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! Lauren Holmes, of Nailed It Beauty, painted poppies on her nails in honour of Remembrance Day. “These nails were created using Gelish colours Sheek White for my middle and ring finger and Angling For A Kiss on my other fingers,…
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Why nails? I loved my role as a biology teacher, but in the end nails won. I find it more rewarding, less stressful and very therapeutic. My nail career offers more freedom and less paperwork, but I do miss the school’s teacher community and all of the fun activities we…
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We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Jemma Ball, of Jemma Bailey Beauty, reveals iridescent and glittery nails are popular with her clients at the moment. “I bought some new Lecenté chubby glitters and advertised on my social media for a model to use them on.…
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Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! It’s Guy Fawkes Day and bonfire night is upon us, however many of your clients may have already celebrated the tradition over the weekend with firework parties or watching the local display – and what better way…
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We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Talented tech, Kayley Cairns, wears a muted grey and black nail design featuring ombre and marbling techniques for a cosy winter mani. “The nails were Russian almond shaped created with liquid and powder on long length HD Professional sculpting forms.…
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Globally renowned vlogger and winner of the Scratch Stars Best UK Nail Blogger title 2018, Natasha Lee, has launched her own range of nail products. Named ‘Divine by Natasha Lee‘, products include a ‘capsule’ brush set, which features five brushes that allows the user to create every art look that…
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