TECH TALK

Sammy Macdonald Victoria Beckham Nails

Get to know the Scottish nail stylist who led nail looks for Victoria Beckham

By Helena Biggs | 8 January 2025

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

By Lilly Delmage | 6 January 2025

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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Becki Menzies Burns Night Nail Tech

I’m a Scottish nail artist working in London. Here’s what I miss most…

By Guest Writer | 3 January 2025

“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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Emma Stanton

WHAT I’M WEARING: Emma Stanton, Nails 2 Inspire

By Sophie Nutt | 17 December 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Emma Stanton, owner of Nails 2 Inspire and educator for Rebecca Abernethy Training Academy, sculpted these bold stiletto nails as an alternative to the typical Christmas glitz and glam. “I wanted to create a set of nails that reflected my bold…

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Katie Barnes

Katie Barnes on why you don’t say ‘Chinese salons’

By Katie Barnes | 12 December 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, addresses the issue of non-standard salons and incorrect terminology – with a helping hand from CND educator, Anna Lee Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Many technicians and clients are guilty of referring to non-standard salons as ‘Chinese salons’, ‘Viet…

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Sarah Vernon Cowell

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Sarah Vernon-Cowell, Sarah Vernon Nails and Beauty

By Sophie Nutt | 12 December 2017

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Sarah Vernon-Cowell, of Sarah Vernon Nails and Beauty, revealed that a deep red hue complete with embellishments has been popular with her clients. “I am finding at the moment that clients are wanting something simple but glamorous. “This nail…

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Katie Barnes

WARWICK TECH reaches final 12 in worldwide nail competition

By Helena Biggs | 11 December 2017

Scratch blogger, nail artist and educator, Katie Barnes, has been shortlisted as the only UK finalist in NAILS magazine‘s Next Top Nail Artist competition. Now in its fifth season, NAILS Next Top Nail Artist is open to techs all over the world and sees contestants undergo a rigorous screening process after…

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Amy Clarke

WHAT I’M WEARING: Amy Clarke, Studio ‘A’ Beauty

By Sophie Nutt | 10 December 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! With just two weeks to go until Christmas Eve, Amy Clarke, of Studio ‘A’ Beauty, is spreading some festive cheer with these seasonal nails. “I created these nails based around Christmas and my favourite colour. I prefer my nails to all…

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Jodie Walley

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Jodie Walley, Jodie Walley Nails

By Sophie Nutt | 5 December 2017

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Jodie Walley, of Jodie Walley Nails, revealed that aquarelle-style designs has been requested over and over again by her clients. “I think this particular design has been so popular as I showcased a rose pattern on my own nails and,…

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