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Unique salon décor: The Birmingham nail salon featuring a piano as its reception desk

By Lilly Delmage | 6 January 2025

Founder of Birmingham-based nail studio, Icey’s Beauty Lounge, Aysana Druga, shares the story behind the salon’s impressive entrance… In 2015, Aysana and her husband spotted a piano in the window of a charity shop. She recalls: “We had no idea where it was going to go at the time, so…

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Why nail technicians should enter the Scratch Stars Awards: tips from a nail competition maestro

By Lilly Delmage | 3 January 2025

Bespoke nail artist, Jiak Hing, who has won the Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year accolade for three consecutive years, shares insight into the competition, what to expect on the day and the benefits of entering.   Why did you decide to enter the Scratch Stars Awards? To…

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Meet the microchip mani: beauty tech that turns nails into business cards

By Rebecca Hitchon | 26 December 2024

You may have seen articles about microchip or NFC nails and wondered what in the Black Mirror is going on. Let’s go back to basics – what is NFC? This is an acronym for near-field communication: a technology that allows the exchange of small amounts of data between two electronic…

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Introverted nail techs: how to grow your skills & clientele comfortably

By Lilly Delmage | 22 December 2024

Do you love the creative aspect of being a nail professional: perfecting enhancements and getting arty, but find it challenging to converse with clients and colleagues? You’re not alone. A need to recharge after client interactions or feeling most comfortable in quiet environments are signs of introversion. The word ‘introvert’…

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Revealed: the 5 nations that dazzled at a nail art championship in Paris

By Alex Fox | 20 December 2024

The 2024 Nations Championship, organised by Cécilia Gimenez of NailArt France Events, brought nail professionals from across the globe together in a dazzling showcase of creativity, skill and nail artistry. The event was held in two parts: live technical tests took place at Disneyland Paris in September 2024, and online…

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I’ve been a beauty pro for 30+ years: here’s how I set boundaries with clients

By Marie-Louise Coster | 19 December 2024

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, shares her experiences with boundary-pushing clients… I imagine most of you went into the nail/beauty industry to make people happy. I also imagine that you expected clients to be grateful and courteous at all times. I don’t suppose you imagined that sometimes…

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Pinterest has predicted 2025’s top trends: here’s 10 takeaways for nails

By Scratch Staff | 16 December 2024

Social media platform, Pinterest has revealed its annual trend report for 2025, Pinterest Predicts. We’ve rounded up the 10 key trends set to dominate the nail world in 2025… 1. Cherry Coded With searches for ‘cherry vibe’ increasing by 325%, the cherry red hue is set to dominate nail requests…

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Nail pros: Here’s how to handle clients ghosting you in the digital age

By Jo Tompkins | 13 December 2024

When someone stops replying to your messages without warning, it can feel like a gut punch – especially in business. You’ve poured time and effort into crafting the perfect message, shared your pricing and then… radio silence. But here’s the thing: ghosting is part and parcel of any business that…

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From DIY nails to owning a home salon: how one tech turned her passion into a business

By Lilly Delmage | 9 December 2024

Bedfordshire-based nail tech, Jodie Day of @talonsbyjodie, started her nail journey simply wanting to learn how to do her own nails, however she enjoyed the training so much that she decided to turn it into her career. Jodie began her training in 2021 while pregnant, seeking a creative outlet. She…

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Revealed: the social media nail stars in NHBF’s Top 100 Influencers Index 2024

By Rebecca Hitchon | 1 December 2024

The National Hair & Beauty Federation’s (NHBF’s) Top 100 Influencer Index has been revealed for 2024. The Index – now in its fourth year – ‘offers an opportunity to recognise those in the industry who use social media to influence, educate and innovate our sector,’ according to the organisation. In…

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South Devon tech: At 30 I decided to train as a nail technician – and I’ve never looked back

By Lilly Delmage | 29 November 2024

Having undergone a career swap at the age of 30, Devon-based nail tech Bonni Higson, the owner of Bonni File’n’Style in Dawlish, shares her story… After having children, Bonni decided to train as a nail technician. She says: “I enrolled at South Devon College and qualified at NVQ level 2…

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The 3 top times of the year for business retail & how to capitalise on them

By Lilly Delmage | 27 November 2024

Public holidays often influence retail sales, but as a small business owner, how can you ensure you’re maximising revenue during these key events? Research reveals how… Business credit card experts from price comparison website, Money.co.uk, have analysed the average weekly sales and key retail transaction days over the past year…

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120 nail techs raise £1,300 for charities at Christmas event in Leeds

By Helena Biggs | 26 November 2024

Revolution nightclub in Leeds hosted the first Maisie’s Nail Tech Soirée: a pre-Christmas networking event for nail professionals. Organised by Maisie Jackson, a 22-year-old nail artist from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, the soirée was designed to dispel any loneliness experienced by self-employed nail pros, and bring them together for a night…

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Caregiver to nail creator: how a London mum unexpectedly found belonging in the nail industry

By Alex Fox | 23 November 2024

A work accident, supportive family and love for nails transformed Josephine Mensurah’s life from rehabilitation support worker to nail artist & content creator. The Nailympia London arena attracts all types of techs, from all over the globe. First-time competitor, Josephine Mensurah, took the bold move of jumping into the arena in…

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Winter wonders: Must-have nail colour collections for the 2024 festive season

By Lilly Delmage | 20 November 2024

‘Tis the season of celebrations – and time to embrace joy, sparkle and eye-catching nail effects. From shimmering holiday hues to creative, winter-inspired designs, this season is all about embracing texture and decadent colour. Expect the staple hues to return: we’re talking forest-greens, ribbon reds, glittery golds and striking silvers.…

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