TECHS & SALONS

Jade barber nail competitions

Kent nail artist: How I navigate nail competitions with autism & ADHD

By Guest Writer | 18 March 2025

Jade Barber, founder of Nail & Beauty Excellence & Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year 2022, shares her experiences of neurodiversity in the nail arena… I began competing early in my nail career, as my educator entered me into a student category at a Professional Beauty nail competition. Without…

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Working together: The mothers & children building businesses in the nail industry

By Scratch Staff | 16 March 2025

The nail industry has often been described as ‘one big family’, but for many nail brand owners, techs and educators, this really is a reality. To celebrate Mother’s Day, Scratch spoke to mother-child duos and trios on how they work together within nail and beauty businesses to build success… Belinda…

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Staffordshire tech: Working from a home salon has been the best decision I’ve made

By Lilly Delmage | 15 March 2025

Katie Pritchard of Katie Lou Nail Artist and Educator opens her salon’s doors to Scratch and shares the benefits of becoming a home-based tech. Having been in the nail industry for 20 years, Katie has experimented with a variety of ways of working. She says: “I have worked as a…

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August cover nail stylist chats muses, manicures & magical designs

By Helena Biggs | 1 August 2018

Magical, ethereal and with a touch of hippie chic, this month’s cover nail stylist has sprinkled her own style and personality into an concept that ignites interest and captures plenty of attention. Swedish nail technician and Light Elegance ambassador, Celina Rydén, created the image for August’s Scratch cover after discussing the idea with…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Body Beautiful, Lincoln

By Kat Hill | 1 August 2018

Bright and bold, Lincoln salon, Body Beautiful, has settled into its new, larger premises. Offering a wide range of treatments, the team and its services are as colourful as the salon’s surroundings. “We originally decorated the salon grey and silver but quickly decided that it wasn’t right for us,” explains…

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Metta mobile manicure

How to make your mobile nail business thrive

By Metta Francis | 31 July 2018

Metta Francis, winner of Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2015 & 2017, reveals her top tips for fellow techs working on-the-move… Setting up as a mobile nail technician is relatively straightforward; you complete the relevant training, purchase products and equipment, get insurance and register as self-employed or as a company.…

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Katie ru nails

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Katie Ru, Katie Ru Nail Design

By Sophie Nutt | 31 July 2018

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Katie Ru, of Katie Ru Nail Design, reveals that summer floral designs have been a big hit with her clients during the heatwave that has hit the U.K. over the past few weeks. “With it being summer, floral designs…

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Betina goldstein

MANI MONDAY: Floral fancies

By Sophie Nutt | 30 July 2018

Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! Nail art doesn’t only call for dramatic enhancements that are embellished to the nines, but equally suits the short natural nail for a gentle and subtle take on the nail art trend. This nail design by LA-based…

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Kelly wells nails

WHAT I’M WEARING: Kelly Wells, Beauticle Nails

By Sophie Nutt | 29 July 2018

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Kelly Wells, of Beauticle Nails, wears a simple yet elegant nail look featuring a glitter accent nail and water decal. “To create this design, I used two thin layers of Magpie Beauty‘s Give Me Strength onto my natural nails for…

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