WINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap July 2023
The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge has been announced as Stephanie Connolly. In a showcase of talent, techs stepped up to the Scratch Snap challenge for July & created nail designs inspired by ‘Undersea Adventure’ in the bid to win a prize from Nail Alliance. Judged by Scratch‘s copywriter, Callie Iley, and Gelish master…
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Insight: Understanding scoresheets from nail & beauty competitions
To not be a finalist or winner in a nail competition or awards can leave you wondering what you did wrong and make you question your skills. As a competitor and judge, I would like to share my experiences… Recognition aside, simply applying for a nail award or being shortlisted…
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15 common nail conditions & how to deal with them
Do you know what to do when you’re faced with a natural nail concern? Scratch shares expert advice and product recommendations for 15 common nail issues… Addressing the issue The natural nail is the foundation of any great nail enhancement, so knowing how to approach common issues if and when…
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Nail Tech Talk: Tammy Fontaine of Nails By Tammy
Without an artistic background, East London-based tech, Tammy Fontaine, shares that when completing her training in 2006, she never believed she’d have the patience for nail art. “Nail art didn’t come naturally to me,” she remembers. “I trained in basic manicures and pedicures at college, gaining my NVW Level 2…
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Seeking a removable alternative to nails? Check out Karen Boyle’s press-on nail rings
Managing her nail career alongside a full-time IT job of 34 years, Bolton-based nail tech & press-on nail artist, Karen Boyle of Gel A Licious, shares her venture into the removable nail realm… Karen Boyle wouldn’t have described herself as artistic, so was surprised to discover her passion for nail…
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Salon in the Spotlight: Nailed it by Jo, East Kilbride, Scotland
With a background in finance and a BA Honours in Business Management, Jo Simpson’s passion for nails and nail art remained as a hobby until 2019, when a serious infection led her to re-evaluate. “I had a long recovery and a few stays in hospital, which really made me reflect,”…
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Phenix Salon Suites unveils second flexible UK workspace location for beauty pros
Following the success of the opening of its first UK venue in Manchester, Phenix Salon Suites expands its franchise with the unveiling of its Birmingham site for self-employed beauty professionals. Covering 6,400 square feet, the workspace features a custom-built mezzanine floor, an exclusive colour bar, air conditioning in each suite,…
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Looking to step up your nail art game? Check out Artistic Nail Design’s Art Paints
Offering three times the pigment of regular gel polish, bring your nail art concepts to life with Artistic Nail Design’s Art Paints. With a high pigment finish allowing for a one-stroke, fine-line look in both créme and metallic finishes, the Artistic Art Paints promise no marbling or wrinkling and a…
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Salon in the Spotlight: K.M.Nails & Beauty, Wroughton
Having had dreams of entering the beauty industry for as long as she can remember, Kasey Beasley remembers watching nail art videos on YouTube and having her mum and sisters model for her practice. “I knew I had to do this as a career,” she shares. “When I left school…
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Are your gloves protecting you against nail ingredients?
In a previous blog for Scratch, we explored what gloves are needed for nail technicians and covered thickness and how often these need to be changed. In this blog, we delve deeper into chemical permeability and how to know if your gloves protect you against the chemicals which you use…
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