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! Sinead Bulley, of The Nail Shack, wears a pretty pink almond nail with shimmering tips created for the May bank holiday weekend. “Firstly, I prepped the nails and, using Akzentz builder gels, I sculpted out the length and shaped desired…
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We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Diana Pajeva, of Diana’s Nail Art, reveals that kitschy chic leaf designs have been popular with her clients recently. “Palm tree, leafy patterns have been a huge trend in high-end designer clothes for spring/summer collections. As well as that,…
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Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! It’s hot hot hot this bank holiday Monday as England is expected to reach hotter temperatures than some of our favourite holiday destinations. We love this all-American nail look inspired by the exotic Californian city of Palm…
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We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Kayley Cairns, of Hazel Dixon Nail Artist & Academy, wears peachy hues alongside dusky pink and lilac tones in an ombre nail design featuring cuticle crystals and swirling glitter. “I sculpted these nails using liquid and powder, blended to create…
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Tell us about your training… I originally trained as a beauty therapist back in 2001 since then I found my passion within the nail industry which lead to several courses including Bio Sculpture and Polygel to name a few. What is your all-time favourite nail product? Gelish Polygel is…
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Esteemed tech, Madelene Wolf, reveals more about her competition journey, and the story that led up to her being crowned Nailympia Global Champion 2017… Q: What year did you join the nail industry and train in nails? A: I began my education in Gothenburg in 1997, but did not start…
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