Posts by Rebecca Hitchon
WINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap May 2024
The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge for May has been announced as Gemma Dawson. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs to fit theme, Phoenix Fingernails, inspired by Nailympia Competitions’ phoenix-themed branding, in the bid to win free entry in up to three Nailympia London 2024 online categories. Entries were judged by Scratch senior news & features writer, Rebecca Hitchon, and…
Read MoreThe GelBottle Inc expands All-in-One BIAB™ builder gel nail range
Brighton-based professional nail brand, The GelBottle Inc (TGB), has added three shades to its All-in-One BIAB™ collection. Originally designed for use with The GelBottle Inc DesignEx Pro™ extensions, All-in-One BIAB™ is a soak-off, medium viscosity builder gel acting as a base coat, builder gel and top coat. The formula contains 50% less HEMA than TGB’s…
Read MoreNHBF launches Manifesto 2024 to promote value of hair & beauty industry
The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has unveiled its Manifesto 2024 at a parliamentary event. The Manifesto highlights the vital role the UK hair and beauty sector plays in creating jobs, supporting communities and promoting wellbeing, and sets out recommendations for the next government ahead of a general election. It was unveiled at an…
Read MoreSalon in the Spotlight: Nails With Kails, Andover, Hampshire
Kayleigh Watkins shares the story behind her home salon business, Nails With Kails: a space infused with personality and creativity… While facing redundancy from her full-time job in 2019, Kayleigh undertook some nail courses with Magpie Beauty. “I wanted to find a creative and therapeutic outlet, as well as future-proof an income for myself,” she…
Read MoreCreate ‘Out of This World’ nail looks with Light Elegance’s 12 summer shades
Light Elegance’s summer 2024 collection, Out of This World, has landed, with six cosmic crème colours and six galactic glitters. Taking inspiration from futuristic colours and fashion trends with a summer focus, the collection offers a spectrum of hues and embraces avant-garde elements. “We are excited to introduce the Out of This World collection: a…
Read MoreMet Gala 2024: 20 show-stopping celebrity nail looks from the red carpet
An annual celebration of fashion and style, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Met Gala fundraising event took place in New York last night (Monday 6 May 2024). The event honoured new exhibition, Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion, and welcomed celebrities to represent dress code, The Garden of Time, via their fashion, hair, make-up and nail choices.…
Read MoreTake nail styling to new heights with Gelish & Morgan Taylor’s 6 summer shades
Gelish and Morgan Taylor have unveiled the Up In The Air collection for summer 2024. It features six nail hues inspired by living a life filled with colour that is expressive, carefree and fun, from soft and subtle tones to bold brights. The shades are available in Gelish Soak Off Gel Polish, Morgan Taylor Nail…
Read MoreSalon in the Spotlight: Nail Angel Studley, Warwickshire
Bringing a creative flair to her West Midlands home salon, Anni Watson shares how she’s incorporated her artistic background and love for upcycling into Nail Angel Studley… “While starting a family over 20 years ago, I decided to qualify in nails. I always wanted to use my artistic talents, as I am a creative person…
Read MoreCTPA calls on UK government for dedicated animal-free chemical testing strategy
UK trade association, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), is calling on the UK government to publish a dedicated Non-Animal New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) strategy. Animal testing of cosmetic products and ingredients has been banned in the UK and EU since 2004 and 2009 respectively, and the UK and EU cosmetics industry has invested…
Read MoreOPI celebrates self-expression through nail colour with 12pc summer collection
OPI has launched its summer 2024 colour collection: My Me Era, featuring 12 energising crème nail shades. Inspired by the celebration of self-expression in all forms, the collection balances bold and playful brights with versatile earthy hues. These are available in OPI’s GelColor gel polish formula, boasting up to three weeks of wear and shine,…
Read MoreThe GelBottle Inc expands 7ml Minis nail range with 40 gel polish & builder gel additions
Now offering over 250 Minis products, The GelBottle Inc (TGB) has added 40 shades to its 7ml range. TGB Minis are ideal to be transported by mobile nail techs. They also cater to pros looking to try the brand’s formulations or shades without committing to full-sized 20ml bottles, and those seeking to build their nail…
Read MoreNail influencers share what the job is like & how to get noticed online
What do you envisage when you see the word ‘influencer’? The term may carry some negative connotations due to modern perceptions of influence, as it’s often assumed that a person needs a huge number of social media followers and an expensive, aspirational lifestyle to warrant receiving the title. Nail artist & content creator, Abi Markey…
Read MoreSalon in the Spotlight: Samantha Laura Nails, Newport, Shropshire
After her nail technician changed careers, Samantha Gripton was left missing her monthly treat of a gel polish manicure and was inspired to create her summerhouse studio, Samantha Laura Nails. “I used all of my savings to renovate the summerhouse in my back garden,” Samantha tells Scratch. “I invested in a Beginner course from The…
Read MoreNHBF adds 3 members to its board for 2024
Following voting in its 2024 Board Member Elections, the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has announced additions to its board. Debbie Digby, Louise Fordham and Richard Marshall (pictured above left to right) will officially begin their roles from the NHBF’s Annual General Meeting, scheduled for July. Founding partner of Feathers Salon Group & CEO…
Read More6 ways technology can protect the planet in your beauty business
Researchers have estimated that by 2025, the IT industry could use 20% of all electricity produced and emit up to 5.5% of global carbon emissions. But just as technology has the ability to increase energy usage and emissions, it can help to decrease them. A study conducted by the World Economic Forum and IT &…
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