Stella Angelova Ssas24

I was visited by a Scratch Stars Award-winning mobile nailist. Here’s my experience

By Rebecca Hitchon | 25 November 2024

Here’s what happened when Stella Angelova, Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2024, paid Scratch’s deputy editor, Rebecca Hitchon, a visit… Stella of Stella A. – Nail Artist is based in Swanley, Kent, and travelled six miles to my home in Orpington. It was a gloomy and wet day,…

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Josephine Mensurah Tech Talk

Caregiver to nail creator: how a London mum unexpectedly found belonging in the nail industry

By Alex Fox | 23 November 2024

A work accident, supportive family and love for nails transformed Josephine Mensurah’s life from rehabilitation support worker to nail artist & content creator. The Nailympia London arena attracts all types of techs, from all over the globe. First-time competitor, Josephine Mensurah, took the bold move of jumping into the arena in…

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Winter Nails Canva Blue Silver Snowflake

Winter wonders: Must-have nail colour collections for the 2024 festive season

By Lilly Delmage | 20 November 2024

‘Tis the season of celebrations – and time to embrace joy, sparkle and eye-catching nail effects. From shimmering holiday hues to creative, winter-inspired designs, this season is all about embracing texture and decadent colour. Expect the staple hues to return – we’re talking forest-greens, ribbon reds, glittery golds and striking…

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Nail Ridges

Nail ridges: an expert shares causes & how to treat

By Guest Writer | 20 November 2024

Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2019 & CND™ education ambassador, Helen Burton-Ward, explores ridges on natural nails… There are many types of nail ridges, which can occur naturally or be inflicted by mechanical or environmental factors. Understanding how to correctly manage and treat them will help to maintain…

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Drew Sallows Tech Talk

Insights from a trans nail tech: what I want you to know

By Rebecca Hitchon | 19 November 2024

Drew Sallows of @t4tnails feels fortunate to have been surrounded by love throughout their nail career: working in accepting salon spaces, while being able to do the job that they adore. “I always knew I wanted an artistic career, and spent a lot of time watching content by Cristine of Simply…

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The experience of male nail techs in 2024: what’s it like?

By Lilly Delmage | 19 November 2024

Scratch reached out to male manicurists to better understand their experiences within the current beauty industry environment. Here’s what they said… Danny Manchip Instagram: @beausbeautybox Scratch Stars award winner & Beau’s Beauty Box owner, Danny, shares how being a man in the industry has impacted him: “If anything, these days…

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Texas nail tech: Clients have walked away from my services because I’m transgender

By Lilly Delmage | 18 November 2024

Texas-based nail technician, Dylan Michaud, shares how she refuses to let gender discrimination stand in the way of her career success… Having faced multiple clients refusing her services due to her gender, Dylan reveals her outlook on those experiences. She says: “Fortunately, I am very understanding that not everyone agrees…

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Scratch Snap Nov 24 Winner Announcement

WINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap November 2024

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 November 2024

The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge for November has been announced as Mia Murray. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs to fit theme, Enchanted Forest, in the bid to win a prize from INK London. Entries were judged by INK London educator, Jessica Hinds, and Scratch deputy editor, Rebecca Hitchon. The…

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Asher Maynard Trans Tech Talk

Trans nail tech: A client prepaid for appointments to help fund my top surgery

By Rebecca Hitchon | 16 November 2024

“Not only have I received allyship from other nail techs and my clients, but I’ve been given tangible support through my transition,” says Asher Maynard, a transmasculine and non-binary nail tech based in Seattle, USA. The pro has received so much support, that one client prepaid for her appointments to…

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How a transgender nail tech changed his narrative by going self-employed

By Lilly Delmage | 15 November 2024

Utah-based tech, Finn Reilly, shares his experience changing his narrative as a trans nail pro by fostering a supportive network that allows his business to thrive. Alike many other transgender nail techs, Finn has experienced first-hand the discrimination within the industry. He shares: “I worked at a salon for a…

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