Meet the artist who uses nail polish to create masterpieces
Based in Dallas, US, Caroline Zurmely’s artistic practice is a testament to innovation and experimentation. Driven by material, texture and process over conventional themes or subjects, Zurmely creates relief paintings that delve into the imagery of tabloid photography and public mourning. Her work, rendered in tight close-ups, meticulously details rings,…
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Strong natural nails: an expert debunks myths & shares top tips
Dani Bailey, nail educator & recipient of The Shooting Star Award at the Scratch Stars Awards 2024, explores the processes behind strong natural nails… ‘How do you grow strong nails?’ That’s a question I hear a lot, both from clients and nail technicians. There are plenty of myths surrounding strong nails, and…
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Salon in the Spotlight: The Hobby Hut, Rhyl, North Wales
Home nail salon owner, Char Price, shares how she overcame a big health challenge to open The Hobby Hut, a nail salon that aims to reduce client stresses via luxurious nail treatments… Char trained with Mode Academy in 2014, before progressing her career and qualifying as an educator in 2017,…
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Finding the perfect nail course: a guide by Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2024
Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2024, Melanie Lewendon, shares her top tips for finding the best nail courses to extend your skills.. Continual professional development is critical in any industry, the expert educator explains: “Techniques and products are constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay updated. This not only…
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Nail Tech Talk: Kassie Payne of Nailz by Kass
Luxury press-on nail artist, Kassie Payne, shares what sparked her passion for creating portrait nail artistry and her social media journey, and reveals the journey to launching own range of nail products… Kassie joined the world of nails as a means of income. She says: “The first three years I…
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Brush-on builder gel: how to nail application & infill
Enhance your knowledge of brush-on builder gel with insight from pros… How to apply “Thorough prep is imperative, as with any nail service,” details Theresa Foddering, head of education at Lecenté. “Providing the natural nail is adequately prepared, builder gel will brush on effortlessly. “I recommend applying a thin first…
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6 top tips for creating the perfect nail service treatment menu
Creating a treatment menu for nail services is not an easy task. With so much to offer, nail appointments have become more bespoke and personal than ever, making it hard to put all services on one menu. However, making your booking process as easy as possible to navigate is the…
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First impressions count: Top tips for perfecting your dialogue with new nail salon clients
It’s really important to ensure that, as a nail technician, you maintain a high level of professionalism, even when a situation is challenging. First impressions count and how you behave from the first point of contact with a client will set the tone for the relationship. If they have contacted…
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Meet the Nottingham beauty salon owner providing a sanctuary for busy mums
Fotini Bihuci is the nail tech behind Nuse Beauty, the ‘cosy home-based’ salon designed for new mums and clients who struggle with anxiety. Having worked in hospitality and tourism management, understanding the needs of clients has always been at the centre of Fotini’s work. In September 2023, when she became…
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Are you a nail tech who wants to develop new skills? Here’s how to make a successful future learning strategy
Global business & beauty education expert, Kim Ford, shares advice… How to create your future learning strategy It is the end of the academic year and an apt time to consider your strategy for future learning. Whether you’re a nail newbie or wish to develop existing skills, write down your…
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Hesitant about raising your beauty treatment prices? A pricing expert explains why you shouldn’t be
Maddi Cook, the powerhouse behind hair and beauty marketing and mindset coaching company, Boss Your Salon, shares why you shouldn’t be scared to raise your treatment prices… I like maths because it’s an exact science. There’s no room for interpretation, there are no grey areas and it’s not subjective: 2…
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Salon in the Spotlight: L.E, Radcliffe, Lancashire
Lauren Taylor welcomes Scratch inside her home salon, where she has created a ‘homely and cleanly’ space within her dining room… Having completed her Level 2 NVQ in Beauty Therapy in 2016, and her Level 3 NVQ in Nails in 2017, Lauren has been a qualified nail tech for seven…
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Nail competition tips from the World’s Star Nail Artist
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or starting out, competitions can be an ideal playground to showcase your skills and creativity, as well as build confidence, learn from industry leaders and challenge yourself. The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, shares her competition tips… The spectrum of choice When it…
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Here’s the reason why glossy nails are so hard to photograph
When we complete a set of nails, we have two different finishes: matte or glossy. You may have noticed that glossy is far more difficult to photograph. When light from an object is reflected by a surface, it changes direction. It bounces off the surface at the same angle as…
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WINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap August 2024
The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge for August has been announced as Benita Bimsaite. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs to fit theme, Carnival Claws, in the bid to win a prize from Keysie. Entries were judged by Keysie business development manager, Sarah Thomson, and Scratch senior news &…
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