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 the designs trending at your nail desk! Diana Pajeva, of Diana’s Nail Art, revealed that her clients are switching from geometric nail art designs to those including floral artistry made up of pastel cremes. “It’s the time of year when we usually see the first blooms…
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Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! If we wear enough yellow the sun will come out… Right? Courtesy of Reecey Roo’s Nail Art Bar, this vivacious bumblebee manicure paired with matching trainers is as sweet as honey. The sassy London nail bar (it’s…
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We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Corey Jade Stockwell, of Nail Techniques, was inspired by a recent purchase when she created this floral, water colour effect nail look. “I was inspired by a new top I bought in Norfolk on the way to Hazel Dixon’s extreme…
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Scratch chats to top tech Andreea Simona Ignat… Tell us about your training… I initially trained in Romania, and since moving to London I trained with a number of nail experts including David Fowler, Kostka Bojana, Madelene Wolf, Jana Duzanec, Oana Flutur, Anda Pamfile and many more. I’m looking forward to…
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We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Laura Chree, of Chreeative Nails, revealed that encapsulated gold leaf foils have been popular with her clients recently. The encapsulated foil nail design emits a sophisticated and regal feel, perfect for clients seeking an elegantly glamorous look to complement…
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Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! It’s only fitting that on Easter Monday we share this super sweet design created by Hollywood’s go-to celebrity nail artist Steph Stone. The artistry was created on Miley Cyrus for her Easter calendar feature in Vogue magazine…
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