Nail office lead

Salon in the Spotlight: The Nail Office, Fife

By Kat Hill | 4 December 2019

With almost 17 years’ in the nail industry, Michelle Nelson sought a space of her own to grow her business. Setting up in a bustling business park, The Nail Office opened its doors earlier this year. “After having my second baby in January, I felt that there was no better…

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Katie barnes correct position 1

Why & how to take care of yourself at the nail desk

By Katie Barnes | 25 November 2019

Many nail techs go home after a long day with aches and pains in their hands, shoulders and back. A tech’s hands are vital for performing the job, yet too many of us often neglect caring for them as we should. Proper posture and improved ergonomics can help reduce these…

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Robbie Tomkins on how to deal with pressure

By Sophie Nutt | 14 November 2019

The session world is a weird and wonderful beast as, for the most part, I’m a Lone Ranger. There are times when I absolutely love this part of my job as there isn’t any pressure from a boss telling me what to do or monitoring my work to check it’s…

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Amelia beauty box

Salon in the Spotlight: Amelia’s Beauty Box, Christchurch, Dorset

By Kat Hill | 13 November 2019

“I started up my own business three years ago after my family moved onto an old farm house,” smiles Amelia Butt. “The cabin was already set up with running water and insulation, so it was perfect for my dream cabin. “My salon is unique as it’s easy to get to…

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Why it’s important to declare your tips from clients

By Katie Barnes | 12 November 2019

Nail techs and beauty therapists reportedly have the seventh lowest paid job in the UK. However, the job roles often come with bonuses that aren’t aways considered; TIPS. A tip is a sum of money given by customers for a service they have received. Many don’t consider tips as an…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Tress & Bloom, Neath Abbey, Wales

By Kat Hill | 30 October 2019

The team at Tress & Bloom pride themselves on combining ‘good vibes and amazing treatments’, reveals owner Sandy Clavey. “We opened the salon earlier in the year,” Sandy explains. “We are a dream team, working in a beautiful environment. The salon is unique because of the team. They are all awesome,…

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Cuccio hard gel

Brushing up hard gel nail skills with Cuccio

By Kat Hill | 29 October 2019

Yesterday I hopped on a train to Nottingham to attend a seminar focusing on Cuccio’s extensive range of hard gel products. Held at The Nottingham Belfry Hotel, around 25 nail pros were in attendance with members of Cuccio’s UK education team on hand to answer any questions. The workshop was…

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Happy halloween

How to promote Halloween nail art

By Sophie Nutt | 21 October 2019

In case we haven’t mentioned it enough, Halloween is right around the corner, which means client requests of all that is spooky will start rolling in – if they haven’t already. But how do your existing clients, and potential new ones, know that you’re offering seasonal nail art to meet…

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Metta francis

Metta Francis on mastering enhancements & creating expressive designs

By Kat Hill | 19 October 2019

Tell us about your training…  When I first entered the industry back in 2010, I was still working full time and looked for courses that I could complete around the day job. I initially trained with CND™ in manicure and pedicure services, followed by Nail Harmony for Gelish training. I trained in…

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Katie barnes competing

6 reasons why nail competitions can help your salon work

By Katie Barnes | 15 October 2019

Sometimes, it really is the taking part that counts. If you do not win a nail competition, there is always something to learn. Setting aside the element of placing, competing in nail competitions -whether live or portfolio based – can be hugely beneficial to your salon work. While the significance…

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Nailed up north

Nail tech launches festive social for pros

By Kat Hill | 2 October 2019

Scratch Stars Awards 2019 Shooting Star finalist, Sophie Dale of Nancy Loves Nails, is organising a festive social event for fellow nail professionals in the North. Perfect for networking and meeting other nail pros, the event is set to take place on 24 November. “I wanted to organise an event…

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The Great Scratch Shoot Out 2019: The results

By Kat Hill | 30 September 2019

Nina Lewis 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 – Nina Lewis 2nd – Agnes Dullo 3rd – Ilona Vasiliauskiene…

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Gelish secret spa

Secret Spa & Gelish team up for Immersion Day event

By Kat Hill | 18 September 2019

Gelish and Secret Spa, the London-based on-demand mobile beauty service, have teamed up to offer its therapists the opportunity to learn more about how Gelish can benefit their businesses. Set to take place on Monday 23 September from 5:30pm, the Immersion Day will allow therapists to speak with other professionals, try out  Gelish products…

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Cuccio ed team

Cuccio announces seminars to help maximise income through nail skills

By Helena Biggs | 5 September 2019

Cuccio Europe is to host three Hard Gel Seminars this autumn, with the focus on helping techs utilise their nail skills to maximise income using the brand’s T3 LED/UV Hard Gels. Each one-day event includes products for use on the day, an educational manual, certification and lunch and refreshments. Run…

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Sue davies salon 2

What it’s really like to own a nail salon – Part 2

By Scratch Staff | 7 August 2019

Industry veteran, salon owner and Scratch Stars Services to the Nail Industry champion 2017, Sue Davies, reveals an insight into her experience of running a nail salon business… Read part 1, here. We all like to think that our futures are bright and stable, however that isn’t always the case…

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