Posts by Rebecca Hitchon
Family affair: Meet 3 sets of siblings finding success in the nail industry
Scratch puts the spotlight on brothers and sisters working together in the nail industry… Glitterbels While Annabel Maginnis will likely come to mind when you hear the word ‘Glitterbels’, there is a trio of siblings involved in the brand: Annabel’s husband, Elliott, and his brothers, Mac and Alex. It was unexpected for the brothers that…
Read MoreLondon College of Beauty Therapy announces relocation of campus
Having outgrown its campus in Ramillies House, Soho, the London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT) is moving to another premises. Its new home in Fashion Street, in the heart of Shoreditch, will allow the college to expand its provision and train more students via a newly-refurbished building. Plans include to add a range of advanced…
Read MoreBritish Beauty Council invites students to shape future of industry via mentorship & grant opportunity
The British Beauty Council has launched The Student Shadow Board, alongside UNiDAYS and Sephora UK. Via the initiative, young people across the UK can apply to receive mentorship and grant support, by pitching their future-facing beauty solutions across topics like innovation and technology, sustainability, creativity, marketing and science. They can either submit an entry video…
Read MoreScratch Snap winner announced: pedicure nail art contest
The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art contest for March has been announced as Amy Lambourne of @amylambournenaturalnailtech. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs inspired by theme, Fancy Feet, in the bid to win a prize from Footlogix. Entries were judged by Samantha Sweet, co-founder & chief commercial officer at Sweet Squared: UK&I trainer & distributor…
Read MoreHow to tailor nail treatments to mums-to-be, new & mature mums
Mother’s Day offers a chance to boost your treatment offerings to satisfy a range of clients. Let us show you how… Mums-to-be The aches and strains of a pregnancy warrant some well-deserved TLC, so turn your focus to expectant mothers. “Mothers-to-be have a lot to prepare for and depending on the stage of their pregnancy,…
Read MoreHome nail & beauty salons: how to maintain positive neighbour relations & resolve conflict
Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year finalists for 2024 offer advice for how home business owners can keep the peace with neighbours and resolve potential conflicts… Kirsty Brown, owner of Paintbrush Nails, Stirling – Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year 2024 “When opening a home salon, it’s good practice to inform…
Read MoreBeauty brands encouraged to switch from plastic bottles in eco-friendly initiative
Molded fibre packaging manufacturer, NBCo, has launched Fast Forward 50, to help beauty and personal care brands transition away from single-use plastic bottles. The first 50 brands that sign up to the initiative will each be offered a free 200ml (122mm x 60mm) NBCo fibre bottle, allowing them to test the environmentally conscious packaging with…
Read MoreThe GelBottle Inc launches affiliate & reward programme to empower nail pros
The GelBottle Inc (TGB) has unveiled TGB Insiders: a platform to ‘celebrate, engage and empower its most passionate partners’. It replaces the Brighton nail brand’s former affiliate scheme and has considered user feedback to build an improved programme. TGB Insiders is available to UK techs, and will be open to US pros in the coming…
Read MoreBristol nail tech: how I navigate functional neurological disorder (FND)
To mark FND Awareness Day (25 March), Shara Taylor, owner of Bare Beauty Aesthetics, Bristol, opens up about her experiences with the condition… Charity, FND Action, details: “Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a brain network disorder that can encompass a diverse range of neurological symptoms, including limb weakness, paralysis, seizures, walking difficulties, spasms, twitching and…
Read MoreGreater Manchester nail tech: Why I closed a bustling salon to open a home-based business
Nina of Wigan home salon, Nina Nicholson Beauty & Lecenté lead educator, shares why a huge career switch was the best decision she ever made… Nina Nicholson opened her first salon at the age of 18, and went on to acquire a larger premises a few years later. After building and running the bustling business…
Read MoreGlitterbels to mark HQ launch with nail education event hosted by Annabel Maginnis
Staffordshire-based nail brand, Glitterbels, has unveiled Annabel’s Art Assembly: an education event running from 9-11 June 2025. Taking place on the opening week of the brand’s new HQ, pros that take part will be the first to receive education in the renovated church space, which features a nail bar, shop, improved education facilities and more.…
Read MoreAre you a neurodiverse nail tech? This Facebook group offers support to neurodivergent pros
“Neurodiversity refers to the different ways an individual’s brain processes information. It became clear that I am neurodiverse when I was in my late 30s,” says Cheryl Holland, founder of Facebook group, Neurodiversity in Nails. The owner of Spicy Sakura Nails, Worksop, and press-on business, Nail My Ride, set up the group earlier this year…
Read MoreStruggling to attract clients? An expert will audit your beauty business to drive growth
Are you struggling to gain new clientele or attract your ideal clients? The Salon Inspector™ from nail industry veteran, Sue Davies, is here to help… The programme serves to enhance the client journeys of mobile, home-based and brick and mortar beauty businesses via an audit. “When a business signs up to The Salon Inspector™, it…
Read MoreSustainable beauty: Here’s how to recycle your nail salon waste
With a number of day-to-day considerations to navigate, how you manage your salon waste can often be pushed to the back of your mind. But it’s easier than you think to respect the environment through your work, as we highlight via our roundup of recycling schemes and tips. Green Salon Collective Founded by environmental experts,…
Read MoreSweet Squared delivers SOFGEL nail products to UK market
USA-based professional nail brand, SOFGEL, has partnered with hair and beauty distributor, Sweet Squared, to bring its soft gel products to the UK market. The brand boasts SOFTIPS PRO™: a range of ultra-thin, flexible and durable full coverage tips in two styles: standard and structured. The tips are available in eight shapes, five lengths and…
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