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…

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…

Bright CND™ nail hues walk runway for Pam Hogg SS20

By Kat Hill | 14 September 2019

Pops of bright nail colours walked the runway at Pam Hogg’s SS20 showcase at London Fashion Week. The CND™ & Sweet Squared team were lead by Nickie Rhodes-Hill, Scratch Stars Awards 2019 Session Stylist of the Year. The nail team also included: Amy Morphey, Joanna Tompkins, Shienne Mann and Kay…

Elise Scholes-Pilkington on nailing your consultation process

By Kat Hill | 20 August 2019

Polish up your professional image and nail your consultation process with help from Elise Scholes-Pilkington, Scratch Stars Awards Ultimate Natural Nail Specialist…   I believe client consultation is paramount in how to maintain and gain a regular client base. It always begins with your phone manner; it helps to smile…

What it’s really like to own a nail salon – Part 1

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… For many graduates in the hair, beauty and nail industry the ultimate dream is to own a salon one day.  It is…

How to close a nail form correctly to ensure a great enhancement

By Katie Barnes | 5 August 2019

The perfect form fit is one of the most important elements when it comes to a well-structured sculpted nail enhancement. The correct placement of the nail form is essential but an often overlooked component of the form fit is the symmetrical closure of the wings. Without this, it will be…

5 minutes with Helen Burton-Ward

By Kat Hill | 27 July 2019

We chatted to Helen Burton-Ward, Scratch Stars Awards 2019 Natural Nail Care Specialist of the Year, about her love for competing, CND Vinylux™, and her ‘Dream Nail Pro Dinner Party’… Tell us about your training… My journey in the nail world started at just 15 years of age when I…

What it takes to become & remain a successful nail technician

By Katie Barnes | 23 July 2019

Becoming a nail technician is often a career choice that is snubbed and looked down upon. It is often perceived as ‘just painting nails’. Anyone that has ever tried to paint nails well, will appreciate that this is a skill in itself. This element is just the tip of the…

WINNERS ANNOUNCED: The Scratch Stars Awards 2019

By Helena Biggs | 21 July 2019

The winners of the prestigious Scratch Stars Awards 2019 were revealed at a glittering ceremony in London on Sunday 21 July. Over 350 guests gathered at Proud, Embankment, to enjoy a fun-filled evening hosted by Rylan Clark-Neal, with performances from R&B boy band, Damage and an incredible acrobat. The evening…

R&B group Damage to perform at the Scratch Stars Party 2019

By Helena Biggs | 17 July 2019

British R&B boy band, Damage, will be performing at the Scratch Stars Party 2019. The event, which takes place in London on Sunday 21 July, recognises incredible talent in the UK nail sector – while offering guests the opportunity to network, let their hair down and enjoy a big summer…

Behind-the-scenes at the Scratch Stars Awards 2019 judging day – part 1

By Helena Biggs | 16 June 2019

While the mid-June weather presented competitors and judges with a downpour on their travels into London, it certainly didn’t dampen spirits – as the first of the two Scratch Stars Awards judging days for 2019 finalists saw passion, creativity and enthusiasm come alive. Split into two days, the first judging…

Salon in the Spotlight: Nails By Liv Salon, York

By Kat Hill | 8 May 2019

Take a peek inside a double-Scratch Stars Awards finalist’s new salon… Having honed her skills in a salon, Liv Oldfield decided it was time to spread her wings and fly solo, seeing her open Nails By Liv Salon. “This venture is a brand new, at-home studio,” explains Liv. “I opened the…

Finalists announced in nail industry’s Scratch Stars Awards competition

By Helena Biggs | 6 May 2019

Over 1000 entries and nominations were submitted into the 2019 Scratch Stars Awards, making it the most competitive year to date. After a tough initial judging process, the finalists have been revealed in each of the 18 categories, below. Each finalist has received information about the next stage in the…

Salon in the Spotlight: The Nail Gallery, Bawtry

By Kat Hill | 1 May 2019

Get to know the names behind The Nail Gallery, Bawtry – finalist in the Scratch Stars Nail Salon of the Year category 20/21, sponsored by The Gel Bottle Inc… “Jessica Haith and I both met when we began working together in a nail bar in 2017,” explains Ilex Wood. “Unfortunately, …

The Scratch Stars Awards 2019: ENTRY CLOSING SOON!

By Helena Biggs | 16 March 2019

Entry is now OPEN for the Scratch Stars Awards 2019 – but hurry, you need to submit your entry by Sunday 17 March at midnight. The awards is hosted annually to recognise the incredible talent of individuals, teams and businesses in the UK nail sector. This year, 18 categories are open…