Lauren McBride hailed Nail Tech of the Year 2020 at the British Hair & Beauty Awards

Bournemouth-based nail tech, Lauren McBride, has been crowned Nail Tech of the Year 2020 at the British Hair & Beauty Awards.

Having trained 17 years ago under CND educator, Jacqui Jefford, Lauren’s salon journey truly began as a Saturday girl at the age of 13, before she took up nail education five years later. “It all happened by chance,” Lauren beams. “I went to study law at university, but quickly realised the legal world was not for me and went back to work in the salon I’d worked in as a girl.

“There was a need for a nail tech, so I undertook the necessary training and followed it with other beauty courses over the years. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and I can’t imagine doing anything other than nails.”

Professing to love everything about nails, Lauren states: “It never ceases to amaze me that you can completely change the way someone feels by giving such a small part of them a little love and attention. I’ve always loved art and doing nails is just an extension of that passion. I also love that every single nail I do is different to the last, and I never know what creative path my day is heading down until the client walks through my door.”

A day in the life
Describing an average day in her life, Lauren admits she’s no morning person and reveals: “My morning normally involves a lot of coffee before ‘Mummy duties’ ensure. The tribe gets ready and is shipped off to school, then I become a nail tech. I’m lucky to have a salon at home, so travelling to work is a doddle. I start at 9am and work through until the troops need picking up from school. I’m them mum until bath and bedtime, and then I go back to work for my evening clients.

“When they’re complete, I get to work on developing new courses and workshops for my Facebook group, Facebook lives and Youtube videos. I’m a night owl, so enjoy many late nights at my nail desk developing new designs. My husband, Stuart, works beside and runs the technical and support side of the workshop group and the website.”

Lauren & husband Stuart

Noting the power of support, especially from close family, Lauren cites: “I’ve got the most incredible, loyal clients and I’ve never had to advertise; it’s all come about through word of mouth. However, I could never have gotten to where I am today without the love and support of my husband, Stuart. I thank him for making me pursue my dreams and push me out of my comfort zone. He encouraged me to enter my first competition, which has led to making invaluable connections and friendships around the nail world.”

With initial training undertaken in a private beauty academy, Lauren swiftly moved into the CND nail camp under the wing of the legendary Jacqui Jefford. “Over the years, I’ve spent time in salons where I was able to be sent on training courses across the country to update and extend my skills,” notes Lauren. “I’ve most recently trained with Sam Biddle and, although I’ve not been able to put my new skills into practice on the comp floor due to lockdown, the advice, support and skills Sam’s mentoring has given me are invaluable.”

Products to note 
Professing a brand neutral stance, Lauren’s attitude has always been one of being open to what’s in demand, however this perspective was swayed when she came across the Nailchemy product line. “Not only do I love each and every single product it offers, but I also love the ethos of the company and the constant development of new products,” confesses Lauren. “The brand also keeps me up to date with nail trends! I admit, I also love crystals from Crystal Parade and am proud to have my very own collection of crystal mixes with the brand.”

An advocate of colours that reflect the season, Lauren is no fan of beige or white block cover nails, grimacing that the adversity probably came from painting her nails in Tippex at school, however she comically reflects: “I used highlighter over Tippex to create what I now know to be neon ombré designs!”

Pinterest is a go-to inspirational showcase for this award-winning tech, who also takes her clients ‘crazy ideas’ into account alongside everything she sees in the world around her. “Inspiration can be found anywhere if you have the right way of looking,” she smiles. “Sometimes you don’t even have to look that hard to find it.”

Keeping a positive outlook and surrounding herself with positive people who build each other up, Lauren is a firm believer in being careful who you keep close. “I make a conscious effort to not compare myself to anyone in the industry and focus on my own journey. I’m close to those that share my ethos of sharing and kindness.”

You’ve got to be in it to win it
With her latest accolade bound to get her considerable industry attention, Lauren says of her recent win: “I enter competitions because it stretches me out of my comfort zone and makes me strive for perfection. Not only do competition works make a nail tech hone their skills for the piece being created, but they also make you apply the new skills to your everyday salon life and transfer them into the standard of work you produce for your clients. Winning trophies, medals and accolades is an added bonus to the professional journey.”

Bathing in the joy of her well-earned win, the British Hair & Beauty Nail Tech of the Year 2020, reveals: “I live in the moment and enjoy each of life’s high

lights as they arise. It’s hard to compare each one to the other as they all hold a special place in my heart! My latest achievement of Gold for Nail Tech of the Year for the South West (two years running) and the overall 2020 national winner of the British Hair & Beauty Awards is most certainly a major highlight!”

www.laurenmcbridenailartist.com 

Lauren McBride is also behind the Nailed in Paris event – read more here.