TECHS & SALONS
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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In chic shades of grey and pink, Alyson Trueman’s home salon offers a luxurious feel. “Even though I am based in my home, I always wanted it to feel like you are visiting a luxury, high street salon but in a comfortable, quiet setting,” Alyson explains. “I believe I have…
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We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Samantha Redhead, of Nails By Samantha, reveals lace nail designs have been popular with her clients recently. “Clients love the lace design because it can be used with so many colours and it is a really classy nail look.…
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Karolyn McLaren of Blackburn-based Belle Beau Nails qualified in 2001 and worked part time as a mobile nail tech. After having children, she had a break from the industry and returned in 2018 to work with her daughter. She also has experience in creating theatre set designs, and utilises her…
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We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Kayley Cairns, multi award winning tech and Hazel Dixon Nail Artist & Academy educator, wears an embellished design inspired by Pantone’s colour of the year. “The nails are created using coloured L&P from HD Professional. They were infills so I filled…
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Whether you’re providing a natural nail service or perfecting the nail plate for enhancement application, a thorough consultation is imperative. If you don’t complete a consultation before every service, you may find that you struggle to achieve the desired outcome and may compromise the health of the natural nail. More…
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Setting up to create a better work and life balance as a new mum, Leah Slater moved her beauty business back home. “While I was on maternity leave, I decided to embark on the adventure of building an extension for my home salon,” smiles Leah. “Now the space has a…
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