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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Michelle Brookes, Brillbird educator, reveals the tales from the brand’s trip to Tenerife for educator training… Day 4 Today, we enjoyed training in 3D & 4D techniques courtesy of educator, Karina Frias, using a mix of 3D Forming Gel and builder gels. We started the day by creating a 3D Fairy using…
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Scratch catches up with nail tech, Carly Reilly, to learn more about her industry journey… Carly Reilly has been working in the nail industry since the age of 17. “It’s been nearly 20 years since I became self-employed and I still have just as much passion, if not more, for the…
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Michelle Brookes, Brillbird educator, reveals the tales from the brand’s trip to Tenerife for educator training… Day 3 The education team woke early as today’s itinerary saw plenty of training and exams. Luckily, I’ve been sharing a room with Brillbird UK founder, Liliya Moss, and she’s an early riser, so I have…
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We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Laura Chree, of Chreeative Nails, reveals neon effect shades have been popular with her clients recently. “I feel this design has been popular with clients because it is so bright. We’re post-Christmas and we’ve made it through the January…
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Scratch puts the spotlight on a silvery nail design of varying textures and the talented tech behind it… Nail tech Kristina Thompson, owner of The White Rooms salon in Bedfordshire, has worked in the beauty industry for 30 years and currently teaches students using CJP Nail Systems. “I found these…
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Michelle Brookes, Brillbird educator, reveals the tales from the brand’s trip to Tenerife for educator training… Day 2 The first day of training was led by Marina Bendiuk, who covered Fantasy nail design using gel. Marina started the day by demonstrating how to sculpt an extremely long stiletto nail using gel. Marina…
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