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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Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! Tomorrow evening marks bonfire night, so its only right that this week’s mani Monday makes a subtle nod to the 5th November. This design by talented tech, Amy Rickaby (of @beautyworksbyamy), uses The Gel Bottle Inc BIAB…
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We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Debbie Marangos, of Lioness Paws, wears a stunning golden stiletto nail. “I sculpted this set using Team Gorgeous Acrylic System and used various glitters and flakes that I encapsulated. For extra sparkle I finished the set with bling and caviar…
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We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Tricia Rennie, Nail Artist & Educator, reveals Halloween designs with a vibrant twist have been popular with her clients recently. “Halloween is upon us and so orange, purple and black hues have been very popular. “To create this nail…
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Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! Halloween is this Thursday and we are loving all of the spooky nail designs that are being created in celebration of the event. This super cute ‘boo-spoke’ nail art look is by Carmelina at London-based salon, Townhouse.…
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We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Helen Brooks, of Cinderhellie Nails, wears deep violet, sparkling hues ideal for the colder season. “I used the Apres Gel X system for a short extension and then I used the new Lecente Create system. I used Black Magic as…
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What is your trademark nail style? My go-to style is colourful, glittering designs, featuring Swarovski crystals or nail art. I am not afraid of colour, and neither are my clients! In fact, it’s rare for me to use the same shade twice in one day. I also love doing a…
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