TECH TALK

Sammy Macdonald Victoria Beckham Nails

Get to know the Scottish nail stylist who led nail looks for Victoria Beckham

By Helena Biggs | 8 January 2025

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

By Lilly Delmage | 6 January 2025

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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Becki Menzies Burns Night Nail Tech

I’m a Scottish nail artist working in London. Here’s what I miss most…

By Guest Writer | 3 January 2025

“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

By Lilly Delmage | 3 January 2025

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

By Lilly Delmage | 22 December 2024

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

By Lilly Delmage | 9 December 2024

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

By Lilly Delmage | 2 December 2024

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

By Lilly Delmage | 29 November 2024

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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Jemma Ball

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Jemma Ball, Jemma Elizabeth Beauty

By Sophie Nutt | 1 October 2019

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Jemma Ball, of Jemma Elizabeth Beauty, reveals delicate floral designs have been popular with her clients recently. “This nail design has been popular because people are still holding onto summer nails! In the next month I think it will…

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Isabelmay

MANI MONDAY: Leopard tips

By Sophie Nutt | 30 September 2019

Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! Leopard print is a trend that shows no sign of slowing down just yet. Our social media feeds have been full of the print and we are not complaining! This chic leopard print design comes courtesy of…

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Elizabeth Jones Nails

WHAT I’M WEARING: Elizabeth Jones, Nail Art by Elizabeth

By Sophie Nutt | 29 September 2019

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Elizabeth Jones, of Nail Art by Elizabeth, wears a nail look inspired by the recent release of IT: Chapter 2 and the upcoming Halloween holiday. “My inspiration came from the recent release of IT: Chapter 2, I absolutely love these movies and I really…

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Katie Barnes Swarovski 9

Tales from a tech visit to Swarovski HQ

By Katie Barnes | 27 September 2019

Earlier this year, 15 educators, including myself, were honoured to be selected as the first UK and Ireland education team for Swarovski Crystal Beauty Academy. This education team is the first pilot for the global team, led by Marian Newman. We recently had the exciting and exclusive opportunity of being…

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Lola Bunny

MANI MONDAY: Lola Bunny

By Sophie Nutt | 23 September 2019

Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! Who doesn’t love Lola Bunny? This nail design by @miunailsart at ISLA Berlin is sassy yet super sweet, seeing baby blue hues combine with hand painted art of the fabulous Looney Tunes character, alternative French tips, the…

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WHAT I’M WEARING: Kelly Wells, Beauticle Nails

By Sophie Nutt | 22 September 2019

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Kelly Wells, of Beauticle Nails, wears a mauve foil and glitter design to embrace autumn. “This latest set was inspired by the amazing tech, Laura Easy. I admire every set of nails she creates. With the summer holidays over I…

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