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! Beatrix Szabo, of Beatrix Nails, opts for an elegant pinky-nude design, complete with delicate flower artistry and crystal embellishments. “I love white against nude colours with a touch of glitter – and the inspiration for these came from wedding nails!…
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We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Karen Brown, of Sanctuary in the City, reveals that the French blend technique teamed together with a bold stiletto nail shape has been an extremely popular pairing with her clients recently. “French blends are so popular all year round…
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Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! Is there such a thing as too much pink? At Scratch HQ, the answer is always no! We adore this pretty pink set created by Sophie Hudd, of Rainbow Nails, on natural nails. Sophie used Magpie Beauty…
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London salon owner, Tinu Bello, recently opened her second location for her brand Colour Riot Nails in the vibrant district of Shoreditch, going her existing location in Fitzrovia. Here, Tinu talks about her experiences… “Competition? Yes, London has some amazing nail salons, and we welcome a bit of healthy competition – but there is more than…
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We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Danielle Powers, of Danielle Jade Beauty, reveals that tropical flower designs using the one stroke technique have been popular with her clients recently. “I feel this design has been so popular due to being in the peak of holiday…
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Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! Sometimes we need creative inspiration for nail work, constantly keeping our fingers on the pulse of new trends and design ideas; this week’s mani Monday, however, brings inspiration in the form of some good, old fashioned motivation.…
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