STEP INTO CHRISTMAS WITH CND™
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT Distributed exclusively in the UK and Ireland with Love and Respect
IT’S TIMEEEEEE Deck your client’s nails with dazzling designs, inspired by CNDTM brand ambassadors. MERRY MONOCHROME @monmayernails uses CND™ Shellac™ shades Black Pool, Dark Diamonds and Satin Slippers.
UNDER THE MISTLETOE @alicepaintsnails uses CND™ Shellac™ shades All Frothed Up, Aurora and We Want Mauve.
FESTIVE PICK ‘N’ MIX @la_beautique uses CND™ Shellac™ shades Nude Knickers, Satin Slipper, Aura, Wildfire, Wrapped in Linen and Cream Puff!
PERFECT PUDDINGS Another from @monmayernails. Here she uses CND™ Shellac™ shades Crimson Sash and Backyard Nuptials.
BABY IT’S BOLD OUTSIDE @alicepaintsnails uses CND™ Shellac™ shades She’s A Gem, Blue Eyeshadow and Wildfire.
DON’T FORGET TO TAG US IN YOUR CHRISTMAS CREATIONS ON SOCIAL! @sweetsquared.nails
Love & Respect (and a Merry Christmas) Sweet Squared x SHOP SHELLACTM
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Twenty years of... ®
Issue 248 Managing editor Helena Biggs helena.biggs@scratchmagazine.co.uk Publisher Scott Derbyshire scott.derbyshire@scratchmagazine.co.uk Senior news & features writer Rebecca Hitchon rebecca.hitchon@scratchmagazine.co.uk News & features writer Chloe Randall chloe.randall@scratchmagazine.co.uk Copywriter Callie Iley callie.iley@scratchmagazine.co.uk Art editor Jessica Wilkie jess.wilkie@scratchmagazine.co.uk Group sales manager Ian Archbold ian.archbold@scratchmagazine.co.uk Accounts Lisa Ebbens lisa.ebbens@scratchmagazine.co.uk Co-founder Alex Fox Editorial/Advertising office 1E The Courtyard, Market Square, Westerham, Kent TN16 1AZ
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COVER CREDITS Image courtesy of The GelBottle Inc, www.thegelbottle.com Photographer: Vanessa Newark Nail technician: Daisy Needham Lighting: Ashleigh Bell Producer: Abbi Wilson Digital operator: Daniele Mucci Studio assistant: Hollie Warner
Images shown are 2023 Scratch front covers. www.scratchmagazine.co.uk
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Terribly Nice
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Contents DECEMBER 2023
FEATURES 18 24 28
Flashes Of Style
Recreate this month’s front cover nail style & prepare for party season with The GelBottle Inc .
Nail Tales From 2023
Reflect on nail industry highlights, events & achievements from the past 12 months
The Great Scratch Shoot Out: Meet The 2023 Champion
Photographic nail competition winner, Ania Kesiak, unveils the inspiration behind her colourful & creative entry
34 42 50 60 66 76
Festive Flair
50
Are you keen to fulfil a variety of nail art requests this season? Scratch shares ideas to suit all timeframes
Hand & Footcare Royalty
Explore the career story of Margaret Dabbs, who has been awarded an OBE for services to hand & footcare needs
How To Master The Mirror Finish
Perfect the application of chrome powder with top tips for ensuring a flawless & striking finish
Dazzle With Displays
Attract attention to your business with advice on decorating your salon windows & product displays
Tekking Tensions
Nail pros share experiences of ailments that have affected their work & serve up ways to alleviate them
Nailympia London 2023: Unveil The Nail
Check out the results of the Nailympia London arena categories & see who scooped the 5th Global Cup
34
54
30
REGULARS
10 20 22 30 44 46 52 54 58 62 64 68 70 72 74 84 88 90
Nail Nation The Hot List The Scratch Scoop Course Bites Behind The Gram Tech For Techs Expert Advice Scratch Pads How To Boss Your Salon Readers Gallery The Mobile Club Love & Sparkles With Katy P Through The Keyhole Brand Watch The Halo Effect Making Moves With Mino Vo Nail Clippings Fingernails In Focus
Nail NATION
business
news & views
NHBF appoints Caroline Larissey as chief executive
87% of beauty businesses lose out on income due to ‘friendly’ clients A study by Yell has revealed that 87% of beauty businesses could be losing out on almost £80 per appointment, due to blurred boundaries between personal and professional relationships. The research, which surveyed 251 small businesses owners in the UK, revealed that over 90% of beauty business owners are guilty of spending longer with more familiar clients, and 87% do not charge for this extra time, resulting in a considerable amount of unpaid working hours. A spokesperson for Yell comments: “An extra 25 minutes could amount to an average loss of £78 per appointment, based on the average hourly charge of £188.44 revealed by the study. This is a particular concern in the beauty industry, known for its high frequency of appointments and long-term clients.” Megan, a beauty influencer & self-employed nail technician, comments: “My services are often a treat for clients at the end of their working day, meaning they take time restraints less seriously, and don’t mind the appointment lasting longer than it should. For them, it might just be 20 minutes, but they don’t recognise how this can impact my working day.” More than three-quarters of business owners surveyed said that they find it hard to set boundaries with their clients, with 59% met with negative responses when they have attempted to do so. What’s more, 100% of beauty business owners admit that they respond to business queries during their personal time. www.business.yell.com
NAIL & BEAUTY BITES Studex, which offers ear and nose piercing services in almost 500 Superdrug locations across the UK and ROI, scooped the Best Beauty Services Supplier 2023 award at the annual Superdrug Supplier Conference. Further rollouts are planned in 2024 to continue the growth of the partnership. www.studexuk.com 10 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
The Lincoln Lashes Beauty Business Journal by salon owner, Rebecca Atkin, is an A5, handbagfriendly tome, created to support the needs of beauty professionals. It offers 10 weeks of journaling, with pages to write gratitude lists, tasks, accounting notes, encouraging words of wisdom and more. www.lincolnlashesbeauty.com
Caroline Larissey has been appointed as chief executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF), following the retirement of former chief executive, Richard Lambert. Formerly the NHBF‘s director of quality & standards, Caroline Caroline Larissey has been recognised in the first Women in Trade Associations Powerlist. She joined the hair and beauty sector at 16, and has worked as a stylist, beauty therapist and business owner. She became a further education lecturer and progressed to national training manager in 2002. Her roles have included project lead for hair & beauty for the Habia national 14-19 Diploma Project and head of standards & qualifications for SkillsActive. She is well versed in regulatory compliance, industry best practices, quality management systems and standards. Caroline comments: “Supporting the hair and beauty sector is my passion, and I fully understand and appreciate the diverse industries, people, influences and organisations the NHBF represents. I feel that the position of chief executive will enable me to support members in achieving their business potential, and help them to maintain safe, legal and profitable businesses. I also want to help the sector gain the recognition it truly deserves, by continuing to work with the UK government and promoting our contribution to the UK economy.” www.nhbf.co.uk
SALON BUSINESS EXPERT DESIGNS PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT RETAIL EFFORTS International salon business expert, Liz McKeon, has launched Time To Get Real About Retail, a programme to help business owners leverage the opportunities that retail sales present. Two weeks after the programme ends, Liz will host an online Liz McKeon Zoom session to answer any further questions after the new skills have been put into practice. The programme focuses on five areas: • The opportunities that retailing brings and how to get real about the numbers. • How to make the numbers happen. • How to break down the barriers to retailing. • Managing retail revenue. • Commission, bonuses and how to use retail to retain your team. McKeon comments: “This is an exciting opportunity for salon owners, brands and stockists who are looking to build their retail business and sell unlimited retail items, while holding on to their best staff and retaining their clients.” To find out more about Time To Get Real About Retail, visit www.lizmckeon.com
business
Nail NATION BABTAC launches Beauty Broadcasts webinar series The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) has introduced Beauty Broadcasts, a series of monthly webinars aimed at supporting the beauty industry with information and upskilling advice. Professionals can access the webinars via BABTAC’s online member lounge, and they are free to BABTAC members and available for a small fee to non-members. Upcoming webinars include: Wellbeing Welcome to 2024, Recruitment & Retention Success, Optimising your Digital Marketing, Mastering your Tax & Finance, Rocking your Retail and Inclusivity Insights. Lesley Blair MBE, chair & CEO of BABTAC, comments: “BABTAC has long advocated that members continue to upskill and remain informed on all aspects critical to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism. The broadcast programme covers a Lesley Blair MBE range of topics to benefit both the wellbeing and business needs of beauty therapy professionals.” www.babtac.com
UK government calls on jobseekers to consider careers in beauty industry The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) has encouraged jobseekers to consider the varied offerings within the beauty industry for employment. With an annual worth of £20 billion to the UK economy, the beauty sector has previously been praised by the Prime Minister as an important part of the government’s drive to grow the economy. “This booming sector offers a range of exciting roles and skills development, along with progression opportunities and a new sense of purpose,” comments Diane Whitbread, one of the DWP’s employer engagement advisors. “Our Jobcentre network can provide crucial advice to all jobseekers, and my dedicated Diane Whitbread colleagues, including work coaches, stand ready to help ´ people begin rewarding careers within this dynamic industry.” Millie Kendall OBE, British Beauty Council CEO, adds: “In order to highlight the diverse opportunities available in the sector, the British Beauty Council has launched the Future Talent Programme, which is designed to uncover unique roles in technology, fragrance, sustainability and cosmetic Millie Kendall OBE science to people aged 11 to 18 years old. Through engaging short films, the programme is dedicated to ensuring a pipeline of unique talent to a creative, innovative, entrepreneurial sector.” www.britishbeautycouncil.com
NAIL & BEAUTY BITES Benefit Cosmetics has joined the British Beauty Council as a supporting patron. The organisations will work together to deliver mentorships and talent programmes throughout 2024, to raise the reputation and awareness of the diverse career opportunities in the beauty sector. www.britishbeautycouncil.com 12 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
VTCT OPENS AWARD NOMINATIONS FOR BEAUTY STUDENTS, EDUCATORS & APPRENTICES Vocational and technical awarding organisation, VTCT, is inviting training establishments to nominate deserving students, colleagues and apprentices in its annual VTCT Excellence Awards. In addition, colleges and training providers can submit an awards application detailing the work they do to support and nurture talent. Now in its second year, the awards event recognises and celebrates achievements across more than 17 sectors, including hair, beauty, aesthetics and complementary therapies. Alan Woods OBE, chief executive of VTCT, comments: “The VTCT Excellence Awards reflect our organisation’s mission – to inspire our students and educational partners to unlock their potential Alan Woods OBE and thrive in rewarding careers. We witness the incredible work these people undertake daily, and I am personally honoured to recognise and demonstrate how vital they are to our industry.” Categories are Apprentice of the Year, College of ^ the Year, Educator of the Year, Large Independent Training Provider of the Year, Small Independent Training Provider of the Year, Student of the Year and VTCT Champion: Contribution to Sector. Entry closes 1 March 2024, and winners will be revealed at an afternoon awards ceremony in July. For more information and to enter, visit excellence-awards.vtct.org.uk
Studex opens site in Dublin to support Ireland’s piercing pros Piercing training company & product provider, Studex, has opened an office in Ireland, to support and develop the piercing businesses of Irish professionals. Studex Ireland will be headed up by John Walsh, who has worked with Studex for a decade. He will be supported by his son, Jack, and Studex trainer, Caroline, who will promote how piercing services can offer great profit potential. The Studex Ireland team will exhibit at Professional Beauty, Dublin in April 2024, and continue to work with the UK team to develop marketing assets and campaigns to support pros. www.studex.ie
Skincare brand, Elemis, has partnered with plant-based materials developer, Xampla, to create plastic-free, biodegradable sampling sachets, produced using leftover waste from Elemis plant crops used for product ingredients. The long-term goal is for these to replace Elemis’ single-use sample sachets. uk.elemis.com
Beauty and wellness destination, Boop, is offering a solution to excess beauty waste, by donating imperfect products to charities, and offering them to consumers at discounted prices. Products listed include those with discontinued formulations and old, misprinted or damaged packaging. www.boopbeauty.co.uk
pleasure
Nail NATION Kate Moss appointed as British Beauty Council global ambassador Kate Moss, supermodel & founder of beauty and wellness brand, Cosmoss, has been appointed by the British Beauty Council as its global ambassador. Her role, announced at British Beauty Week on 26 October 2023, will see the entrepreneur champion the British beauty sector, to support its reputation on a global scale. Moss will work with the Council to highlight its work across talent, growth, policy and environmental, social and governance factors. In a British Beauty Council website statement, Moss comments: “Beauty is more than skin deep. It’s the heartbeat of the creative industry that has helped build my career, and the careers of so much creative talent, from hair and make-up stylists on set to the magicians behind the brands. “Beauty – seen and unseen – touches everyone, from individuals to an industry. I am so proud to be part of it and honoured to join the British Beauty Council.” Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council, adds: “We are delighted to announce this collaboration with Kate Moss, who will undoubtedly harness her unmatched knowledge and influence of fashion and beauty to reinforce the work of the British Beauty Council. Moss joins a host of existing ambassadors who work closely with the organisation to develop its global reach.” www.britishbeautycouncil.com
Lift lashes & enhance brows with LASHUS LASHUS, the professional brand with a goal to enhance a client’s natural beauty, can now be used to lift lashes and laminate brows, saving the need for multiple products and increased expenditure. The LASHUS treatment works by lifting lashes to create the appearance of longer, thicker, more visible eyelashes. For brows, it changes the shape of the hair, giving more flexibility to be styled into a desired shape with ease. The system can lift lashes and laminate brows in two steps, with the Lift & Fix product. Five intense tints for lashes and brows are available, alongside a Starter Kit, Lash Essentials Kit and Brow Essentials Kit. “LASHUS brow lamination represents a significant leap forward in the field of brow and lash enhancement,” comments Kirsti Turrell, brand master at LASHUS. “It offers beauty professionals a versatile and gentle solution to meet their clients’ needs.” Each Lift & Fix sachet contains enough product to perform a treatment for both lashes and brows, simplifying the toolkit for beauty professionals. The comprehensive step-by-step guide is available to certified brow lamination professionals for free with the purchase of a ´ LASHUS kit. LASHUS products & training are available via www.sweetsquared.com
NAIL ENTHUSIAST INTRODUCES BIODEGRADABLE PRESS-ON NAILS Painter & creative nail enthusiast, Tiger Taylor, has launched Claws: a range of press-on nails crafted from oxybiodegradable plastic, housed in fully compostable packaging. With a belief that great-looking nails shouldn’t compromise on sustainability, the Claws ethos is: ‘convenient, stylish and cost-effective nails that don’t cost the earth.’ Tiger worked with an eco-friendly, bioplastic specialist factory to create the press-ons, which take between two and three years to degrade, compared to regular plastic, which takes up to 500 years. An admirer of nail art, Tiger views it as a canvas for self-expression; to portray moods, influences and trends. “My nail designs have helped me to develop my style in so many ways,” she shares. “Nails are wearable art, and I wanted to create a way to maintain artistic freedom, without causing so much damage to the planet.” Each Claws kit is £28, and comes with two sets of biodegradable press-on nails, a nail file, two sets of stickers, tiger print decals and an information leaflet. www.clawsbytigertaylor.com
NAIL & BEAUTY BITES The Hair & Beauty Charity raised £14,000 at Salon International, which will be used to provide financial support to industry individuals and their families facing hardship. A tombola at the event and raffle ticket sales raised the funds. www.hairandbeautycharity.org 14 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Bio Sculpture has teamed up with Matcha and lifestyle brand, Cloudcha, to create a limited edition nail colour. The Cloudcha brand is founded by Rochelle Humes and Bryony Deery, and the nail shade is available in BioGel and Gemini Nail Polish formulas. www.renewbeauty.co.uk
Award-winning nail salon brand, Townhouse, has expanded its portfolio by opening salons in Birmingham and Manchester. Each are decorated in the signature Townhouse style and offer a comprehensive range of nail services. www.townhouse.co.uk
Sienna X has launched a Facial Oil, which can be used as a cuticle oil. It contains moisturising ingredients, including rosehip seed oil, sweet white lupin seed extract and sweet almond oil. www.sienna-x.co.uk
DATES FOR THE DIARY 9 December
Beauty Boss Christmas Party Beauty Boss HQ seeks to bring the industry together for an evening of celebration at The Vault Nightclub, Bournemouth, from 9pm until late. Expect entertainment from live dancers and a DJ, free drink on arrival, Sip & Sparkle bar and more. Purchase tickets via www.beautybusinessacademy.co.uk January 2024
The World’s Star Nail Artist: Entry opens
Gelish & Morgan Taylor unveil shades to elevate Christmas nail styling On My Wish List is the latest nail colour collection from Gelish and Morgan Taylor, celebrating all things merry with a twist of avant-garde flare. Offering mesmerising metallics and classic crèmes, the collection features six shades in Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish, Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer and Gelish Xpress Dip formulations. “The On My Wish List collection represents all things fun and joyful,” comments Danny Haile, CEO & founder of Gelish. “It was important to me to think outside of the box when developing these colours. The holiday season is a time of cheer, which is perfect to inspire us to tap into our creativity. I hope this collection will help you find joy, and indulge in your most colourful side this season.” Launching alongside the collection are two limited edition Gelish kits: the Foiled By Gel Mini Foil Kit and Bling It On Mini Rhinestone Kit. Featured in the Foiled By Gel Kit are 9ml bottles of Gelish Foil Gel and Top It Off top coat, plus six nail foils. In the Bling It On Kit, techs can find 9ml bottles of Gelish in pink shimmer, Ambience, and snowy Arctic Freeze, as well as rhinestones in yellow gold, rose gold and silver, and white and ivory pearls. www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk / www.salon-services.com
The second edition of international nail art contest, The World’s Star Nail Artist (WSNA), opens for entry. It invites nail artists worldwide to try their hand at a variety of challenges in the bid to win a cash prize and trophy. www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/wsna 7 January 2024
Nail Order’s Sunday Service Event Pro product provider, Nail Order, is hosting an event in Birmingham, featuring talks from industry experts, workshops and interactive experiences. The evening will present a party and networking opportunities, and a performance from Ru Paul’s Drag Race star, Black Peppa. Tickets are available via www.nailorder.co.uk 1 – 28 February 2024
Scratch Stars Awards: Entry open Attention: nail pros and businesses in the UK&I! The Scratch Stars Awards, which recognises excellence in nail services, customer care and more, will accept entries 1-28 February. There are 18 categories for 2024, and the first stage of entry is an online form. Winners will be announced 21 July. www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars 22 – 24 March 2024
Nailympia Germany Showcase skills to judges of global prestige at Nailympia Germany, hosted within the BEAUTY Düsseldorf trade exhibition. Register for 11 arena categories by 29 February and seven online categories by 1 February. Register via www.nailympia.de
The Nail Lab moves into gel product market with HEMA-free NU:gel launch Founded by nail tech, educator & winner of multiple Scratch Stars Awards, Paulina Zdrada, The Nail Lab has expanded its product offering with the launch of the NU:gel system. The launch welcomes seven seasonal NU:colour gel polish shades and seven NU:build self-levelling builder gel hues, all with HEMA-free, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free formulations. Also introduced are NU:prep and NU:top, a dehydrator and a top coat, to be used alongside the NU:gel system. NU:build shades are Clear, Milky White, Milky Pink, Peach, Nude, Natural and Deep Nude. The NU:colour portfolio features classic red, Log Fire; deep red, Red Wine; glittery burgundy, Mulled Wine; light brown, Hazelnut; deep brown, Chestnut; khaki green, Moss; and mauve shade, Dusk. www.tnluk.co.uk
CELEBRITY NAIL ARTIST PARTNERS WITH THE GELBOTTLE INC Brighton-based nail brand, The GelBottle Inc, has named internationally acclaimed nail artist, Harriet Westmoreland, as its global brand ambassador. Via the partnership, Harriet will share her industry expertise by creating nail designs to inspire and how-to guides – on topics from prep to achieving a clean finish. She will also host events and divulge trend predictions. Founder & CEO of The GelBottle Inc, Daisy Kalnina, comments: “Harriet’s innovative approach and technical ability has left a significant mark on the red carpet and across social media. At TGB, we love her minimalistic and flawlessly precise designs, exemplified by her iconic take on the French manicure. She is a force in the nail art world and we’re beyond excited to have her on board!” Harriet adds: “Since I’ve been working with TGB products, BIAB™ especially, I have felt in a really creative space and it’s given me the freedom to create new techniques that have changed my manicure methods. For this reason, I am so excited to be partnering with The GelBottle Inc and can’t wait for a collaborative future.” www.thegelbottle.com SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 15
BAD TO THE BOW
REDDY TO JINGLE
GIFT IT YOUR BEST
AVAILABLE AT
www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk
BEFORE MY BERRY EYES
A HUNDRED PRESENT YES
COVERSTORY
Flashes of
Style Enhance, adorn & dare to dazzle with the latest launches from THE GELBOTTLE INC, as featured on this month’s front cover
It’s party season, so set your nail skills to stun and create looks that keep clients talking, with The GelBottle Inc’s three exciting new product ranges. The brand, known as TGB, has amplified its product development and launched HEMA-free versions of its popular Builder In A Bottle (BIAB™) shades. To satisfy seasonal colour and nail art needs, the Après Ski collection and limited edition Flashing Pigments have sidled online: ready to be added to the shopping carts of creatives.
ENHANCE
Made in the UK, the HEMA-free BIAB™ range from TGB can be used for natural nail overlays, or to strengthen the nail and help reinforce the apex. The product line has launched with six shades, each inspired by best-selling original BIAB™ shades and renamed with a French twist. Designed for those with sensitivities to HEMA, the formula has been developed over two years, and works in conjunction with TGB’s HEMA-free Bond Base and Glow Top to offer a wear time of up to three weeks.
Daisy Kalnina
Daisy Kalnina, founder & CEO of The GelBottle Inc, created the brand’s BIAB™ to help strengthen and nurture natural nails, and allow nail techs to offer an affordable, efficient service. She comments: “Seven years on and I’m so proud to introduce HEMA-free BIAB™ to make our offering as inclusive as possible. I personally tested over 100 iterations to perfect the product and stay true to the integrity of our original formulation.”
HEMA-free Bond Base Coat and Glow Top HEMA-free Top Coat are £17.50 + VAT each, and the HEMA-free BIAB™ shades are £18.50 + VAT.
18 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
COVERSTORY
ADORN
Designed to inspire a flurry of fast, festive-ready nails, the 10-piece Après Ski collection features two cat-eye gel polish formulas with a magnetic tool to create subtle and hypnotising effects, alongside three cool-toned hues: Mont Blanc, Glacier and S’Mores. Completing the line-up are four Studio Effects nail art products: red and green chrome pigments and metallic leaf in Gold and Rose Gold. “I wanted to create a collection that was inspired by my love for skiing and the beauty of the mountains,” shares Daisy Kalnina. “The Après Ski collection has been created to help our loyal clients craft showstopping nail styles at speed. “I know first-hand how valuable a nail tech’s time is, especially during the festive season, so within this chalet-ready collection you’ll find unique textures, finishes and colours with formulas that save precious appointment time.” The 10-piece Après Ski collection is £99 + VAT. Products are available individually from £4.50 + VAT.
GET THE LOOK: Cover nails TGB nail stylist, Daisy Needham (aka @niicetips), shares how she created the nail look that features on this month’s front cover… You will need: • HEMA-free BIAB™ in Ballet • Glow Top HEMA-free Top Coat • Liner 01 Brush • Studio Effects Flashing Pigment in Pillarbox • TGB Light the Way Lamp • Dusting Brush
DAZZLE
Get your phone cameras ready, as TGB has added limited edition Flashing Pigments to its Studio Effects range of nail art powders. Packed with sparkle, the pigments reflect light to catch the eyes; perfect for party nails. Flashing Pigments are available in 10 shades, including red Pillarbox, which features on the tips of this month’s front cover nails. Make a statement with full coverage looks, or use the glittery powders to add highlights to nail art designs. The collection of 10 Flashing Pigments powders is £70 + VAT. Powders are available individually for £10 + VAT. All products are available via www.thegelbottle.com /thegelbottleinc @the_gelbottle_inc
@the_gelbottle_inc
Step 1 Prep the nails and apply TGB’s HEMA-free BIAB™ in Ballet as required. Step 2 Cure for 99 seconds on low heat mode using the TGB Light The Way Lamp. Step 3 Sweep an even coat of Glow Top HEMA-free Top Coat onto each nail and cure for 60 seconds. Step 4 Use the Liner 01 Brush and Glow Top to paint a French-style tip on all nails. Do not cure. Step 5 Sprinkle Studio Effects Flashing Pigment in Pillarbox onto the uncured Glow Top and cure for 60 seconds. Step 6 Use the TGB Dusting Brush to wipe away excess pigment.
COVER CREDITS Photographer: Vanessa Newark Nail technician: Daisy Needham Lighting: Ashleigh Bell Producer: Abbi Wilson Digital operator: Daniele Mucci Studio assistant: Hollie Warner
SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 19
NEWPRODUCTS
Entity Vintage Gossip Collection from £4.95 + VAT www.beautybossherquarters.co.uk Embrace retro glamour with the six shades in Entity’s Vintage Gossip collection, available in Colour Couture Gel-Lacquer (£4.95 + VAT), Soak Off Gel (£10.45 + VAT) and Dip & Buff (£14.95 + VAT). A taupe crème and dark brown crème are joined by a fiery red pearl and three shimmer shades; royal purple, navy blue and pewter.
Halo Fairy Dust Glitter Top Coat £5.95 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk Add a mesmerising shimmer to nails that’s perfect for party season with Fairy Dust: a Hemafree Non-Wipe Top Coat from Halo. Use alone or over a seasonal shade to enhance a look. The limited-edition product is presented in bauble-style packaging, doubling up as a perfect stocking filler for a fellow nail pro.
List THE HOT
CND™ Odourless Sculpting Liquid from £11.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com Elevate the experience of your L&P clients with this Odourless Sculpting Liquid, available in 29ml, 118ml and 236ml sizes. Ideal for nail pros of all L&P experience levels, the liquid has the equivalent set time of CND™ Retention+ Sculpting Liquid and can be used with the brand’s Perfect Colour Powders to sculpt flexible, resilient enhancements.
Scratch scours the industry for the latest nail & beauty products to captivate clients & lend a helping hand to your services
PersoNAILity HydraDrops Nail & Cuticle Serum £24 inc VAT www.personaility.co.uk Gently exfoliate dead skin cells and hydrate nails and cuticles during a mani or pedi routine with HydraDrops Nail & Cuticle Serum. Oil free, it contains hyaluronic acid for moisture, alongside aloe vera, papaya, panthenol and acai berry. Unscented, the serum can be used with PersoNAILity Cuticle Balm for an intense boost of moisture.
Mii Colour Confidence Come To The Cabaret Collection £6.25 + VAT/RRP £13.50 each www.gerrardinternational.com Delve into the decadent world of the cabaret with six captivating nail polish shades from Mii. The sophisticated hues are a mix of four crèmes and two metallics, and include Queen Of The Night, a midnight purple; Boudoir, a rich burgundy plum; and Madame Rouge, a metallic bronze red.
20 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
NEWPRODUCTS Artistic Colour Gloss Dripping In Diamonds Collection £13.95 + VAT each www.louellabelle.co.uk Inspired by the opulence of the festive season, this stunning gel polish collection features three glitters and three crèmes. Sparkling shades are emerald glitter, Don’t Carat All; silver glitter, Precious In Platinum; and black multi-glitter, Catch The Light. Crèmes are dusty blue, I’m On Sapphire; deep magenta, Of Quartz you Would; and concrete grey, Etched In Stone. Shades are also available in Colour Revolution (£5.95 + VAT) and Perfect Dip (£7.95 + VAT). Emoki Nails Cuticle & Nail Oil from £3 inc VAT www.emoki.co.uk Enhance the spirit of the festive season with Christmas pudding-scented cuticle and nail oil. Puddin’ On The Glitz is available in a 4.5ml brush or dropper bottle (£3 inc VAT/RRP £4.50), 15ml brush or dropper bottle (£3.50 inc VAT/RRP £6.50) and handy brush pen (£3 inc VAT/RRP £4.50). Nut-free, the oil contains vitamin E to aid hydration.
En Vogue Holiday Favourites Lac It! Set £POA www.envoguenails.eu Give the gift of glitter with three dazzling shades for Christmas and party manicures in a decorative box. The HEMA-free Lac It! Gel Polish shades included are Santa Claws, Forever Green and Winter Wonderlust; highly pigmented hues designed to spread festive cheer.
Happy Paul Bright Spice Eau De Parfum £POA/RRP £45 www.happypaul.co.uk www.gerrardinternational.com With a continued mission to support mental health with a smile, Happy Paul has unveiled its signature fragrance in an eau de parfum. The uplifting blend of essential oils has a gentle kick of spice to lift a mood, and each bottle features a citrine crystal; associated with optimism. 10% of Happy Paul profits are donated to www.youngminds.org.uk.
The GelBottle Inc HEMA-free BIAB™ Starter Kit £125 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com Create strong natural nail overlays that last up to four weeks with The GelBottle Inc’s HEMA-free BIAB™ range. Available in six shades, the medium viscosity formula should be applied after a coat of HEMA-free Bond Base. Use a medium bead to create an apex and thin overlay, before curing and applying a second bead to perfect the structure. Refine and apply HEMA-Free Glow Top to finish. HEMA-free BIAB™ shades are available individually for £18.50 + VAT.
Sienna X Massage Candle £12.50 + VAT/RRP £20 www.sienna-x.co.uk Indulge clients with a warm, soothing finish to their mani or pedi using this massage candle, which melts into a luxurious oil when lit. Housed in recyclable aluminium, the formula includes cocoa butter and shea butter to hydrate, and jojoba oil to reduce redness and ease skin irritations. It features a geranium, sandalwood and lavender scent.
SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 21
p o o c s
SCRATCHSOCIAL
THE SCRATCH
Top (L-R): Helena Biggs, Jess Wilkie Bottom (L-R): Chloe Randall, Rebecca Hitchon, Callie Iley
The Scratch team offers an insight into its antics & unveils events & products from the nail & beauty realms
What we’re wearing...
Managing editor, Helena, has embraced the festive season, and wears a deep red gel polish overlay with three gold, sparkly dots on each nail. She paid a visit to her regular tech, Rebecca Ellis of Beauty By Beck, Dartford, for the look.
Art editor, Jess, is sporting a cool, contrasting style courtesy of Hazel Martin (@nailcreationsbyhazel). The nail pro used The GelBottle Inc shades in Shadow and Last Night. Senior news & features writer, Rebecca, visited Islington salon, Pre-, for a trademark gel polish manicure, courtesy of Mandesa of @perfectfinishlondon. She opted for a deep red hue on nails, in line with this season’s trend. Find out more about her visit to Pre- on page 54.
REPLAY
ty Co The British Beau an event to auty Week with Be h itis Br of start ’. Members ty au Power Of Be David Walke e ‘Th e at br le r-Smith ce h’s Helena, cluding Scratc nt ve Co of the press, in in b hu e BBCo trade ador, David gathered at th Week ambass ty ptures the au Be h itis Br that beauty ca d te no Garden, and He s. ng di ity. ee tiv led proc powers crea Helena with Walker-Smith, unities and em fellow m gnised the m co co s re he s, es enric beauty journa d small busin imagination, lists. an ts ke ar m all OBE, r enterprise, d Millie Kend MP, minster fo y in 2022, an ke om ra on llin ec Ho . UK Kevin ion to the ming initiatives 6bn contribut ouncil’s upco industry’s £24. lighted the C gh hi , EO C l Counci British Beauty News & features writer, Chloe, and copywriter, Callie, attended a panel discussion at British Beau ty Week, which focused on encouraging diversity, inclusivity and opportunity in the beauty industry. Speakers, including Winn ie Awa, DEI committee co-chair at the British Beauty Cou ncil, and Tumi Siwoku, scientific innovations lead at The GelBottle Inc, discussed ways in which diversity is required for the sector to flourish, with an emphasis on the importance of shaping a beauty industry for all.
Rewatch some of last month’s live interviews!
Christmas nail art workshops with Gemma Dawson Gemma Dawson, World’s Star Nail Artist finalist 2023, shares key details about her monthlong series of Christmas nail art tutorials, which can be watched back on her Instagram page: @gemma_dawson_nailartist. How to build a successful nail brand Founder of I Shaw Love Nails, Ikisha Shaw, reveals top tips for establishing a successful home salon business, and how to maximise on branding opportunities to raise your industry profile. 22 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
out Out and abuncil (BBCo) marked the
Scratch was ho noured to sponso r an award at the London College of Beauty Therap y’s annual Star Awards, which ce lebrated LCBT’s ‘star students’ of 2023. Rebecca and Callie presen ted the Level 2 Technical Beau ty Therapy Stude nt of the Year accolad e to Ruth De Jo ng, who collected the award on beha lf of winner, Damla Osman.
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INDUSTRYREFLECTION
Nail Tales from Scratch rounds up the key events & nail industry news from the past 12 months
3 2 20
Scratch launched The World’s Star Nail Artist contest
Nailympia Competitions expanded to four USA locations Globally renowned competition organisation, Nailympia, expanded to four USA locations this year, owing to its success in Orlando in 2019 and 2022. Nailympia Competitions took place in Anaheim, Orlando, San Antonio and Columbus and took the total Nailympia Competitions running in 2023 to seven – with the addition of Mexico, Düsseldorf and the flagship London event. www.nailympia.com
The World’s Star Nail Artist (WSNA) debuted in 2023, launched by Scratch, with CND™ as platinum sponsor. The contest invited nail artists from all over the globe to showcase their creativity. A shortlist of 21 pros took part in a series of tough challenges, with eliminations at each stage. Eliminated competitors entered a wild card deck, and battled it out for a coveted place in the final, alongside challengers in the main deck. The last stage saw five finalists invited to The Scratch Stars Party, before the UK’s Katy Pottle was announced as the first WSNA champion. Entry for The World’s Star Nail Artist 2024 opens in January. For more information, visit www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/wsna or scan here
Footcare expert, Margaret Dabbs, recognised with an OBE
Read all about Margaret’s career on page 42.
The founder, MD & CEO of leg, hand, nail and footcare brand, Margaret Dabbs London, was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) on 26 September at an investiture at Windsor Castle. The accolade, presented by HRH The Princess Royal, recognises her services to business and podiatry, her entrepreneurial ability, and her success creating a wellness category within beauty for the care of feet, hands, nails and legs.
www.margaretdabbs.co.uk
Nail Safari returned for a 5-day education adventure Unique five-day education event, Nail Safari, returned to Shepreth Wildlife Park, bringing nail tech rangers of all abilities together in an inspiring environment for its 2023 edition, Talons & Tails. Educators included Marian Newman BEM, Hazel Dixon, Kirsty Meakin, Mino Vo, Scarlett Senter, Sandy Cheung and Chantelle Vermont. They hosted a variety of workshops, including 3D sculpture, acrylic design, extreme shapes and animal portraits. @nailsafari
Olympia Beauty moved to ExCeL
Members of the Scratch team at Olympia Beauty.
24 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Following 18 years at Olympia exhibition centre, London, the Olympia Beauty trade event relocated to ExCeL to run alongside Salon International, with the full backing of the Professional Beauty Group. Scratch magazine continued to support the event and staged the flagship Nailympia competition at the show, which took place on 15 & 16 October 2023. www.olympiabeauty.co.uk
Threads app unveiled
On 5 July, microblogging platform, Threads, made its presence known in the social media realm, with Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, reporting over five million sign-ups to Threads in the first four hours of its launch. Scan here to read five ways to use Threads to benefit your beauty business. www.threads.net
INDUSTRYREFLECTION
Future Talent Programme introduced to promote beauty industry careers The British Beauty Council launched the Future Talent Programme, a beauty-specific career development programme to support up-and-coming industry talent. It includes a series of short films covering beauty and STEM opportunities in cosmetic science, sustainability, fragrance and technology, from voices such as Jamie Genevieve, Plastic Boy and The Welsh Twins. www.britishbeautycouncil.com
BABTAC launched T.I.M.E initiative The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) launched the T.I.M.E initiative to help consumers signpost their way to salon safety. It provides the framework necessary to support consumers in their quest for a reputable beauty therapist, and highlights four areas: • TRAINING – What training and qualifications, including continual professional development (CPD) do they have? • INSURANCE – Are they insured and who by? • MONITORING – Do they carry out important pre- and postappointment processes, such as patch tests, consultations and aftercare? • EVIDENCE – Can they provide certified proof of training, insurance and client testimonials? www.babtac.com
Nail talent awarded at Scratch Stars Party
The Scratch Stars Awards returned for an 11th year, to recognise nail professionals and businesses from the UK&I across 18 categories. Following an extensive judging process, the winners were announced at The Scratch Stars Party on 23 July at The Underglobe, London. Attendees enjoyed drinks, canapés and live entertainment from X Factor winner, Louisa Johnson, while TV personality & podcaster, Jamie Laing, hosted proceedings alongside Scratch’s managing editor, Helena Biggs. Entry for the 2024 Scratch Stars Awards opens on 1 February. Scan here to register your interest
Marian Newman BEM & the FNP announced Salon Hygiene & Safety Rating Scheme Nail industry expert, Marian Newman BEM, launched an initiative to encourage consumer confidence in their choice of salon or beauty professional. Similar to the Food Hygiene scheme, salons, independent pros and colleges can request a self-assessment questionnaire for a small fee, which focuses on skill, safety and hygiene. Volunteers will conduct visits and check the accuracy of answers, and successful applicants will receive their rating as a window sticker, be added to a salon finder and attain a certificate. www.the-fnp.com
.com/pea
chinails
MOST LIKED
Scratch’s most liked Instagram post of 2023 is this fun, short nail style by @peachinails with red artistic details. It has scooped over 5,310 likes!
Lancashire nail pro enlisted to create Eurovision nails for BBC TV advert To promote The Eurovision Song Contest and boost excitement, the BBC played an advert across its channels featuring colourful nail art cameos, courtesy of Rachel Shuttleworth of Betty-Rose Beauty Boutique in Nelson, Lancashire. Following articles in both national and local press for her realistic nail artistry, the home salon owner attracted the attention of media make-up artist, Sarah Cherry, who asked Rachel to paint a portrait of TV presenter, Graham Norton, on a nail. The nail artist obliged, and Sarah revealed that nail designs were being sought to feature on the BBC TV trailer for Eurovision.
Treatwell created ‘LGBTQIA+ friendly’ badge for salons Salon booking service, Treatwell, unveiled a ‘LGBTQIA+ friendly’ badge to help businesses signpost their commitment to providing inclusive treatments and welcoming experiences for all. The badge is part of Treatwell’s Treat Everyone Well campaign, and has seen over 10,000 professionals across Europe join the initiative. The campaign follows internal research by Treatwell, which engaged with its employees from both within and outside of the LGBTQIA+ communities, to comprehensively understand the beauty industry’s needs. The badge is awarded to Treatwell salons that accept a pledge to uphold PRIDE values (Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, Excellence), and helps LGBTQIA+ communities to easily find salons where they will feel accepted. www.treatwell.co.uk
The Great Scratch Shoot Out 2023 winners revealed
Photographic nail competition, The Great Scratch Shoot Out, invited nail techs across the globe to create a stunning nail-focused shot to a theme of their choice. The 43 submissions showcased diversity, creativity and imagination and were judged by the Scratch team, before winners were revealed at Olympia Beauty at ExCeL London, on 16 October. Ania Kesiak scooped first place, with a unique weather-inspired nail look. Read our interview with her on page 28. SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 25
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NAILCOMPETITION
e h t t e Me 2023 n o i p cham
There was no rain – only sunshine – as Ania Kesiak’s weather-themed photo shone in this year’s Great Scratch Shoot Out competition & scooped first place. CHLOE RANDALL explores the creative process & story behind the shot
s
cratch’s annual photographic competition, The Great Scratch Shoot Out, received 43 entries from nail pros all over the world, including the UK, Canada, USA and Ireland. Following a rigorous judging process, in which team Scratch deliberated over the creative submissions, the top three entries and Voter’s Choice winner were announced at Olympia Beauty, ExCel, London, on 16 October. Techs were invited to submit an image with a focus on nails to no set theme, and were encouraged to collaborate with fellow creatives, such as a hair stylist, make-up artist and photographer. The competition gave pros a chance to consider new concepts and step outside of a client-focused schedule. The winners of the top three places were chosen by the judging panel, while voting opened on the Scratch website for the Voter’s Choice Award, which saw over 1,200 people cast a vote for their favourite entry. “My heartfelt thanks goes out to all entrants of this year’s Shoot Out competition,” comments Chloe Randall, Scratch’s news & features writer & competition organiser. “It was amazing to see such inventive creations, and the hard work and effort put into each entry was apparent.”
28 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
NAILCOMPETITION
Ania Kesiak
After winning first place and the Voter’s Choice Award in last year’s competition, Ania Kesiak of Beauty Beehive in Glasgow, Scotland, scooped the titles again for 2023 – proving that she is a force to be reckoned with in the photographic nail scene. In 2022, Ania was awarded the top trophy with her striking image that depicted the Star Wars character, Darth Maul. She created a lightsaber-inspired nail look, and the Scratch team was impressed with the make-up and styling, as well as composition and creativity of the shot.
Ania Kesiak receiving her awards from Chloe Randall, competition organiser.
Concept to creation For 2023, Ania skillfully crafted weather-themed nails, which commanded attention, owing to their detail and use of colour. This detail was enhanced by the hand pose and crop of the shot. Unbeknownst to public voters, who didn’t discover Scratch’s top pick until 16 October, they had also recognised the impact of the image and voted in their hundreds. This saw Ania receive both the first place prize and Voter’s Choice Award. “When I decided to enter this year’s Great Scratch Shoot Out competition, I considered my concept carefully,” shares Ania. “I discovered a beautiful painting by artist, Marc Allante, which features a couple underneath an umbrella, who are hugging and dancing under rainbow-coloured rain. It captivated me, and I knew then, that I wanted to create an umbrella-shaped nail with a couple under it. The other nails then followed the weather theme.
The entry that won Ania first place in 2022.
Ania also won the hearts of Scratch followers with another striking entry, which represented the history of the suffragette movement. This amassed the most public votes in 2022.
Despite being in the nail industry for 17 years and being well experienced in the competition world, Ania set herself a challenge: to create nails of this extremity for the first time. “This year, I wanted to do something I had never done before. Therefore, I attended a course with Scratch columnist & Nailympia winner, Mino Vo, in London and was eager to use the skills I had learned. Crafting the umbrella was the biggest challenge, but with some patience and trials, I finally created a shape I was happy with.” Ania had a clear vision of how she wanted her entry to look, and there was only one photographer she wanted to work with, her brother: Kris Kesiak. “The aim was to create a striking image with just a hand and nails that told a story, and I didn’t want any elements to distract from the nails,” Ania continues. “The shoot day was very exciting. I was the model and couldn’t wait to apply the nails. We tested a variety of lights and worked to shoot an image where all fingers were aligned, in order to see the full narrative. It took several attempts, but we snapped the perfect shot in the end.”
IMAGE CREDITS The Voter’s Choice Award winning image for 2022, created by Ania.
Nail stylist & model: Ania Kesiak /aniakesiaknails Photographer: Kris Kesiak @kriskesiak
@aniakesiaknails
SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 29
TRAININGSPOTLIGHT
COURSE
Bites Do you want to add L&P to your skillset? Get the scoop on CND™’s beginner level course with CHLOE RANDALL, as she shadows a training session led by award-winning educator, Anna Lee THE COURSE: New.2 CND™ L&P About: The New.2 CND™ L&P course is hosted by Sweet Squared’s Academy 2. It is designed for both nail industry newbies and natural nail professionals who want to learn how to use the CND™ liquid & powder system. The course consists of online theory and two practical sessions, and requires the submission of four case studies. On successful completion of the course, a Habia-accredited qualification is presented. “I believe that liquid & powder is the heart of the CND™ brand,” comments Anna Lee, CND™ educator & founder of learning institute, Creative Academy London. “I love that this course takes the students back to basics and introduces them to the CND™ brand. Anna Lee
“In my opinion, liquid & powder is the most challenging nail system to master. At the end of the New.2 CND™ L&P course, I feel so much joy watching my students successfully apply it to a nail. It’s such a great achievement for them.”
Cost: £450 inc VAT
Time: CND™ recommends spending 12 hours minimum on the online section of the course. The two practical sessions are six hours and five hours respectively, and time is also needed to carry out four case studies, and submit virtually.
COURSE CONTENT
During the online theory, students learn and observe the following:
üCND™ liquid & powder brand theory üAnatomy for the nail professional üHealth & safety üPrep üProduct profiles üApplication üStep-by-steps üTreatment application videos üRemoval üMaintenance üBusiness guidance Once the quizzes on the online theory section have been passed, the in-class practical modules can be booked with a CND™ educator. The educator will teach application, removal, rebalancing, how to fit a form and how to apply a tip to create L&P nail enhancements. “I really enjoyed the online theory,” comments Luisa Maria Ferreira, a student of the New.2 CND™ L&P course. “The quizzes offered multiple choice responses and I found the reading material very interesting. The theory prepared Luisa Maria Ferreira me well for the practical sessions.”
Assessment: Before the practical course can be completed, the online theory tests must be completed and passed. The practical course is assessed following successful completion and approval of the four case studies. Once both sections have been passed, students receive a Habia-accredited qualification and are able to practice their new skills further and introduce them to clients.
30 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
TRAININGSPOTLIGHT
CHLOE’S VIEWPOINT I attended the practical sessions of the New.2 CND™ L&P course with CND™ educator, Anna Lee, at Creative Academy London in October and November. The start time for the first session was 10am, and Anna introduced me to course student, Luisa Maria Ferreira. Before exercising L&P application, Anna gave us practice sheets, so we could master how to create beads using the correct ratio of liquid & powder.
The session finished at 4pm, and Luisa took home her purchased kit, ready to begin work on her case studies before the next session, which would focus on rebalancing. Luisa comments: “I loved everything about the New.2 CND™ L&P course and learning about the products, what they do and application techniques. I now want to practice as much as possible, so I can start working for myself. Gaining this qualification means I can gain insurance, which will mean I can offer L&P services to clients safely and armed with knowledge.”
Mastering the L&P ratio is crucial to successful L&P enhancements, and I found it to be quite challenging. However, with Anna’s guidance and tuition, the exercise proved useful when we applied beads to practice tips. Once this skill was nailed, Anna demonstrated how to apply the beads to practice nail tips and use them to create an L&P overlay. We then put this to the test ourselves, with Anna on hand to offer advice. Following a lunch break, Anna demonstrated how to fit forms and apply tips, and how to use them within an L&P enhancement service. Luisa was tasked with creating L&P enhancements using a combination of both forms and tips on one hand. Throughout this time, Anna made suggestions on how Luisa could improve each nail.
Scan here to enrol on the New.2 CND™ L&P course and discover more training options with Sweet Squared’s Academy2 www.sweetsquared.com
/SweetSquared
@sweetsquared.nails
SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 31
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Level up your nail art this festive season to cater to all requests, with CHLOE RANDALL’S roundup of Christmas & party nail designs
Festive Flair Halo VIP, Charlotte Atwill, showcases the brand’s Glitter Non-Wipe Top Coat, Fairy Dust, which adds subtle sparkle to a nude overlay.
From sophisticated red, green or glitter hues to a detailed winter wonderland, Scratch is on hand to prepare you for an abundance of merry manicure requests. Let’s unwrap three nail art levels with a serving of design ideas and seasonal product picks…
LEVEL 1
Instagram.com/amanda.sudolll
Are you feeling overwhelmed by this season’s nail art requests? Before you get covered in glitter and set on perfecting snowflake painting, consider clarifying your client offerings by sorting them into levels. This helps you to schedule the right amount of time to complete designs.
Polish nail tech, Amanda Sudół, gets in the festive spirit with a red overlay, featuring snowflakes and alternative French tips on two feature nails.
The team at Nigerian salon, The Nail Boutique, brigs a ho-ho-hearty twist to the classic French manicure.
Halo Fairy Dust Non-Wipe Top Coat £5.95 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk
WHAT IS LEVEL 1?
“Level one nail art offerings are minimal,” shares Jiak Hing, Scratch Stars Gel Polish Jiak Hing Stylist of the Year 2022 & 2023. “These include French tips, line art and simple painting.”
:YOURS Merry Stamping Plate £4.25 + VAT & White Light Stamping Polish £5.55 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com
SPEEDY STYLING
Emily Langford
Instagram.com/thenailboutiqueng
Image courtesy of Lecenté, showing Lecenté Create Glitter Gel Polish in Holly Jolly, available via www.lecente.com / www.sweetsquared.com / www.ellisons.co.uk
SEASONALNAILINSPO
Stamping plates are ideal for pros who may not be confident in nail artistry, or who wish to offer eye-catching nail finishes in minutes. Emily Langford, Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year finalist 2023, comments: “I paint so many snowflakes during the festive season, so use a stamping plate to speed up designs and ensure uniformity. If stamping isn’t for you, use stickers! They’re ideal for a quick embellishment.”
34 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
SEASONALNAILINSPO Artistic Flash Glitter Gel in Flashback to Fabulous £13.95 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk Belinda Price
“I use layers of table towel under my client’s hands, so I can wrap up spills quickly, easily and without any fuss,” comments Belinda Price, OPI education & capability manager. “Have good quality, clean brushes and tools in arm’s reach, and wear an apron to protect yourself and your clothing.”
Instagram.com/paiwaloves
Louella Belle ambassador, Lori Walker, creates a perfect party nail look that dazzles under camera lights. She used Artistic Flash Glitter Gels in Flashback to Fabulous, Make Sparks Fly and Popping with Sparkle.
Indigo nail designer, Oliwia Krauz, serves up a treat with this hand-painted candy cane design, created using a white hue alongside a shimmering red.
Instagram.com/napaznokciach
KEEP IT CLEAN
SELF-CARE
Keep nail styles cool and sparkly with inspo from Spanish nail pro, Hermanas Cano, who used a dotting tool and white hue to create a snow effect.
Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year 2023 finalist, Paiwa Drew from East Sussex, showcases a sparkly French: a versatile look for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Lecenté Glitter Gel Polish in Holly Jolly £11.99 + VAT www.lecente.com www.sweetsquared.com www.ellisons.co.uk
Instagram.com/hermanas.cano
Lily Lou Moore
“Burnout is a massive risk for many nail pros over the chaos of Christmas, so make sure you don’t overwork yourself,” states Lily Lou Moore, Louella Belle brand ambassador. “Take short breaks in between appointments to eat and hydrate – and remember, you need to enjoy the festivities, too!”
The GelBottle Inc Studio Effects Gold Metallic Leaf £9 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com
The Pro Gel Gel Polish in Cupid’s Arrows £10.95 + VAT www.theprogel.com Glitterbels Dotting Tool & Wax Crystal Picker £9.99 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com
Mii Colour Confidence Nail Polish in Madame Rouge £6.25 + VAT/RRP £13.50 www.gerrardinternational.com
MARKETING MAGIC
The GelBottle Inc Liner Brush 03 £9 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com
Jaz Moger
“Try to tempt clients that are nervous about nail art with a minimal design,” comments Jaz Moger, Salon System nail expert. “A coloured French tip or a plain colour with a different coloured dot at the cuticle can ease them into nail art. Carry out a thorough consultation with clients and help them to pick colours that suit them.”
Luxe Nail Parlour, Nairobi, draws attention with a sparkly feature nail on a natural pink base.
Instagram.com/luxenailsparlour
Sprinkle some Christmas cheer by taking inspiration from these festive nails by US-based nail pro, Erica Moore.
Instagram.com/ericanailedme
Alex Bates, founder of The Pro Gel, uses the brand’s sparkling purple mix shade, Cupid’s Arrows, to create this stunning overlay.
Salon System Gellux Gel Polish in Purely White £11.95 + VAT. Available from wholesalers nationwide.
Yasmin Hodge of Gels by Yas, Wolverhampton, took one hour and 30 minutes to create this stunning snowflake nail style, charging the client £30 for the service.
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SEASONALNAILINSPO
LEVEL 2
OPI GelColor in Chill’em with Kindness £19.90 + VAT www.opi.com
WHAT IS LEVEL 2?
Jiak Hing states that her level two nail art offerings involve intricate designs on all 10 nails, for example mix ‘n’ match styles and watercolour painting, which can be conceived and achieved within the set appointment time.
Instagram.com/naileditbeauty
Jiak Hing created this festive French design in two hours, and charged the client £20 extra for the nail art on top of a basic gel polish service.
Artistic Art Paint in White £9.99 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk
Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish in A Hundred Present Yes £16.99 + VAT www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk www.salon-services.com
Lily Lou Moore used Artistic Nail Design Colour Gloss in Hotness and Art Paint in White to create this pretty snowflake look for the festive season.
Combine a red French tip with candy canes and gingerbread figures for the ultimate Christmas look, as demonstrated by nail tech influencer, Abi Markey of @naileditbeauty.
Artistic Colour Gloss in Hotness £13.95 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk
STOCK UP
Joanne Thomas
“Prepare for the Christmas rush by stocking up on festive nail favourites, such as red, white, green, gold and silver glitter products,” advises The GelBottle Inc ambassador, Joanne Thomas. Instagram.com/_tipsandtoes_
A festive nail design by Cheryl Ogden, created using Moyra stamping products, available via www.moyrauk.co.uk
Tips and Toes, India, showcases a level two design, featuring Santa, a Christmas pudding, a snowflake and some dotting for extra effect.
TOP TIP
“I encourage my clients to inform me at the time of booking about what they’re looking to achieve with their Julie-Anne Larivière nail art appointment,” reveals Julie-Anne Larivière, Salon System expert. “My website explains my pricing levels, and as clients book with me directly, I explain the time required to create their wish. If, on the day of the appointment, a client changes their mind or requests something more intricate, I explain what can be achieved within the time they have booked, to manage their expectations.”
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TOP TIP
“Tidy up as you go during Christmas appointments, to Yasmin Hodge maintain a clean working space for your creations,” advises Yasmin Hodge of Gels by Yas, Wolverhampton. “If using glitter, I Halo Create Glitter Recycling use a glitter catcher to prevent it from Tray £4.50 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk spreading over the nail desk and floor.”
SEASONALNAILINSPO
SNOWFLAKE STYLE
To create precise and symmetrical snowflakes, Sophie Harris-Greenslade Sophie Harris-Greenslade of The Illustrated Nail suggests using nail art striping tape to create a stencil for the shape. Scan here for a step-by-step
Rebecca Orme Striping Tape 95p inc VAT www.rebeccaorme.co.uk
This glittery design by Glitterbels co-founder, Annabel Maginnis, is perfect for New Year’s Eve and party celebrations. To create the look, Annabel used Glitterbels’ Acrylic Powder in Royalty.
Add a Christmas wreath to nail cuffs for a level two finish, as shown by Lindsey Cunningham of Lindsey’s Beauty Lounge, Halifax.
CND Shellac™ (£14.95 + VAT) & CND™ Vinylux™ (£5.95 + VAT) in Forever Green www.sweetsquared.com
US-based nail pro, @brooklynxnailss, adds a Christmas tree and snowflakes to a festive French design.
Instagram.com/gladis_nails
Rudolph is leading the way in this Christmas look by Spanish business, Gladis Nails. Various shades of Onyx Nails Gel Colour were used.
Black and gold make a great colour combination for New Year’s Eve party nail designs, as showcased by Karolina Matuszewska (@matuszewsk.a).
Instagram.com/matuszewsk.a
Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year 2023 finalist, Charlotte Brindley, combines grey snowflakes, glitter and cable knit.
Instagram.com/brooklynxnailss
Instagram.com/lindseysbeautylounge1
Glitterbels Acrylic Powder in Royalty £9.95 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com
Preciosa Crystal Mix in Cosy Nights (100pk) £4.84 inc VAT www.crystalparade.co.uk
TGB Studio Effects Flashing Pigment in Pillarbox £10 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 37
>>
WHAT IS LEVEL 3?
Level three nail art includes bespoke designs that require planning prior to the appointment, or those that are intricately detailed, notes Jiak Hing. Styles include character painting.
INK London Liquid Metal Art Gel Duo £15 inc VAT www.inknails.com
Instagram.com/nailsbyvictoriab
LEVEL 3
Instagram.com/beautiful_in_light
SEASONALNAILINSPO
NSI’s social media advocate, Vicky Bancroft, hand-paints festive favourite, The Grinch, onto nails.
Create a striking design that will be talked about all season by incorporating character painting, as shown by Stockholm-based nail pro, @beautiful_in_light.
Glitterbels Rainbow Glitter 3D Brush £9.99 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com
Entity Colour Couture in It’s a Taxi Affair £10.95 + VAT www.beautybossherquarters.co.uk
“Consider the extra time a design will take on top of a standard appointment,” shares Belinda Price. “I have a collection of nail art for each timescale, so I can show clients the designs I have time to create. It also makes charging easy, as I aim for around £1 per minute for nail art, with the exception of additions like crystals.”
Light Elegance ButterCream in Perfect Cut £17.95 + VAT www.lightelegance.co.uk
Instagram.com/nailsbymookie
Instagram.com/indiglownails
PRICING POINTER
Magpie Beauty brand ambassador, Sylvia Kucio, shares this extravagant nail art design, featuring Santa Claus, a nutcracker and baubles.
Angela Metcalfe
TOP TIP
“Only offer designs that you have perfected,” advises Angela Metcalfe, Glitterbels educator. “It is better to do a simple design well, than a difficult design poorly. Offer easy styles to start with, then as your technique improves, you can offer more advanced looks and charge more.” 38 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Instagram.com/aoi.nails
Nailchemy 10mm Liner Professional Brush £12.99 + VAT www.nailchemy.co.uk
US-based nail pro, @nailsbymookie, maximises length to create a jam-packed nail design for the Christmas season.
SKILL-BUILDING OPTIONS Crystal Nails educator, Kara Evans of Kara’s Nails, has posted an online Christmas nail art workshop online. Visit www.karasnails.co.uk to be added to a private Facebook group, where the workshop can be accessed for £10.
Add a 3D effect to your party designs like @aoi.nails, and consider changing up hues from traditional festive shades for standout looks.
The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, is running a Christmas pick ‘n’ mix nail art workshop, where you can pick the design you want to learn for just £5. Scan to find out more!
SEASONALNAILINSPO
The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, creates a sweet delight with this Christmas pudding nail design, featuring snowflakes, sparkle and purple hues.
The Nail Lab Ring Palette £12.50 inc VAT www.tnluk.co.uk
Instagram.com/nailart_bygracie
This stunning style by Jiak Hing radiates Christmas vibes. It took Jiak four and a half hours to complete this bespoke look, and she charged her client £80 for the nail art on top of the cost of the enhancements.
Halo Gel Polish in Dazzle £5.95 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk
enVogue Lac It in Santa Claws £POA www.envoguenails.eu
Combine tartan, jewels and snowflakes for the ultimate Christmas design, as shown by US nail educator, Shanna Martindale.
MARKETING POINTER
“Share pictures, reels and demos of your Christmas and party designs on social media,” suggests Emily Langford. “I’ve invested in a practice hand, which I use to help create Christmas nail art content. If people can see what you can craft, it will inspire ideas for their nail styles and entice bookings.”
Let clients ring in the new year with a Disney-themed nail look. Priscilla van Uden of @home_of_deva paints a Mickey Mouse clock turning midnight in this intricate design.
SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 39
Instagram.com/home_of_deva
The GelBottle Inc Cat-Eye Gel Polish in North Pole £16.50 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com
Instagram.com/__nailaddict
New Year’s Eve offers the perfect opportunity for some fun nail art. Why not feature fireworks, glitter and a clock about to strike midnight, like Texas’ @nailart_bygracie?
glitterbels.com | @glitterbels
INDUSTRYACHIEVEMENT
Hand & Footcare
Royalty As Margaret Dabbs receives an OBE for her services to hand & footcare, Scratch reflects on her career beginnings & brand success
I
t’s a business born from a desire to care, treat and beautify hands, legs and feet, and on 26 September, the founder of Margaret Dabbs London was recognised for her work by HRH The Princess Royal.
Margaret Dabbs created the namesake brand in 2004, fusing medical science and podiatry with beauty to produce results-driven and luxurious treatments and products. Her appointment as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) came in honour of her services to business and podiatry, and her success creating a wellness category within beauty for the care of hands, feet, nails and legs. Dabbs’ vision stems from her work at a general practice while at school, which led to her pursuit of a career in the medical sector. She studied podiatry, encouraged by a friend and surgeon who had become her mentor, and worked from a clinic. “During this period, patients were constantly asking me which products I would recommend for various foot ailments, including hard skin on the feet, cracked heels and fissures, dehydrated skin and hygiene issues,” Margaret shares. “I felt that pharmaceutical products were mostly unpleasant to use, and beauty products were not effective on a treatment level. “I saw an opportunity to develop a credible range of effective treatment formulations for feet, and sourced ingredients from around the world to meet the demands and needs of my patients. In doing so, I ensured that the scent, look and feel of these products were unlike anything I had come across.” Margaret defied her own expectations with the launch of her products. She admits that, while a happy child, she often felt underestimated. One of four children, she grew up in East London, brought up by her father, after her mother died while she and her siblings were in junior school. Her father passed away 10 years later, and she faced tough times, noting: “I imagine this is what gave me my determination, drive and strength.”
Steps to success As the popularity of her treatments and products grew, major retailers approached Margaret to stock her formulas, but were faced with a dilemma: the foot products didn’t fit into the beauty, skincare or cosmetics categories. “My products were beautifying, anti-ageing and luxurious, but also exceptionally effective on a treatment level,” she shares. “I used them in my clinic to treat patients, while also launching them for retail sale.” The quality of the products was quickly recognised, and Margaret Dabbs London 42 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
INDUSTRYACHIEVEMENT
products were embraced by both the medical and beauty industries, which carved out a new category to accommodate. The brand then expanded its portfolio to offer hand, nail and leg products. At the end of 2008, Margaret moved out of her podiatry consulting room into her first foot clinic and nail spa, in a retail space within the medical district of Marylebone High Street. Beauty therapists were introduced to complement the podiatry treatments. She recalls: “It was a bold move, but it gave the brand visibility, accessibility and high street presence.” Soon after, Margaret was approached by Harrods, with an offer to stock her foot products and open a second clinic. Success continued to snowball, as a long-term partnership with Liberty London followed, before Margaret opened her first international clinic, and fourth overall, within a designer shoe emporium in Dubai. There are now 14 Margaret Dabbs clinics worldwide.
Giving back Demonstrating her continued commitment to care, Margaret launched Sole Potential in 2021: a charity that serves to provide underprivileged youths in the UK with sports footwear. Its goal is to give these young people the opportunity to participate in sport, to support the development of their social, physical and emotional health. Dabbs, who excelled at sport as a child, comments: “I truly believe in inclusion for all children when it comes to physical activity and group sport, and that suitable sport shoes are a necessity. Through Sole Potential, we hope to be able to level the playing field, giving every child a fair start so that they can reap the benefits of participation in sport alongside their peers.”
BEST SELLER
The multi award-winning Foot Hygiene Cream is an overnight treatment balm that helps to promote skin renewal, while combatting common foot ailments and symptoms associated with Athlete’s Foot. It contains antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to treat discoloured, damaged, crumbling and unhealthy-looking toenails, and can be used to relieve itchiness and reduce foot odour.
The charity works closely with schools, local authorities, sports teams and other charitable trusts to identify those most in need. It raises money through donations and fundraising events, such as marathons, half-marathons, treks and challenges. Margaret’s personal challenges for the charity include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, several marathons, and completing a cycling challenge across India – despite not riding a bike beforehand. The entrepreneur’s missions show no sign of slowing, as she is focused on expanding her clinics globally and adding to the Margaret Dabbs London product range. Of the OBE honour, a spokesperson for Margaret Dabbs London comments: “This award is testimony to [Margaret’s] vision, talent and ability in business, her hard work and the success and quality of her clinics, products and treatments. “We are honoured that her amazing achievements and entrepreneurship have been recognised in such a wonderful way.”
www.margaretdabbs.co.uk /MargaretDabbsLondon @margaret_dabbs_london @margaretdabbslondon
SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 43
NAILTALK
BEHIND THE GRAM Get to know social media nail stars as they offer an insight into their lives & share content creation tips Nadia – Canada @ilysmnails 389K followers
My nail journey Vibrant colours, arts and crafts have fascinated me since childhood. I previously worked as a pre-school teacher and started exploring professional nail artistry around 15 years ago. When the coronavirus pandemic commenced in 2020, I began crafting miniature designs on nails and documenting each process on social media. My greatest achievement has been demonstrating that a nail can be a canvas for art. Not every nail design has to be practical; styles can also serve to portray artistry, express emotion and provide an insight into one’s passions.
Fun fact
I always wear something pink. What makes me happy I like spending time with family and friends, and my hobbies include listening to music, watching movies, exercising, visiting the beach and going for scenic drives.
Signature look My signature nail style pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved on a nail. From fruit art to electronic and movie-themed nails, I’ve experimented with various themes. I enjoy creating nails that feature bright colours and different textures.
My inspirations My designs are primarily inspired by my experiences. I can take inspiration from an event in my life, movie, song or outfit.
Video tip There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to video content. Whether you’re creating long or short videos, your audience will guide you on what they like to see, so identify their preference and your niche.
A day in my life After starting my day with a cup of tea, I plan video content, gather materials, film the creative steps for each nail look and edit the videos. A typical day involves 10 to 12 hours of work.
Social media advice
Roughly a month into regular posting, I began noticing a growing appreciation for my work. I believe the key has been consistency. I am driven by a passion for nail art and filming, so I don’t feel much pressure to post. As long as my viewers appreciate my work, I’m motivated to create.
My top three social media tips are:
1. Be consistent. It takes a lot of content to identify your niche, so post at least three times per week.
2. Be passionate about your work. It’s easy to lose focus if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing. 3. Show compassion and care towards your followers and it will be reciprocated. Be sensitive to their feelings and preferences, and interact with them.
44 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Tech for TECH-NOLOGY
Techs
REBECCA HITCHON gets the scoop on high-tech launches, decodes hot topics & sources tech-savvy tips for your business
Elevate consultations, education & bookings with Consultify Digital platforms can help organise your work life and speed up interactions with clients, but are you using the best tools for your business? Aimée Evans, a beauty pro & brow expert, conceived the idea for app, Consultify, when GDPR regulations came into force, complicating the use of paper records. The app, which launches this month, makes it easy to complete beauty consultations and brush up on knowledge of contraindications. Booking tools are set to launch soon.
Aimée Evans
Aimée, the owner of Scarborough’s The Brow Factory, which offers treatments and training, tells Scratch that the idea for Consultify came about in 2018. When pregnancy complications left her unable to work on her feet in 2021, she turned her full attention to its development.
Consultations “First and foremost, Consultify is a consultation platform,” Aimée explains. “Throughout my time in the industry, I’ve noticed a desire for online consultations, so I took it upon myself to create a software that makes consultations more convenient for clients and professionals. “Carrying out thorough consultations for first-time clients and repeat customers is essential for all parties, to identify any health & safety concerns. We owe it to clients and ourselves to do what we can to eradicate risks. This includes ensuring that consultations are relevant, detailed, insurance compatible and accessible,” she continues. On the Consultify app, pros can store clients’ consultation forms, keeping their use in line with GDPR regulations and making them readily available for insurance purposes. They can access pre-made forms for a variety of beauty treatments, which can be customised if required, or create their own forms from scratch. These forms can be emailed to clients to be filled out in advance of appointments, or completed on arrival. Each client has a comprehensive profile on the app, where they can access previous and upcoming consultation forms, their medical history, appointment diary, photographs and payment history. Pros can also send them automated, personalised pre-care and aftercare recommendations.
“I took it upon myself to create a software that makes consultations more convenient for clients and professionals.” 46 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
TECH-NOLOGY
Booking The final key pillar of Consultify is booking, and the app is set to offer an online booking system early next year, which will be accessible to multiple staff members. This will include smart booking; streamlining the scheduling of appointments by eradicating gaps. In addition, there will be the option to authorise online bookings, as well as deposit and payment features, SMS appointment reminders, resource allocation and insights reporting.
Education
While consultations are the star of the show for Consultify, the app further prioritises service safety with its contraindication database. Via the feature, pros can search for a medication or skincare product to source guidance on whether it is contraindicated to a treatment. Aimée gives the following example: “Let’s say a regular client of mine has started using a new medication and has inputted this on their consultation update form. If I’m unsure whether it’s a contraindication to their upcoming treatment, I simply need to search for the medication in the database to receive advice.”
Aimée acknowledges that every beauty business is different, so pros will each seek something different from Consultify. This is why many of the app’s features can be switched on or off within a user’s profile, or chosen as part of a subscription. “There are various subscription tiers available to suit every need and budget, with monthly subscriptions starting from £15,” Aimée reveals. “If a pro solely wants to use Consultify’s contraindication checker, they can subscribe to that alone. The same goes for the consultation or booking systems.”
The idea for the database developed from Aimée’s fascination with treatment contraindications, which grew during her beauty training. “I noticed a lack of detailed information regarding contraindications, so over time, compiled a list of medications, skincare products and illnesses that clients had mentioned at the time of booking or during treatments,” she says. “I have also sourced information from insurance companies, training providers and medical professionals, helping to collate the comprehensive advisory database for beauty treatments.” Alongside the contraindication checker, Consultify offers a software forum, where pros can speak to like-minded people in the industry and discover video guides on how to set up and make the most of the app.
Consultify launches this month for mobile phones, tablets and web browsers, with its booking system available in early 2024. To register as a user, visit consultifyapp.com Consultify
@consultifyapp SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 47
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TECH-NIQUE
How to master the
MIRROR FINISH Are chrome nails causing you strife? Nail artists share top tips for perfecting powder application & ensuring a flawless finish
From full coverage looks to dainty details and eye-catching accents, chrome powder has cemented its place in nail kits, owing to its versatility and speed of use. The hashtag #chromenails has 1.6 billion views on TikTok and 2.4 million posts on Instagram, and the look was a popular choice at New York Fashion Week for spring/summer 2024.
WHY CHROME? “Chrome powders add a rock and roll touch to nails, but also enhance simple, elegant designs,” says Alice Nali, Scratch Stars Nail Stylist of the Year 2023. “I love to combine hand-painted Jiak Hing adds striking nail art with metallic elements, or use chrome as a silver chrome details to this trendy gothcore look. background for my designs.” Alice Nali
Jiak Hing
Lucy Price
“Chrome is extremely versatile and adds depth with a futuristic twist,” adds fellow Scratch Stars Awards winner, Jiak Hing, Gel Polish Stylist of the Year 2023. “Use the product to outline shapes to add a refined, sophisticated finish to nails, or consider using alongside a matte top coat to create an antique appearance.”
Lucy Price upgrades the classic French with a standout silver chrome twist.
“Whether it’s used to create a full coverage look, add metallic details or enhance a French tip, chrome is a great addition to a nail design,” comments Lucy Price, Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2023. “It’s popular with my clients during the festive season, and I am seeing increasing numbers of bridal clients requesting chrome nail finishes.”
“Chrome powders are available in a variety of shades to suit each season,” notes Angela Metcalfe, Glitterbels educator. “Darker finishes, such as the chocolate glazed look, suit autumn, while red, gold and silver are perfect for Christmas. Angela Metcalfe White or pearl chrome finishes are ideal for a summery look, and as a base underneath a design.”
Fab French
“When adding chrome to a French design, apply the product to the free edge, then paint the French tip over the chrome, using top coat. Cure, then wipe away the chrome excess for the perfect finish.” Lucy Price Chrome gets a pink Barbiecore makeover, courtesy of Glitterbels co-founder, Annabel Maginnis.
“I’ve never had a client who wasn’t totally wowed while watching their first chrome nail application,” smiles Lecenté educator, Claire Howard. “Chrome offers a beautiful, high sheen finish to nail colours and will look different on all shades Sophie Donaldson adds Claire Howard in your collection. Play with coverage to chrome leaves to enhance create a variety of looks.” a milky nude mani. “Once you have perfected chrome application, you may find your clients requesting it at most of their appointments,” reveals Sophie Donaldson, award-winning nail artist Sophie Donaldson & session tech. “It’s the perfect finish for a special occasion.”
50 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Alice Nali complements blue tips with a gold chrome snake feature nail.
Halo Create Chrome in #BeEmpowered £1.74 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk
OPI Stay Shiny Top Coat £19.90 + VAT www.opi.com The GelBottle Inc Studio Effects Chrome Pigment in Cerise £10 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com
Gelish Chrome Stix in Gold Holographic £6.99 + VAT www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk / www.salon-services.com
TECH-NIQUE
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
Double up!
“To make chrome dazzle even more, I apply a second layer of chrome powder after top coating the first layer,” shares Sophie Donaldson.
1. Why is my chrome powder not adhering well to top coat?
Jenny Nagorski
“Not all tack-free top coats are suitable for chrome application,” says Jenny Nagorski, senior educator at Lecenté. “Do your research on which to use with chrome, as some brands offer top coats or products designed specifically for chrome application, such as Lecenté’s Layer It!”
Jenny Nagorski adds a touch of sparkle to this ombré design, blending a scarlet hue into an eye-catching red chrome.
Lecenté Layer It! £11.99 + VAT & Chrome Nail Powder in Blue www.lecente.com / www.ellisons.co.uk / www.sweetsquared.com Sophie Donaldson pairs shades of nude and gold glitter alongside an eye-catching gold chrome feature nail.
2. Why is there pitting in my chrome finish?
“It’s very important to work on a smooth surface when applying chrome powder,” comments Alice Nali. “Ensure there are no lumps or bumps on the nail before the powder application, allowing for an even finish.” Claire Howard adds: “Be mindful of catching the chrome with your tools before applying top coat, as the surface can scratch easily. Check nails under your desk light for any lumps, bumps or dust before curing each layer, as any imperfections will be amplified with a chrome finish.”
Claire Howard creates a chrome starry sky using a bold blue hue.
3. How can I avoid getting chrome powder on the sidewalls of the nail? “Chrome application can be messy,” admits Jiak Hing. “Carefully dust off excess chrome powder from the nails before top coat application, to prevent contamination and maintain a neat design. I use a nail brush and sponge to do this.” “Ensure that top coat has been applied up to the sidewalls and cuticle area, as these areas can often be missed,” notes Sharon Baker, Louella Belle brand ambassador liaison & Sharon Baker Artistic Nail Design educator. “If the top coat isn’t applied properly in these areas, the chrome powder can gather in the inhibition layer and create an uneven finish.”
Artistic Chrome Pen in Pink Opal £6.95 + VAT & Chrome Top Coat £17.95 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk
4. Why is my chrome finish streaky and patchy?
Sharon Baker adds a chrome twist to the trending paint chip mani, with a wash of sparkling pink chrome over neutral hues.
Lecenté Chrome Applicator Wands £3.95 + VAT www.lecente.com
“Chrome powders add a rock and roll touch to nails, but also enhance simple, elegant designs.”
“Plastic applicators can leave marks in chrome,” reveals Lucy Price. “Consider using a silicone applicator, eyeshadow sponge or gloved finger to buff the chrome to a high shine.” Jenny Nagorski adds: “To achieve an even coverage after perfecting your top coat, pat the chrome powder onto the nail before buffing it into the nail.
5. Why is my chrome chipping and not lasting for two weeks?
“Chrome can inhibit the adhesion of gel layers, so you must ensure that you are fully encapsulating the nail with top coat,” shares Claire Howard. “Float the top coat onto the nail and carefully encapsulate, before capping the free edge to give the chrome design longevity. Repeat if desired.” “I like to buff the sides and free edge of the nail before applying top coat to remove excess powder,” says Alice Nali. “This makes the surface slightly rougher, so the top coat adheres better.”
Lucy Price adds a butterfly wing design over a chrome base.
SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 51
BUSINESSMATTERS
Top tips for retail success Overcome fears of ‘selling’ to clients & reap rewards with advice from Gelish master educator, NATALIE HENSON
A
re you making the most of retail opportunities in the nail space? By simply recommending products to your clients at the end of their treatment and showcasing them near your nail desk or online, you could dramatically increase your monthly revenue. “As nail professionals, the hand, foot and nailcare needs of our clients are at the top of our agenda,” shares Natalie Henson, owner of Regent Beauty Clinic in Barwell, Leicestershire & Gelish master educator. “We invest in quality products to give clients a service of high standard, so it’s important to help them maintain great results between appointments. And what better way than to buy products from someone knowledgeable who they trust?”
Let’s talk tactics Often, nail pros feel that they have to be versed in professional sales techniques to entice clients into buying products, therefore shy away from a direct approach. However, you may not realise that just by talking about the cuticle oil you use, and how it benefits the client, you’re halfway there to a sale. You just need to seal the deal!
Stock notes “When making purchase decisions for retail products, I buy three of each item,” shares Natalie. “If the item is particularly popular, I buy five of the item – never more, to avoid excess stock that takes up space. If products have been on display for a while, I will combine them to make a gift basket or hamper, with the addition of a voucher or seasonal items to encourage their sale.” Natalie packages retail items in tissue paper, sealed with a sticker, then pops them into a sleek white bag that features her business branding, along with the clinic’s business card. “I only buy my retail products from established companies that recommend a retail price,” she comments.
Best sellers
The most popular items at Regent Beauty Clinic are: Gelish Nourish Cuticle Oil £4.99 + VAT/RRP £9.99
Morgan Taylor Bare Luxury 4-step Manicure & Pedicure Pack £3.95 + VAT/RRP £9.99 Gelish Nail Files from 50p + VAT/RRP £3.99
“I never push a sale onto a customer; simply share what the product does and how to use it,” Natalie continues. “I have a display of retail products near the reception desk in my clinic, so that clients can browse items while they are waiting, or notice them when they pay for their treatment. “I keep display stands free of clutter, and use lighting and props to catch the eyes of clients and passers-by. I also change the position of the products on a monthly basis, to keep the retail area looking fresh. Consider testers where appropriate, so clients can try before they buy, and ensure that prices are clearly displayed.” 52 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
The retail display at Regent Beauty Clinic.
Morgan Taylor Daily Elixir Keratin Nail Treatment £7.50 + VAT/RRP £18.50
Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer £5.50 + VAT/RRP £11.50
Morgan Taylor Bare Luxury Hand Lotion £6 + VAT/RRP £14.99
Follow Natalie: www.regentbeautytraining.com @regentbeautytrainingacademy @regentbeautytrainingacademy All products mentioned are available via www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk & www.salon-services.com
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SCRATCHPADS
SCRATCH PADS Preparation & positivity On a bustling London high street sits Pre-, a calming salon space offering beauty escapism for all. REBECCA HITCHON pays a visit
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eauty treatments sit under the umbrella of self-care, and the positive feelings that they deliver cannot be underestimated. It’s this positivity that Mimi Gaston-Kennedy, a beauty PR specialist who founded Islington salon, Pre- in 2021, feels passionate about. “Clients visit us before occasions and after tough times,” she shares. “The name Pre- came from the idea that beauty treatments help them to prepare for something, such as a holiday or meeting. But we also see a lot of clients after events, for example post-baby or breakup. Beauty is here for them at all moments.”
Mimi Gaston-Kennedy
There’s a sense that all belong in Pre- when I visit. The calming décor, featuring forest green, warm neutrals and an exciting pop of coral, is inviting – and downstairs, in the manicure and pedicure room, magazines range from Vogue to The Economist. Even though Pre-’s typical client is a 30 to 40-year-old 54 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
woman, Mimi has made a conscious effort to ensure all genders feel comfortable via its aesthetic. “I particularly love the hot coral paint in the hallway and on the stairs at the back of the salon, as it captures attention and encourages people to be curious about what’s downstairs,” she notes.
Aesthetics abode The Pre- client journey is clear: the reception desk is the first thing I see when walking into the space, and I’m invited to sit on soft, deep green seating in the waiting area. Three retro-styled REM chairs catch my eye, facing arched mirrors on the right-hand side of the room, while the left wall features an organised display of skincare products, reminiscent of a luxury beauty store. I’m surrounded by warm orb lamps and seated under the room’s decorative orange ceiling, emphasised by strip lighting on the skirting. This room is where Pre-’s most popular service takes place: facials. “Clients come to us for custom facials, based on a thorough skin analysis and consultation,” Mimi continues. “We trialled pre-made >>
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“Here at Pre-, we place value on offering in-demand treatments at a high standard, in a gorgeous space and at a reasonable price. Quality and the customer experience are paramount, so we’re growing at a steady speed to make sure we do things well.”
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“The logistics of having one treatment in one place and another elsewhere before an event are complicated. I want to crack the multi-service beauty salon format.” facials but found that they weren’t popular, so have focused on our personalised offering. We acknowledge that there’s an emotion around the health and appearance of the skin that we need to respect.” Led by client demand, Pre- has recently introduced medic-led aesthetics, which Mimi hopes will elevate the brand’s holistic approach. “Consumers are very savvy; they know about ingredients and routines, and are aware of their beauty needs,” she says. “They don’t just visit Pre- for a relaxing facial: they want a treatment that is effective, and are dedicated to long-term work to achieve these results. Light touch aesthetics is the next step in offering this.” At the heart of Pre- is a passion for enhancing natural beauty, so alongside facials and aesthetics, the brand provides natural nail treatments, waxing, lash lifts and tints, and brow services. Mimi also puts little emphasis on trends. “While we’re very open to trying out the latest nail art trends, our focus is on our services being effective and safe, and using or selling brands backed by scientific research,” she comments. “We are confident when telling clients what each treatment and product will achieve, and don’t offer anything that’s solely based on popularity. I want clients to return to Pre- because they trust us.”
Second floor sanctuary I’m taken downstairs by self-employed nail pro, Mandesa of Perfect Finish London, who works in the salon two days per week. She is one of Pre-’s 13 experienced treatment specialists. Downstairs is just as spacious as the previous level, and features various sections. As I walk down the stairs, I notice a large drinks cabinet to my right, displaying a range of refreshments, intertwined with leafy plants. Mimi tells me that it was important to her that brands used in the salon reflect her values, and she has chosen female-founded and local companies for the products on the drinks menu and in the retail area. She ensures that none of the brands sold in Prepackage products in plastic materials, too. Beyond this area is desk seating, where tip display books are positioned. These showcase the large range of The GelBottle Inc gel polishes and Manucurist and Nailberry nail polishes available, plus the nail art designs on offer. The gel and nail polish bottles are also displayed by colour on shelving on the left side of the room. The Elim Medi-Pedi is a service that can be booked in this treatment space, as well as Pre-’s signature manicures and pedicures, with options available for gel polish, nail polish or no polish. I opted for the ‘Pre- Trademark Gel Polish Manicure’, chatting to Mandesa about the chilled, supportive nature of working at Pre-, while soothing melodies played in the background. “The goal is to have many Pre- salons in the future,” reveals Mimi, “We have already secured a location in Parsons Green, launching in early 2024, and are looking for another in North West London. Therefore, it is important to ensure that every step of our treatments – particularly our ‘Trademark’ ones – is defined, so all our therapists can provide the same, great quality service. Nail treatments are carried out on two shiny forest green desks, with colour-coordinated velvet chairs, and at an elevated pedicure area, featuring three classy peach seats, which can be separated by curtains. I’m impressed by Pre-’s organisation; all tools and products 56 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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“We are confident when telling clients what each treatment and product will achieve, and don’t offer anything that’s solely based on popularity. I want clients to return to Prebecause they trust us.” needed by techs are carefully placed in wooden dishes on the manicure tables, and are stored in neatly arranged trolleys at the pedicure stations. Ventilation systems are built into the tech side of the nail desks, and UV lamps sit within the tables on the client side, optimising comfort during the curing process.
The perks of PreMimi explains that the salon’s membership scheme, Pre-VIP, is popular with nail clients, as its benefits include free gel polish removal. Also offered is a complimentary treatment during the client’s birthday month, as well as two guest vouchers, 15% off all treatments – excluding aesthetics and Hydrafacials – at any time, and exclusive membership deals. Alongside this, the founder has striven to make her treatment pricing accessible. “Here at Pre-, we place value on offering in-demand treatments at a high standard, in a gorgeous space and at a reasonable price,” she says. “Quality and the customer experience are paramount, so we’re growing at a steady speed to make sure we do things well.” The idea for Pre- and its ethos were sparked during Mimi’s beauty PR career. “I was often asked where to go for the best beauty treatments in my PR work, but I struggled to share one location to satisfy all beauty needs,” she details. “From the point of view of our typical client: a busy working professional who is spinning a lot of plates, the logistics of having one treatment in one place and another elsewhere before an event are complicated. I want to crack the multi-service beauty salon format, and I’m proud that we’re growing all the time.” www.presalons.com
/presalons
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SCRATCHCOLUMNIST
Hair & beauty business coach, MADDI COOK, shares top tips to elevate your offerings & enhance your profits
2023 REFLECTIONS & TOP TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL 2024
About Maddi
Maddi Cook is the owner of Boss Your Salon, which helps empower hair and beauty pros to price perfectly, set boundaries and grow without burnout. She strives to ‘put more money into the pockets of the hair and beauty industry’ and believes that business growth is for everyone. Maddi has worked with over 20,000 hair and beauty pros, on her mission to change how the industry values itself. She believes that money is an amplifier; meaning that more money allows workers to do great things: for themselves, their family and their community. Maddi was a finalist in the Scratch Stars Awards 2023 for Services To The Nail Industry.
“Surround yourself with people who cheerlead you, hype you up and encourage you to fulfil your potential. You’re in great company just by being a part of the Scratch community, and what I know about nail pros is that you’re all so generous with your time, education and support.” www.bossyoursalon.com /bossyoursalon @bossyoursalon 58 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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o-ho-howdy, nail bosses! As the end of silly season comes into view, it’s time to shake off the glitter and wrap up 2023. Whether it’s been all you could dream of, or it left a lot to be desired, spend some time reflecting on the past 12 months and considering what you’d like to achieve next year, and beyond.
What are your wins? It’s easy to forget the individual glowing reviews, competition wins or astounding nail designs, so take a minute to congratulate yourself on your achievements in 2023.
What lessons have you learned? I don’t know about you, but I learn more from failure, than I do when things go swimmingly. Have you learned anything about yourself, your business, and what you will and won’t accept when it comes to clients and conditions?
How have you changed your mind? You may have started the year with grand plans of world domination via multiple salons, but you’re ending with a new goal of working solo, from the comfort of your cosy home. Or, you may have jumped into the year as a nervous newbie nail boss, and be ending it realising just how much you’ve grown in a year: wondering if you could help others do the same. I’m a firm believer that success is measured differently by different people, and one path doesn’t suit everyone. Sometimes, the universe throws us a curveball, and sometimes we simply change our mind and correct course – and both are perfectly fine. When I think back to 2018, when Boss Your Salon was my side hustle, I never thought that there would come a day when I didn’t do hair, let alone have this as mine (and my husband’s) full-time gig. And I’m not a magical wizard… I don’t have an MBA (I don’t have anything
beyond GCSEs), and I didn’t have a financial leg-up from any rich family members. I just had a deep love and respect for the industry, and a drive to make it better, any way I was able to. I’ve been privileged enough to have helped over 20,000 of you since then. So please don’t limit yourself, because your present reality in no way needs to reflect your future. I know from personal experience that there are many possibilities ahead – more than you can imagine. The key is to be open to them, seek out chances and opportunities, and be ready to learn lessons and ride the rollercoaster. Surround yourself with people who cheerlead you, hype you up and encourage you to fulfil your potential. You’re in great company just by being a part of the Scratch community, and what I know about nail pros is that you’re all so generous with your time, education and support. Lean into that as much as you can, and pay it forward by helping those a few steps behind you. In this house, we lift as we climb. It’s been a real pleasure to write for you over the last year, and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my column as much as I’ve loved writing it. I’d love to extend a huge thanks to Helena and everyone behind the scenes who make this magazine so incredible. You readers really are lucky ducks! If you’d like to stay in touch, come and hang out over on Instagram via @BossYourSalon, and don’t be a stranger if there’s anything I can help with. Wishing you endless support, and a loving kick up the bum for 2024. Your hype woman,
Maddi x
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MARKETINGMETHODS
Dazzle with Are you seeking new ways to entice clients to your salon & retail offerings? CHLOE RANDALL rounds up visual merchandising tips & techniques
displays Creativity and self-expression are skills that most nail pros possess, but instead of keeping them honed to the nail desk, utilise them across your window and retail displays to captivate clients and attract attention to your business.
Visual merchandising is a marketing method that uses elements including colour, lighting and technology to attract the attention of customers. Its purpose is to make your services and retail products stand out to generate more sales – and if done well, it can increase your retail revenue by 35%, according to beauty wholesaler, Simply Organic Beauty. More than just a display tactic, visual merchandising is a strategic tool that helps define a business. Your salon front is the first thing both new and existing clients will notice, and serves to highlight the personality of your business and elevate its profile. Here, Scratch explores how to use the tool effectively in the nail space…
Style file
All eyes on you “A well-decorated shop front attracts new clients and advertises your services,” comments Chantal Chambers Chantal Chambers, founder of Scratch Nail & Beauty Salon, Stourbridge, Scratch Stars Nail Salon of the Year finalist 2023. “It captures the attention of passers-by, who could become The team at Scratch Nail & new clients.” What’s more, Beauty Salon decorates the salon for Christmas with a large if you make your salon front bow and window wraps. Instagrammable, with a striking prop or announcement, clients may be inclined to post on social media, and you could benefit from free advertising. “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression,” adds Billy Chapman, director of The Sticky Monkey, a visual merchandising & design company. “Your window display is a commercial driver for your business, so utilise the space to get your brand noticed. It has to look amazing, because people buy with their eyes. “Creating a window display is a cheap and effective form of advertising, as it is already there for people to see, walk or drive past, and is included in your salon rent.”
TOP TIPS
Jemma Ball
“Choose a colour theme for your general window display,” comments Jemma Ball, founder of Jemma Elizabeth Beauty, Stoke-on-Trent. “Consider using the colours from your business logo, or the salon’s interior. When sourcing decorative items, start with a small amount so that displays don’t look too busy. You can always add more, and don’t throw any away as they can be used year after year. I keep my window decorations in a storage box, organised by theme.”
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Seasons and events are ideal opportunities to create striking window displays. Amelia Redhead, co-founder of Sable Social Beauty in Leeds, comments: “We change the salon’s window and retail displays seasonally, as this attracts the attention of passers-by, as well as Amelia Redhead like-minded customers.
“Seasonal decorations create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and can help to get clients in a celebratory mood. Some may even feel encouraged to try topical nail art upgrades. A seasonal window also creates content opportunities for clients. Their social media posts are great marketing for your business.” Amelia continues: “Invest in neutral decorations that you The Sable Social Beauty team creates a stunning Christmas can use in different ways, and window display, with a white add touches of colour with and gold colour scheme. ribbons and elements from nature in order to decorate on a budget. We love using pumpkins, conkers and pinecones in autumn, and change these to planters with daffodils and branches with hanging eggs for spring.”
Jemma Ball decorates her salon, Jemma Elizabeth Beauty, for events including Galentine’s Day and Halloween.
MARKETINGMETHODS
PRODUCT PICKS
Explore Scratch’s roundup of products from high street stores to help funk up your seasonal displays… B&M Fold Out Easter Eggs £POA www.bmstores.co.uk
B&M Bunny Wreath £POA www.bmstores.co.uk
Scratch Nail & Beauty Salon showcases a clean and neat display for its retail offerings.
Retail recommendations
“Do not clutter your retail area with too many decorations,” says Michelle Brookes, founder of Beauty Lounge Doncaster, Scratch Stars Nail & Beauty Salon of the Year 2023 finalist. “A busy area can divert clients’ eyes from your retail items. Price your products clearly, too, Michelle Brookes as clients may defer from buying items if they need to ask about the price.” “Make sure your retail area is cleaned regularly,” adds Amelia Redhead. “If dust has gathered around retail items and décor, this is what will draw attention instead of the retail items.”
PRIMARK HOME Pink Leopard Print Fur Throw £24 inc VAT www.primark.com
Homesense Easter Rose Gold Rabbit £4.99 inc VAT www.homesense.com
Homesense Paper Decorations £4.99 inc VAT www.homesense.com PRIMARK HOME Autumnal Garland £12 inc VAT www.primark.com
A window graphic fitted to a hair salon, courtesy of The Sticky Monkey.
Signage “Getting your brand’s name out there is crucial, so invest in an eye-catching sign outside the salon and consider window graphics,” notes Billy Chapman. Do you want to wrap your windows or add signage to your salon? Visit www.thestickymonkey.com, which can support with the creative, printing and fitting processes.
“Your window display is a commercial driver for your business, so utilise the space to get your brand noticed.”
Home Bargains LED Light Up Pumpkin £9.99 inc VAT www.home.bargains
Homesense Christmas Stocking Garland £7.99 inc VAT www.homesense.com
Home Bargains Snowflake Curtain Lights in Warm White £4.99 inc VAT www.home.bargains
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TECHSPOTLIGHT
READERS GALLERY
Creative nail stylist, CARRIE WILLIAMS, unveils her favourite nail designs & career goals
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TECHSPOTLIGHT
Name – Carrie Williams Age – 35 Business name – True Beauty by Carrie Location – Liverpool, Merseyside Years in nails – I attained my first nail qualification 12 years ago, while working full-time and training as an accountant. I quickly realised that nail styling was my passion, so took voluntary redundancy from my job to dedicate my time to the craft. Trained with – I studied at Liverpool Community College under the tutelage of Jacqueline O’Sullivan for two evenings per week, for 18 weeks, using NSI products. I loved it! Favourite products – My clients and I adore The GelBottle Inc’s BIAB™, and my L&P acrylic clients have all converted to builder gel enhancements. My favourite gel polish shades are by Madam Glam and DND.
Favourite nail technique – I enjoy hand-painting nail art designs and using chrome pigments to enhance a nail finish. Favourite nail design – Themed nails are fun to create, such as Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day and Easter styles. I always add plenty of colour! Career ambition & vision – I achieved a Level 3 AET qualification earlier this year and plan to start teaching nail skills in 2024. I will continue with my professional development to absorb as much industry knowledge as possible. Who do you admire in the industry? The nail sector is full of talented people who I’ve admired at different points in my career, and who have inspired me along the way. I find Katie Barnes’ resources a great source of information, and her online courses are extremely detailed. /truebeautybycarrie @truebeautybycarrie
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THE
mobile CLUB
Award-winning mobile nailist, CLARE WOODCOCK, shares top tips for making a success out of working on the move
WINNER
ABOUT CLARE WOODCOCK
Clare Woodcock is founder of The Nail Club, a mobile beauty business based in Sunbury upon Thames, Surrey. She began her nail industry journey in 2017, following 20 years in the music and entertainment sector as a senior PR manager & event producer. Clare trained with Gelish and has since expanded her nail and beauty knowledge with Bio Sculpture, Nouveau Lashes and HD Brows. She was awarded gold at the British Hair & Beauty Awards 2021 for Mobile Therapist of the Year, and scooped the Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year title in 2022 and 2023. Clare also works as director of communications for the Federation of Nail Professionals (FNP).
I
Goals for your mobile business in 2024 can’t believe I’m writing the final column in my series for Scratch. It’s hard to believe that a year has passed, but time does fly – which is why it’s important to make the most of it.
At the time of writing, I’m feeling sad about the passing of actor, Matthew Perry, and shocked regarding some news about a fellow nail tech. These events put things into perspective and highlight that we must make every day count. We can often strive so hard to reach our potential, that we don’t always enjoy the ride. I hope you have found the advice in my columns this year helpful, and laid strong foundations for a successful mobile business. Now, as we tackle the busy festive season and everything gets covered in glitter, it’s a great time to set intentions for 2024.
of downtime, reflect on the last year in business. Do an audit, set goals for the year ahead and create a vision board. For example, how many more clients do you want to attract? How much profit would you like to make? Do you seek more of a work-life balance? It’s a good idea to reflect on your progress monthly. Congratulate yourself on your wins and stay focused on your goals and vision. This will help you and your business to bloom. As for me, my intentions for 2024 are to kick my imposter syndrome out of the window for good. I’m going to set aside more time to grow my skills and business, which might mean rejigging my diary to better maximise my time. I’ll also be entering the Scratch Stars Awards 2024, to see if I can achieve Hall of Fame status. No pressure!
“Congratulate yourself on your wins and and stay focused on your Remind yourself to work smarter, not harder. Put systems and policies in place to create goals and vision. I’d love to hear your goals and what boundaries and take the emotion out of you’ve found most useful from my running your business. This will allow you to This will help you columns. If you’re going to miss my monthly focus on doing what you enjoy. A website, and your business advice, join my Facebook booking system and accounting software will group of supportive mobile help you to stand out from the crowd, showcase to bloom.” techs. It’s a place to ask questions your professionalism and make your life easier. Increase your prices to reflect inflation. Raising them every year, or twice a year if needed, is fine. Let’s all make the nail industry a better place by recognising the value and worth that we provide! While this month is busy, remember that business does continue after Christmas, so ensure you’re booking clients in for next year. Then, when January comes and you perhaps have a bit 64 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
related to working on a mobile basis and share tips. Scan here to join Thanks for reading. Over and out!
Clare
www.thenailclub.uk /thenailclublondon @thenailclublondon
New Year, New Brand? @theprogeluk
Created by nail professionals for nail professionals.
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HEALTHMATTERS
Feeling the strain? Nail pros share experiences of physical ailments that have affected their work & offer advice to overcome or alleviate REBECCA HITCHON REPORTS
Tekking tensions When you joined the industry, did you expect the nail tech role to be as physically demanding as it is? Sitting at a desk or pedicure station and holding the hands or feet of clients for hours each day can take its toll, on many areas of the body. Plus, in a clientfacing role, there’s pressure to put their needs first, with your wellness as an afterthought. The nail pros I’ve talked to here, all of whom have suffered or are suffering with a physical issue, openly admit that they’ve done just that – and share what their experiences have taught them.
Tech talk: Joanne Whitworth Within just three years of her career as a nail tech, Joanne Whitworth of Quality Tips Beauty Boutique, Doncaster, found that her hands were aching regularly due to her work. “The pain worsened to the point that I struggled to do my job without pain medication or extra breaks. It then started to affect my personal Joanne Whitworth life, as I was challenged by everyday tasks and had to give up my hobbies of painting and crocheting,” she tells Scratch. In 2021, Joanne received hydrocortisone injections in both hands. What was supposed to enable her to work normally again, had the opposite impact – and the effects didn’t last as long as hoped. “I needed three to four days to recover after each injection, and I couldn’t work during that time. This put pressure on me to do longer hours when I returned to work, so I was stuck in a vicious cycle,” Joanne continues. After an osteo-arthritis diagnosis in both hands, the pro had surgery on her non-dominant hand, and will have the same on her dominant hand once recovered. At the time of writing and seven weeks post-surgery, Joanne has carried out an infill service again, and her salon team has stepped in to run her business while she has been unable to work. “My experience has highlighted that there is an information gap for health & safety advice in the beauty industry. New nail technicians need to be informed of the long-term health risks of the role and preventive measures,” she says.
Joanne’s hand post-surgery.
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Joanne is interested in connecting with fellow techs with similar experiences, as part of a project focused on prevention. Email her at j.whitworthnails@gmail.com
HEALTHMATTERS
A guide to physical workplace wellness Gemma Lambert is an award-winning nail tech, judge & owner of The Nail Team training and products. She has suffered with back issues since the age of 14, and a chiropractor helped her manage the pain, until she was diagnosed with herniated discs in her neck and back, and spinal stenosis. Gemma Lambert
“The pain and fatigue have limited my working days, left me unable to teach or judge internationally, and forced me to run my salon business from home,” Gemma reveals. “I delayed my decision to work from home, but in time, I realised that it saved my business and made my career work for me. Within the beginner’s nail course I teach, I include sections on setting up equipment to aid posture and the importance of breaks – as looking after your health protects both your business and clients.” Gemma shares how techs can support their physical health in the workplace... • Establish a setup that works for you: Invest in a chair with adjustable height and back support, and a desk narrow enough to prevent over-stretching. A hard arm rest will allow clients to relax while you manipulate their hands, and also use a foot rest, remembering not to cross your legs. Good lighting will help you to avoid straining your eyes. For mobile technicians without a portable desk, I recommend working on an ironing board, as these are narrow, adjustable and reasonably cheap to replace. Ask clients to choose nail colours before their appointments to lighten your kit. • Keep skills up-to-date: After 10 years in the industry, I developed a repetitive strain injury and carpal tunnel syndrome. By receiving education in electric filing, I saved my career. Choosing high-quality products that make your job easier, then refining application, will help you to reduce the need for filing and speed up your services. • Set rules: Set your working hours and breaks, which should include moving around, drinking water and getting fresh air. Exercise when you can during the day; perhaps walk to work, or park your car further away from your workplace.
Recovering from injury After breaking her dominant hand in February, session & celebrity nail stylist, Chiara Ballisai, endured months of recovery. She returned to full-time work at Cannes Film Festival in May, and carried out her first pedicure since the injury in August. Her break was initially misdiagnosed, and she worked through February’s AW23 Fashion Weeks with a splint, Chiara Ballisai before a specialist revealed her hand was broken in two places and required a cast. “The cast covered most of my hand and finished below my wrist, so I had minimal movement and could not work. My agent had to cancel everything in my schedule,” Chiara tells Scratch. “I coped well during the first month of not working, as I needed a break after the hectic nature of Fashion Week. However, over time, I missed the freedom of using my hand. I had to reassure myself that it was pointless to rush back to work and mistreat my whole profession: my hands, by making my injury worse or not allowing it to heal. Plus, nail professionals don’t give themselves enough breaks, so I knew I shouldn’t feel guilty,” she continues. Chiara’s advice to nail techs in a similar situation is to prioritise health. “Keep spirits high by considering what you can do to improve your work once recovered. Also, invest in online training to still feel involved in the industry,” she comments.
RSI & the nail professional A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a condition caused by repeated movement, often affecting the shoulders, elbows, forearms, wrists, hands and fingers. It can present as pain, stiffness, weakness, tingling, pins-and-needles, numbness, muscle cramps and/or swelling. In the nail tech profession, triggers include manual filing and the shaking of product bottles, which E-filing and polish mixers can alleviate. Dani Bailey of Alma Nail Studio, Bridgend, notes that the repetitive movements required as a nail pro heighten the risk of injury and therefore time off work. “During lockdown, I spent a lot of time practicing my nail skills, and started to experience pins-and-needles and pain in my wrist, ring fingers and little fingers. When touching my elbow, I also had a Dani Bailey painful shock sensation,” she says. “After an MRI, an orthopedic consultant revealed that because my arm is bent for long periods when working, the nerve that goes to my ring and little fingers was getting trapped in the elbow joint: the cubital tunnel. “My advice to other techs would be to try relax your elbow while working, not put too much pressure on the joint when leaning on your desk, stretch whenever possible and seek physiotherapy if you need it.”
Back pain? Follow these S.T.E.P.S Mind Your Back is a UK campaign to support the management and prevention of back pain. Here, it shares five recommendations: 1. Stretch: Stretches loosen tight muscles and increase mobility, but shouldn’t be carried out if causing pain. Discover simple stretches by scanning here 2. Therapy: Heated products ease muscles, aches and pains, cold ones provide fast, soothing relief, and anti-inflammatory products offer effective respite from pain, muscular aches and swelling. 3. Exercise: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate to intense exercise per week, focusing on moving little and often. 4. Posture: Sammy Margo, physiotherapist & Mind Your Back expert, reveals that when standing, your ear, shoulder, hip and ankle should be in line. When sitting, your ear, shoulder and hip should be aligned. When sleeping on your side, your spine should be straight. 5. Strengthen: Exercises such as these will strengthen your back muscles, supporting your spine and reducing the risk of injury or pain. Yasmin Hodge of Wolverhampton business, Gels By Yas, agrees with this advice, noting: “Due to my fibromyalgia, my legs stiffen up when I have back-to-back appointments, so I stretch in between client visits to reduce the impact of sitting at the nail desk. When I sit, I ensure my spine is at a 90-degree Yasmin Hodge angle, with my legs body width apart and feet firmly on the floor. I regularly rotate my wrists in both directions to stop them tightening, and use a high arm rest to avoid bending down to reach clients’ hands.”
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SCRATCHCOLUMNIST
h t i w s e l k r a p S & e v Lo ABOUT KATY
Katy Pottle, or ‘Katy P’, has over two decades of experience in the nail industry. From working on a mobile basis to owning a salon, her journey is a testament to her dedication and passion for the world of nails. She loves glitter and is on a mission to help nail techs worldwide shine, one intricate design at a time, with her online workshops and one-to-one masterclasses. In July 2023, following an intense competition process, Katy beat nail artists across the globe to be crowned the first World’s Star Nail Artist. She seeks to inspire and mentor fellow pros, and sprinkle her signature ‘love and sparkles’ across the industry.
”The holiday season
The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023 shares tips, techniques & insights into her soaring career
Jingle Nails Rock : How to charge your worth & embrace the holiday rush
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touched on this in last month’s column, but with festive bells ringing and mistletoe hanging, it’s time to sleigh (yes, pun intended!) the holiday season with your nail art skills. Here’s some advice to keep your nail business twinkling like a well-decorated Christmas tree…
your schedule. You need time to enjoy the festive season, too.
Maintaining boundaries with clients is very important. As much as we love our craft, we need to ensure that we don’t spread ourselves too thinly in the workspace. Communicate your policies on appointment cancellations and last-minute changes, and take deposits. Your time is precious, so make sure your clients value it, too.
helps clients choose what fits their needs best. Detailing the time for each can also help manage a client’s expectations, while highlighting the value of your craftsmanship. You could create Christmas-themed tiers offering different levels of service, from simple Santa-themed designs to intricate winter wonderlands. Ensure that each tier resonates with the effort and detail you put into the styles.
Embrace holiday demands The holiday season may be chaotic, but it’s also a perfect time to unleash your creativity and make some extra money. Embrace the demand for intricate, festive nail art, while maintaining control over your timetable. Art demands time, and time is money. Extra charges for elaborate designs will not only reflect the effort you put in, but ensure you’re fairly compensated for your artistry.
may be chaotic, but your worth it’s also a perfect time to Charge Your nail art is a masterpiece. unleash your creativity and Whether a design is simple or intricate, make some extra money. it is a showcase of the skills you have honed, time you have spent Embrace the demand for on the look and products you use. intricate, festive nail art, Set clear prices that reflect your Present clear options expertise, as your skills deserve to shine Clearly present your service options, while maintaining and earn you money. and the time required for each. From control over your quick, sparkly designs to intricate nail styles, presenting a range of options Boundaries matter timetable.”
By setting and communicating boundaries, you maintain a healthy work-life balance and reduce stress during busy periods. Consider setting limits on last-minute appointments and be assertive about 68 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Top tools for the job When the holiday rush hits, having the right tools can be a game-changer.
SCRATCHCOLUMNIST
STEP- BY -STEP : Chrome stars “Manage your time wisely by encouraging your clients to book their appointments in advance, making sure they add the correct extra time for nail art if they want it.” Ensure that your nail art brushes are in optimum condition and you’ve stocked up on plenty of glitter. Also showcase some speedy nail art options for clients who change their mind on the day, such as stamping plates, nail art tape and decals. Stickers offer an easy way to create cute nail art finishes in a short time, but you must remember to charge for any additions. Consider investing in glitter catcher trays to keep your workstation neat. A tidy nail desk not only enhances efficiency, but looks welcoming to clients.
Book smart Manage your time wisely by encouraging clients to book their appointments in advance, making sure they add the correct extra time for nail art if they want it. Be clear and help them if they are unsure. This will allow you to organise your schedule efficiently and ensure that you have ample time to create intricate and awe-inspiring designs, without rushing through the process. Remember, the key to a successful and joyful holiday season lies in your passion, dedication and the magical touch you bring to every nail you embellish. Charge your worth, set boundaries, arm yourself with some quick fixes and sprinkle that sparkle like confetti. Let’s make this Christmas season not just magical, but positively dazzling! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Love and sparkles,
Katy P x www.katypnailartist.com /katypnailartist @katyp_nailartist
KIT LIST All products used are from Magpie Beauty, available via www.magpiebeauty.co.uk • Prep & Dehydrate Fluid • Get A Grip Rubber Base Coat • Chrome Dusts in Elfie, Vixen & Comet • Give Me Strength Builder Gels in Clear & Truffle • Black ARTYgel • 240-grit buffer • Duster Brush in Soft • Nail Striper Brush • Silicone Tool • Velvet Top Coat & Top It Off Top Coat • Cleanser • Lint-free wipes Step 1 Apply Get a Grip Rubber Base Coat, followed by two coats of Give Me Strength Builder Gel in Truffle, curing between each coat. Use Prep & Dehydrate Fluid to remove the inhibition layer, and buff the nail using the soft side of a 240-grit buffer until the surface is matte. Wipe with Prep & Dehydrate Fluid on a lint-free wipe. Use the Nail Striper Brush and ARTYgel in Black to paint two lines in an ‘A’ shape onto the nail. Do not cure.
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Step 2 Use the brush and ARTYgel to paint a horizontal line across the top of the ‘A’ shape. Do not cure. Step 3 Join the left end of the line from step 2 with the bottom of the right side of the ‘A’ shape. Do not cure. Step 4 Join the right end of the horizontal line with the bottom of the left side of the ‘A’ shape. Do not cure. Step 5 Fill in the star using ARTYgel in Black, ensuring smooth coverage. Do not cure. Step 6 Repeat the above steps to paint another two stars onto the nail. Cure for 60 seconds when complete. Step 7 Use the Silicone Tool to apply your chosen Chrome Dusts onto the black stars, cleaning the Silicone Tool in between application. I have used Magpie Beauty Chrome Dusts in Elfie, Vixen and Comet. If any chrome is applied at the free edge, use a buffer to create grip. Dust off excess chrome with with the Soft Duster Brush. Step 8 Encapsulate the nail using Give Me Strength in Clear. Cure, then apply Velvet Top Coat and cure. Use the Nail Striper Brush over the stars to bring the shine back, and cure to finish.
” Your nail art is a masterpiece. Whether a design is simple or intricate, it is a showcase of the skills you have honed, time you have spent on the look and products you use.” SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 69
SALONSPOTLIGHTS
Through the
Keyhole
Take a peek inside salon setups across the UK&I as Scratch unlocks each door…
Lucy’s Glamourvan Location: Deal, Kent When Lucy Fulbrook joined the beauty industry 21 years ago, she never predicted that she would be running a successful mobile business from a caravan she bought for £150. The salon and academy owner made the purchase last year, so that she could extend her salon’s services to other locations, and a refit of the vehicle came courtesy of Channel 4 makeover programme, George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. The TV crew documented the eight-week renovation process, which was supported by Lucy’s partner, a builder, and completed within her £1,000 budget. Lucy’s salon and Glamourvan offer nail, make-up and hair services, as well as glitter face painting and gem embellishments. The salon has hosted numerous children’s parties and bridal gatherings over the years, which led to requests for treatments at festivals and charity events. However, before Lucy introduced the Glamourvan, she struggled to transport equipment. “The van folds down into a trailer, and everything I need fits into the storage units, so I can now fulfil mobile requests,” she explains. The business owner is assisted by a team of five salon employees and two staff members, who support with weekend bookings. “I wanted the Glamourvan to reflect the décor of my salon, which is predominantly pink: inspired by my daughter who loves the colour. I also upcycled as much furniture as I could, adding to the van’s quirky, retro style,” Lucy smiles. Lucy’s Glamourvan
@lucysglamourvan
Blackheart Beauty
Location: North Shields, Tyne and Wear Tara Stephenson attained a beauty therapy qualification at the age of 16, yet decided to pursue a career in social work. Ten years later, she welcomed a daughter, and took some time away from the mental health sector. She enrolled on an evening class for L&P acrylic nails, which reignited her passion for the craft, and the pro began to offer nail services around her other commitments. Two weeks before the first lockdown in 2020, Tara opened her ‘dream nail salon’ with a friend. However, she was forced to make the difficult decision to close it, as the new business did not qualify for government support during the pandemic. “I decided that the best option was to work from home, so that my regular clients could still maintain their nail treatments,” she explains. “I turned my spare room into an inclusive nail sanctuary, taking inspiration from alternative spaces and tattoo parlours for the décor. I collect items from charity shops and art pieces from small businesses, and my clients are fascinated by the interesting things they see in the space. “My clients are alternative, which affects the vibe I create – from the music I play to décor I purchase,” she continues. Tara offers gel polish manicures and pedicures, builder gel services and Après Gel-X enhancements, noting: “Hand-painted, detailed nail art is popular, and I showcase these designs on my social media platforms. I interact with my clients on social media as much as possible, as I feel that my business is an extension of my social life.” /Blackheartbeautyne
@blackheartbeautyne
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GEL POLISH
SOAK OFF UV/LED
GELJUNKIE.CO.UK
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NAILSCENE
BRAND
WAT C H
Get to know the names behind companies & brands that are attracting attention across the nail & beauty scene BEAUTYVERSE Designed to simplify the communication and booking process between beauty artists and clients, the Beautyverse app launched in September 2023, founded by product designer & beauty enthusiast, Natalie Lomakina. Free to use, it presents nail, hair, barbering, brow, lash, make-up, massage and aesthetic categories in which pros can advertise and clients can book. To list services and appointment times, beauty professionals download the app, register with their fields of expertise and provide their business address, or select the areas they cover. They can also add photos, so clients can explore styles and offerings before booking. “The listings and bookings calendar reduces the need for multiple apps; simplifying the experience for both artists and clients,” shares Natalie.
Natalie Lomakina
App origins “A month before my move to the UK in June 2022, I searched for a nail artist in London who I could visit regularly,” Natalie explains. “I found that many salons and techs weren’t responding to booking requests via social media. The challenges of the search process sparked the idea to create a service that profiles independent beauty artists, listing their availability and work alongside reliable reviews.” Development for the app began in May 2023, and Natalie is joined by award-winning nail pro, Andreea Simona Ignat, who consults on the needs of both beauty artists and clients, and co-founder, Valery Ponomarenko, a mobile app developer with over 10 years’ expertise. “Beautyverse makes it easy for clients to book an appointment, whether they prioritise price, working style or location,” Scan here to download the says Natalie. “What’s more, the app includes a client rating system so that feedback Valery Andreea Beautyverse Ponomarenko can be left for pros on the app. With Beautyverse, we aim to create a beauty universe, Simona Ignat app where every enthusiast – pro or client – can fulfil their beauty and wellbeing goals via a single app.” @beautyverseapp
THIS IS GEL
Born out of Becci Abbott’s desire to offer a luxury gel polish range at a competitive price and support the UK economy, This Is Gel launched in October 2023 with a capsule collection of eight shades.
The music executive turned nail technician attained her first nail qualification at the beginning of the pandemic, however she soon discovered she was allergic to products containing HEMA, and began to seek alternative gel polishes to use. “I couldn’t find what I wanted on the market,” she reveals. “So, with the hours of time that the pandemic offered, I decided to create my own range.” Becci’s aim was to create a HEMA and Di-HEMA-free brand, with suppliers and packaging sourced locally and as sustainably as possible. “I want This Is Gel to have a reliable, luxurious and inclusive identity, and am working closely on a project with Zero Waste Scotland to identify and implement sustainable practices where possible. Ultimately, I want this brand to be one that its customers are proud to represent,” she says. The names of the shades are inspired by Becci’s other passion: video games. “I’ve tested hundreds of samples of gel polishes and am extremely picky about the shades I launch,” she continues. “I plan to release a new range every six months, and have some exciting products in the pipeline – including builder gels. “I pledge to make the most sustainable choices possible with This Is Gel, while ensuring that the formula remains 100% vegan and cruelty-free. The business is committed to net zero by 2040, so the entire range is made in the UK. I don’t believe in sacrificing quality and am so proud of the brand and what’s to come.” www.thisisgel.com
/OfficialThisIsGel
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@officialthisisgel
NAILSCENE NAIL ORDER Nail Order has been providing apparel, salon essentials and courses to nail professionals since 2019, and most Rebekka Costello recently added 100 gel polish shades to its impressive portfolio. The brand was founded by former salon owners, Rebekka and Chris Costello, who were keen to provide high-quality retail items to pros. As popularity grew, the duo created cuticle oils and a full cover tip range, arming themselves with manufacturing knowledge for affordable, innovative products. They believed there was a gap in the market for a high-quality, highly pigmented gel polish range that was both hypoallergenic and made in the EU or UK, and began exploring development in early 2022. “Creation of the Nail Order gel polish range took 18 months,” Rebekka reveals. “We spent four months finding a factory and formula that met our standards, and from there we created the colours, designed the packaging and tested lamps to ensure compliance. “We wanted to ensure that our gel polish could be suitable for as many people as possible, so it is free of IBOA, HEMA, HPMA and Di-HEMA. The Nail Order gel polish range is easy to use, adhering well to the nail plate with no pulling from the free edge. It is also made in the EU and cures in 30 seconds in the Nail Order LED Lumi Lamp.” The shades each feature a quirky name and are housed in a chic black bottle with the brand’s signature drip detail. “As experienced nail techs, we know exactly what we do and do not want in a gel polish,” Scan here to view Rebekka continues. “We have thought of every detail, so Scratch’s interview that nail techs can use the products with confidence.” with Rebekka, who www.nailorder.co.uk
/jointhenailorder
@nailorder
showcases some of Nail Order’s gel polish shades
MOYRA For over two decades, Csaba and Reka Frile of Hungary have been sharing Moyra professional nail products across the globe, supporting nail stylists in the creation of slick, colourful services. Moyra’s product portfolio boasts over 300 gel polish and 200 acrylic powder shades, a builder gel in a bottle range, hard gel, acrylgel, a full cover tips system, nail art tools and accessories. The jewel in the brand’s crown is its stamping system, which presents over 200 plates, stamping polishes, gels and foil polishes. Available in 40 countries worldwide, Csaba and Reka handed over UK distribution reins to multi award-winning nail tech, nail tech & educator, Cheryl Ogden, in 2016. Cheryl has 30 years’ experience in the nail sector and first discovered Moyra in 2013. Cheryl Ogden
As the brand’s portfolio and popularity grew, Cheryl recruited award-winning nail artist & educator, Vonny Tuckley of Nailcraft by Vonny, Loughborough, to support as business partner. The duo shares distribution, marketing and media equally, following the Moyra ethos: to provide safe, EU compliant, high-quality, affordable products to nail professionals.
Vonny Tuckley
“Education is important to Moyra UK,” shares Vonny. “Cheryl’s teaching skills span two decades, and along with my passion for research and teaching, we make a great team. Moyra UK has an extensive range of accredited courses, with online material to come.” The brand’s best-selling products are its stamping plates and products, followed by Flexi Builder Bases and acrylgel. “The Stamping & Painting Gels are firm favourites in my nail art kit,” shares Cheryl. “Whereas, Vonny loves using. the Fusion Acrylgel system with Flexi or hard gel.” www.moyrauk.co.uk
Moyra UK Training
@moyra_uk1
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SCRATCHCOLUMNIST
The
effect Get clients into the party spirit with a design that’s perfect for New Year’s Eve, courtesy of Halo VIP, TAMZIN POPE
ABOUT TAMZIN
Middlesborough-based make-up artist & beauty therapist, Tamzin, has used Pure Nails products since she attained her first nail qualification in 2018. She became a Halo VIP in June, and enjoys using the brand’s EasiBuild formula to support clients with natural nail growth. Tamzin enjoys nail artistry and is focused on perfecting character painting skills. @tamzinpopemua Halo Gel Polish in Dazzle £5.95 + VAT
Halo Gel Polish in Black £5.95 + VAT
Halo Velvet Top Coat £5.95 + VAT
Halo Create Combo Brush Long Fine Liner 11mm & 15mm £9.85 + VAT
Halo products are available via www.purenails.co.uk and associated stockists. /purenailsprofessionalnailproducts @purenailsuk @purenailsuk @purenailsuk 74 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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Step 1 Prep the nails for Halo Gel Polish application and apply a layer of your chosen Halo base coat. Cure, then apply two coats of Halo Gel Polish in Black onto the index and ring fingernails, curing between each coat. Next, apply two coats of Halo Gel Polish in Dazzle to the middle and little fingernails and thumbnails, curing between each coat. Step 2 Apply Halo Velvet Top Coat to the black nails and cure. On the middle fingernail, paint a half moon shape using Halo Gel Polish in French White. Cure then apply a second coat and cure. On the ring fingernail, use French White and a fine liner brush to paint the outline of a Champagne flute. Cure. Step 3 Fill in the glass section of the Champagne flute using Halo Gel Polish in Santorini. Cure, then add Dazzle to the glass to give the impression of sparkling bubbles. Cure, and apply a small dot of Dazzle onto the index finger, using a fine liner brush. Use the brush to flick the shade out from the middle of the dot, outwards, to create a firework effect. Cure. Step 4 Add shorter flicks to the fireworks using French White and a fine liner brush. Cure, then use the Black shade with the fine liner brush to outline the half moon shape on the middle fingernail. Cure. Add another line inside the shape and cure. Step 5 Use Black to paint short, vertical lines between the two lines that were painted on the middle fingernail in step 4. Paint the clock numbers and cure. Step 6 Paint clock hands onto the middle fingernail as shown, using Halo Gel Polish in Black. Repeat for stronger coverage if desired and cure. Step 7 Apply Halo Non Wipe Top Coat to all nails and cure to finish.
P I E R C I N G YO U C A N T R U S T ™ FREE Training, FREE Marketing Assets, FREE Licence Support Contact us today to find out more STUDEX UK LTD. | studex@studexuk.co.uk | 01733 232350 | www.studexuk.com |
NAILCOMPETITION
PART 2
Unveil the nail Nailympia closed its 2023 competition calendar at Olympia Beauty, ExCel, London, in October. Scratch shares the results from the arena…
T
he final Nailympia of 2023 – the London heat – attracted competitors from 34 countries, welcoming nailists from the Philippines and India for the first time. A whopping 320 arena seats and 363 online seats were taken by 212 competitors, and 50 judges from all over the globe lent their expertise to the event.
The nine online competitions closed for entry on 18 August, in order for entries to be showcased to judges for scrutiny and scoring. Meanwhile, the Nailympia admin team prepared to host its annual London event in a new location, still within Olympia Beauty, but now situated in the ExCel London exhibition complex. This year, Nailympia has been held in four USA locations, as well as in Germany and London, while Mexico opened the competition calendar in December 2022. This iteration introduced two trophies: the first was the Nailympia Premiere Cup, which was won by Ireland’s Katarzyna Kruszynska. She competed in London, Orlando, San Antonio and Columbus, giving her the advantage when taking her two top scores into account. Adding Mexico
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City to her itinerary meant she was also the winner of the first Americas Cup. Katarzyna was one of many competitors who chose to travel extensively in 2023 in search of higher scores, medals and trophies. “It was both nerve-wracking and exciting to be hosting Nailympia London in a new location, after so many years at the Olympia venue in Alex Fox Hammersmith,” reveals Alex Fox, Nailympia global director. “However, the competitors did not seem phased by the move and judges were as galvanised as ever. “The two days flew by at a rapid pace, and the floor space meant energy could flow uninhibited around the arena. Floor judges had plenty of walking room, the bright red carpet kept us all alert and encouraged, and the judges remained focused. It was a really good experience for all involved and I can’t wait to do it again in 2024. I can now share that I shall be adding two more locations to the line-up. Nailympia is heading to Asia!”
NAILCOMPETITION
THE 5TH GLOBAL CUP
THE 2ND EUROPEAN CUP
THE 1ST AMERICAS CUP
Olena Özman – Germany (1,152 points)
Deborah Cocco – Italy (586 points)
Katarzyna Kruszynska – Ireland
THE 1ST NAILYMPIA PREMIERE CUP
OVERALL INDIVIDUAL TOP SCORER
WINNER OF WINNERS
Katarzyna Kruszynska – Ireland
Mino Vo – UK (942 points)
ART WINNER OF WINNERS
TOP UK TECH
Division 3 Deborah Cocco – Italy (491 points) Division 2 Mariana Costirco – UK (417 points) Division 1 Magdalena Dabrowska – Poland (341 points)
TEAM TROPHY
Division 3 Mino Vo – UK (299 points) Division 2 Barbara Szollosi – Hungary (150 points) Division 1 Magdalena Dabrowska – Poland (121 points)
Division 3 Mino Vo (556 points) Division 2 Mariana Costirco (398 points) Division 1 Mihaela Pirliteanu (323 points)
Division 3 Team Italy (2,374 points)
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NAILCOMPETITION
GEL POLISH MANICURE
Division 1
Division 2
Division 3
1st – Dora Szabo – Hungary 2nd – Magdalena Dabrowska – Poland 3rd – Mihaela Pirliteanu – UK
1st – Patrycja Sarat-Kuboń – Poland 2nd – Albana Skabona – Italy 3rd – Aimee Whatford – UK
1st – Johanna Stampka – Germany 2nd – Kamila Wojtynka – Poland 3rd – Alessandra Pizzari – Italy
SALON NAILS
Division 1
1st – Dovile Milce – UK 2nd – Laima Stankeviciene – UK 3rd – Mihaela Pirliteanu – UK
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Division 2
1st – Patrycja Sarat-Kuboń – Poland 2nd – Katalin Dobo – UK 3rd – Albana Skabona – Italy
Division 3
1st – Olena Özman – Germany 2nd – Deborah Cocco – Italy 3rd – Natalia Trefon – Poland
NAILCOMPETITION
THE JOY OF NAILS
Division 1
Division 2
Division 3
1st – Rosy Rangel – Mexico 2nd – Magdalena Dabrowska – Poland 3rd – Dovile Milce – UK
1st – Mariana Costirco – UK 2nd – Albana Skabona – Italy 3rd – Rubi Montano – Mexico
1st – Alessandra Pizzari – Italy 2nd – Silvia Barbetti – Italy 3rd – Mino Vo – UK
FANTASY COMPLETE LOOK
Division 3
1st – Ismael Camero – Mexico
2nd – Mino Vo – UK
3rd – Alice Nali – UK SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 79
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NAILCOMPETITION
PERFECT MATCH
Division 1
3rd – Mihaela Pirliteanu – UK
Division 2
2nd – Patrycja Sarat-Kuboń – Poland 3rd – Albana Skabona – Italy
Division 3
1st – Deborah Cocco – Italy 2nd – Olena Özman – Germany 3rd – Alessandra Pizzari – Italy
FRENCH TWIST
Division 1
1st – Magdalena Dabrowska – Poland 2nd – Mihaela Pirliteanu – UK 3rd – Laura-Oline Kahr Østergaard – Denmark 80 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Division 2
1st – Albana Skabona – Italy 2nd – Mariana Costirco – UK 3rd – Patrycja Sarat-Kuboń – Poland
Division 3
1st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy 2nd – Deborah Cocco – Italy 3rd – Ilaria Santi – Italy
NAILCOMPETITION
L&P ACRYLIC SCULPTURE
Division 1
Division 2
1st – Mihaela Pirliteanu – UK 2nd – Magdalena Dabrowska – Poland 3rd – Rosy Rangel – Mexico
1st – Mariana Costirco – UK 2nd – Patrycja Sarat-Kuboń – Poland 3rd – Albana Skabona – Italy
Division 3
1st – Olena Özman – Germany 2nd – Flemming Nordqvist – Denmark 3rd – Deborah Cocco – Italy
UV/LED GEL TIP & OVERLAY
Division 1
1st – Mihaela Pirliteanu – UK 2nd – Dovile Milce – UK 3rd – Laura-Oline Kahr Østergaard – Denmark
Division 2
1st – Patrycja Sarat-Kuboń – Poland 2nd – Albana Skabona – Italy 3rd – Mariana Costirco – UK
Division 3
1st – Olena Özman – Germany 2nd – Alessandra Pizzari – Italy 3rd – Deborah Cocco – Italy SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 81
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NAILCOMPETITION
STILETTO NAILS
Division 1
Division 2
1st – Mihaela Pirliteanu – UK 2nd – Magdalena Dabrowska – Poland 3rd – Laura-Oline Kahr Østergaard – Denmark
1st – Mariana Costirco – UK 2nd – Katalin Dobo – UK 3rd – Albana Skabona – Italy
Division 3
1st – Deborah Cocco – Italy 2nd – Olena Özman – Germany 3rd – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
Thank you to the Nailympia London arena judges:
Marian Newman BEM, Anneke van der Sar, Jacqui O’Sullivan, Sean O’Sullivan, Liesbeth van Langelaan, Stefanie Lo Re, Dafne Fernandez, Liliya Moss, Kirsty Meakin, Hazel Dixon, Reni Mobrandt, Zrinka Vuksan Bolancha, Emma Harris, Madelene Wolf, Joanna Bandurska, Anna Lee, Oana Flutur, Linn Himberg-Larsen, Jeanette Ulriksen, Antony Buckley, Kristina Manners, Karin Ström, Andreea Simona Ignat, Milena Mingozzi, Kristina Rozdovan, Rodica Munteanu, Jennie Nippard.
With thanks to the sponsors of Nailympia London 2023:
Nailympia London is in association with:
The next Nailympia will be held in Germany, 22-24 March at Beauty Düsseldorf. www.nailympia.com
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/nailympia
@nailympiacompetitions
SCRATCHCOLUMNIST
MAKING MOVES WITH
o V o n i M Immerse in competition news & nail tales from master nail stylist, MINO VO
WINNER ABOUT MINO VO Mino Vo is ‘The Avant-Garde Nail Artist’, a multi award-winning nail aficionado with over 60 competition titles under his belt. An international educator, he travels the world teaching nail services and extreme shapes, and has developed a variety of nail tools to support his work and that of fellow nail pros. Mino runs a salon and academy in north London. He won the L&P Tech of the Year and The Shooting Star Award categories in the Scratch Stars Awards 2023.
I
Avant-Garde education across the globe
ran a nail art class in Seattle, USA, which was hosted by Evon Vuong (@nailsby_evon), who I met four years ago. She was my first teacher, and the person who opened my eyes to creative nail styling.
The class was organised so that I could train her team in areas of nail artistry and introduce them to the world of competitions. I taught the students competition stilettos and AvantGarde nails, including a shape that I designed specifically for the class. The students also learned from Trang Thu Dang, who taught watercolour art techniques and 3D styling.
Mimi Le
Duong Bui
The training session took place in the mountains of Seattle, and wildlife surrounded us during the class. It was a very special experience and the students excelled, showcasing many creative and stylish nail finishes. Mimi Tran
Nails pros in Seattle.
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Some of my favourite works from the class played with colour and art to produce beautiful results. Yen Bui chose a Chinese royalty theme, decorating her nails in shades of red and black. Duong Bui opted for orange and black tones, while Mimi Tran decorated her nails in red and orange, adding sunflowers and 3D butterflies. Mimi Le crafted 3D roses in monotone colours.
Yen Bui
SCRATCHCOLUMNIST I was also invited to teach at Nail Safari for the third year running, and was assisted by Annie Pham. The event took place at Shepreth Wildlife Park, Royston, and is always such a fun experience. A lot of positive energy flowed around the Nail Safari classroom! The class featured a mix of new and familiar students, and I taught them my signature shape, Shanghai. As it was my third year in attendance at Nail Safari, I wanted to push the students to craft something complicated. The Shanghai shape requires a number of techniques, which can give students the confidence to create their own shapes. Delegates did such an amazing job in producing the Avant-Garde shape. Some hadn’t used the L&P system before, but created stunning results. Last month, I also changed my position from competitor to judge, lending my expertise to Italian nail competition, Aestetica Nails Challenge. This competition was organised by Claudia Valli, and I was privileged to work alongside some of Italy’s biggest names. My favourite piece of the event was by first-place Poster category winner, Natale Emanuela.
Coming up...
Instagram.com/emanuelanatale_nc_junior
I am teaching a four-day Avant-Garde class in Chile, organised by one of my former students, Natalia Navarro. After this, I will fly to Brazil, and then to The Netherlands, for three-day Avant-Garde classes, organised by another former student, Shelly Laxminarayan. Afterwards, I will head back to London to debut my new class, Advanced Shapes, which will teach almond, stiletto and gothic almond nails.
Student spotlight
The Poster category winning image by Italian nail pro, Natale Emanuela.
Next steps… For 2024, I have decided to take a step back from competing, and undertake more judging responsibilities. I plan to open a new academy and teach more classes in London, as well as continue to educate internationally. I will also be releasing a nail competition bootcamp titled ‘Competitions A-Z’, through which I will pass on the knowledge and experience that I have gained through my four years of competing. In addition to this, I am developing many new products for my brand, including extreme Avant-Garde forms and a range of acrylic powders and tools to support the work of nail techs.
My student, Charisse Cassie, created a beautiful nail shape for Nailympia London 2023. She used L&P acrylic and paints to depict a portrait of Princess Jasmine, fitting for the Arabian Nights theme. Charisse Cassie
Mino’s entry to the Art On Nails Over 2” category – Nailympia London 2023.
www.minovolondon.uk /miakonomo /minovolondon @minovolondon @minovolondon SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 85
£6 Million Professional, Public & Product Liability
January ABT were all set for 2023 where the sky was the limit for our members and the support we could offer.
February February saw the ABT Newsletter take the next step with twice monthly snapshots emailed straight to our members’ inboxes keeping them in the know
March In March ABT exhibited at Professional Beauty Excel where we had our own membership area and plenty of goody bags for all who renewed, joined and our existing members who visited us at the show.
April
Glitterbels ABT flew to Ireland to have a look around the Irish Beauty Show and the entries in the Make Up competition!
May The month of May saw the launch of the NEWEST membership benefit – Beauty and Hairdressing Magazine that is delivered to our members digitally as well as printed and available for our members to pick up at the shows we attend throughout the year.
June ABT joined forces with Glitterbels at their Launch Party in Manchester early this year showing our support for an ABT Accredited Company, are you an ABT accredited company who would like support at your event from ABT or would you like to become ABT Accredited… get in touch!
www.abtinsurance.co.uk / 01789 773 573
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NA I L s g n i p Clip SCRATCHMEDIA
#NOWTRENDING
BARE BOMBSHELL
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Celebrity nail pro, Tom Bachik, tended to the talons of US actress & singer, Selena Gomez, creating the ‘Bare Bombshell Mani’. He created a natural-looking nail finish; prepping the nails with his travel nailcare kit, launched in collaboration with Tweezerman, and painting with Essie’s Mademoiselle nail polish.
_gelsbylauren__
Instagram.co
Searches for #cherrymochanails on TikTok have topped 15 million, with the shade adored for its sophisticated and versatile finish. An ideal winter mani look, seize inspiration from our pick of styles posted on Instagram:
CHLOE RANDALL uncovers the hottest nail topics & tales across the ‘net, TV & social media & gets the scoop on celebrity beauty must-haves
Instagram.com/
A FRENCH FIT
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Kim Kardashian’s clothing brand, Skims, announced a collaboration with jewellery brand, Swarovski: launching bodywear embellished with Swarovski crystals. To complement the collection, celebrity manicurist, Kim Truong, tended to the nails of the Kardashian sister for the launch images. She used shade Frenchie from the Glitterbels Builder-bel range. Scan here to check out the look
88 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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Glitterbels Builder-bel Gel in Frenchie £16.99 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com
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The ‘black nail theory’ has taken TikTok by storm, sparking a trend for the dark hue. The theory is that sporting black nails can have a positive impact on the wearer’s confidence and demeanour, also suggesting that it can make them appear bold, daring and mysterious.
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THE BLACK NAIL THEORY: AN INSIGHT
Instagram.co
Instagram.co
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Image courtesy of E4’s Married At First Sight UK
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M II O N M AMFii S nailcare range
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
CELEB MANI SPOT!
According to trends website, Spate, #neonnails is one of the most viewed beauty hashtags on TikTok . Try your hand at bold, bright looks to add some contrast to traditional winter manis, with inspiration from by fellow pros:
Instagram.com/gabyhodgesnails
lucierosedonlan Instagram.com/ mabbott .com/luke
Former Love Island stars, Lucie Donlan and Luke Mabbott, who got together after their time on separate series of the show, have shared their love for the CACI Synergy facial treatment. The reality TV couple revealed pics to their Instagram Stories after enjoying the facials at Top 2 Toe Day Spa in Newquay, Cornwall. “[CACI facials] are amazing, and so good for sensitive skin like mine,” shared Lucie Donlan. Lucie and Luke each enjoyed a 90-minute CACI Synergy treatment, which combines CACI’s Signature Non-Surgical Facial Toning with advanced skin exfoliation techniques to revitalise skin, resulting in a brighter, smoother complexion. The treatment uses a combination of advanced technologies to help plump up fine lines, which instantly lifts and tones the skin. www.cacibeauty.com
DID YOU KNOW…?
Instagram.com/courtneycantwell_nails
Nail stylist, Imarni Ashman, shared a snap of a nail look she created for singer, Paloma Faith, to her Instagram page. She used The GelBottle Inc’s HEMA-free BIAB™ in shade Fleur, and finished with green-coloured tips.
CACI COUPLE
Celebrity nail tech, Jenni Draper, used tools from her own brand, PersoNAILity, to prep the nails of actress, Emilia Clarke, for a Harper’s Bazaar photo shoot. Emilia was featured as one of five cover stars for the special-edition 2023 awards issue.
Instagram.com/eszterevelin_nails
Instagram.co
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Harper’s Bazaar Dec 2023/Jan 2024.
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NAILDESIGNS
Shimmering tones, chromes and orbs make for a striking nail finish. This design, complete with claw-like features, was created by @3615_zbobinails.
Robotics reign and nod to a technology-filled future in this 3D cyber-inspired manicure by Chinese nail artist, @3rzhuobabypink.
US nail stylist, @britts_nail_bar, created these ‘whimsical yet futuristic’ gem-shaped nails for the NAILS NTNA contest 2023.
Fingernails in
Focus
Embrace the unusual & explore extrovert styling with CARTER ROGERS’ roundup of futuristic nail creations
@jadenails2022 sees two styles in her client’s future: short and long. She marries them with an airbrushed base and chrome linework.
Nail artist & educator, @nailykayley, creates a cubic-shaped manicure, decorated in robotic details and space-style elements.
Outer space inspires the freehand chrome details on this pearly overlay by Noemi Linares, aka @jupitersnailzzz.
Noël Conley (@polishedwithaltitude) paints her perception of alien skin, atop enhanced nails with silver foil details.
Elements of Futurism are shown on both short and long nails by @nailsbypadena, who showcases metallic hues with dynamic linework.
What says futuristic more than a chrome finish? Utah’s @nailartbysofia_ adds crystal balls to uplift this modern manicure.
To be in with the chance of seeing your nail snaps on this page, share them with us on social media using #showscratch or email editorial@scratchmagazine.co.uk 90 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK
FOR YOUR FAVOURITE COVER OF 2023
January
May #1
February
May #2
September
March
June
October
November
April
July
August
December
www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/cover-vote-2023 The winning cover image will be revealed in January 2024.
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