The Academy Jenny Storey Training2

Scottish training centre launches spa traineeship programme to help combat employment crisis

By Helena Biggs | 21 February 2025

BABTAC & CIBTAC Training Centre of the Year 2022, 2023 and 2024, The Academy, Glasgow, has launched Scotland’s first spa traineeship programme, in partnership with the Crerar Hotel Group. The traineeship delivers CIBTAC Level 2 Facial Skincare and Level 3 Body Massage qualifications. “The traineeship combines immersive on-site training at…

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Tammy Koslowski House Of Naf Glasgow

Why Glasgow? Founder of nail company, House of NAF! shares heritage & success story

By Helena Biggs | 25 January 2025

Glasgow-based House of NAF! is the umbrella company of the multi award-winning NAF! Salon, NAF! School, and hand & skincare product lines, NAF! Stuff and NAF! Professionals. Founded by manicurist, Tammy Koslowski, in 2015, NAF! has become a renowned destination for clients seek quality beauty services, products and education, and…

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Susan steel pastel lemon header

Nail Tech Talk: Susan Steel of Susan Steel Nails

By Callie Iley | 8 July 2023

With big career dreams and a lifelong passion for nails, Susan Steel shares her nail journey & reveals her hopes for the future of Susan Steel Nails… “I’ve always loved nails and beauty from a young age, but I never realised that it would be my dream career until I…

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Nail Tech Talk: Jasmine Wilson of Jazzy AF Nails 

By Callie Iley | 10 June 2023

Achieving award-winning success after only a year in the nail industry, Jasmine Wilson of Jazzy AF Nails shares her love for channelling mindful creativity through her bright & bold, psychedelic nail styles. Jazz was hired as an apprentice in a local salon in Paisley in June 2022, taking her first…

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Eco-savvy nail spa, The Nail Yard, expands into East Lothian

By Callie Iley | 13 April 2023

The Nail Yard has expanded its franchise with its eco-friendly nail bar on the Archerfield Estate, East Lothian, following the success of its Morningside location. Since the launch of its first salon in April 2015, The Nail Yard Edinburgh has sought to provide luxury services to eco-conscious clients, sourcing products…

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cancer touch training

Cancer Touch Therapy training available to salons & spas across Scotland

By Helena Biggs | 21 January 2022

Skincare brand, Made for Life Organics, has partnered with The Academy of Clinical Training in Scotland to extend its Cancer Touch Therapy courses across the country. SATCC approved and accredited by the Complementary Medical Association, the Cancer Touch Therapy training is designed to empower therapists with the skills, expertise and…

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Nails scotland flag

Covid-19: £19 million financial support for close contact services in Scotland

By Chloe Randall | 6 January 2022

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced £19 million of financial support specifically for the close contact services sector in Scotland, including hair and beauty businesses. The First Minister said local authorities are currently working to get money into bank accounts as quickly as possible and British Beauty Council and BABTAC…

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ventilation

Scottish government opens Business Ventilation Fund for applications

By Rebecca Hitchon | 27 November 2021

The Scottish government’s Business Ventilation Fund has opened for applications. The fund will help small and medium-sized businesses improve ventilation and air quality on their premises to help reduce the spread of coronavirus, by allowing them to claim back costs to improve ventilation of up to £2,500. To be eligible…

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Removing masks therapist canva

Scottish govt to lift mask wearing restrictions in beauty salons on 31 May

By Helena Biggs | 25 May 2021

From Monday 31 May, therapists in Scotland will be permitted to offer face treatments to clients as long as the practitioner is wearing a Type IIR face mask and a face visor or goggles. Kate Forbes MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Economy, confirmed the news today (25 May)…

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Nails scotland flag

Coronavirus: updated guidance for nail techs in Scotland

By Chloe Randall | 23 April 2021

The Scottish Government’s official guidance for close contact services including nail salons has been updated ahead of reopening on April 26. The guidance includes information on ventilation, face coverings, staff considerations, hand hygiene, physical distancing, cleaning, capacity, PPE as well as the Test & Protect scheme. The biggest change to…

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Nails scotland flag

Coronavirus: Nail & beauty businesses in Scotland to reopen ‘from 26 April’

By Chloe Randall | 16 March 2021

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has revealed that the reopening of hairdressers in Scotland will be phased in from 5 April, with all other non-essential retail premises including close contact services being allowed to reopen from 26 April at the earliest. This date will be subject to continued review and levels…

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Michelle williams novalash fan’s choice award lash artist of the year

Scottish lash artist wins 2 awards at global competition

By Kat Hill | 5 March 2021

International lash brand, NovaLash has awarded Michelle Williams with two accolades at its annual LASHoff contest. Michelle, owner of I-Lash by Michelle, Elgin, Scotland, scooped both the 2020/21 Fan’s Choice Award and Lash Artist of the Year – within just three years of of training as a lash professional. Every…

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Scottish government building

Coronavirus: Scotland’s ‘cautious’ roadmap could see beauty businesses open from 26 April

By Chloe Randall | 23 February 2021

Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has today (23 February) revealed the country’s route out of lockdown and tentative reopening dates for nail & beauty businesses. In a statement at Holyrood, first minister Nicola Sturgeon commented: “Our watchwords are ‘caution’ and ‘patience’. The tools at our disposal mean we can now…

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Scotland image lockdown

Coronavirus: Scotland will return to levels system when lockdown ends

By Helena Biggs | 22 February 2021

Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has today (22 February) revealed that Scotland will return to a geographic levels system when the national lockdown ends. Sturgeon is expected to unveil her roadmap out of lockdown for Scotland tomorrow (23 February). This news will indicate the ‘likely phasing’ of the gradual lifting…

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Nails scotland flag

Coronavirus: Scotland Mobile & Home-Based Close Contact Services fund opens

By Chloe Randall | 18 February 2021

The Scottish Government has launched the Mobile and Home-Based Close Contact Services Fund to help businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The fund is for owners and operators of mobile and home-based close contact service businesses. Employees of such businesses should speak with their employer regarding eligibility for support through…

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