British Beauty Council Census Findings 1

Revealed: how diverse & inclusive the British beauty industry is

By Rebecca Hitchon | 31 October 2024

The British Beauty Council (BBCo) has unveiled the first instalment of findings from its census, A Beauty Industry That Looks Like You. The industry-wide survey was completed by 4,000 respondents and showcases the state of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the beauty sector. Via its findings, the British Beauty…

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Autumn Budget 2024: 5 measures that will impact nail & beauty pros

By Scratch Staff | 30 October 2024

In the Labour Party’s first Budget Statement for 14 years, Rachel Reeves – the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer – presented the Autumn Budget to parliament today (30 October). With a focus on economic stability and investment, the Budget saw taxes rise by £40 billion and many measures were…

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Nail salons report 8% growth in 5 years – but it’s not all good news for the sector

By Helena Biggs | 28 October 2024

The number of nail salons that have opened in the UK since 2019 is 1,680 – an 8% growth in five years. The nail salon brand with the highest growth is three-time Scratch Stars Award-winning enterprise, Townhouse, which has expanded to 40 locations across the UK. According to figures, which…

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British Beauty Council secures investment to ‘support extraordinary & diverse beauty founders’

By Helena Biggs | 24 October 2024

The British Beauty Council has collaborated with Venrex, a London and New York-based venture capital firm to support ‘extraordinary and diverse beauty founders with exceptional drive, vision and ambition’ via the Venrex BBCo I fund. A non-profit organisation, British Beauty Council is dedicated to promoting growth within the British beauty…

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Townhouse Kate Somerville 2024

Townhouse nail salon brand unveils partnership with skincare icon

By Helena Biggs | 16 October 2024

Multi award-winning nail salon brand, Townhouse, has partnered with Kate Somerville skincare to offer limited edition treatments from its Beverly Hills salon. The collaboration is the first in the US for Townhouse, which has secured three Scratch Stars Awards and boasts over 40 salon locations. Renowned for its nailcare treatments,…

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Nails.inc Expansion Cover Pic 2024

UK brand, Nails.INC, announces acquisition & sets sights on North America expansion

By Helena Biggs | 15 October 2024

London-based nail brand, Nails.INC, has announced its acquisition by Pacific World Corporation, with a goal to solidify its presence in the North American market. Pacific World Corporation is owned by Prospect Capital, a private equity firm based in New York. Renowned for scaling consumer brands, the strategic partnership aims to…

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NAILYMPIA LONDON 2024: The results

By Helena Biggs | 14 October 2024

The 20th iteration of Nailympia London took place at the Salon Beauty expo, 13-14 October 2024, and wrapped up a phenomenal year of competitions for the global nail sector. Nailympia was hosted in six locations in 2024, with Germany run by Stefanie Lo Re, Mexico by Dafne Fernandez, Vietnam by…

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84% of beauty professionals want to make their businesses more sustainable: Here’s how

By Lilly Delmage | 12 October 2024

The British Beauty Council has launched its Planet Positive Beauty directory for professional hair and beauty services, to help industry professionals who want to operate more sustainably. The portal is easy-to-use, and has been ‘designed to help demystify sustainability-related jargon’, simplifying steps for salons to take to become more environmentally…

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Pro Beauty North Comp 2024

Pro Beauty North Nail Competitions 2024: THE RESULTS

By Rebecca Hitchon | 1 October 2024

The Professional Beauty North (PB North) exhibition took place in Manchester Central, 29-30 September, and hosted a variety of nail competitions for professionals and students. The judging board was chaired by Marian Newman BEM, with Jacqui O’Sullivan head judge and her and Sean O’Sullivan competition directors. Also judging were Kirsty…

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Struggling with work-life balance as a beauty pro & mum? This Facebook group can help

By Rebecca Hitchon | 26 September 2024

Are you a busy mother running a nail/beauty business, who wants to achieve a healthy work-life balance and earn an amazing income? Home salon owner, Kate Joyner, established Facebook group, The Balanced Beauty Bosses, for you. “I wanted to create a safe space for women to connect with like-minded business…

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Nasna Shortlist Season 1

Top 40 announced in North America’s Star Nail Artist contest: Season 1

By Helena Biggs | 23 September 2024

An impressive 30,000 nail artists across Canada, the USA and Mexico expressed interest in the first season of North America’s Star Nail Artist contest, and the top 40 techs – who will compete for a grand prize – have been revealed. Powered by the team behind Scratch magazine and Nailympia…

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Sparkle Squad

Want to elevate your nail art? Award-winning pro unveils memberships for all skill levels

By Rebecca Hitchon | 22 September 2024

The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, has announced the Sparkle Squad: a membership programme to empower nail artists. “Having worked as a nail tech for over 22 years, I know firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with mastering nail art, says Katy Pottle. “After winning The World’s…

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Nailympia San Antonio 2024: THE RESULTS

By Helena Biggs | 17 September 2024

The second edition of Nailympia San Antonio was held within the Premiere San Antonio trade exhibition, 15-16 September 2024, and welcomed 44 competitors from five countries: the USA, Argentina, Portugal, Germany and Poland. There were six live arena and four turn-in categories spanning three divisions, which were judged by an…

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Hand In Gel Lamp Tpo Article

What is TPO & why is it being banned from nail products?

By Helena Biggs | 2 September 2024

You may have noticed a social media frenzy surrounding Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO), but why is it important for the nail industry to take note? TPO is a photo initiator that helps gel products to cure quickly under UV light. It can be found in concentrations of up to 5%…

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Caroline Zurmely Artist

Meet the artist who uses nail polish to create masterpieces

By Alex Fox | 31 August 2024

Based in Dallas, US, Caroline Zurmely’s artistic practice is a testament to innovation and experimentation. Driven by material, texture and process over conventional themes or subjects, Zurmely creates relief paintings that delve into the imagery of tabloid photography and public mourning. Her work, rendered in tight close-ups, meticulously details rings,…

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