kat Hill | 22 August 2018

After her personal life change forever, Emma Singleton decided it was time for a change and time to chase her dream. “I’ve been doing nails for 13 years alongside being a HR consultant,” explains Emma. “In September 2016, I had my first child and in December that year decided it…

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