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! Catriona Leith, of The Nail Studio, created these nails featuring a combination of a matte white hue doused in gems for a girls night out. “These nails were created with gel polish, using Crystal Nails Xtreme Hard Gel in Cover…
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Scratch chats to Annabel Maginnis – brand ambassador, distributor, double salon owner and top tech whose a passion for all things nails has made her a social media star… My career so far… I’ve always loved having my nails done professionally. I spotted Kirsty Meakin’s work and contacted her for an appointment…
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Meet Mel Shengaris, a session and celebrity manicurist who was born in North London but is now living in Los Angeles and is carving her name in the American nail scene. Scratch caught up with the cool and talented tech as she tends to some of the most in-demand celebrities…
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We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Gill Taylor, of Colour Fix, revealed that a combination of bright and muted hues is proving popular with her clients as the weather begins to warm up. “I think at this time of the year, clients are beginning to…
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Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! Nicola Dannatt, of Red Carpet Nail Boutique, created cute matching manicures for herself and her daughter. The nail look is inspired by her daughter’s love for unicorns and features bright neon hues, glitter and freehand artistry for…
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We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Hannah Leahy, of Too Glam To Give A Damn, used her latest Magpie Beauty nail mail for her latest pearlescent design with geometric nail art. “I had recently received my latest order from Magpie Beauty (I’m addicted!) and couldn’t wait…
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