Posts by Scratch Staff
Brillbird Educator Training, Tenerife 2020: Day 5
Michelle Brookes, Brillbird educator, reveals the tales from the brand’s trip to Tenerife for educator training… Day 5 Today, educator Galina Kokovikhina from Russia taught us how to create animal art using gel polish. She was an amazing tutor and broke down each step to show us shading, shadowing and placement. I learnt so many new techniques…
Read MoreGlass gel nails: Why I love the look & how to create it
Nail tech & salon owner, Karen M Brown, shares her creativity and wisdom in a series for Scratch… Based in Scotland, Karen co-owns (with her sister) Sanctuary in the City; two multi-award-winning salon destinations. The duo also owns training academy, NABTA UK, and provides nail and beauty education across the UK. Karen co-founded nail brand,…
Read MoreBrillbird Educator Training, Tenerife 2020: Day 4
Michelle Brookes, Brillbird educator, reveals the tales from the brand’s trip to Tenerife for educator training… Day 4 Today, we enjoyed training in 3D & 4D techniques courtesy of educator, Karina Frias, using a mix of 3D Forming Gel and builder gels. We started the day by creating a 3D Fairy using a variety of techniques. I…
Read MoreSalon System’s product picks for National Lash Day
Did you know that 19 February sees National Lash Day? Whether, your client adores their lashes long and luscious or they prefer a natural lash, Salon System educator and lash expert, Ruth Atkins, share her top picks… Lashes in a flash “Nautralash has your clients covered with the LashLux Mink Style Strip Lashes. With three different…
Read MoreBrillbird Educator Training, Tenerife 2020: Day 3
Michelle Brookes, Brillbird educator, reveals the tales from the brand’s trip to Tenerife for educator training… Day 3 The education team woke early as today’s itinerary saw plenty of training and exams. Luckily, I’ve been sharing a room with Brillbird UK founder, Liliya Moss, and she’s an early riser, so I have my own personal alarm clock.…
Read MoreBrillbird Educator Training, Tenerife 2020: Day 2
Michelle Brookes, Brillbird educator, reveals the tales from the brand’s trip to Tenerife for educator training… Day 2 The first day of training was led by Marina Bendiuk, who covered Fantasy nail design using gel. Marina started the day by demonstrating how to sculpt an extremely long stiletto nail using gel. Marina speaks amazing English but we…
Read MoreBrillbird Educator Training, Tenerife 2020: Day 1
Michelle Brookes, Brillbird educator, reveals the tales from the brand’s trip to Tenerife for educator training… Day 1 I woke up bright and early, ready to set off to Tenerife from Doncaster airport for Brillbird Educator Training 2020. With my kit pack and ready, I arrived at the airport with nothing on my fingernails. It’s…
Read MoreNail tech reveals the journey to launching her own product range
Nail technician, Jessica Harris, from Chesterfield, has been in the industry for almost eight years – and has put her passion into practice with the launch of her own cuticle oils and hand lotions. Here, she reveals to Scratch how and why she launched the Nails By Jessica range – as well as her plans…
Read MoreThe big mistake nail students make on a training course
Are you about to take the leap into the nail industry, or are you signing up to learn a new service? Hannah Garbett, educator at Staffordshire Nail Academy and distributor of Astonishing Nails products, warns of the key mistake students make on their journey… Signing up for your first nail course to begin your new…
Read MoreEnsure optimum hygiene in the salon with these tips
Jenn Linton and Jaye Macdonald, co-directors of Aberdeen-based salon Linton & Mac, share their tips for ensuring a spick and span salon for clients and a safe place to work for you… “Maintaining a safe, secure and hygienic salon is super important, not only for your staff, but for any visitors or clients, too. Since salons use products and…
Read MoreHow to develop your own creative ideas & make your business stand out
Kara Kotsonis, Squad Leader at NailSquad Nail Bar in Deal, Kent, shares her valuable business advice… It can’t possibly get any better than Scratch’s managing editor, Helena Biggs, saying she’d noticed our salon’s Instagram page and asking to pop down for a visit. OMG! It really was the stuff of dreams, and to be then…
Read MoreAdd strength to nails & extend with Halo’s brush-on Easi-Build
Create natural-looking, strong enhancements with Easibuild by Halo – now available in 8ml sizes alongside the original 15ml sizes. The brush-on builder gel boasts easy application without the need for primer. EasiBuild is UV and LED compatible, curing in just 60 seconds in a 36W LED lamp. Four nude and pink tones feature in the…
Read MoreParis Fashion Week SS20: Pretty in Pink @ Ralph & Russo
Nailist, Nickie Rhodes-Hill, who scooped the Scratch Star for Session Stylist of the Year in 2018 & 2019, headed to Paris Fashion Week with a team of techs to prepare models for the spring/summer 2020 Haute Couture Ralph & Russo showcase. Here, she reveals the backstage story… “My team and I jumped on the first…
Read MoreExpert advice: Nail salon risk assessments
Use the post-Christmas lull to ensure your business is up-to-date with health & safety practises and procedures. Here, Beverly Coleman, nail tech and NEBOSH qualified health & safety advisor, offers her tip for ensure your risk assessments are tip top… “Helping to preventing accidents and ill-health in the salon setting needn’t be a difficult task,” states…
Read More3 things to consider if you want to ‘go mobile’
Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, serves up some top tips if you’re considering making the move to a mobile way of working… Have you been pondering or planning your next career move? Some of you may be thinking of ‘going mobile’ – and while the solo adventure isn’t…
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