Hair & beauty T Level cancelled in favour of beauty-specific alternative

By Rebecca Hitchon | 5 February 2024

The Department for Education (DfE) has cancelled the Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty Therapy (HBBT) T Level. The announcement follows feedback given to the DfE from industry trade bodies. Postponed from September 2023 to September 2024 in March last year, the combined T Level has now been disbanded in favour of a…

5 ways to increase your success as a nail pro in 2024

By Scratch Staff | 24 December 2023

Stepping into 2024 provides a chance to evaluate your business to support your career growth. From goals to finances, marketing and competition hopes, Scratch explores how nail technicians can plan and prepare for the year ahead… 1. Reflect on your business & set new goals Before getting caught up in…

Here’s what you really need in your nail tech starter kit & why you shouldn’t buy from just anywhere

By Michelle Brookes | 20 December 2023

There are generally two types of students I see starting out in the nail industry; those who buy everything possible, and those who are on a tight budget and buy inferior products. Sometimes, I look at the kits of my students and see that they have more stock than me!…

Why I chose a Diploma to enhance my nail career

By Callie Iley | 21 November 2023

Seeking a deeper understanding of the nuances of education, Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2023, Lucy Price-Marshall, enrolled on a TQUK Level 5 Diploma in Education & Training in 2021, graduating this year. Lucy began her nail journey with private tuition, before enrolling at a college to…

Susan Gerrard Beauty Academy offers PMU training with Laura Kay partnership

By Scratch Staff | 4 October 2023

Gerrard International’s Susan Gerrard Beauty Academy has announced an educational partnership with Laura Kay London Academy, a renowned name in the world of permanent make-up (PMU) training. Founder of Laura Kay London clinic, professional products and academy, Laura Kay, has gained widespread recognition for her PMU expertise and 20 years…

Studex ear & nose piercing training courses endorsed by HABIA

By Rebecca Hitchon | 24 September 2023

Manufacturer of ear and nose piercing equipment and education provider, Studex UK, has announced that it has gained training endorsement from HABIA (Hair And Beauty Industry Authority). HABIA champions high-quality education, and its endorsement means that both Studex UK‘s ear and nose piercing training programmes are aligned with the most…

World’s Star Nail Artist launches online masterclasses to elevate the skills of fellow pros

By Helena Biggs | 21 September 2023

Katy Pottle, winner of the first World’s Star Nail Artist (WSNA) competition, has launched online workshops and one-to-one masterclasses to help pros enhance their nail art skills. Channelling the nail techniques acquired over two decades in the industry and learned throughout her WSNA experience, each pre-recorded online workshop serves up…

Hair & beauty training provider, Kleek Apprenticeships, expands to Colchester

By Chloe Randall | 4 September 2023

Hair and beauty industry’s training provider, Kleek Apprenticeships, has expanded by acquiring the Colchester-based Easi Hairdressing Academy. Kleek Apprenticeships currently have academy bases in the north east of England and the home counties and by expanding to Colchester, Kleek is making its mark in the south east. The training provider…

Shear Haven anti-domestic violence salon training celebrates two-year anniversary of UK&I launch

By Callie Iley | 16 July 2023

Shear Haven anti-domestic violence salon training celebrates its two-year anniversary since its official launch in the UK & Ireland. Training salons, stylists and therapists in over 100 countries around the world, Shear Haven training has been accessed over 92,000 times by professionals since its launch in 2021. Co-founded by salon…

Sweet Squared recertifies 500 CND Shellac™ nail techs

By Scratch Staff | 26 April 2023

Sweet Squared, distributor of CNDTM products in the UK & Ireland, has recertified 500 CND ShellacTM nail technicians through a series of one-hour training webinars. These sessions allowed experienced nail techs to refresh their knowledge of the system and perfect application techniques. CND ShellacTM was launched over 10 years ago,…

Timely launches mental health training for beauty therapists & hairdressers

By Chloe Randall | 20 March 2023

Timely business management software has partnered with Tom Chapman, founder of wellbeing awareness organisation, Lions Barber Collective, to develop a mental health training masterclass. The two-hour virtual training course will take beauty and hair professionals through four pillars of awareness; Recognise, Ask, Listen and Help, to support clients facing mental…

Introducing In Your Hands: a fully funded nail programme for marginalised industry enthusiasts

By Callie Iley | 23 January 2023

A fully funded nail industry initiative has been launched by Bristol-based nail pro, Nathan Taylor, to support marginalised nail enthusiasts. After exploring a number of vocations, admitting that the nail industry ‘was the only industry to keep me interested’, Nathan Taylor moved to Bristol and was offered the opportunity to…

What you need to know about training as a lash tech with Novalash

By Chloe Randall | 3 January 2023

What you need to know about training as a lash tech with Novalash Looking to give your client something new? Expand your treatment offerings & add a new skill to your repertoire by training as a lash technician. Scratch explores the Classic Training course from NovaLash… About Novalash: NovaLash was…

Mental health training options to help beauty businesses support employees

By Rebecca Hitchon | 10 October 2022

Scratch highlights different coaching providers to help support employers’ understanding and management of staff mental health matters. VTCT Believing in an industry that recognises the importance of their workforce’s mental wellbeing, awarding and assessment organisation, the Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT), added Mental Health Awareness to its range of vocational…

NHBF report highlights beauty industry’s ‘skills crisis’

By Rebecca Hitchon | 2 May 2022

The National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) has released a report analysing the current challenges that the hair and beauty sector is experiencing regarding skills and recruitment. Conducted by the Pragmatix Advisory, Careers at the cutting edge: Tackling the skills shortage in the hair and beauty sector used an interview…