Nail Tech Talk: Tammy Fontaine of Nails By Tammy
Without an artistic background, East London-based tech, Tammy Fontaine, shares that when completing her training in 2006, she never believed she’d have the patience for nail art. “Nail art didn’t come naturally to me,” she remembers. “I trained in basic manicures and pedicures at college, gaining my NVW Level 2…
Seeking a removable alternative to nails? Check out Karen Boyle’s press-on nail rings
Managing her nail career alongside a full-time IT job of 34 years, Bolton-based nail tech & press-on nail artist, Karen Boyle of Gel A Licious, shares her venture into the removable nail realm… Karen Boyle wouldn’t have described herself as artistic, so was surprised to discover her passion for nail…
Salon in the Spotlight: Nailed it by Jo, East Kilbride, Scotland
With a background in finance and a BA Honours in Business Management, Jo Simpson’s passion for nails and nail art remained as a hobby until 2019, when a serious infection led her to re-evaluate. “I had a long recovery and a few stays in hospital, which really made me reflect,”…
Phenix Salon Suites unveils second flexible UK workspace location for beauty pros
Following the success of the opening of its first UK venue in Manchester, Phenix Salon Suites expands its franchise with the unveiling of its Birmingham site for self-employed beauty professionals. Covering 6,400 square feet, the workspace features a custom-built mezzanine floor, an exclusive colour bar, air conditioning in each suite,…
Looking to step up your nail art game? Check out Artistic Nail Design’s Art Paints
Offering three times the pigment of regular gel polish, bring your nail art concepts to life with Artistic Nail Design’s Art Paints. With a high pigment finish allowing for a one-stroke, fine-line look in both créme and metallic finishes, the Artistic Art Paints promise no marbling or wrinkling and a…
Salon in the Spotlight: K.M.Nails & Beauty, Wroughton
Having had dreams of entering the beauty industry for as long as she can remember, Kasey Beasley remembers watching nail art videos on YouTube and having her mum and sisters model for her practice. “I knew I had to do this as a career,” she shares. “When I left school…
Are your gloves protecting you against nail ingredients?
In a previous blog for Scratch, we explored what gloves are needed for nail technicians and covered thickness and how often these need to be changed. In this blog, we delve deeper into chemical permeability and how to know if your gloves protect you against the chemicals which you use…
How to successfully edit your nail photos
In a previous blog, I shared 5 top tips on improving your nail photos. In this post, I am going to share more about editing your nail photos. Editing images these days, including nail images is a controversial topic. Your nail images should show the quality and truth of your…
Nail Tech Talk: Abi Hassan of Hot Wheels Nails
With a colourful nail art library & an equally bright personality to match, Abi Hassan, owner of Canterbury-based salon, Hot Wheels Nails, sits down with Scratch to discuss the importance of creating an inclusive & accessible salon space… “When I was a little girl, I looked up to my older…
Salon in the Spotlight: Luxury Glam Nails & Beauty, Chorley
Curating a fresh and girly look for her salon, Vicky Lea used a pink and white palette for her salon, adding soft touches such as florals and pampas grass to soften the clinical elements. Training with NSI in 2002, Vicky Lea has been doing nails ever since. “It’s been over…
Looking for some more builder gel colours? Glitterbels unveils 60 Hema-free Builder-bel hues
Glitterbels has diversified its range of 11 Brush On Builder Gels by introducing 60 in a Hema-free formula. “The soak-off formula of the Builder-Bel Gels allows pros to build short extensions with a form or tip, add strength to the natural nail and build shape,” comments Annabel Maginnis, co-founder of…
Nail Tech Talk: Susan Steel of Susan Steel Nails
With big career dreams and a lifelong passion for nails, Susan Steel shares her nail journey & reveals her hopes for the future of Susan Steel Nails… “I’ve always loved nails and beauty from a young age, but I never realised that it would be my dream career until I…
Discounts: Are they a good idea?
Hair & beauty business coach, Maddi Cook of Boss Your Salon, shares advice on offering discounted services to family & friends… We’ve all been faced with the dilemma of giving a discount to friends and family. While it may seem like a good deed to hook up your loved ones,…
Salon in the Spotlight: Pretty Miss Nails & Beauty, Abertillery, South Wales
Inspired by her love for the hue, Laura Ann Francis’ cosy salon has a pink palette running throughout, using her decor to create a ‘home away from home’ for clients to enjoy. “Pink has always been my favourite colour,” Laura explains. “It was a no-brainer that the salon was going…
Nail Tech Talk: Lilli Pullman of Lilli Paintz
A lover of all things bright, bold & outrageous, Sevenoaks-based nail artist, Lilli Pullman, reveals the details of her creative endeavours & shares her plans for the future of Lilli Paintz… Heading straight to college to complete her NVQ’s in Levels 2 and 3 upon leaving school, Lilli jumped headfirst…
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