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! Autumn is well and truly underway so we’re slowly starting to say our emotional goodbyes to summer manicures. However, we don’t seem to feel so sad to part with summer nail shades and designs when we see…
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We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Sinead Bulley, of The Nail Shack, wears super cute tartan pumpkins on her nails. “To create these nails I applied two coats of Magpie Beauty’s Nina Cherry topcoated with Don’t Be Tacky. For the pumpkins, using Hazel Dixon’s art gels,…
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Tell us about your training… I actually won my training with Nail Harmony UK back in 2012 with the Gelish Gives Back campaign, from which five people won starter training and a kit. I’m very thankful for this opportunity as it set me up for life! Seven years, I still love…
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We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Hayley, of Hayley J’s Nails, reveals abstract monochrome nail looks have been popular with her client’s recently. “Lately people want to try something a little different and interesting so that their nails create a topic of conversation. That’s why…
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Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! Florals aren’t just for spring, as shown by Bel Fountain-Townsend (AKA @sohotrightnail) in this chic and pretty nail look featuring encapsulated real flowers. Contrasting sharp almond nail tips with soft and delicate flowers provides the perfect juxtaposition…
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We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Chelsea O’Connor, of Nails By Chelsea, wears a timeless French design with an autumnal twist. “I created these nails using Trilogy Nail Systems from the Nail Tech Network and encapsulated loose glitters. “First I used Trilogy Cover Pink to create…
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