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…

Read More
Lilly Web Newsfeature Lead 1200x800px 65

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…

Read More
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.…

Read More
Resized Nails

WHAT I’M WEARING Stacie Richardson

By Kat Hill | 12 March 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Stacie Richardson has taken her love of lace and transformed it into a nail design, which has resulted in this striking set of sculpted nails. These were created by using her favourite pink acrylic base, in birthday suit by CJP.…

Read More
16865210 1581073865237843 3739970302251481491 N

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Lisa Johnson

By Kat Hill | 7 March 2017

We want to see the designs that are trending at your nail desks! Lisa Johnson has found her clients have been requesting super-sized crystals to amp up their nail service. “I think the large crystals have become so popular with my clients as they come in a variety of beautiful colours…

Read More
Nailypia Usa Judges 500

NAILYMPIA USA reveals judging line-up

By Helena Biggs | 28 February 2017

The first Nailympia USA has revealed its prestigious judging panel for the 2017 event. Featuring industry personnel from Russia, Australia and the USA, the 15-strong panel is headed up by head booth judge, Elaine Watson. Organised by Scratch editor-in-chief, Alex Fox, and Athena Elliot, Nailympia USA invites techs to perform in up to nine…

Read More
16426135 1176658775786251 8128173867858602721 N Copy

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Alicia Clough, Lunula Nails and Beauty

By Kat Hill | 21 February 2017

We want to see what designs are trending at your nail desks! Alicia Clough, of Lunula Nails and Beauty, has found requests for cosmic nails have skyrocketed. “One of my regular clients, who always likes to set me a challenge, asked for cosmic nails,” Alicia explains, “Now, it has sparked off a…

Read More
16507856 10210657274803968 8594488939266715279 N Copy

WHAT I’M WEARING: Lauren Holmes, Nailed It Beauty

By Kat Hill | 19 February 2017

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Lauren Holmes, of Nailed It Beauty, wanted to celebrate her industry in the best way she knew – with nails, of course! “On the 17th of February, I will have been self employed running Nailed It Beauty for four years,” Lauren…

Read More
Doug Schoon Water Absorption Katie Barnes Blog

An insight into the waterless manicure

By Katie Barnes | 14 February 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, susses out the waterless manicure… The traditional method of dipping your fingers into a bowl of water while getting a manicure has become somewhat dated, with many techs now offering a waterless ‘dry’ manicure service. Waterless manicures are becoming increasingly popular, particularly with…

Read More