Posts by Alex Fox
Leading Light in Lockdown
UK nail expert Marian Newman launches FB group that becomes go-to place for current affairs, topics, information, inspiration & government guidelines for the nail industry & beyond. Swelling weekly with members, the Facebook group, Madge’s Chat Show, is proving a popular comfort zone for nail professionals with a membership of more than 1200 and growing…
Read MoreKenyan nail tech & pastor shares how nail services have flourished in city of Narok
In a bid to take care of his family, John Mwangi, known to many as Mwangi Cutex, began a journey with nails 14 years ago. Starting out mobile on the streets of his city Narok in Kenya, John literally sat kerbside and painted the nails of abiding women as they passed by. His nail skills…
Read MoreCoronavirus: Nail tech creates action squad to help elderly Suffolk community
Nail technician, Jamie Nunn, has set up the Matilda-Rose Action Squad to support vulnerable people in his community in Haverhill, Suffolk. “I named the squad after my nail and beauty salon in Haverhill, which in turn is named after my two nieces,” Jamie explains. “The elderly is a group that I’m mindful of, seeing first…
Read MoreNail tech reveals how her salon in Austria has adapted post-lockdown
As salons open up across Austria following Covid-19 lockdown, salon owner Cait Hill gives an insight into how the new salon landscape lies & the protocols she’s installed to stay safe… Meet Caitriona Hill, a nail tech and salon owner from Ireland, who lives and operates from her salon, The Nail Bar in Salzburg, Austria.…
Read MoreMani Monday: Nails in honour of the NHS
Multi award-winning nail artist and Scratch Stars finalist 2020, Kayley Cairns, speaks to Alex Fox about the steps she took to create extreme stiletto nails in honour of the NHS amidst the coronavirus pandemic… Humbled, as we all are watching key workers dedicate their time to saving lives, nail professional, champion tech and educator, Kayley…
Read MoreParis Fashion Week AW20: Marian Newman leads Peacći nail styling at Vivienne Westwood
29 February, Hotel de Ville, Paris. Models including Bella Hadid walked the runway for the Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood showcase in Paris for autumn/winter 2020. The collection – which saw bold shades paired with pretty ruffled textures and chunky accessories – accentuated an edgy yet feminine ethos. The Queen of nails met the Queen…
Read MoreNailympia Canada 2019: THE RESULTS
The first ever Canadian edition of Nailympia took place in Saskatoon 9-10 November, with entrants from Japan, Poland, Vietnam, Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, Germany, the UK and the USA. Hosted by Aigul Fritzke & Karen Dunn, 161 competition seats were taken in 11 categories, with 43 competitors amassing to demonstrate their skills. The judging panel consisted…
Read MoreNailympia London 2019: THE RESULTS
A whopping 878 competition seats were taken in the 15th Nailympia London competition, held at Olympia Beauty, London 28-30 September 2019. In the biggest Nailympia to date, techs took to the floor to show off their skills in categories including Runway Nails, The Joy of Nails with Bling! Salon Nails, Fantasy Complete Look and L&P…
Read MoreTreatment Focus: An African pedicure in the heart of Herts
I was invited to observe an African Pedicure delivered by a beauty therapist in a village called Bassingbourn in Hertfordshire. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Emma Grant moved to the UK in 2014 after getting married. A trained therapist with 15 years’ experience, Emma is also qualified in hairdressing, weaving, braiding and colouring alongside…
Read MoreCombining fashion nails & photography at a workshop in Herts
I was invited to join a photographic workshop at the Herts Academy of Beauty in Ware, Hertfordshire, hosted by educator & session stylist Jennie Nippard. The workshop was presented by Marian Newman, well known for her fashion nails & photographic work, and the event offered eight places for nail professionals who were offered a brief. This…
Read MoreBritish Beauty Council launches to define & shape the industry
The British Beauty Council has launched to represent the voices, opinions and needs of the British beauty industry. It is committed to developing excellence and growth in a sector that is a significant contributor to the British economy and represents all areas of the beauty industry – from nails and hairdressing to cosmetics, cosmetic surgery,…
Read MoreA morning with the British Beauty Council
I was invited to the launch of the British Beauty Council earlier this week. This change-maker breakfast was hosted in the Gallery & Loft, Mortimer House, London to an assembly of beauty influencers and beauty media figureheads. It was followed by a lively debate and discussion on the nature of this new council and its directives, with founding members, Millie Kendall…
Read MoreThe industry’s thoughts on…CYBER BULLYING
The September issue of Scratch explores the issue of cyber bullying and its impact on the nail sector. Here, more techs reveal their experiences and thoughts… Jan Soar, UK head of education & Nail Harmony PhD master educator for Essex discusses the term ‘bully’ “Cyberbullying is bullying in a cowardly form. A keyboard warrior, brave because…
Read MoreNail Harmony UK launches radio station for the beauty sector
The Nail Harmony UK Gelish Gala 2018 in Clacton-On-Sea last Friday offered a surprise launch for the industry. The company’s director, Jason Smedley, took to the stage with brother, Mark Smedley, to present an exciting new project; Beauty Talk Radio (BTR). Utilising the skills and experience of Mark Smedley, who has worked in the music and radio…
Read MoreTales from Nail Harmony UK’s tropical Gelish Gala
Nail Harmony UK held its Gelish Gala 2018 on Friday 22 June at The Princes Theatre in Clacton-on -Sea. Myself and editor, Helena Biggs, donned cocktail dresses and with boarding passes in hand (our specialist invite) we entered into a tropical paradise. With music blasting and the cocktail bar heaving, nail industry professionals networked, relaxed…
Read More