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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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.…
Read More
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…
Read More
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’…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Becki Hobbs, of Becki’s Beauty, reveals that bumble bees have been all over her clients nails recently. “Bumble bees seem to be really on-trend at the moment in the home decor department. I have a few bumble bee items…
Read More
Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! This week serves up a design for those clients that prefer a minimalist nail look. The team at Nail Swag created this chic manicure seeing a cover pink nude base topped off with delicate gold flakes encapsulated…
Read More
We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Amanda Byrne, of Divine Nails by Amanda Byrne, wears nude French ombré nails with a touch of iridescent foil and Swarovski crystals. “I created these nails by sculpting out a clear base of CJP Crystal Glass and then filed into…
Read More
We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Suzanne Edge, of Sparkle Beauty, reveals foils have been popular with clients seeking a colourful yet on-trend nail design. “Foils seem to be making a comeback this year and this design is fantastic for clients who want something colourful…
Read More
Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! We are obsessed with this vivacious nail look created by talented tech and Scratch Shoot Out 2018 Voters Choice winner, Kylea Wherry. Featuring an array of violet, electric blue and teal hues, the acrylic enhancements see a different design…
Read More
On Thursday I was lucky enough to kick off London Fashion Week backstage on the nail team for VIN + OMI’s AW19 showcase. While I’ve reported backstage for a few seasons, I’ve never had the chance to put my tekking skills to the test! A few weeks before the show,…
Read More