Posts by Rebecca Hitchon
The results: PB/The FNP Nail Competitions, March 2024
The Federation of Nail Professionals (The FNP) hosted the nail competitions at industry exhibition, Professional Beauty London, 3-4 March 2024, with eight core categories competed in across the two days. Head judge, Jacqui O’Sullivan, administered the events alongside fellow competition director & judge, Sean O’Sullivan. They were joined by judges, Marian Newman, Kirsty Meakin, Zsuzsanna Fecsik,…
Read MoreOPI encourages playful nail colour combinations & finishes with spring collection
Unveiled for spring 2024 is the OPI Your Way collection, comprising 21 shades with a variety of finishes, allowing for an abundance of personalised colour options. From apricot and candy hues to trans-seasonal brown tones, OPI has released 12 shades (seven crèmes and five effect sheers) available in GelColor, Nail Lacquer and Powder Perfection formulas,…
Read MoreHow to accommodate mature nail clients
Does your business cater to all ages of client? While you may know that your business is welcome to all, is this clear to others – and are you missing out on the benefits of treating mature clients? “It is incredibly rewarding to treat older clients, because having their nails done means so much to…
Read MoreNail & beauty educators, here’s how to market your courses to create demand
Esteemed nail and beauty educators share their top marketing tactics to increase the demand for courses… Find your niche “Educators must figure out what their USP (unique selling point) is, so they can focus on and reap the rewards from marketing this quality. What is your key strength? What does your local area need?” asks…
Read MoreCTPA unveils cosmetics industry manifesto for general election year
As the UK heads towards a general election, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) is calling for the next government to develop a strategy for the cosmetics and personal care industry, to secure its continued growth. The UK trade association, which represents companies involved in making, supplying and selling cosmetics and personal care products,…
Read MoreNail artist, Sylvie Macmillan, among experts joining British Beauty Council advisory board
The British Beauty Council (BBCo) has appointed a new cohort of industry professionals to its advisory board. The 10 experts, who are from the make-up, nail, fragrance, hair, aesthetics and tech sectors, join the existing 70 board members, in preparation for the launch of a new membership programme. They will bring increased industry insight to…
Read MoreNail velvet Valentine’s designs with The GelBottle Inc’s cat-eye trio
Fall in love with the Velvet Crush Trio from Brighton brand, The GelBottle Inc (TGB): three cat-eye gel polishes to help create trending nail looks for Valentine’s Day and beyond. Following the success of the Northern Lights and North Pole cat-eye gels from its Après Ski collection, TGB realised a desire for more magnetic gel…
Read MoreHair & beauty T Level cancelled in favour of beauty-specific alternative
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 beauty-focused T Level and existing…
Read MoreStreamline & manage business operations with nail booking platform, Polishpad
Scratch chats to Abi Bright, founder of nail-focused booking web app, Polishpad, to discover how its range of features can benefit nail pros and clients – and learn about its competition for techs… Abi Bright’s passion for nails was realised when she was 16, and it’s something that stayed with her throughout her time at…
Read MoreAward-winning London beauty student shares her education journey & career dreams
London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT) student, Damla Osman, scooped the Level 2 Technical Beauty Therapy Student of the Year title at the college’s Star Awards 2023. Awarded in October, she shares that winning the accolade, which was sponsored by Scratch, still feels incredible. “It’s a huge accomplishment for me, so I feel very proud…
Read More2 in 3 women are turning to nail appointments for mental wellbeing
Research from salon booking platform, Fresha, has revealed that two in three women are supporting their mental wellbeing via beauty experiences in 2024. This aligns with TikTok trend, ‘girl therapy’, with #girltherapy used on over 50K posts. The phrase is used to show when girls and women prioritise self-care, via activities from dancing to their…
Read MoreWhy music matters in the nail salon experience
With 70% of Scratch readers playing music in the nail space, according to a 2023 Instagram poll, it’s important to learn how to cater sound to clients to ensure a comfortable experience. Freddie Moross is CEO of Myndstream, wellbeing-focused salon and spa music provider & an advisory board member for the Global Wellness Institute. He…
Read MoreDream Nails CEO on the salon brand’s AI customer service chatbot
Scratch chats to Thanh Vu, CEO of Essex and East London salon franchise, Dream Nails, about its artificial intelligence (AI) nail expert… Tell us about the role of the AI assistant. Dream Nails‘ AI assistant is available 24/7 via a web and WhatsApp interface, and can answer questions about treatments, pricing and more. Staff of all…
Read MoreThe GelBottle Inc adds 10 BIABᵀᴹ builder gel shades to portfolio
Say hello to some of your favourite The GelBottle Inc gel polish colours in the brand’s BIABᵀᴹ builder gel formula. The Brighton-based nailcare company, fondly known as TGB, has launched ten BIABᵀᴹ shades, from sheers to shimmers and full coverage colours, to easily build strong natural nail overlays. They are inspired by popular TGB gel…
Read MoreNHBF paper addresses VAT threshold issue for beauty industry
The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has released an independent paper to prompt discussion about the UK’s VAT threshold issue and offer solutions. Commissioned by the NHBF and created by Pragmatix Advisory Ltd, Avoiding the cliff edge: considering possible options for a VAT threshold smoothing mechanism aims to generate debate within the hair and…
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