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…
Read MoreUnique 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…
Read MoreI’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.…
Read MoreWhy 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…
Read MoreIntroverted 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’…
Read MoreFrom 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…
Read MoreSouth 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…
Read MoreLucy Allen, owner of Sheffield-based SuperNatural Nails, a Green Salon Collective member salon, shares what pros need to know about becoming members of the circular waste management authority. Why did you become a Green Salon Collective member? I joined Green Salon Collective (GSC) in September 2021 after reading an article about…
Read MoreNail extension specialist and encapsulation enthusiast, Anastasia of NoiNails, sits down with Scratch to share her passion for tekking and the importance of self-belief… “My favourite product to use is the KRYLX acrylic powders, which I’ve fallen in love with. I’ve never worked with anything like it,” Anastasia enthuses. “The…
Read MoreChelsea Jephcote of Chelsea Nail Tech is a nail artist specialising in hand painted designs, based at Nuneaton salon, Inspired Nails Beauty & Aesthetics. Sitting down with Scratch, she divulges the details of her career highlights and shares her top tips for aspiring techs. “I would say my signature nail…
Read MoreAnime nail art enthusiast, Angela Griffin of Strawberry Milk Nails, reveals her go-to tools for creating detailed designs and her hopes for her future in the industry. “I love creating character nail art. Some of my most popular and recognisable designs are anime related,” Angela reveals. “However, I do love…
Read MoreScratch chats to Rebecca Evans, a nail pro who’s busy juggling her nail career alongside a very different role… Gel artist and nail tech, Rebecca Evans, works part-time as a qualified dental nurse alongside running her nail business, Gel Nails By Becca. She began an apprenticeship in dental nursing in…
Read MoreScratch chats to Jennie Padbury of Jennie Padbury Nails, Beauty & Training about reaching her latest career milestone and her goals for her future in the nail industry… “My signature nail style is definitely salon style acrylic design – acrylic marbling and 3d flowers will always have my heart! “I’m…
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