TECH TALK
Get to know the Scottish nail stylist who led nail looks for Victoria Beckham
In Sammy Mac’s two decades in the nail industry, she’s won numerous awards, opened a thriving nail salon chain and led multiple teams backstage at Fashion Week events. So what’s left on the career tick list for this Scottish nail pro? “Leading the nail team for the 2024 Victoria Beckham…
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Unique salon décor: The Birmingham nail salon featuring a piano as its reception desk
Founder of Birmingham-based nail studio, Icey’s Beauty Lounge, Aysana Druga, shares the story behind the salon’s impressive entrance… In 2015, Aysana and her husband spotted a piano in the window of a charity shop. She recalls: “We had no idea where it was going to go at the time, so…
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I’m a Scottish nail artist working in London. Here’s what I miss most…
“If anyone from outside Scotland asks me, I say I’m from Glasgow, but as Scottish folk will read this, I’m actually from Livingston,” smiles Becki Menzies. The nail pro lived in Scotland for 28 years before moving to East London in 2023, where she works within tattoo space, Soteria Studios.…
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Why nail technicians should enter the Scratch Stars Awards: tips from a nail competition maestro
Bespoke nail artist, Jiak Hing, who has won the Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year accolade for three consecutive years, shares insight into the competition, what to expect on the day and the benefits of entering. Why did you decide to enter the Scratch Stars Awards? To…
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Introverted nail techs: how to grow your skills & clientele comfortably
Do you love the creative aspect of being a nail professional: perfecting enhancements and getting arty, but find it challenging to converse with clients and colleagues? You’re not alone. A need to recharge after client interactions or feeling most comfortable in quiet environments are signs of introversion. The word ‘introvert’…
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From DIY nails to owning a home salon: how one tech turned her passion into a business
Bedfordshire-based nail tech, Jodie Day of @talonsbyjodie, started her nail journey simply wanting to learn how to do her own nails, however she enjoyed the training so much that she decided to turn it into her career. Jodie began her training in 2021 while pregnant, seeking a creative outlet. She…
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Award-winning home salon owner: the 5 essential tips for success
Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year 2024 winner, Kirsty Brown of @paintbrushnails, shares her top tips for building a successful home salon… Having won the prestigious Scratch Stars accolade for her Stirling-based home salon, we asked Kirsty to share her top tips to inform and inspire nail techs…
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South Devon tech: At 30 I decided to train as a nail technician – and I’ve never looked back
Having undergone a career swap at the age of 30, Devon-based nail tech Bonni Higson, the owner of Bonni File’n’Style in Dawlish, shares her story… After having children, Bonni decided to train as a nail technician. She says: “I enrolled at South Devon College and qualified at NVQ level 2…
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Location, location, location! So what’s the address of my new academy? 5 Radford Street, Stone, Staffordshire! Yes, I can finally let people know where the academy is, as work on the premises starts this Sunday. I’m so fortunate to have a place on the main ring road on the high…
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We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Debbie Marangos, of Lioness Paws, reveals purple hues have been popular with her clients recently. “Purple has been so popular with my clients recently. I think this particular design has stood out due to the vibrant colour and beautiful…
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Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! We are in love with this fresh nail design created by nail artist, Hang Nguyen (aka @thehangedit). Vibrant and zesty, this look features two bright yellow gel polish overlays and three nails playing host to intricate nail…
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Hear from Claire Denton on her role as a beauty therapist, nail technician, educator and City and Guilds Assessor… Tell us about your career so far… I began my working career already in the beauty industry when I joined my mother in 1993. She had been a therapist and salon…
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The Gel Bottle Inc team offer advice for nail techs in the first in their blog series for Scratch… A work/life/family balance is something most of us pursue in our lives, but never seem to quiet nail down completely. In today’s world, we’re constantly bombarded by social media telling us…
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Nina Subasic, in partnership with Salon Services, reveals how to create a fun and playful lilac manicure – with an eye-catching finish for spring/summer. “Summer is the season of rosé, beach days, shorts, and colourful nail polish,” she comments. “Thankfully for us, pastels are always on trend, which makes this…
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