Posts by Zoe Wickens
Tech Talk: Creative colour blocking nails by Lucy Sibley
Scratch catches up with nail tech, Lucy Sibley, to learn more about her industry journey… Lucy entered the nail industry at the end of 2018 after her youngest daughter became unwell. “I needed a career that was flexible but that also fulfilled my creative personality,” she explains. “Now I work part time in a salon and…
Read MoreCreate a cracking effect on nails with Crystal Nails’ Mosaic Crystal Liquid
Crystal Nails has released its Mosaic Crystal Liquid, a decoration gel with cracking effect. Shades introduced for spring include Pink, Baby Pink, Peach and White. The product can be used on vivid colours or any sparkling material. For achieving smaller cracks, the liquid can be applied it in a thin layer. For more spectacular cracks,…
Read MoreTech Talk: From nail salon to home studio with Holly Phillips
Scratch catches up with nail tech, Holly Phillips, to learn more about her industry journey… Holly Phillips works as a self-employed nail tech from a studio in her home in Cambridgeshire. “After qualifying as a beauty therapist 12 years ago, I got a job as a full-time nail tech,” she explains. “I didn’t know if this…
Read MoreEmbrace eco-nail art with 5 products from Essence Glitter
Essence Glitter has released five shades of bio glitter to add a touch of sparkle to nail art designs. Fully biodegradable, the glitters are suitable for nail and cosmetics use and are ideal atop a Bio Sculpture Gel manicure. They can also be encapsulated within L&P acrylic to aid nail styles. Five bio glitter shades are…
Read MoreHow to spot domestic abuse signs in clients
A staggering one in four women* will experience abuse from a partner or ex-partner at some time in their life, and two are killed each week. “They may be our clients, colleagues or our family and friends, so recognising the signs, offering a kind word and providing information on how to access professional support may…
Read MoreSculpt & add strength with Lecenté Create Builder Gel
Lecenté has extended its product range with the release of the Create Builder Gel. The formula works with the Create Gel system and can be used as an overlay on natural nails or to create enhancements used tips or forms. Key features of the Create Builder Gel include: Soak off solution for easy removal Applies…
Read More#ManiMonday: Coming up roses for nail tech Elizabeth Jones
Scratch puts the spotlight on an eye-catching floral nail design and the talented tech behind it… Elizabeth Jones, from Rugby, Warwickshire, has been a qualified nail technician for over three years. “I have always been a bit of an art geek. Before nails, I studied Theatre Production Design, so you can say I have always…
Read MoreMii Cosmetics adds 1 more colour to its Brow Tint range
Mii Cosmetics has extended its Brow Tint range with one additional shade for clients looking for more colour-intensive results. The colour Blue/Black joins the already established Ash, Light Brown, Dark Brown and Black. The brand described the shade Blue/Black as adding depth, glossiness and bold definition to an already dark brow. It can also be…
Read MoreCreating striking brows and lashes for clients with the RefectoCil Browista Toolkit
Salon System has launched the RefectoCil Browista Toolkit, offering for lash and brow styling experts the ideal tools for a quick and precise application. The four-in-one expert kit includes one spoolie with a wide brush, one spoolie with a small brush and two application side dishes. The spoolie is best used for brushing through brows…
Read MoreCoronavirus: how to soothe dry & sore hands from frequent hand washing
Rigorous hand washing and sanitising during this coronavirus pandemic can leave your hands feeling dry and sore. Author and skin healing expert, Hanna Sillitoe, offers Scratch readers some hand-saving tips that mean no one has to suffer or compromise on hygiene. Regularly and thoroughly washing your hands is one of the most important things you…
Read MoreTales from 3D French nail workshops with Anna Kuznetsova
A group of nail techs took part in Anna Kuznetsova’s 3D French nail workshop held in London. Here, attendee, Elwira Walczak, an international master educator for Mollon Pro, reveals all about the experience… The nail journey never ends and it is important to learn from the best. At the end of February 2020, we had…
Read MoreTech Talk: Chloe Crook’s love of glittery nails
Scratch catches up with nail tech, Chloe Crook, to learn more about her industry journey… Chloe Crook from Ashford, Kent entered the nail industry in 2018. “The reason why was because I suffer with bad anxiety and doing nails for me is so soothing and relaxing,” she explains. “What’s more, my nails were in bad…
Read MoreCoronavirus: How to reassure salon & spa clients of good practice
Janan Saher, director of Aviva Day Spa in Luton, talks about the difficulties her business is facing due to COVID-19 and how she and her team are tackling hygiene issues… I’ve been reading so many negative and scary posts that I thought I would try and turn that around to give Scratch readers some hope and…
Read MoreNailchemy releases 6pc gel polish range for charity
Nailchemy has teamed up with mental health initiative, Beautiful Minds, to release a six colour gel polish collection. Half of all funds raised from sales of the collection will go to two mental health charities Mind and Papyrus, as well as to the Beautiful Minds initiative to support mental health in the beauty industry. The…
Read MoreTech Talk: Hazel Martin’s journey from hairdresser to nail tech
Scratch catches up with nail tech, Hazel Martin, to learn more about her industry journey… Hazel Martin of Nail Creations by Hazel from Crawley, West Sussex has been in the nail industry for two years. She trained as a hairdresser before passing a manicure course that was a compulsory part of her training – with a…
Read More