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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Open, or closed? Suzanne Clayton, of Nail Tech Awareness Group & owner of Souz Nails & Beauty, shares her thoughts on making the best decision for your business – and being kind to others… We are all worrying one way or another and I’m sure many have had sleepless nights.…
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We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Holly Innes, of HLYIB, reveals this J Balvin-inspired nail design has been popular with her clients due to its vibrant colour palette. “This design has been particularly popular with my clients as the vibrant colours reflect the spring/summer months…
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We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Kerrie Labrum, of Kezzll Nailzz, wears a stunning French design on stiletto tips. “I created these nails using Glitter Planet Easy Tip Clear Stiletto tips to get the lovely shape. I then use Team Gorgeous acrylic in Rosa, Whipped Cream,…
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Scratch catches up with nail tech, Hazel Martin, to learn more about her industry journey… Hazel Martin of Nail Creations by Hazel from Crawley, West Sussex has been in the nail industry for two years. She trained as a hairdresser before passing a manicure course that was a compulsory part of…
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We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Hannah Leahy, of Too Glam To Give A Damn, reveals the classic French manicure has been popular with her clients recently. “I normally try and put people off having a French manicure, however after being inspired by some amazing…
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Here Naomi Taylor shares her love of the fibreglass system – and why you should consider adding it to your kit… Where do I start? I believe fibreglass has well and truly earned its place in the nail world; it is such an important skill for the nail professional. Sadly, people…
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