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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We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Amy Thompson, of Fingertip Beauty, wears super cute ballet-inspired nails for a very special occasion. “I created these nails because I was going t watch my friend’s daughter in the opening performance of The Nutcracker in The Royal Ballet. “I used Magpie…
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Tell us about your training… I have so far completed all of my training at the CND Kent Academy with Jemma Smith for Shellac™ and Spa Pedicure certification, and Liza Smith for liquid & powder enhancements training. What is your all-time favourite nail product? Oh I can’t pick a…
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We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Hazel McLachlan, of Sanctuary In The City, reveals that Christmas reds are never absent from her client’s nails this festive season. “With Christmas coming red is never off my desk! My clients love a mix of different designs all…
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Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! Here at Scratch HQ, we’re all about an understated Christmas nail look – a design that is festive yet glam and on-trend for the Christmas party. This twist on French tips by the team SoHo-based nail studio, Paintbox, achieves…
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We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Jodie May Evans, of Nail Envy, has us seeing blue with a snowy set that gives us all the festive feels. “As an educator for The Gel Bottle Inc., I was lucky enough to be sent some new shades from…
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Tell us about your training… I started my nail journey nearly five years ago. After spending a few months working as a student and obtaining basic nail training, I was keen to move into gel-based treatment as they seemed to be what everyone was after. I trained with Izabelle Hammon…
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