TECH TALK

The nail shed hull

Hull home nail salon owner: How I prioritise the mental health of clients

By Scratch Staff | 19 April 2025

Lucy Allman, owner of The Nail Shed, shares about the supportive ethos of her East Yorkshire garden salon… In 2021, Lucy Allman was made redundant and welcomed a second child. It was this change in lifestyle and need for flexibility that inspired her to carve a career in the nail…

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Pet-friendly salons: key benefits & important considerations

By Guest Writer | 10 April 2025

Have you ever considered making your salon pet-friendly? A spokesperson for luxury nail salon, Paint Nails London, shares the advantages and what you need to consider. Why did you decide to become a pet-friendly salon? We decided to become a pet-friendly salon because so many of our clients are animal…

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Nail industry siblings

Family affair: Meet 3 sets of siblings finding success in the nail industry

By Rebecca Hitchon | 10 April 2025

Scratch puts the spotlight on brothers and sisters working together in the nail industry… Glitterbels While Annabel Maginnis will likely come to mind when you hear the word ‘Glitterbels’, there is a trio of siblings involved in the brand: Annabel’s husband, Elliott, and his brothers, Mac and Alex. It was…

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Community spirit: How Yorkshire nail techs are promoting positive mental wellbeing for fellow pros

By Callie Iley | 17 December 2023

Following her transition from a role in the NHS to the nail industry, Natasha Katoro of By Natasha Katoro shares how she and her local support group are tackling high feelings of isolation amongst industry pros… Hoping to foster a sense of community to promote positive mental wellbeing for nail…

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Lucy price marshall graduation

Why I chose a Diploma to enhance my nail career

By Callie Iley | 21 November 2023

Seeking a deeper understanding of the nuances of education, Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2023, Lucy Price-Marshall, enrolled on a TQUK Level 5 Diploma in Education & Training in 2021, graduating this year. Lucy began her nail journey with private tuition, before enrolling at a college to…

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‘Here’s why I actively promote my salon as gender inclusive’

By Rebecca Hitchon | 17 November 2023

Is it clear that your business is inclusive to all? Some gender norms and discrimination can hold people back from entering salon spaces. Sarah Brown, owner of Angel Avenue salon and training school in Atherton, Lancashire, reveals that she was prompted to promote her salon as a gender and trans…

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Nikki mikellides smhba award

Nail Tech Talk: Meet Nikki Mikellides, SMHBA National Nail Tech of the Year 2023

By Callie Iley | 14 November 2023

Social Media Hair and Beauty Awards (SMHBA) National Nail Technician of the Year 2023, Nikki Mikellides of Nails By Nikki M, shares her career journey and divulges the details of her win… “I’ve always been creative; I enjoyed art at school and was always interested in hair, make-up and nails…

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Pavan henna diwali

Diwali: An insight into henna for hands & feet

By Scratch Staff | 12 November 2023

November 12, 2023 marks the main day of celebration of the five-day festival of lights – Diwali (also known as Deepavali). A festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains, Diwali is embraced by many outside of its religious circle, as it’s a time to celebrate new beginnings and the…

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Anthony lloyd tech talk

Tech Talk: Birmingham drag queen nail stylist, Anthony Lloyd

By Rebecca Hitchon | 7 November 2023

Anthony Lloyd’s nail career wasn’t planned; he originally enrolled on a performing arts course after finishing school. But upon realising the challenges of getting a job in the industry, another profession presented itself… “During my performing arts training, I assisted the make-up department and loved this so much that I signed…

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