5 things I love about being a session nail technician
By Helena Biggs | 12 February 2021 | Feature, Tech Talk
Scratch chats to session nail technician & Scratch Stars Session Stylist of the Year 20/21 finalist, Lauren Michelle Pires, about her work life & the things she loves most about her role…
Based in London, Lauren Michelle Pires works as a freelance editorial manicurist. She studied graphic design and photography at Central Saint Martins, where her graduate show saw her headhunted by Louis Vuitton.
She has since transferred her graphic skills to nails, and her precision as a nail artist has been showcased in renowned publications such as Vogue and i-D. Alongside collaborating with photographers Harley Weir, Nick Knight and Mert + Marcus. Lauren is notably known for the intricate nails she creates for London Fashion Week shows as she continues to push the boundaries of nail art, showing a keen eye to innovate new techniques and set upcoming trends.
Pires at London Fashion Week
Pires’ celebrity client list includes Kendall Jenner and Solange; who she creates custom nail shades for. She was nominated for a British Fashion Award for Creative Innovation and is a Scratch Stars finalist for 20/21.
Here, she shades the five key things she loves about working as a session nailist:
1. I love how everyday at work is different, I never find myself bored or uninspired.
2. The creative possibilities are endless; you never know what you might end up designing and executing!
3. Getting to collaborate with talented artists on the hair and make-up teams is always fun for Fashion Week shows, especially when you see the whole look come together.
4. The adrenaline rush from Fashion Week shows is my favourite part of the job – the fast paced environment, working under pressure and hours of nail prep to see my nails on the catwalk for only two minutes is always worth it.
5. Lastly, I love my assistants. They’re such hard-working and talented individuals.
