Man makes a guide for how to avoid heartbreak based on nails

By Sophie Nutt | 12 March 2019

A book titled ‘Nails At First Sight – Survival Guide 101’ has gone viral for all the right reasons. Marwan Alteir, also known as Rocky, has created a hilarious six-page document that offers analysis on manicures as they relate to dating prospects and posted it on Twitter for the benefit of his…

A guide to sponsored social content for brand ambassadors

By Helena Biggs | 11 March 2019

When the ‘brand ambassador’ term was first scattered, it simply involved shouting about a brand or treatment you loved to anyone that would listen on a number of platforms, with the possibly of a few freebies in return. However, lines have become blurred as advertising stipulations step in, demand for…

Celebrating International Women’s Day

By Kat Hill | 8 March 2019

March 8 marks International Women’s Day; a day to recognise and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. A day to set both personal and professional goals and look back at your achievement, what are you celebrating today? In the spirit, we’ve rounded up a few inspirational quotes…

Behind the scenes with The Gel Bottle Inc

By Scratch Staff | 2 March 2019

Go behind the scenes for The Gel Bottle Inc’s spring collection advert photoshoot with the TGB team… The GelBottle Inc Spring collection 2019 is a celebration of iconic women and female empowerment! Each polish is named after an inspirational woman, all iconic in their own way, from Twiggy – known for…

Nail tech predicts client pregnancy

By Kat Hill | 2 March 2019

Laura Easby was able to predict her client’s pregnancy after noting their nail condition – even before the client knew! “I’ve known my client, Laura, for around six years now,” explains Laura Easby. “Laura already has one little girl, Lydia, and I remember during that pregnancy, her nails took a…

Nail tech creates gender reveal cake manicure

By Sophie Nutt | 27 February 2019

When browsing platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, it’s almost impossible to avoid an extravagant ‘gender reveal’ video. In the videos where a balloon is popped or a cake is cut in order to reveal the gender of an unborn baby, one American nail tech has taken the trend one step further by…

 Salon in the Spotlight: RosielyNails, The Custard Factory, Digbeth

By Kat Hill | 27 February 2019

“My little studio is a nail art sanctuary,” smiles Rosie Lynall. “Before I start my own business, I was always so frustrated with the lack of creativity at my local nail salons. This led me to reopen the studio last year after having some time away from nails. What was…

Nail competition tips from champion Anastasiia Morozova

By Kat Hill | 23 February 2019

Thinking of entering The Scratch Stars Awards? Anastasiia Morozova shares her story to inspire and encourage… My students very often ask me how to become an international nail educator. The secret is very simple: nail competitions! My career began as an nail technician, taking customers at home and in the salon.…

#Tagthemanicurist campaign demands credit for nail pros

By Kat Hill | 18 February 2019

A new social media campaign is highlighting the need for credits for nail professionals in photographic work and on social media. Revealed by an Instagram account, the #tagthemanicurist campaign is calling for the same credit to be given to nail work as hair and make-up professionals. In an exclusive interview…

Working backstage at London Fashion Week for Vin + Omi

By Kat Hill | 16 February 2019

On Thursday I was lucky enough to kick off London Fashion Week backstage on the nail team for VIN + OMI’s AW19 showcase. While I’ve reported backstage for a few seasons, I’ve never had the chance to put my tekking skills to the test! A few weeks before the show,…

Robbie Tomkins reveals his journey into session nail styling

By Scratch Staff | 14 February 2019

There isn’t a clear cut or methodical way to becoming a session technician. Everyone has a different experience and story of how they came to be on their hands and knees, painting a model’s toes through a pair of strappy stilettos in a disused warehouse in East London at 7am…

Top tips for nailing it backstage at Fashion Week

By Scratch Staff | 12 February 2019

Fashion Week is nearly upon us, and if your skills will see you secure a stint backstage as a nail stylist, follow these words of wisdom from fellow pros… KNOW YOUR LEAD “While assisting at Fashion Week, you are there on behalf of the lead session stylist and your work…

Salon in the Spotlight: Blush, Warrington 

By Kat Hill | 6 February 2019

After her client list grew and the demand for more hours came, Sarah Hill knew it was time to seek a solution to meet her nail needs. “I started Blush in 2012,” reveals Sarah. “At first, I worked it part time, mainly in evenings and alongside my full time job work…

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Lisa Blair, Luma Nails

By Sophie Nutt | 5 February 2019

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Lisa Blair, of Luma Nails, says abstract nails have been very popular with her clients recently. “I think abstract nails are getting very popular with clients at the moment. It gives the clients a chance to be creative and…

Points to consider when pedicuring cancer patients

By Sophie Nutt | 2 February 2019

While hands are almost always on show and manicures can often be seen to take priority, it’s imperative to remind your clients of the importance of regular foot care. However, while many professionals already know what makes for a classic or luxurious pedicure, occasionally a client may visit your salon…