Scratch Magazine September 2023 by scratchmagazine

NEW

STRENGTHENER RXX CARE. CONDITION. COAT. A nourishing and strengthening nail coating that adds protection whilst thickening and smoothing the nail surface. The breathable formula is a gentle and quick drying enamel that acts as a protective barrier to help build and repair, leaving nails feeling stronger after 14 days. Ideal to retail to clients, who need to strengthen or repair their nails between treatments. AVAILABLE NOW

STRENGTHENER RXX IS VEGAN AND INCLUDES VITAMINS A, B, E AND ZINC, CAMELLIA FLOWER SEED OIL, CELERY SEED OIL OMEGA 6 AND 9.

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT Distributed exclusively in the UK and Ireland with Love and Respect

SHOP NEW IN

sweetsquared.com 03 3 3 0 0 0 70 0 0

Hurry!

Arena categories

SCHEDULE

Fri 29 Sept: Arena registration deadline Sun 15 & Mon 16 Oct: All live arena categories take place at ExCel London Mon 16 Oct: Awards for all 18 categories (online & arena) at ExCel London

Scan here to find out more

Nails by @andreea_nails | Make-up @makeupby_shoshi Nailympia London 2023 Partners

REGISTRATION CLOSES 29.09.23 AT 11.59PM BST

15 - 16 October 2023 @ ExCel London

Presenting...

8 ARENA CATEGORIES Taking place live at ExCel London on Sun 15 & Mon 16 October! Register for your place before Fri 29 September to take part!

Go to w w w. n a i l y mpi a . c o m

for more information @nailympiacompetitions @nailympiacompetitions Nailympia Nailympia London London 2023 2023 Sponsors Sponsors

@nailympia @nailympia

Twenty years of... ®

Issue 245 Managing editor Helena Biggs helena.biggs@scratchmagazine.co.uk Publisher Scott Derbyshire scott.derbyshire@scratchmagazine.co.uk News & features writer Chloe Randall chloe.randall@scratchmagazine.co.uk News & features writer Rebecca Hitchon rebecca.hitchon@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 1 The Courtyard, Market Square, Westerham, Kent TN16 1AZ

se as on , ks a ch an ge in ep te m be r m ar s nd tre e ne w na il an d we we lc om an d rs ge fin r fo c hu es an d de ep , ru sti ur yo ak e ch an ge s to to es . As yo u m er id ns co , wh y no t co lo ur of fe rin gs ca re er to be tte r yo ur e ak m n ca u yo s ge an ch or sa lo n sp ac e? educator is a os, a role as an For some nail pr to school’ nail ck ‘ba as e be on your mind ay m d an p, involved if you’r we share what’s desirable next ste , ue iss is o Th wh ia. social med and chat to pros art pops up on ucation realm, leap into the ed the ke ta to g lookin ing so. r happiness in do have found furthe atment u with a new tre your salon men up e ak s sh ce to rvi g kin re why wax se Perhaps you’re loo page 98 to explo , to lish rn Tu Po l d? Ge an ro br d check out Ze offering or nail 54. der you need, an ge uil pa it-b on of , pr ny pa the could be e Manicure Com w system from Th the innovative ne se t be in your mind stly. Some could co or p big to d be re need to We’ve gathe Changes don’t the workplace. to challenges in ch oa d our columnists pr an ap , ur ble yo or g s more sustaina es sin bu ur yo ok’s tips for takin tips for making from Maddi Co s; ge pa r ou ss to e acro seve n steps share their advic are Woodcock’s ice points, to Cl pr ur yo of ol ntr co g. successful retailin ur bu sin es s th is g to m ak e in yo d nin an pl u yo e ar social media an Wh at ch an ge s ur posts across yo in us ing gg know by ta season? Let us at ch . cr ws ho #s us ing Until next month,

Do you need to renew or update your Scratch subscription? Call +44 (0) 1580 883 844

T: +44 (0) 1959 547 000 ISSN 2635-0327 Contributors Carter Rogers, Maddi Cook, Clare Woodcock, Mino Vo, Michaela Phillips, Freya Murphy Subscriptions Curwood CMS Ltd T: 01580 883844 Printer The Magazine Printing Company Mailing House Mailing & Fulfilment MK Ltd

Helena Biggs Managing editor +44(0)1959 547 000 helena.biggs@scratchmagazine.co.uk

COVER CREDITS Image courtesy of Katy Pottle, The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023. @katyp_nailartist

Images courtesy of OPI UK

Shades shown are from the 12-piece OPI Big Zodiac Energy collection, available in Nail Lacquer, Infinite Shine, GelColor and Powder Perfection. www.opiuk.com

www.scratchmagazine.co.uk www.olympiabeauty.co.uk www.nailympia.com The publisher of Scratch magazine has taken all reasonable measures to ensure the information detailed in Scratch is correct at the time of going to print, and while every care is taken to avoid inaccuracies, the publisher does not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions from any information within this or previous editions. © 2023 SEED PUBLISHING LTD

Follow Scratch: #ShowScratch

/scratchmag

@scratchmagazine

@scratch.magazine

@Scratch-Magazine

Artistic presents your new ride or die builder essentials. Meet the full line up for custom-prescribed manicures to suit every client with Brush-On Builder, Rubber Base Coat and Correction Gel.

“

The Artistic Brush-On Builder is stong and durable. I love the fact a tip can be created and is stable! You get strength with the thinnest coats, no need to apply thick! - Clare Hooson

”

SCAN HERE to learn about NEW and exciting product! 0333 000 2100 +44 (0) 20 8238 6300 info@louellabelle.co.uk www.louellabelle.co.uk

facebook.com/louellabelle

pinterest.co.uk/louellabelleuk

@louella_belle

linkedin.com/company/louella-belle

Contents SEPTEMBER 2023

FEATURES 18 28

Journey To The Top

Get to know Katy Pottle, champion of the first World’s Star Nail Artist competition, & explore her inspiring creations .

Shining Bright: A Celebration of Stellar Nail Industry Achievements

Relive the enjoyment of the Scratch Stars Party, which celebrated nail industry excellence at a stunning venue in London

36 42 44

Ingredients: An Insight

Discover the benefits of 10 common ingredients found in hand, foot & nailcare products

Let’s Talk About Threads

Delve into the features of social media platform, Threads, & its potential benefits for your business

Top 10 Nail Trends For Autumn/Winter 2023

From short, dark styles to striking chromes: check out the nail looks set to be popular in the coming seasons

60 74 80 88 94

Step Into The Teaching Sphere

Expand your role from nail tech to teacher with tips from pros that have made the move

Community Calling

Are you keen to start a nail community? Take a look at what’s involved & rules to abide by to aid success

Beat The Burnout

Overcome creative burnout with advice on reigniting ideas & prioritising wellbeing in the workplace

How To Cater To Eco-Conscious Clients

Take measures to become a more sustainable business with product inspo & tips to help protect the planet

A Handle On Hygiene

Refresh your knowledge on hygiene in all areas of the nail space & at every stage of the client journey

70 REGULARS 10 22 24 40 52 54 56 66 68 70 84 86 92 98 100 102 106

Nail Nation The Scratch Scoop The Hot List Strike A Pose Tech For Techs Pro DIY Readers Gallery Making Moves With Mino Vo The Halo Effect Tech Talk Business Focus How To Boss Your Salon Behind The Gram Treatment Spotlight The Mobile Club Nail Clippings Fingernails In Focus

#Virgoals

Big Zodiac Energy

New enchanting shades that are off the charts

Book your course today with our award winning education team: opieducationuk.com

S H O P N OW

Nail NATION

business

news & views

Over a quarter of SMEs may cease trading if economic outlook doesn’t improve A survey of 1,070 UK SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) owners and self-employed workers by insurance provider, Simply Business, has revealed how the economic climate is taking its toll. The SME Insights Report 2023 found that 26% of small business owners believe they will be forced to cease trading if the outlook does not improve by the end of the year. This comes as almost half of those surveyed (48%) feel the rising cost of living is the biggest challenge, and 52% anticipate a decrease of up to 20% in profits in 2023. Almost two-thirds of those surveyed say that rising taxes, interest rates and inflation are affecting profit margins, and over a quarter are now spending up to 40% more on energy each month, compared to the previous year. Over half of small businesses (54%) remain optimistic that the UK economy will improve this year, and 77% are confident about their business prospects over the next six months. And these businesses are adopting resilience measures: 62% plan to increase prices in the next six months, and nearly a quarter are holding off employing new staff or expanding. Meanwhile, many are resorting to using personal savings, bank loans or loans from family and friends, with small businesses owed £32.1bn in late payments. Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business, comments: “Small businesses sit at the heart of our communities and are vital to our economy. It is essential that we continue to support them in these times of financial uncertainty.” www.simplybusiness.co.uk

Treatwell introduces ‘LGBTQIA+ friendly’ badge for salons Salon booking service, Treatwell, has 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, who engaged with its employees from both within and outside of the LGBTQIA+ communities, to comprehensively understand the beauty industry’s needs. The ‘LGBTQIA+ friendly’ 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. ”The beauty industry has long been burdened by biases, but now is the time for change,” comments Giampiero Marinò, CEO at Treatwell. “With our extensive network of over 50,000 salons across Europe, Treatwell can play a pivotal role in driving this transformation, by leveraging Giampiero Marinò our collective power for good.” Treatwell has plans to implement comprehensive education programmes to equip partners with tools and knowledge to enhance inclusivity, and to address the specific needs of underrepresented groups, including factors such as accessibility, religion and ethnicity. www.treatwell.co.uk/partners/pride-campaign

SMARTskinXcell launches to elevate salon skincare offerings Aesthetic product provider, The Smart Group, has introduced SMARTskinXcell, to offer a variety of skincare solutions for all skin types. The device combines the technologies of microneedling and radio frequency to reduce lines and wrinkles, help correct scars and stretch marks, rejuvenate dull, tired skin and improve skin laxity. In addition, SMARTskinXcell can support the regeneration of collagen and treat enlarged pores. Complimentary demonstrations are available. For more information, email info@the-smartgroup.co.uk or call 01344 411 480. www.the-smartgroup.co.uk 10 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

OUT NOW

www.themanicurecompany.com

business

Nail NATION PHENIX SALON SUITES UNVEILS SECOND FLEXIBLE WORKSPACE LOCATION FOR UK BEAUTY PROS

Light Elegance announces UK distribution partners With a focus on chemistry, quality and community, Light Elegance has been developing nail products for over 20 years from its HQ in Oregon, USA, and has announced new distribution partners for the UK,” Leila comments. Brand educators, Leila Monroy and JoJo Wickens, are to spearhead both distribution and education across the region, and have launched a new website to deal with UK sales directly. “JoJo and I have become great friends during our time as Light Elegance educators, and fully understand the brand, so we collaborated to distribute its offerings across the Leila Monroy & Jojo Wickens UK.” Leila comments. JoJo, a winner of three Scratch Stars Awards, is based in Devon and began working with Light Elegance products seven years ago, after developing allergies to other nail products. Edinburgh-based Leila was also an allergy sufferer, and was introduced to the brand ´ Both amazed by JoJo and Swedish nail aficionado, Celina Ryden. by the formulations of Light Elegance products, they have been committed to the brand and its education offerings. “It is a true privilege to be a part of the Light Elegance family, first as users of the products and educators, and now as distributors,” Leila continues. “We are excited to help the UK Light Elegance market to grow, and for pros to work safely with Light Elegance products.” www.lightelegance.co.uk

Following the success of its first UK venue in Manchester, Phenix Salon Suites, provider of working suites for self-employed beauty pros, has expanded its franchise into Birmingham. Covering 6,400 square feet, the workspace features a custom-built mezzanine floor, a colour bar and air conditioning in each suite. With 350 US-based sites, Phenix Salon Suites offers flexibility for hair and beauty pros and an alternative to traditional salon rentals and ownership. There are no long-term contracts. Launched by award-winning international celebrity stylist & beauty expert, Gina Rivera, in Colorado Springs in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites was named in Entrepreneur magazine’s Top 500 Franchise List, and Rivera featured on TV show, Undercover Boss USA. ^ The Birmingham suite contains 33 units, which can each be decorated by tenants to suit their branding and personal style. Hairdressers and barbers in the space will be provided with a backwash, styling chair and hair trolley, and nail artists, beauty therapists and aestheticians will be offered sink units, storage trolleys and a treatment bed. Tenants are given 24/7 access to the space via an intercom system, with access to a break room, kitchen space and on-site laundry room. Tenants are also offered colour education and business mentoring to support them on their self-employment journey. John Gillespie, MD of Phenix Salon Suites UK/Europe, comments: “Birmingham has a renowned reputation for its vibrant mix of hair, beauty and wellness professionals, and we’re thrilled to be building on the phenomenal success of our Manchester site and offering something exceptional John Gillespie within this incredible city. “We understand the challenges hair and beauty professionals face in today’s market, and the new site will offer more than 30 individuals a unique opportunity to own and design their space in a professional setting.” For more information, visit www.phenixsalonsuitesuk.com

Online portal serves to simplify patch testing Beauty tool supplier, Navy Professional, has partnered with entrepreneur, Ruth Sullivan, to launch PatchPort, a digital software designed to make patch testing hassle-free, safe and compliant for hair and beauty businesses and their clients. Via the online portal, salon and mobile pros can register clients and send out patch test kits for their services. Clients can then log their results, documenting the process in line with insurers and manufacturers’ guidelines and removing the need for patch testing appointments in advance of treatments. PatchPort has three tiers of use, with versions available for professionals and clients on the App Store and Google Play. Rebecca Crawforth “Ruth and the team have worked hard to create a platform that is user-friendly, secure and reliable, and we believe that it will help to bridge the gap between businesses, insurers and manufacturers,” comments Rebecca Crawforth, CEO of Navy Professional. app.patch-port.com/salon/register 12 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

pleasure

Nail NATION Hypoallergenic Zero Gel Polish range enters nail market via The Manicure Company

Aromatherapy brand celebrates 60-year anniversary Eve Taylor London Limited, provider of professional aromatherapy, skin and bodycare products, is celebrating 60 years in business. The brand was founded by Eve Taylor OBE, who made formulations from her kitchen table and grew the company alongside raising five sons. Manufactured on-site, the company produces essential oil and botanical-based skincare for professional therapists, with the aim of creating an effective skincare solution for all. Eve’s work in the sector over the past 60 years led to her being awarded an OBE by the Queen of England in 2008, and she remains an active member of the business, at 90 years of age. www.eve-taylor.com

The Manicure Company (TMC), provider of professional nail products, has launched Zero Gel Polish, a range free from Hema, Di-Hema, HPMA, TPO and IBOA, designed to last over 14 days. “In early 2019, after consulting with our customers, educators and brand ambassadors, we decided to create a hypoallergenic gel polish formula,” explains Eoin Cotter, co-founder of The Manicure Company. “We didn’t want to just create a Hema-free formula, and could have easily replaced Hema with Di-Hema or HPMA, but it was important to us to go beyond this.” Forty shades are available, spanning a variety of textures, alongside a Primer, Base and Top Coat. Each 10ml bottle yields approximately 20 to 25 treatments and is designed to work with TMC’s existing Dual Pro UV/LED lamp. “The Zero Gel Polish formula has been meticulously crafted in the USA with performance and safety in mind,” Eoin continues. Zero Gel Polish is available via www.themanicurecompany.com

Salon template feature aims to streamline & enhance beauty businesses The Beauty Business Academy platform for pros has introduced ‘Lawless to Flawless Salon Templates’, a collection of customisable templates for business needs, such as rental agreements and social media. “With Lawless to Flawless Salon Templates, we’re providing salon owners with the tools to shine, impress clients and elevate their professionalism,” comments Layla Tourh, founder of the Beauty Business Academy. Professionals in the Beauty Boss Members Club can access the templates for free. For more information, visit www.thebeautybossacademy.co.uk

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES In search of stylish salon workwear? Diamond Designs has unveiled the Ellie tunic in a comfortable crepe fabric, featuring a statement O-Ring belt and rear zip fastening. Available for £45.60 inc VAT via www.diamonddesignsuniforms.com 14 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Secret Salon Club, the online platform for home salon owners, has launched a survey, to gain insights to elevate the sector and tailor its membership and benefits. The Club seeks to understand home salon owners’ journeys, challenges and triumphs. To take part in the survey, scan here

Majestic Towels has expanded its Wipe Clean range with the Memory Foam Knee and Ankle Pillow. Ideal for providing support and stability to pregnant clients during treatments, the memory foam moulds to the shape of the leg for comfort and posture alignment. Available in White and Steel Grey via www.majestictowels.co.uk.

Nail pro & educator, Jelena Koniseva of Sofiel Nails, has released Stamping As An Art, a textbook to help techs understand the nuances of nail stamping and perfect the technique. Scan to purchase

TGB SERVES UP ICED MATCHA LATTE LOOKS WITH GEL POLISH DUO Hashtag, #matchanails, has accrued over 660,000 views on TikTok, and The GelBottle Inc has responded to the trend with the launch of the Matcha Latte gel polish shade. Trend forecasting company, WGSN, describes matcha as ‘a tinted pastel with a soothing and calming quality’, adding: “As consumers continue to deal with higher levels of anxiety and stress, colours that soothe the mind and bring a sense of rest and reflection will be more appealing.” The GelBottle Inc’s milky, muted green gel polish is perfectly paired with the TGB Glazed Top Coat, to create a glazed donut-style finish. “My social feeds are inundated with glazed nails and matcha lattes,” comments Daisy Kalnina, founder & CEO of The GelBottle Inc. “They are both having a moment and I realised we could bring the two together. “We’ve embraced the opportunity to introduce Matcha Latte, and make it easy to achieve an iced latte look with the Glazed Top Coat.” The non-wipe Glazed Top Coat offers up to three weeks’ wear, and the Matcha Latte shade is also available in the ‘ nail polish formula. Matcha Latte Peacci and the Glazed Top Coat are available individually, or as a duo for £31 + VAT. www.thegelbottle.com

DATES FOR THE DIARY 24-25 September Professional Beauty North Manchester Central hosts Professional Beauty North, an event for beauty, spa and nail professionals. Alongside exhibiting brands, there will be three live stages, featuring speakers to support business and skill development. www.professionalbeauty.co.uk

15-16 October Nailympia London Globally renowned industry competition, Nailympia London, returns to Olympia Beauty, welcoming pros across three divisions. Registration for the eight live arena categories closes on 29 September. www.nailympia.com

15-16 October Olympia Beauty ExCel London is the new home for Olympia Beauty, the annual beauty trade event that delivers education opportunities and competitions, alongside exhibitors from all areas of the beauty sector. Register for a free ticket at www.olympiabeauty.co.uk

26-30 October British Beauty Week Returning for its fifth iteration, British Beauty Week brings together brands, consumers, the press and policymakers to celebrate ‘The Power of Beauty’ and highlight its influence on a national and international scale. In-person and and digital events will be held across the five days. www.britishbeautyweek.co.uk

Nail Safari education event returns to Shepreth Wildlife Park for a fourth year The unique Nail Safari event, which combines nail education with animal experiences, is to take place 13-17 November at Shepreth Wildlife Park, Royston. “The Nail Safari education week has gained a reputation for great education coupled with fun, challenges and advanced techniques for those that are hungry to learn in a unique environment,” comments Alex Fox, an organiser of the event. “Workshops in 3D sculpture, acrylic design, extreme shapes and animal portraits will be presented by educators including Marian Newman, Hazel Dixon, Kirsty Meakin, Mino Vo, Scarlett Senter, Sandy Cheung and Chantelle Vermont.” Between classes, delegates can enjoy exclusive experiences with many of the animals at the wildlife park. Two, three and four-day packages are available, with the full five-day adventure costing £849 inc VAT including lunches and refreshments. Discounts are available for groups of two or more. For more details and to sign up to Nail Safari 2023 – Talons & Tails, email Alex Fox: nailsafariUK@gmail.com.

Sarah Hartley, founder of social media marketing company, Blossom Tree Social, is hosting a free online masterclass to help beauty pros build their profile on social media. ‘Show Your Sparkle On Socials’ takes place on 11 September. Register at www.blossomtreesocial.com/ sparkleonsocials

Caroline Larissey, director of quality & standards at the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF), has joined the board of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) as vice president. In her role, she will guide the FHT’s mission to raise standards, promote good practice and provide support to therapists across various holistic disciplines. www.fht.org.uk

French nailcare brand, Kure Bazaar, has unveiled a range of vegan-friendly lipsticks, matched to 28 shades in its nail polish range. The classic shades include satin and matte finishes, as well as five tinted balms. Each lipstick is refillable and presented in a denim pouch. www.kurebazaar.com SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 15

INDUSTRYACHIEVEMENT

JOURNEY TO THE TOP Explore the handiwork of KATY POTTLE, winner of the first World’s Star Nail Artist competition, who powered her creativity with positivity, love & sparkles

ack in February, entry opened for the first World’s Star Nail Artist contest, designed to unite the global nail industry through a shared love of creativity. Powered by Scratch and sponsored by CND™, the competition welcomed applicants from the UK, USA, China, South Africa, Canada, Australia, The Netherlands and more, all keen to exercise their creativity in a bid for the title and cash prize. Katy Pottle from the UK submitted her application shortly before the entry deadline, securing a place on the 21-strong shortlist. Her passionate submission and brilliant execution of an ‘out of this world’ nail, as per the entry brief, caught the attention of the judges; Scratch’s Helena Biggs, CND™’s Jan Arnold and Beth Livesay, and nail aficionado, Winnie Huang.

allowed me to explain the meaning behind each design and the details included. My video skills developed at each stage of the competition, as I found my flow and adapted to the judges’ requirements.” Katy also saw that posting the videos on her social media platforms improved follower engagement, commenting: “My followers got to know me as a person and an artist, and learned the thought process behind my creations. The videos have really helped to boost my profile.”

Katy continued to shine in the preliminary challenge, achieving a place in the top 12. Her range of skills was witnessed in the four core nail art challenges that followed, of which she scooped the top spot in two. Looking back at her journey, it’s hard to believe that The World’s Star Nail Artist (WSNA) is the only nail competition Katy has entered in her 21 years in the beauty industry.

“I looked forward to Katy’s recordings at each of the challenge stages, as she has a brilliant narrating voice and exudes positivity,” shares Scratch’s managing editor & competition judge, Helena Biggs. “I watched her explore new techniques and was astounded by the Helena Biggs inventive approach to each brief. Katy tackled every challenge with vigour and a smile, demonstrating that when given a task, she will step outside of her comfort zone to deliver what’s required – and more.

“In January, I set some goals for the year ahead, and one was to enter an industry competition,” she shares. “The World’s Star Nail Artist was an ideal opportunity – but it was tough! I threw myself into the competition experience and learned so much, so quickly.”

“Katy’s interpretations of each brief were fascinating, and she was willing to try new ways of working to achieve incredible results with nail products. We were looking for a talent to unite and excite the global nail industry, and we found it with Katy P.”

Currently living in Spain, Katy has been a home salon owner specialising in nails for 10 years. She worked on each challenge late into the evenings, learning and flexing skills in hand-painting, extreme sculpting and 3D creativity to produce submissions that stunned. Each challenge required a video submission explaining the process, which Katy executed with professionalism and expert editing skills, signing off with her signature ‘Katy P’ tagline: ‘love and sparkles’.

Following the fourth challenge, Katy’s scores from the judges and votes from the public saw her scoop a place in the final, ‘ Three entrants from alongside fellow UK pro, Monika Kupien. the wild card deck: Gemma Dawson, Laiying Liu and Kamila Borowiec, joined them – and the five pros submitted a final challenge, before the placings were revealed at The Scratch Stars Party on 23 July.

“To condense over 60 hours of work on each challenge into a seven-minute video was tricky,” she explains. “However, I’m glad videos were part of the competition process, because they

18 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Katy and Kamila stood centre stage at the event as the top two in The World’s Star Nail Artist competition, tentatively awaiting the announcement of the winner. Winnie Huang said Katy’s name, and she threw her hands up to her face in

INDUSTRYACHIEVEMENT

shock, while gold confetti showered over her and the audience cheered with delight. “Shock was followed by excitement and immense pride,” she beams. “I’d love to relive the moment! It will stay with me forever. “WSNA has grown my skillset immensely, boosted my confidence and enhanced my self-belief. It has been great to be part of a wonderful community; competitors have been so supportive of one another and I have grown close to the other UK finalists. I loved partying with them and celebrating our achievements!” “We envisioned a search for the best, brightest, smartest and most professional nail artists in the world – and wow, did we achieve it in this first year of The World’s Star Nail Artist competition,” says Jan Arnold, CND™ co-founder. Jan Arnold

“From the first challenge, I knew there was a special quality about Katy. She is authentic, professional, committed, humble and very likeable. From the start, she was open to learning, growing and pushing herself. Her star quality shone, and then the artistry and confidence kicked in. The intricacy and technique, colourways and decoration of her designs stunned, and her work conveyed feeling, passion, compassion and love; qualities that are imperative in this wonderful profession.”

“It was very exciting to see the teacher and leader in Katy emerge,” Jan Arnold continues. “This competition isn’t just about art; it’s about confidence and leadership of the entire industry. Katy stands tall to inspire others.”

Scan here to watch Scratch’s interview with Katy

“

So what’s next for Katy P? “I started working towards a teaching qualification prior to entering WSNA, therefore am keen to complete that so I can continue to inspire and offer support to those in the nail sector,” she shares. What’s more, Katy will be penning a column in Scratch over the next 12 months, and embracing opportunities from brands and media.

“

Katy Pottle entered this competition with an abundance of love and sparkles. If she didn’t reveal that this was her first time competing, none of the team would have guessed. With perseverance and a positive energy, Katy came at us with strong, statement-making entries, week after week. Watching a champion in the making was the ultimate treat. Katy Pottle embodies everything The World’s Star Nail Artist stands for. Winnie Huang, game master & Beyond The Brush podcast host SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 19

INDUSTRYACHIEVEMENT INITIAL ENTRY Out of this world Entrants to the competition were required to submit an ‘out of this world’ nail design on one tip, featuring a gold star. Katy’s design secured her a place in the WSNA shortlist; featuring 3D elements, impressive hand-painting and realistic shading.

THE PRELIMINARY CHALLENGE Shade Sense – sponsored by CND™ In a bid to make it through to the core challenges, 21 shortlisted applicants had to create five pastel nails that played on a perception of colour, inspired by CND™’s Shade Sense nail colour collection. The brief: Top and underside art should be present, with the top of the nails containing a textured element to add iridescence to the overall design. The underside nail art needs to give the illusion of movement when viewed from different angles. Soft shades should contrast with bold, expressive nail shapes and lengths. Katy comments: “I sculpted stiletto extensions using acrylgel and used five pastel gel shades to paint an ombré effect over the nails, topped with iridescent chrome on the underside of the nails. Using black gel paint, I hand-painted an optical illusion of a never-ending tunnel across the five nails and added shading for a 3D effect. “I custom mixed a pale pink shade for the top of the nails and used 3D gel to add texture, followed by silver chrome. I painted each rivet with the five pastel gels and added chrome. I included butterflies, creating the wings with acrylgel and the bodies with 3D gel. Flowers and bubbles were created using 3D gel to finish the look.”

CHALLENGE 1 Inspired By Artisans – sponsored by The Nail Coalition Five globally renowned and accomplished nail pros; Kirsty Meakin, Hazel Dixon, Valerie Ducharme, Lavette Cephus and Lauren Wireman, spearheaded this challenge. Each took part in a video interview to inspire the creations of the top 12 WSNA techs. The brief: Create a nail inspired by each member of the Coalition. Inspiration can come from their background, artistic style or anything else that piques your interest. The five nails must look cohesive when photographed together, even though each nail is influenced by a unique artist. Katy comments: “The love of colour from all the artists resonated with me, and was a great way to bring the individual designs together. Kirsty said she loved pink and green, and I created rollerblades from 3D gel to represent her favourite hobby. Her tie-dye clothing range inspired the side of her nail. “Hazel’s love of catwalk fashion influenced the bow, and I incorporated elements of her artistic style with depth, shadowing and layers. Gold stars featured to represent her numerous Scratch Stars Awards. “Valerie’s interview revealed that she is a pilot, with a love for camping, geometric designs and bright colours, so I created a 3D aeroplane with a magnet, which meant it could move. “Lavette’s strong bond with her daughter led me to painting two angel-type patterns, pulled together with love. Her clothing and jewellery range inspired frills and chains, and I created charms using gel paint and chrome. “Lauren’s story is so inspiring and she spoke about her passion for mushroom foraging and reasons behind her business name, Wildflowers. I created elements to represent these using 3D gel and gel paints.”

20 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

CHALLENGE 2 Shine The Light – in partnership with Beauty Changes Lives The Beauty Changes Lives organisation is committed to uniting the beauty industry to support the next generation of beauty and wellness professionals. At an event for the charity in Chicago, a spoken word poem was shared with the audience, titled ‘Shine the Light.’ The brief: Use the Shine the Light poem as inspiration to design 10 nails. Nails can be created using any medium, but they must be shiny (no matte finish) and a light-up element must feature within the design. Katy comments: “While travelling around Spain, I have admired the beauty of the stained-glass windows. Their colours depict various meanings; blue symbolises hope and sincerity, green represents growth and rebirth, and purple signifies love, truth and passion. I used clear acrylgel, and added fairy lights that I fixed to the back of the design with beads of acrylgel. The framework was layered with dark grey gel colour, and various techniques and products to mimic stonework.”

INDUSTRYACHIEVEMENT As featured on this month’s front cover!

CHALLENGE 3 B.E.A.U.T.Y. Plus CND™ co-founder, Jan Arnold, has passionately spoken about the meaning of B.E.A.U.T.Y. Plus as a board member of Beauty Changes Lives. The acronym is: Belonging, Equity, Agility, Unity, Trust, You. The brief: Choose one word from the B.E.A.U.T.Y. Plus acronym and create a set of five nails that relate to that theme, inspired by a client. A variety of mediums can be used, and at least one CNDTM product must be included.

Katy comments: “Several years ago, I was honoured to be asked by a client to do her nails for her arranged marriage. Born and raised in the UK, she is a modern British woman and was to be married according to Indian cultures and her religion. My design for challenge three was a tribute to her persona, beautiful outfits, jewellery and the wedding ceremonies. She put trust in me to do her wedding nails, and shared her story with me, and I also chose these nails to represent unity, thus using two words from the acronym. She showed strength, honour and respect to her parents, future husband and in-laws that I greatly admired, and she is very happily married with three children.”

THE FINAL CHALLENGE Bizarre Beauty – sponsored by CND™ The ultimate challenge required the five chosen finalists to take risks with colour and shapes, and push nail design boundaries. The brief: Celebrate all things bizarre and surreal across 10 nails. The finished look must feature 3D elements, at least one found object (a non-nail art material) and unconventional shapes. Katy comments: “My inspiration for this design is my WSNA journey. I took elements from each challenge and put a bizarre spin on them, using a variety of mediums. I found shells and objects in my jewellery making kit to incorporate within the design. I used CND Shellac™ in White Wedding to aid depth, and enjoyed creating the WSNA and Scratch optical art, mixing neon colours to make the creations glow.”

CHALLENGE 4 One To Watch For the final main challenge, competitors were tasked with showcasing their winning credibility to scoop a place in the final. The brief: Choose the nail medium you feel you work best with, and use that medium only to create art on five nails, inspired by yourself. Only one colour (and tones of that colour) can be used. Katy comments: “WSNA has challenged me to find new ways to use acrylgel, and so I chose it as my preferred medium. I wanted to express my likes and personality, while sculpting new shapes and trying different techniques. The spiral represents the coming and going of creativity, and the journey of self-discovery and growth throughout WSNA. I created a knot to represent strength and resilience and a circle to signify industry unity, and branches represent my growth throughout the competition. My affinity for Harry Potter is shown by the lightning bolt (Harry’s scar), and pink reflects my girly, playful personality. Phoenix wings had to feature in my design, symbolising my ability to rise from past experiences and fly to new heights, goals and dreams.”

Katy P entered WSNA with so much enthusiasm, and she radiated positivity from the get-go. I looked forward to watching her challenge videos, and her ‘love and sparkles’ catchphrase instantly stuck. Katy’s artistry progressed over the course of the competition, and when we saw her stained glass window creations in the Beauty Changes Lives challenge, we knew she was a phenomenal artist with great energy. I still can’t believe she has never competed before! Katy is the entire package: a fresh face, a bright light and a brilliant artist who creates nails that evoke an emotional reaction. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes Katy. She is the epitome of a star nail artist. Beth Livesay, challenge co-ordinator & senior manager of education content, CND™

“

FOLLOW KATY P: www.katypnailartist.com #wsnakaty /katypnailartist @katyp_nailartist

“

Scan here to register your interest for The World’s Star Nail Artist competition 2024

Platinum sponsor:

www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/wsna #worldsstarnailartist /scratchmag /scratchmag

@scratchmagazine @scratchmagazine

@Scratch-Magazine

@scratch.magazine 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

Out and ab

In the

MAIL... Check out the nail & beauty goodies in Scratch’s postbag this month…

US nail brand, Modelones, sent the Unlock & Unleash Color Cube gel nail paint collection to the Scratch office. The three palettes are a collaboration with celebrity manicurist, Tom Bachik, Touch actress, Saxon Sharbino, and freelance make-up artist & content creator, Joaco Vazquez. Available via www.modelones.com The Barber Pro Face Putty + Under Eye Mask duo landed on our desks, offering soothing options to remove impurities and tend to tired eyes. Also in the package was the +Serumology Hyaluronic Acid Professional Serum to deeply hydrate and replenish the skin. Available via wholesalers nationwide.

What we’re wearing...

News & features writer, Rebecca headed to Orpington salon, Trendy Beauty, for a glazed donut manicure. Beauty therapist & salon owner, Maria, created the pearly pink look, designed to match the sparkle on Rebecca’s dress for The Scratch Stars Party.

At the ASHE London event, Carter opted for a bold, mismatched mani courtesy of Still London tech, Yuca. She used magenta shade, Adelaide, and chartreuse colour, Tessa.

Copywriter, Callie, chose a Barbiecore manicure complete with pink kisses and a touch of sparkle, courtesy of Kirstie of @top.coat_nails. She used HD Pro Nails Colour It! shades, Amber Honey, Melon Martini, Passion Fruit and Milkshake. 22 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

out

l a, and editoria writer, Rebecc es ur at fe nd & co News ated the se Rogers, celebr ndon, intern, Carter brand, ASHE Lo h lis po il na n ga ve of on y Dalst . The birthda at an event in with the pair caught up Carter at the ASHE Ashleigh London event. r, de un brand’s fo e, ac ent sp Alli, at treatm d guests an , on nd Lo ill St dicures manicures, pe to ed were treat inks. of summery dr and an array

up fo r th e go t gl am m ed Te am Sc ra tc h 23 at Th e 20 rty Pa ar ds Sc ra tc h Sta rs Aw t al l th e nd on . Ch ec k ou Un de rg lo be , Lo le br at ed ce h ev en t, wh ic sn ap s fro m th e page 28. m fro , or ct se nail excellence in the

REPLAY

Rewatch some of last month’s live interviews!

Nail art demo: Barbiecore nails with Justyna Maris The talented educator shares how to create two salon-friendly pink designs using products from www.nailslaundry.co.uk. Scan here to watch Save 20% on Nails Laundry products with code SCRATCH20.

An insight into OPI’s Nail Envy Nail Strengthener Belinda Price, OPI UK & I education manager, unveils the benefits of Nail Envy, how to incorporate it into your services and the shades available. Get to know The World’s Star Nail Artist Learn all about Katy Pottle, the winner of the first World’s Star Nail Artist competition. She details her career and competition journey, here

NEW VEGAN FORMULA**

95% Stronger Nails

Strength + colour. NAIL ENVY, NOW WITH TRI-FLEX TECHNOLOGY™ AND MORE SHADES TO ENVY

BOOK YOUR COURSE TODAY WITH OUR AWARD WINNING EDUCATION TEAM: OPIEDUCATIONUK.COM SHOP NOW

* When used as directed

NEWPRODUCTS

Barber Pro Face Putty & Under Eye Mask Wholesale Kit £24 + VAT www.barberpro.com An ideal upsell item for clients enjoying a mani or pedi, suggest an application of the Face Putty Peel-Off Mask, which cleanses deep into the pores to clear impurities, and the Under Eye Mask, which soothes tired, puffy eyes. Each kit contains 12 applications of each.

Entity Colour Couture City Limits Collection £10.95 + VAT each www.beautybossherquarters.co.uk Urban glam meets runway sophistication in this six-piece collection from Entity, available in One Color Couture soak-off gel polish, Gel Lacquer (£4.95 + VAT) and Dip Or Brush (£14.95 + VAT). The statement-making shades include khaki green crème, It’s A Taxi Affair; dusty blue crème, Step Out, and antique bronze, My Kind Of Town.

List THE HOT

YOSHI Top French No.1 Top Coat £7.30 inc VAT www.nailslaundry.co.uk Ideal for finishing a French manicure, this top coat is a semitransparent nude hue that boasts great durability and a high shine. Scratch resistant, the formula is easy to apply with no dispersion layer and cures in 12 seconds (LED).

Scratch scours the industry for the latest nail & beauty products to captivate clients & lend a helping hand to your services

Kure Bazaar X Aime Pink Glow Nail Lacquer £POA/RRP £16 E: liz.kurebazaar@gmail.com Created in collaboration with French nutricosmetic brand, Aime Skincare, the Pink Glow lacquer contains magnesium to help strengthen weak, brittle nails. Apply directly to nails (without base coat) in one or two layers for a sheer, natural-looking rose finish.

CND Shellac™ Upcycle Chic Collection £89.70 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com Inspired by upcycled fashion and modern runway trends, this luxurious collection contains six hues to ‘celebrate harmony with fashion-forward creativity’. Available in both Shellac™ (£14.95 + VAT each) and Vinylux™ (£5.95 + VAT each), the likes of Teal Textile, Rags to Stitches and Leather Goods are designed to excite and complement personal style.

24 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

NEWPRODUCTS

Mii Colour Confidence Just Desserts Collection £6.75 + VAT/RRP £13.50 each www.gerrardinternational.com Indulge clients in the delectable shades of the Just Desserts collection, available in both Colour Confidence Nail Polish and Statement Gel Polish (£15.50 + VAT). The warm, autumn-friendly hues suit all skin tones, and include taupe Crème Brûlée and rich chocolate, Decadent Brownie. The lacquer formula should be applied in two coats; sandwiched between a prescriptive Mii Base Coat and Shine + Shield Top Coat.

Zero Gel Polish £11.50 inc VAT www.themanicurecompany.com & associated stockists. Offer a longwearing nail finish with Zero Gel Polish, the latest addition to The Manicure Company’s portfolio. The hypoallergenic formula is free from Hema, Di-Hema, HOMA, TPO and IBOA, and 40 shades are currently available in the range. Use with the Zero Gel Polish Primer, Base Coat and Top Coat for a glossy result with over 14 days’ wear.

Artistic Flash Glitter Gel Polish £13.95 + VAT each www.louellabelle.co.uk Dazzle clients with the eight Flash Glitter Gel Polish shades from Artistic Nail Design, which flare when exposed to flash photography for a standout effect. Ideal for striking social media posts, the shades include Popping With Sparkle, a dusty blue glitter; Statement Maker, a nude glitter, and The Glow Up, a mauve pink glitter. Available from 21 September.

Keysies – Autumn Patterns £1.35 inc VAT/RRP £3 each www.keysieco.com Prevent clients from damaging their nails post-appointment by retailing a Keysie. The handy tool clips to a keyring and can be used to open cans, parcels and more. Various patterns are available, and Keysies can be customised with your business logo.

Halo Gel Polish Safari Adventure Collection £5.95 + VAT each www.purenails.co.uk Take clients on a wild ride with the six gel polish shades in the Safari Adventure collection. Hues include the dusky orange Explore, deep tango Serengeti and chic grey-brown Lodge. The highly pigmented formula offers up to 14 days’ wear when used as directed.

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 25

INDUSTRYEVENT

SHINING BRIGHT: A Celebration of Stellar Nail Industry Achievements

Global nail talent was championed in a stunning London venue, as the sector gathered for the 11th annual Scratch Stars Party. HELENA BIGGS relives the fun & festivities of Sunday 23 July…

ver 300 nail industry pros and their peers donned party wear and strutted along London’s Bankside, taking in the city’s landmarks and posing by the Thames before arriving at The Underglobe on the night of 23 July. The venue, a spectacular events space located at the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe, welcomed guests via a red carpet. They made their way downstairs into a pink-lit arena, which featured glittering fairy lights and a giant blossom tree in the centre of the room. Bulging goody bags were parked on each seat, and prosecco with pink candy floss (courtesy of ABT Insurance) was circulated to attendees. Lively music set the tone for the evening and guests delighted in conversations with industry friends; many of whom met for the first time after following each other on social media for years. It was a who’s who of the nail industry, as the venue filled to capacity by 8pm and the first half of the awards began. TV personality & podcaster, Jamie Laing, and I, made our way to the stage to host proceedings. Sponsors and judges were thanked, before finalists in both the Scratch Stars Awards and The World’s Star Nail Artist competitions were applauded for their commitment. The winners of the 18 Scratch Stars Awards, for individuals and businesses in the UK&I, were announced first, before the champion of The World’s Star Nail Artist contest was unveiled.

28 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

The first accolade of the evening was presented to Colchester salon, Beauty At The Bay. The team came on stage to receive the Hall of Fame trophy, having scooped the Scratch Stars Nail & Beauty Salon of the Year award for a third time in 2022. Next came the presentation of the eight technical and artistic category winners; those that had scored top marks at the live competition day on 28 June, and the Mobile Nailist of the Year and Educator of the Year. Champions were jubilant – and many were emotional – as they were presented with a trophy and encouraged to make a speech at the podium. Cheers could be heard from fellow finalists as they congratulated the winners, in a demonstration of great respect and camaraderie. An interval gave attendees the opportunity to snap pics in front of a gold sequin wall, as well as indulge in some pick ‘n mix and have their tarot read by Melissa Mercury of Mercury Tarot. Entertainment ensued courtesy of X Factor winner, Louisa Johnson, whose powerful vocals saw guests flock to the dancefloor. During the 30-minute set, Louisa belted out her Top 15 hits, So Good and Tears, before covering crowdpleasers including Respect and I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Buzzing from the performance and celebrations, guests readied themselves for the second half of the awards presentation, which revealed the winners of the Scratch Stars business categories. In addition, the Shooting Star and Services to the Nail Industry champions were announced, and cheers continued to roar through the venue as emotions

INDUSTRYEVENT

and respect ran high. Services to the Nail Industry winners, Samuel and Samantha Sweet, collected the final Scratch Star of the evening, then it was time for the unveiling of the first World’s Star Nail Artist. This global nail art competition was launched by Scratch in February, with CND™ as platinum sponsor. Games master & host of the Beyond The Brush competition podcast, Winnie Huang, had jetted over from Canada to host the table at which the top five were seated. Eagerly anticipating the announcement, Winnie and the finalists made their way on stage after a video recap of their incredible competition journey. Winnie announced the placings from fifth to third, until the final two were left standing on stage, supporting one another before the big reveal. The winners was announced as Katy Pottle, who threw her hands up in shock and excitement as gold confetti showered down on her. It was a truly incredible night, filled with joy, as the industry came together to celebrate one another’s success. A photo was snapped of our winners, with trophies held high, before a DJ played hits and dancing ensued late into the night. Check out all the photos from The Scratch Stars Party 2023 by scanning here

“It is an honour to win this award and to be recognised for my hard work. The win has given me the confidence to enter more competitions, and the motivation to keep working hard, because hard work really does pay off. Being a finalist is a great achievement, but winning has given me wings to be a stronger, better, faster version of myself. I can’t wait to do it all over again next year and challenge myself with new techniques.”

“It feels amazing to be acknowledged on such a high level. Winning has helped my self belief, and is motivating me to improve further.” Sarah Rushworth of The Nail Shed, Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year 2023

Kamila Borowiec, Scratch Stars Polish & Paint Artist of the Year 2023

“To win the Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year award in 2022 was an incredible achievement, and to go for it again this year turned up the pressure. Therefore, I am honoured and humbled to have won. I love what I do and am so proud of the business I have built, so to receive this award with a score of 100% from the mystery shopper means so much.” >>

Clare Woodcock, Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2023 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 29

INDUSTRYEVENT

AWARD WINNERS 2023 L&P TECH OF THE YEAR sponsored by Glitterbels

MINO VO GEL TECH OF THE YEAR sponsored by Bio Sculpture Gel & Evo

SOCIAL MEDIA STAR OF THE YEAR sponsored by Halo EasiBuild

KIRSTY MEAKIN NAIL & BEAUTY SALON OF THE YEAR sponsored by Gelish

CATRIONA LEITH

BEAUTY AT THE GATE, LINCOLNSHIRE

NATURAL NAIL SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR

HOME NAIL SALON OF THE YEAR

sponsored by The GelBottle Inc

TOWNHOUSE, KNIGHTSBRIDGE NAIL TEAM OF THE YEAR sponsored by Sweet Squared

OPI EDUCATION TEAM THE NAIL BUSINESS MENTOR AWARD sponsored by LCBT

JOANNA TOMPKINS THE SHOOTING STAR AWARD presented by Scratch magazine

MINO VO SERVICES TO THE NAIL INDUSTRY presented by Scratch magazine

SAMUEL & SAMANTHA SWEET THE WORLD’S STAR NAIL ARTIST 2023 KATY POTTLE, UK 2nd: Kamila Borowiec, UK ‘ UK 3rd: Monika Kupien, 4th: Gemma Dawson, UK 5th: Laiying Liu, China

“Thank you to the team at Scratch for making this event possible. I am still in shock at winning this award for the second year in a row; it’s such an honour! Competing live with so many talented nail techs was a valuable career experience, and I will never stop learning new things. I would encourage other nail techs to step outside of their comfort zone and enter these awards. Anything is possible!” Jiak Hing, Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year 2023

INDUSTRYEVENT “I am delighted to have been awarded the Scratch Star for Natural Nail Specialist of the Year. It was an honour to be a finalist amongst such talented nail techs. The Scratch Stars Awards has helped me to refine my skills and gain confidence to network in the industry.” Lucy Price, Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2023

“I am overwhelmed and honoured to receive the Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year award for a third time, and to enter the Hall of Fame for this category. It reflects the immense effort and creativity I have poured into building a thriving online community. But this win is not mine alone: it belongs to every follower who engages, shares and supports my content. Together, we have created a space of inspiration, positivity and connection. Thank you to my fantastic, hard-working team. Let’s continue to ignite nail conversations, uplift techs of all levels and make a meaningful impact in this digital era!” Kirsty Meakin, Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year 2023

Read all about Katy’s journey on page 18. Katy Pottle, winner of The World’s Star Nail Artist competition 2023

“This award means so much to me and the team behind Nail Tech Tribe and the Nail Business Success Club. We are rewarded every day by the success stories of our clients, so to be honoured for our hard work in helping them is fabulous. I’m very proud of this achievement and look forward to helping thousands of other nail techs to charge their worth and have the confidence to live epically through their sole trader businesses.” Joanna Tompkins, winner of the Scratch Stars Nail Business Mentor Award 2023 (trophy accepted on her behalf by Rachel Clark).

“I am ecstatic to have won both the Gel Tech of the Year and One Stroke Artist of the Year awards for a second year. It takes a lot of hard work to commit to competing, and I am so happy that this hard work has paid off. The party was such a blast. Bring on next year!”

“Winning the Scratch Stars Educator of the Year award is my biggest industry achievement to date and still doesn’t feel real. I am incredibly lucky to work as part of a fantastic team at Sweet Squared HQ , and I don’t believe I would have been a finalist, or won, without their help and support. Samantha and Samuel Sweet took a risk on me back in 2017, when I joined the team straight out of the salon, and I’m so pleased that they did. My only regret is that I couldn’t attend the Scratch Stars Party to celebrate in person. Thank you Scratch for making this possible!” Victoria Trafford, Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2023 (trophy accepted on her behalf by Samantha Sweet).

Catriona Leith, Scratch Stars Gel Tech of the Year & One Stroke Artist of the Year 2023

>> SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 31

INDUSTRYEVENT

“We have, for a number of years now, enjoyed testing ourselves amongst the best in the industry, and entering the Scratch Stars Awards 2023 gave us the opportunity to once again see how we measure up against others. The feedback from the judges has been outstanding and not only given us the confidence to carry on the path we have chosen, but allowed us to look at where we can further improve. To win the award was far more than we could ever have expected. It is a great honour and very humbling to know that others think that what we are doing is worthy of such recognition.”

“Winning the Scratch Stars Mixed Media Artist of the Year award has been a fouryear effort, and I am delighted to take the title for 2023. Mixed media has been my love since I started in the industry 15 years ago. I’ve completed hundreds of pieces, learning more each time. Winning a Scratch Star is not an easy feat, so I am very happy to finally have a golden star trophy in my cabinet. For anyone thinking about competing, do so without expectations. Have fun and absorb every learning experience you can along the way.”

Samantha Beatty, owner, Beauty At The Gate, Scratch Stars Nail & Beauty Salon of the Year 2023

Melanie Lewendon, Scratch Stars Mixed Media Artist of the Year 2023

“The OPI education team is thrilled to win the prestigious Scratch Stars Nail Team of the Year award. It was the first time the team has entered this category, and although I know our educators are fantastic, it is lovely to have received this recognition and feedback from industry peers. It has been great for morale and the team is so excited about it, as are our customers and colleagues. I recommend entering the Scratch Stars Awards to measure and analyse your skills and how you can improve.”

The five finalists in The World’s Star Nail Artist competition

Belinda Price, OPI UK&I education & capability manager, on behalf of the OPI UK Education Team, Scratch Stars Nail Team of the Year 2023

“This is a real ‘pinch me’ moment! Receiving a Scratch Star Award for Nail Salon of the Year for the third year running marks an incredible milestone for Townhouse and an exceptional achievement. I am filled with pride for all our wonderful team members, who continue to create fantastic and memorable experiences for our customers every day, and I am so grateful for their hard work. Thank you to Scratch for this incredible recognition!” Juanita Huber-Millet, founder & creative director at Townhouse, Knightsbridge, Scratch Stars Nail Salon of the Year 2023

32 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

INDUSTRYEVENT

“Winning both titles has given me the motivation to grow and accomplish more in the future. It is a huge personal achievement, and it feels like a missing piece has been found. As a competitor, I’ve won many awards and these are two of the last I desired to complete my collection.” Mino Vo, Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year 2023 & recipient of The Shooting Star Award

“Samuel and I are ecstatic to receive the prestigious Scratch Star Award for Services to the Nail Industry. For more than 30 years, we have been committed to elevating the professional. Our ethos is ‘Love & Respect’, which is exactly what we felt receiving this award, alongside an abundance of kind words and praise from our customers, partners, industry colleagues and friends. This recognition has deeply moved and humbled us. “Our customers have taken us from a small Yorkshire garage startup to a dedicated team of over 100 Squares on a shared mission: to elevate the professional with ‘Love & Respect.’ We simply could not do it without them! “This award holds a special place in our hearts as my mum, Gigi Rouse, was its very first recipient. Following in her footsteps 11 years later adds a layer of sentimental value that we treasure deeply. “We would like to seize this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to S cratch for continually celebrating, showcasing and believing in our industry, and we also extend our thanks for hosting such a fabulous evening that will remain in our memories for years to come. “As we continue to strive for excellence within the nail industry, we promise to continue to serve it and our customers with the same Love & Respect that has guided us from the very beginning!” Samuel and Samantha Sweet, winners of the Scratch Stars Services to the Nail Industry award 2023

The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023 Powered by:

Platinum sponsor:

Thanks to the sponsors of the Scratch Stars Awards 2023:

Prosecco reception sponsored by:

www.scratchmagazine.co.uk

#scratchstars #worldsstarnailartist /scratchmag @scratchmagazine

@Scratch-Magazine SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 33

MAKE MINE AN ICED MATCHA LATTE NEW! Matcha Latte has arrived. Matcha Latte is the perfect transitional muted, milky green. PLUS, add our new Glazed Top Coat for a deliciously icy finish.

Scan to shop

PRODUCTMATTERS

INGREDIENTS:

An insight 1

Explore 10 common ingredients found in nailcare products & their functions

Allantoin

CALLIE ILEY REPORTS

Ideal for treating cracked and damaged skin, allantoin supports the healing process and has gentle exfoliating properties. It is used to soften and moisturise cuticles and encourages nail growth.

Jessica Nourish Therapeutic Cuticle Formula £31 + VAT (4oz) www.gerrardinternational.com This conditioning cuticle cream helps to soften both the cuticle and its surrounding skin, utilising allantoin for its healing properties. “Nourish has been formulated with a cuticle-loving blend of antioxidant vitamins and healing agents, as well as zinc to keep nails soft and healthy,” shares Samantha Kendrew, head of education at Gerrard International. “The rich formula absorbs efficiently into the skin, helping to prevent cracking, splitting and hangnails.” iZ Hand Cream in Lotus Flower £5.50 + VAT www.izabellehammon.com Soothing ingredients including St John’s Wort oil and allantoin are featured in this hand cream, alongside vitamins A, B and E. The lightweight, non-sticky formula helps nourish and sooth the skin.

Avocado oil

Similar to almond oil, avocado oil has a molecular structure that can penetrate the nail plate and its coatings. It contains vitamin E and keratin-boosting potassium to strengthen the nails, and it promotes healthy growth, fighting brittle and dry nails.

“Avocado oil is packed with fatty acids ‘ Peach ManiPedi Scrub Peacci and vitamins A, D and E, as well £5.60 + VAT as potassium and lecithin, which www.thegelbottle.com ‘ Peach moisturise the skin. The Peacci Soften and soothe the skin with ‘ Peach ManiPedi Scrub, ManiPedi Scrub also contains ground the Peacci containing avocado oil, peach coconut and sugar: exfoliators that are kernel oil and castor oil. The nonexcellent at removing dead skin cells and drip formula also features naturally increasing blood circulation. The sugar exfoliating coconut shell and sugar. also preserves moisture.” Ifra Siddique, compliance director at The GelBottle Inc

Eucalyptus oil

A natural antifungal and antiseptic, eucalyptus oil cleanses and soothes, offering a refreshing scent and hydrating finish. CND™ Pro Skincare Mineral Bath £33.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com Containing cleansing and deodorising eucalyptus oil, the CND™ Pro Skincare Mineral Bath offers a moisturising, softening and relieving solution for dry, swollen feet.

36 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Almond oil

Almond oil is noted by the Nail Knowledge education platform as one of the only oils with the ability to penetrate the nail plate and its coatings. Packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B and E, Omega 5 and 9 and fatty acids, almond oil promotes healthy nail growth while working to combat dry nails and skin. Lucy Price, Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2023, explains: “When looking for specific ingredients in hand and nail products, I consider those with long, thin molecules, including almond oil, that are absorbed by both the skin and nail plate.” Nailchemy Elixir Nail & Cuticle Oil in Coconut £2.50 + VAT www.nailchemy.co.uk This formula includes almond and peach oils to moisturise the nails and skin, preventing splitting and brittleness while decreasing inflammation and redness.

“This prebiotic, complex-enriched and cleansing foot soak hydrates and softens dry, rough skin, reduces foot odour and alleviates discomfort from swollen feet. It’s ideal for pampering and relaxing clients, and is particularly beneficial for clients that play sports or are on their feet all day due to work or hobbies.” Rosie Briggs, CND™ nail artist & marketing executive at Sweet Squared

PRODUCTMATTERS

Glycerin

Glycerin allows the skin to retain moisture, aiding its softness and making it a valuable ingredient in skin and handcare products.

Protein Formula For Nails – Formula 3: I HYDRATE £7.50 + VAT/RRP £14.95 www.protein-nails.com This formula Protein features glycerin, panthenol and hexanal to hydrate the nails and increase flexibility, as well as preventing the nails from brittleness and breakage.

Aloe Vera

With soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, hydrating aloe vera helps to calm and moisturise irritated skin.

Footlogix Cuticle Conditioner £12.50 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk The powers of aloe vera, vitamin E and sunflower seed oil are utilised in the Footlogix Cuticle Conditioner to soften, soothe and protect cuticles and dry skin. The product is also safe for diabetes and sensitive skin.

Clove essential oil

Lemon essential oil

LCN Orange Vitamin Nail Shot £3.95 + VAT www.lcnuk.co.uk The LCN Orange Vitamin Nail Shot uses glycerin to moisturise cuticles and dry, cracked and itchy skin, aiding the skin’s smoothness and elasticity.

Essential oils

There are many essential oils, each boasting their own benefits. Nail Knowledge notes the following four, which are commonly found in hand, foot and nailcare products: 1. Tea tree essential oil – natural anti-fungal, deodorising and healing properties for hands, feet and nails. Do not apply undiluted tea tree essential oil directly to the skin. 2. Lavender essential oil – relaxing scent, soothing and healing for sore skin. Avoid if pregnant. 3. Clove essential oil – antiseptic properties, calming for skin and warts. 4. Lemon essential oil – uplifting scent, antiseptic properties, skin toning and brightening for nails.

Tea tree essential oil

Lavender essential oil

Famous Names Dadi’Oil £8.50 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk Containing over 20 naturally derived essential oils, Famous Names Dadi’Oil moisturises the cuticle and its surrounding skin to treat weak and brittle nails.

Jojoba oil

Packed with vitamins B and E, jojoba oil improves nail strength and health, while hydrating. With molecules of a similar size to the skin’s natural oils, it easily penetrates the nail plate and is often used in hand and footcare products.

Lyco’pedi Massage Lotion £13 + VAT/RRP £26 www.lyconuk.com Ideal for a foot and leg massage, pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E, sweet almond oil and jojoba oil work in harmony in this lotion to effortlessly hydrate and smooth dry skin. Lemon tea-tree and peppermint essential oils refresh and fight odours while marine collagen aids hydration.

Grapeseed oil Lightweight and non-greasy, grapeseed oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and is effective in hydrating and moisturising the skin. OPI ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil £9.80 + VAT/RRP £19.90 www.opiuk.com Containing grapeseed oil, avocado lipid complex, cupuaçu butter, white tea extract, kukui nut oil and sunflower oil, OPI ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil moisturises, replenishes and strengthens the nail, cuticle and surrounding skin with its fast-absorbing formula.

Vitamins

Vitamins A, B, D, and E help maintain healthy nails, providing strength and hydration. They have the following uses: 1. Vitamin A – hydrating properties ideal for thin, cracked nails. 2. Vitamin B – supports strong, healthy nail growth. 3. Vitamin D – prevents peeling and chipping. 4. Vitamin E – repairs and replenishes. Gelish Nourish Cuticle Oil £4.99 + VAT www.gsgroupuk.com / www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk / www.salon-services.com Gelish Nourish Cuticle Oil uses vitamin E alongside grapeseed oil, kukui nut oil and sesame to hydrate and soothe.

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 37

glitterbels.com | @glitterbels

NAILINSPO

STRIKEAPOSE

Nail brand, INVERAY, fused artificial intelligence with femininity in the photo shoot for its AI Girl colour collection. Here, the team shares the premise behind the statement-making shots…

olish nail brand, Inveray, has utilised a photo shoot for its AI Girl nail colour collection to make an important statement: that artificial intelligence (AI) can have a big impact on women.

“What should be admired is a woman’s mind and soul, not just her appearance or body, which every woman has in different forms and should love and accept equally.”

Founded by Joanna Kimla, Inveray is influenced by the females in her family. She explains: “For generations, the women in my family have used nature’s gifts to make medicines and bodycare products. They drew their knowledge from books and the teachings of their ancestors, and I launched Inveray to share my knowledge and create luxurious products for others.”

To create the AI Girl imagery to front the 11-piece gel polish collection, Inveray invited Katarzyna Konieczka, an internationally renowned creator of artistic costumes, to deliver direction. Katarzyna, who has collaborated with celebrities including Madonna and Lady Gaga, designed futuristic attire, with inspiration from a 1950s android.

Keen to showcase femininity throughout the brand’s offerings, the AI Girl collection has been unveiled, presenting ‘a woman who is aware of her body and her needs. She aims high and looks to the future, knowing that what she creates now will shape that future. She is bold, assertive, knows her own worth and accepts herself, regardless of the opinions of others.’ A spokesperson for the brand comments: “Artificial intelligence can negatively affect how women perceive themselves, which may lead to frustration, an excessive focus on appearance and a lack of selfacceptance. The philosophy of the AI Girl promotes respect for women’s choices, dreams and goals, regardless of societal expectations or gender stereotypes.

The brand raises concerns about the high number of men, compared to women, working in technology and on artificial intelligence, commenting: “The information we receive from artificial intelligence is data that has been input by humans. If men work predominantly on AI, gender stereotypes could be perpetuated. However, we believe that nothing compares to a human’s creativity and perception of the world, as humans have emotions and interpret things differently to AI. “We want to change the thinking and awareness of younger generations, who will be exposed to artificial intelligence regularly.”

“We believe that nothing compares to a human’s creativity and perception of the world, as humans have emotions and interpret things differently to AI.”

40 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

THE PHOTO SHOOT TEAM Brand: Inveray - The AI Collection Photographer: Anna Kryża @eloninja Avant-garde fashion designer: Katarzyna Konieczka @konieczkacostumes Nail stylist: Rzęsa W Rzęsę @rzesa.w.rzese Make-up artist: Klaudia Kot @klaudiakot_art Model: Blanka Pomykała @bianciaaaa Videographer: Krzysztof Kowalski @mowmimejker

www.inveray.com @inveray.official

/inverayofficial @inveray

NAILINSPO

“The philosophy of the AI Girl promotes respect for women’s choices, dreams and goals, regardless of societal expectations or gender stereotypes.”

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 41

SOCIALMEDIA

Let’s talk about

Threads

Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, reported over five million sign-ups to Threads in the first four hours of its launch. CALLIE ILEY explores whether the social media platform is here to stay & its benefits for nail pros

n 5 July, microblogging platform, Threads, made its presence known in the social media realm. However since then, its active user base has declined, while rival app, Twitter (or ‘X’), has maintained its success. But what is Threads, and how does it work?

Threads was developed by Meta and is integrated with Instagram, so that users have the same username across both apps. At the time of writing, Threads has no hashtags, direct messaging options or analytics, so its current key function is posting text, or ‘threads’, and building an audience. Its main feed is curated by an algorithm, recommending content by both followed and new users on the platform.

Threads vs Twitter/X Twitter’s controversial rebrand to X may have got people talking, but it didn’t encourage a significant shift of users to Threads. The functionality of both apps is similar, however there are some differences:

Threads

Twitter/X

500 characters per thread.

280 characters per tweet.

Allows up to 10 pictures and videos. Allows video content of up to five minutes.

Allows up to four pictures and videos. Allows video content of up to two minutes, 20 seconds.

Free to use.

Has a paid-for subscription, which unlocks additional features.

How are people using Threads? Threads is proving to offer a casual form of communication, with the rise of TikTok triggering a shift in behaviour online from both brands and everyday users. Dubbed ‘unhinged brand behaviour’, Threads has seen Channel 4, ITV, Uber Eats and Netflix engaging in meme-style content, similar to that of TikTok.

Ellie Moston

“The app allows me to filter my nail designs into separate threads, so it’s easier for followers to find a particular colour or design,” explains Yasmine Hodge of Gels By Yas, Wolverhampton. “Threads has allowed me to connect with nail techs that I wasn’t following on other social media platforms, and promote Yasmine Hodge the products that I love. I posted on Threads to ask for advice regarding a nail technique and got more responses than on Instagram, where I feel that story posts can get lost.”

Is it here to stay? Despite a 70% decline in daily active users reported by market intelligence firm, Sensor Tower, Threads has been building its user base internationally, most notably in India and Brazil. User engagement has decreased from 19 minutes to four, meanwhile user engagement on Twitter/X has remained consistent, at around 30 minutes a day. However, Twitter has seen seeing ongoing issues with the announcement of its paid subscription, Twitter Blue, its controversial rebranding to X, and various layoffs since its takeover by Elon Musk, so there’s certainly room for a rival. Threads offers easy Instagram integration, which allows for an easy sign up process, encouraging more users to the platform. Moreover, text-based content is quicker and easier to create than the curated photo and video content traditionally seen across Instagram, allowing for a different level of interaction between users.

What can we expect in the future? Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, reveals in a post on Threads, that users can expect the following updates: • European availability. • A following feed. • An edit button for posts. • Post searching. • A desktop app. • The ability to delete your account. • Hashtags.

“At Glitterbels, we use Threads to interact with our customers and audience,” shares Ellie Moston, the brand’s marketing executive. “We have a conversation with them and ask for opinions, and the app allows users to post pictures and videos, so techs can showcase their work.

“Polls get lots of traction, as asking our audience questions – such as whether they prefer flower or heart nail art – allows them to share their opinion and engage with us. We love seeing everyone’s preferences, so I regularly post ‘This or That’s’ on Threads. This helps us to make the most of the app’s communication offering.” 42 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Wall Street Journal reports that the number of daily Threads users saw a 70% decline over 12 days in July.

Only 4% of nail and beauty pros polled by Scratch on Instagram on 31 July actively use Threads.

Follow Scratch on Threads: @scratchmagazine

TOP NAIL TRENDS FOR

autumn/winter 2023

The natural world heavily influences nail trends this season, with dark browns, navy blues and khaki greens prominent on the catwalks and in nail colour collections.

The team at Leighton Buzzard Threading & Beauty adds a touch of gold to a leafy green gel polish overlay.

Instagram.com/gellybeannails

Tones of nature

Biggleswade-based manicurist, @gellybeannails, adds a neutral twist to gradient nails.

Entity One Colour Couture in It’s A Taxi Affair £10.95 + VAT www.beautybossherquarters.co.uk

Instagram.com/leightonbuzzardthreading

Artistic Perfect Dip in Take Me Anywhere £7.95 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk

CND Shellac™ in Rags To Stitches £14.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com 44 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

“Expect many clients to ask for neutral shades with simple nail art,” says Karen Louise, Salon System nail expert. “Soft browns and earthy greens will be go-to hues, with additions of a glazed top coat, small, detailed nail art, or delicate embellishments.”

Manicurist, Ama Quashie, and her team served up a deep, dark nail design for Alexander McQueen’s AW23 showcase at Paris Fashion Week.

Glitterbels Coloured Acrylic Powder in Tuna £8.95 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com

Light Elegance ButterCream in Taken For Granite £17.95 + VAT www.lightelegance.co.uk Session pro, Saffron Goddard, used a navy hue for models walking the Molly Goddard show at London Fashion Week AW23.

“I expect green and brown tones to prove popular this season,” shares Rosie Briggs, marketing executive at Sweet Squared. “Green used to be one of my least used colours, but requests for green tones have grown over the last few years. My favourite shades are CND Shellac™ in Aura, Olive Grove and Gilded Sage, and Rags To Stitches from CND™’s Upcycle Chic collection.”

Instagram.com/saffrongoddard

Whether clients prefer a laid-back nail look or want to be bold with colour, nail art and design, the latter part of the year serves up a multitude of trends to suit. With influences stemming from the runway, autumn/winter will see a versatile range of styles; from short and fresh nude manis to elongated, gothic and embellished designs.

Instagram.com/amaquashie

Capture the essence of the coming seasons with CALLIE ILEY’S roundup of nail art trends, shapes & shades to note

Image courtesy of Artistic Nail Design, showcasing the Away We Go collection, available via www.louellabelle.co.uk

NAILTRENDS

Halo Cat Eye Gel Polish in Frankincense £5.95 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk

Instagram.com/hono_nails

Add textured elegance to nails with the return of velvet-effect finishes, offering a multi-dimensional, soft style to excite clients as the seasons change.

Zero Gel Polish in Merlot £11.50 inc VAT www.themanicurecompany.com

Ruby hues

A range of rich red hues, from bright candy reds to deep, wine tones, will add a touch of luxury to nail looks this autumn and see clients through to Christmas.

Spicy red nails never go out of style, as shown by Carrie Murphy of The Nail Room, Blandford Forum.

Instagram.com/nailsbylizziee

Nevada-based pro, @nailsbylizziee, adds a fun French outline to these velvet-effect nails.

OPI GelColor in Feelin’ Libra-Ted £19.90 + VAT www.opiuk.com

Light Elegance Glitter Gel in Pints & Quartz £14.95 + VAT www.lightelegance.co.uk

Jessica GELeration in Picture Perfect £18.75 + VAT www.gerrardinternational.com

Instagram.com/carries.nail.room

Velvet luxe

NAILTRENDS

Instagram.com/nichillsnails

This dreamy overlay by Birminghambased nail artist, Honorine Monteiro, shimmers as it catches the light.

CND Vinylux™ in Needles & Red £5.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com YOSHI Gel Polish in Late Red £5.95 inc VAT www.nailslaundry.co.uk

Kay’s Amazing Nails (@kaysnail) combines a velvet finish with earthy tones for the ultimate autumn/winter mani.

Instagram.com/kaysnail

Nail stylist, Nic Hills, served up a bright red mani for the David Koma show at London Fashion Week AW23, led by Marian Newman.

Hara Hema Free Gel Polish in Garnet £6.50 + VAT www.astonandfincher.co.uk

INK London iLac in i-208 Esther £10 inc VAT www.inknails.com

Instagram.com/emnienails

“You can create velvet-style nails in a variety of ways, such as by using velvet flock powder, a metallic polish in a deep shade, or cat eye gel polish with a matte top coat.” Stephanie Hathrill, celebrity nail artist & Magpie Beauty brand ambassador

Instagram.com/reireishnailart

Nailchemy Wizardry Cat Eye Glitter Gel Polish in Over Crow £12.50 + VAT www.nailchemy.co.uk Bright and bold red enhancements by Denmark-based nail artist, Emilie Nielsen.

LA-based nail stylist, Reina Santos, adds glamorous gold to enhance this velvet-tipped mani.

Lecenté Sugar Glitter in Rocket £3.99 + VAT www.lecente.com www.sweetsquared.com www.ellisons.co.uk

“Expect requests for mulled wine reds and deep purples as we move into the latter part of the year,” predicts Glitterbels social media manager, Ebony Shepherd.

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 45

Neutrals and earth tones will receive a glazed makeover for autumn/winter, with nail art additions created using chrome-effect products for cool, statement-making looks. “Expect mixed metal designs using gold, silver and copper chromes,” says Ebony Shepherd.

Halo Create Chrome in #BeEmpowered £2.49 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk

Tortie time

A firm favourite year after year, tortoiseshell nail art combines deep browns and caramel tones for apt autumnal styling. The versatile look can be worn alone or as a feature nail alongside other seasonal shades, for a subtle yet striking finish.

Hara Hema Free Gel Polish in Hot Chocolate £6.50 + VAT www.astonandfincher.co.uk

Halo Platinum VIP, @byjessicar, complements this tortoiseshell look with an on-trend ruby shade and sparkle. Instagram.com/nailsbykumi

3D mirror chrome nails by Gold Coast nail artist, Nails by Kumi.

Artistic Nail Design Chrome Pen in Holographic Gold £6.95 + VAT & Chrome Gloss Top Coat £17.95 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk

Gelish Blooming Gel £16.99 + VAT www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk www.gsgroupuk.com www.salon-services.com

Courtney Taylor (@nailsbynu_) mixes a chocolate brown hue with a tortoiseshell finish, opting for square-shaped nails.

Instagram.com/byjessicar

Instagram.com/nailicious_by_vanessa

This eye-catching nail style by Vanessa Armitage of Nailicious By Vanessa, Reddish, features silver chrome swirls over a natural-looking base hue.

Instagram.com/lunitas_magicnails

Chrome calling

This full-coverage chrome style comes courtesy of Italian nail artist, Jeannette Marie Luna.

Instagram.com/nailsbynu_

NAILTRENDS

Reflective blue-toned chrome nails by Birmingham-based manicurist, @korenleighnails.

Instagram.com/korenleighnails

Halo Gel Polish in Lodge £5.95 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk YOSHI Gel Polish in Late Yellow £5.95 inc VAT www.nailslaundry.co.uk

The GelBottle Inc Tortie Foil £5.95 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

Salon System nail expert, Jaz Moger, mixes up her tortie look with eyecatching orange details.

46 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

CND™ Over The Top Effects Collection £49.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com

Salon System Gellux in All Fired Up £11.95 + VAT. Available from wholesalers nationwide. Instagram.com/paintbyjaz

“The chrome nail trend, made popular by model, Hailey Bieber, is going nowhere fast,” shares Rosie Briggs. “Adding chrome over autumn/winter colours looks just as fabulous as when the ‘glazed’ effect was added to spring/summer tones. Apply CND™ Over The Top Effects in Off the Chain over Shellac™ shades, Toffee Talk or Wooded Bliss, to create a chocolate glazed nail.”

The GelBottle Inc Studio Gel in Mirror Chrome £13 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

NAILTRENDS

Gothcore

Step aside Barbiecore! Invite clients to explore the dark side of nail art with bewitching gothcore-inspired styles this AW23, switching the hot pinks of the summer for Brighton-based tooth gem & nail deep, dark tones. artist, Hannah of @gellraiser, adds

“Slick, clean-looking manicures will remain popular into autumn/winter, making use of sheer nude hues,” says Julie-Anne Larivière. Ebony Shepherd agrees, commenting: “Delicate greys and barely-there beiges are sure to be a big hit with clients who seek a luxurious yet subtle and sophisticated finish.”

Instagram.com/gellraiser

Clean & serene

Lecenté Gel Polish in Rosy Skies £11.99 + VAT www.lecente.com www.sweetsquared.com www.ellisons.co.uk

a smoky twist to enhanced nails.

Mii Colour Confidence in Coffee Éclair £6.75 + VAT/RRP £13.50 www.gerrardinternational.com

Entity One Colour Couture in Sidewalk Runway £10.95 + VAT www.beautybossherquarters.co.uk

OPI GelColor in Big Sagittarius Energy £19.90 + VAT www.opiuk.com

Glitterbels co-founder, Annabel Maginnis, showcases a sleek nail overlay, using Glitterbels Hema-Free Builder-Bel Gel in Barely There.

HD Pro Nails Design IT! Colour & Design Gel in Glam Silver £12.49 + VAT www.hazeldixonnails.com

Droitwich nail artist, Rebecca of @thenailscoven, contrasts chrome with black for a striking nail finish.

sonna

ils

Manicurist, Stephanie Saltzman, led the nail team for Rodarte’s NYFW AW23 presentation, using Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer to create this gothic look.

Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish (£16.99 + VAT) & Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer (£5.50 + VAT/RRP £10.95) in Sappy But Sweet www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk www.gsgroupuk.com www.salon-services.com

thomp

Instagram.com/nail__retreat

Glitterbels Hema-Free Builder-Bel Gel in Barely There £16.99 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com

Instagram.com/thenailscoven

Leeds nail stylist, Matilde Andre, adds delicate metallic details to a nude base.

Instagram.com/stephsaltzman

Instagram.com/matildea_nailsbeauty

OPI GelColor in Gemini & I £19.90 + VAT www.opiuk.com

Instagram.com/daylemcleodbeauty

A matte finish and dainty hearts decorate this dark nail style by Dayle Mcleod, Whitley Bay.

Nail stylist, Amandha Mariano, created a natural-looking look for the Emilia Wickstead AW23 showcase at London Fashion Week. Nails were led by Cherrie Snow using Bio Sculpture.

The GelBottle Gel Polish in Solo £14.50 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

om/j Instagram.com/amandhamrnonails ram.c Instag

essica

Luxury manicurist, Jodie Swannell of @nail__retreat, used The GelBottle Gel Polish shade, Solo, to nail a clean aesthetic.

CND Shellac™ in Leather Goods £14.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 47

NAILTRENDS

The fail-safe French

Embellished & textured looks

OPI GelColor in Kiss My Aries £19.90 + VAT www.opiuk.com

The classic French offers versatility all year-round, but try twists on the traditional pink and white with earthy or neutral hues alongside micro-French finishes. “Swap the pastel shades of spring and summer for rench tips with burnt oranges, mustard yellows, olive greens and s royal blues,” says Jaz Moger.

Let your creativity flow freely with embellished, 3D and textured looks this season, choosing metallic accents and striking details. “Textured nails have been evolving throughout 2023,” says Stephanie Hathrill. “This autumn, think studs, leather, 3D bubbles and jewels.”

Nailchemy 3D Embossing Gel in Silver £6.99 + VAT www.nailchemy.co.uk

Instagram.com/justyna.maris.godivanails

Crystal Parade Preciosa Crystal Mix (100pc) £4.84 inc VAT www.crystalparade.co.uk

Justyna Maris of @justyna.maris.godivanails shows off a classic micro French.

Nail artist & content creator, Amber of @amberjhnails, combines two seasonal trends with gold chrome French tips.

Gold chain nails were created by Yukie Natori for the Bronx and Banco AW23 show at New York Fashion Week.

Instagram.com/thelacquerlassie

Artistic Nail Design Art Paint in Gold Metallic £9.99 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk

Glasgow-based nail tech, Aimee of @thelacquerlassie, showcases edgy, embellished silver and black enhancements.

48 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Gelish Xpress Dip in Dew Me A Favor £19.95 + VAT www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk www.gsgroupuk.com www.salon-services.com

Aylesford-based tech, @laurennicolenails_, uses a bold blue chrome for these French tips.

Instagram.com/laurennicolenails_

Halo Create Crystals in Black Size 3 £2.69 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk

This 3D design by French nail artist, Khun Mimi, makes a striking statement and evokes a wintry feel.

Salon System Gellux in Sally Sells Seashells £11.95 + VAT. Available from wholesalers nationwide.

Instagram.com/amberjhnails

Instagram.com/yukiebeautyspa

Metallic silver snakes decorate this 3D design by Jimmy of @bugnails.

Instagram.com/khun_mimi

Instagram.com/bugnails

Nailchemy 8mm Fine Detailer Nail Art Brush £9.99 + VAT www.nailchemy.co.uk

YOSHI Easy Pro Builder Gel in Cover Dark £19.90 inc VAT www.nailslaundry.co.uk

Multi award-winning nail artist, Scarlett Senter, creates a seasonal French style with rustic tones and gold glitter.

Glitterbels Hema-Free Builder-Bel Gel in Shy £16.99 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com

Embrace swirls and fluid, transformative styles on nails this season, as the spirit of the 1970s takes over the trendsphere. Use rustic shades to create the fun looks and change up as we head into winter.

Nail artist, Amy Skillicorn from the Isle of Man, uses brown and glittery gold to create a statement-making look.

Zero Gel Polish in Iris £11.50 inc VAT www.themanicurecompany.com

Paris Evans of @belle_voir creates this wavy nail look using contrasting seasonal hues.

Lecenté D3 Brush £12.49 + VAT www.lecente.com www.sweetsquared.com www.ellisons.co.uk Instagram.com/nail__therapy__

‘70s style

Instagram.com/amyskillicornnails

NAILTRENDS

Jessica Phenom in Is It Me U R Looking For £7.50 + VAT/RRP £14.50 www.gerrardinternational.com

Artistic Nail Design Flash Glitter in Flashy & Sassy £13.95 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk

En Vogue Lac It! in SoHo £11 inc VAT www.nailslaundry.co.uk

Instagram.com/paintsalon.uk

Instagram.com/belle_voir

Neutral tones decorate this swirly design by Coventry nail stylist, Oliwia of @nail__therapy__.

Gold glitter waves complement these navy blue tips by gel specialist, Brianna Smith of @paintsalon.uk.

TOP TIP

Instagram.com/dannis_essex

Almond nails by Dannis Essex of @dannis_essex.

Instagram.com/studioarcheruk

“Showcase your autumn/winter nail designs by wearing them yourself,” says Entity educator, Gemma Jones. “People love to see what nail hues look like on others, and you may attract new clients outside of the salon if your nails get noticed. What’s more, designs on tips displayed in your salon window, on your nail desk or in a photo frame, are a great way to show them off. My main advertising method is TikTok, as my clients love the video transformations of natural nails to an artistic finish.”

STYLE SHOWCASE Sarah Hartley, owner of social media support platform, Blossom Tree Social & Scratch Stars Nail Business Mentor Award finalist 2023, suggests the best ways to get your trend-led nail art noticed… “Having a good mix of content on your social media pages helps to keep your audience engaged. Showcase your autumn/ winter nail designs in a variety of ways; as still photos, via a Reel, utilising the stories feature and by hosting live tutorials. “Ask your clients to tag you in photos of their nails that they share on social media. This helps their friends to identify you and your handiwork if they need to book a nail makeover. In the salon, showcase your portfolio by either printing some of your work, getting photos printed professionally into a book, or using a digital photo frame that creates a slideshow of your nail art offering.”

Squoval nails by nailcare specialist, @studioarcheruk.

SHAPE SPOTLIGHT Stephanie Hathrill predicts that short nail styles will reign supreme this season, with Salon System’s Jaz Moger in agreement, commenting: “Short squoval and mid-length almond nails will be top of the most wanted list when it comes to shape and length.”

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 49

NEW

LIQUID AND POWDER SYSTEMS DESIGN. SCULPT. ENHANCE.

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT Distributed exclusively in the UK and Ireland with Love and Respect

ODOURLESS SCULPTING LIQUID NEW, HEMA-free, self-levelling formula

PLUS, SIX NEW PERFECT COLOUR POWDERS Colour ready or mix to create custom shades Leaves a smooth finish that requires minimal filing Creates shorter service time Available 14th August

Shop CND™ Liquid & Powder.

sweetsquared.com 03 3 3 0 0 0 70 0 0

Tech for TECH-NOLOGY

Techs

REBECCA HITCHON gets the scoop on high-tech launches, decodes hot topics & sources tech-savvy tips for your business

Gaming & the beauty industry One positive thing to come from the Covid-19 pandemic is the connection it built between the beauty industry and the gaming world. You may be thinking ‘why is that a good thing?’, but when you consider that gaming is traditionally recognised as a pastime for young boys and can showcase stereotypical representations of women, its collaboration with the beauty sector introduces an empowered female audience and new sense of experimentation. During the pandemic, as virtual experiences became the ‘new normal’, the number of UK gamers rose by 28%, according to data firm, Nielsen, and these gamers included women and beauty enthusiasts. In fact, women make up 46% of the gaming population, as reported by gamer insights platform, Newzoo, and 39% of beauty consumers enjoy playing video games, while 22% enjoy esports, according to audience research company, GWI. It makes sense that these audiences overlap, with beauty and gaming both forms of self-care and escapism.

A game-changing form of advertising The partnership between these two worlds is a popular move with consumers, but what about brands? Statistics show that the financial effects have been positive. Research by virtual store, Obsess, found that 75% of Gen Z-ers have bought a digital item in a video game, and 86% of luxury consumers who bought ingame beauty items purchased their physical versions, as reported in 2022 by consulting firm, BCG. With avatar technology becoming increasingly realistic, the argument that virtually trying on a product does not showcase its real-life appearance is weakening. For beauty brands, entering the gaming sphere opens the door to new marketing opportunities, particularly physical ones. MAC Cosmetics became the first beauty brand to exhibit at a video game convention, when it was part of TwitchCon in 2019 – and NYX Professional Makeup and Benefit Cosmetics have hosted booths at the convention since. NYX Professional Makeup has also sponsored an esports organisation, alongside L’Oréal and Estée Lauder, and sponsors for the GIRLGAMER Esports Festival have included Sephora, Benefit Cosmetics, L’Occitane and Charlotte Tilbury.

52 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Elsewhere, mobile gaming app, Drest, which sees players complete styling challenges on model avatars, launched a beauty mode in 2021, debuting with an exclusive Gucci Beauty partnership. The same year, Fenty Beauty became an official partner of Riot Games to curate looks for its games, including League of Legends. Plus, Paco Rabanne’s robot-shaped Phantom fragrance was featured in action game, Curved Space, marking the first time a fragrance has been featured as a playable game character.

Instagram.com/bidstackhq

Instagram.com/gillettevenus

Beauty brands scoring big in games Take your mind back to the first lockdown in 2020 and there’s a high chance that you, or someone you know, played Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Beauty brands clocked the game’s popularity and didn’t hesitate to get involved. Japanese skincare brand, Tatcha, created Tatchaland, a pop-up destination in the game where players could discover products and enter scavenger hunts to win samples. Givenchy launched virtual make-up, and Gillette Venus released The Skinclusive Summer Line: inclusive skin and body fashion designs, including wrinkles, acne, cellulite, rosacea, vitiligo and prosthetics.

TECH-NOLOGY

39% of beauty consumers enjoy playing video games, while 22% enjoy esports.

Gaming’s control over beauty

Take NYX Professional Makeup’s Game Out Loud campaign for Pride 2023, which brought awareness to the fact that nearly 90% of LGBTQIA+ gamers have been harassed online. The campaign profiled LGBTQIA+ gamers and at the NYX Professional Makeup HQ on the Roblox gaming platform, an NPC (non-player character) asked players to take an allyship pledge. It follows the Real Virtual Beauty campaign from Dove, the Women in Games charity and game developers, Epic Games and Toya, after Dove research revealed that 60% of girl gamers feel a lack of diversity is a key issue in video games and 35% of young girls’ self-esteems are negatively impacted by this. Real Virtual Beauty saw the launch of a diversity course for creators, online character art collection and Roblox experience delivering self-esteem education. Plus, Benefit Cosmetics’ Game Face programme encourages gamers to share their ‘game face’ make-up looks, and last year held the Game Face Tournament Series with a prize pool of $25,500 for female players.

Instagram.com/unilever

But post-pandemic, has the hype around beauty products in games died down? It seems not, with the L’Oréal Group announcing a multibrand partnership with metaverse avatar platform, Ready Player Me, last year. One of the Group’s brands, Maybelline, also collaborated with video game developer, Zygna, to launch the Mascara Merge advert, which can be played to earn points for other games. Meanwhile, NARS Cosmetics launched 90-day game, NARS Color Quest, via online platform, Roblox, in summer 2022. A beauty version of Pokémon Go aimed to grow brand awareness among young gamers, setting them tasks to collect NARS shades in the game’s tropical setting, build a virtual palette, customise their avatars and share photos of them.

Instagram.com/roblox

86% of luxury consumers who bought in-game beauty items purchased physical versions of the products.

It’s not just beauty that is impacting the gaming world; gaming is having an influence on the beauty industry. From OPI’s spring 2022 nail colour collaboration with Xbox and the creation of cosmetics products for cosplay and gaming streams, to campaigns from beauty brands to support the gaming community, the influence is empowering.

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 53

PRODIY

MAGICAL

mermicure

Create a majestic ombré with a finish fit for a mermaid! FREYA MURPHY, brand ambassador for The Manicure Company, shows how, using Zero Gel Polish

ABOUT ZERO GEL POLISH Launched in August 2023 by The Manicure Company (TMC), Zero Gel Polish offers a longwearing nail finish that’s fitting to the conscious needs of its customer base. The hypoallergenic formula, found within a stylish silver bottle, is free from Hema, Di-Hema, HPMA, TPO and IBOA, with a minimum wear time of 14 days. Over 40 shades currently exist in the range, and each 10ml bottle provides 20-25 nail services.

Step 1 Prep the nails and apply a thin layer of Zero Gel Polish Base Coat. Cure for 60 seconds in TMC’s Dual Pro UV/LED Lamp, before applying three chosen shades in thick horizontal stripes onto the nail. From the cuticle area to the free edge, I used Zero Gel Polish shades in Azure, Hummingbird and WIFI. Do not cure. Step 2 Using the TMC Stripe Liner Nail Art Brush, blend the shade at the base of the nail into the middle shade, using upwards brushing motions. Step 3 Continue blending the shades in an upward brush stroke motion to create an ombré effect. Once you are happy with the blend, cure for 60 seconds.

Zero Gel Polish Base Coat £11.50 inc VAT Zero Gel Polish in WIFI & Parisian Pink £11.50 inc VAT each

TMC Stripe Liner Nail Art Brush £9.60 inc VAT

TMC Bio Cuticle Oil £6.60 inc VAT

Step 4 Apply Zero Gel Polish shade, Parisian Pink, onto the nail but do not cure. This semi-sheer pink shade is ideal for this design finish and French manicures. Step 5 Using the Zero Gel Polish Base Coat and a dotting tool, place different sized dots in random areas over the uncured Parisian Pink shade. Once you are happy with the placement and design, cure for 60 seconds.

“I love the consistency and 7 Step 6 Apply Zero Gel Polish Top Coat to the highly pigmented nail and cure for 60 seconds. formula of Zero Gel Step 7 Polish. The rounded Wipe the inhibition layer from the nails brush head makes with a cotton pad and TMC Pro Prep & Wipe solution. Apply TMC’s Bio Cuticle application easy, and Oil to finish. the removal process is straightforward.” All products used are available via www.themanicurecompany.com and associated stockists. /themanicurecompany @the_manicure_company @themanicurecompany

54 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

TECHSPOTLIGHT

READERS GALLERY Midlands-based nail artist, REBEKAH PRITCHARD, showcases her artistic flair & provides insight into her career story

56 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

TECHSPOTLIGHT

Name – Rebekah Pritchard

working with watercolour paints to create delicate nail styles.

Age – 34

Favourite nail design – Something with texture and depth. I created a black floral design using watercolour paints and it appears as if the flowers are printed onto glass. It was the first time I had used watercolour paints on a dark background and the result is so effective.

Business name – Rebekah Pritchard Location – The Midlands, UK Years in nails – I knew exactly what I wanted to do as a career when I left school. Doing something I had a passion for was so important to me, and I definitely made the right decision by joining the nail industry. I still love what I do, 16 years on. Trained with – I completed basic training at a local college before enhancing my skills with Calgel, Magpie Beauty and a number of other brands. Favourite products – For strength and structure, I use Magpie Beauty’s Get A Grip Base Coat in Pink and Give Me Strength in Rosa. I also enjoy working with HONA’s PureBuild in Tender. For art, I turn to Magpie Beauty’s Arty Gels and Watercolour Paints. Favourite nail technique – It changes so frequently, but I am currently enjoying

Career ambition & vision – I would like to be recognised worldwide for my original nail artistry. I hope to continue influencing and teaching others how to perfect detailed nail art designs. Who do you admire in the industry? Chantelle Johnson (aka @clawgasmic) took me under her wing and encouraged me to showcase my work when I first joined Instagram. She’s turned into an incredible friend and we have had the pleasure of working together on a number of occasions. Her knowledge and kindness towards others is inspiring. @rebekahxpritchard @rebekahxpritchard @rebekahxpritchard

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 57

Join the UK Family!

FIND US ON SOCIAL

@LightEleganceHQ @LightElegance.UK

NEW Fall 2023 Amethyst Kiss Glitter Gel I Lava You ButterCream

light

e l e g a nc e W WEE’ ’VVEE GGOOTT GGRREEAATT CCH HEEM MIISSTTRRYY

WHAT

makes US CREATIVE

LE LE delivers delivers 100s 100s of of colors colors in in award-winning, award-winning, HEMA HEMA monomer monomer free free gel gel formulations formulations so so our our professionals professionals can can push push their their limits limits and and excite excite and and delight delight their their clients. clients.

Creative Creative is is what what makes makes us us LE. LE.

#LECreative #LECreative Responsibly Responsibly Manufactured Manufactured in in the the USA USA

CAREERMOVES

STEP INTO THE

teaching sphere Are you keen to share your knowledge & become a nail industry educator? CHLOE RANDALL gathers top tips & hears from pros that have made the move from salon tech to teacher Exceptional education is key to shaping the future of our industry; ensuring high standards and safe practice. If you’ve been in the nail industry for some time, taking the step from working day-to-day with clients to teaching may be an exciting move. However, the transition isn’t a quick one, and it’s important to be well informed of your options. Here, existing educators share key points to note…

SUITABILITY

Katie Clark

“While someone may be an amazing nail technician, competitor or award winner, it does not mean that they can or should teach,” reveals Katie Clark, Scratch Stars Services to the Nail Industry finalist 2023 & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range. “Teaching isn’t about showing someone how you carry out a technique; it’s about showing them how they can achieve that technique.

“You must have a minimum amount of experience in the subject you are teaching, and you must know the topic or skill to a high level. You have to be prepared to give everything you know to your students. If you are not ready to share the tips and tricks you know, you are not ready to teach.”

Sue Davies

“Before you embark on your journey to be an educator, make sure your own training is up-to-date and that you understand every element of what you will be teaching,” adds Sue Davies, nail sector veteran & founder of education portal, Nabuno. “An educator should not need to look up answers to basic questions.”

60 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

THE ROLE

“As an educator, I am able to assist others in achieving their dream career in nails,” comments Jennie Nippard, deputy head of education at Glitterbels & Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2021. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing students attend a nail course, find their vocation and flourish Jennie Nippard into businesspeople, achieving their dreams.

“I love educating and take my responsibility extremely seriously. I believe it is so important to ensure that all students are taught well and understand the importance of a nail professional’s role, from aspects including health & safety to the science behind products and nailcare. This goes far deeper than being able to create a beautiful set of nails. The allergy epidemic our industry is witnessing is an example of this. Knowledge is power and my role is to ensure that every student is filled with knowledge, while always having someone to turn to if they have questions or need help or support.” “Students rely on you to teach them well, so that they can enjoy a long career in the industry,” adds Melanie Lewendon, Scratch Stars Educator of the Melanie Lewendon Year finalist 2023. “If you can handle the responsibility of being an educator, and you feel adequately trained to answer any questions your students ask, then go for it, as it is such a rewarding job.”

CAREERMOVES

BENEFITS & CHALLENGES ü Share knowledge and

inspire the next generation of nail professionals.

ü Expand your reach worldwide, thanks to online platforms.

û Difficult to ensure that

students continue to deliver services at a good standard post-training, and that they invest in CPD.

ü Travel and meet new people. û Flexibility required to accommodate students. ü Experience job freedom and variety, and earn û Can be time-consuming to additional income. ü Be at the forefront of new developments, particularly if working for a brand. ü Develop your

communication skills.

communicate information and keep up-to-date with techniques and products.

û Competition from low cost, sub-standard courses.

ü Help raise industry standards. û Need to accommodate students with different ü Be part of a community of learning requirements. educators and students.

ü Refine your core skills.

û An investment of time and money.

GET TO KNOW: NABUNO

Award-winning industry aficionado, Sue Davies, has teamed up with online & marketing specialist, Diane Hughes, to create Nabuno, a salon industry education portal designed to connect learners with approved quality education opportunities. The portal was founded to inspire and promote good education practices within the salon industry, and create a one-stop shop for high-quality courses, resources and information. It seeks to help learners grow not only their education, but their industry and business knowledge. “We connect our learners with high-quality education providers on our portal and across social media channels,” says Sue Davies. “They know that when a course is listed on the Nabuno platform, the course and provider are working to our professional code of practice.” On the Nabuno portal, learners can also enjoy the Nabuno community and browse The Oracle; a library of information about salon education and what to look for in a course. Three membership plans are available, with various benefits for education providers. Nabuno is accepting founder memberships for a limited time while in the launch phase. Once registered, education providers can register on the portal and upload their courses onto the system for learners to view. www.nabuno.com Scan to watch an Instagram interview with Sue Davies about Nabuno

PATHWAYS

Katie Clark shares the various industry education routes and the pros and cons of each… 1. Educate for a brand. This is the perfect starting point to your teaching career. It is important that you are knowledgeable and passionate about the brand. The affiliation means you are well supported and the course material is written for you. The negative is that you are tied to the brand and its teaching practices. 2. Gain accreditation to teach private courses. It is easy to underestimate the work and time involved in gaining your own accreditation, especially if you want to get it right. You must create your course content, write thorough and comprehensive manuals, lesson plans, certification, assessments and more. It is important to get this proofread. This is then sent to your chosen accrediting body to approve, and you will be guided on their preferences and criteria. This process requires time and financial investment and can take around six weeks. The manuals take months to write because of the research needed and accuracy required. It is important that once you have created your manual, you update it as the industry changes, in areas such as legislation, techniques and products. These changes must then be re-accredited. When I started, I wrote the most popular beginner manuals first – manicure and pedicure and beginner gel polish – and then added others, such as nail art and L&P acrylic, as I gained more experience. Do not rush into teaching everything as soon as you take the leap into education, because you will still be learning. Start with the basics and keep classes small, working your way up to larger, more advanced classes as experience grows. Being an independent educator gives you the flexibility to teach the way you want. However, this isn’t the avenue I recommend to someone new to teaching, as it is unlikely you will have the confidence or experience to best serve this method. Advice about registering, creating your training provider business plan and applying for funding can be found in the NHBF member-only guide: Becoming A Training Provider. The guide can be downloaded via www.nhbf.co.uk. 3. Purchase courses through an accreditation board. If you wish to be an independent educator, but don’t feel confident about writing your own manual, you can purchase pre-written course content from an accreditation board, such as The Guild, and deliver the criteria. This can be a great starting point to your teaching career. 4. Work in a college. You can apply for a role as a tutor at your local college. This will involve completing an application form and attending an interview. You will teach the course structure provided and have the support of the facility and awarding bodies.

ACCREDITATION

“To gain credibility and a good reputation as a training provider, it’s vital to get independent approval or endorsement of your training from a recognised awarding organisation. This must be accredited by one of the UK regulatory Caroline Larissey bodies (Ofqual, the Scottish Qualifications Authority, Qualifications Wales or CCEA in Northern Ireland),” comments Caroline Larissey, director of quality & standards at the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF). “Awarding organisations offering hair and beauty qualifications include City & Guilds, VTCT, CIBTAC or TQUK. Research options carefully as costs and what’s available can vary.” For advice on gaining and applying for accreditation with Ofqual, scan here SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 61

CAREERMOVES THE PROCESS

“I recommend enrolling on the Level 3 award in Training & Education (AET), which is an Ofqual registered teaching course,” advises Michelle Brookes, Louella Belle educator, Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2022 & finalist for 2023. “Many local further education colleges offer these courses, as well as private Ofqual Michelle Brookes academies and online training providers.

“If you plan to teach Ofqual registered training courses, you need to obtain the Level 3 Assessment and Quality Assurance certificate (City & Guilds). This will allow you to formally assess your students’ work in the academy. Even if you’re teaching accredited courses, I recommend upskilling and gaining this extra knowledge. Assessment should be standard practice within all courses, and having the experience and skills to do this is extremely beneficial. “Upon completion of these courses, you can further your knowledge by completing Level 4 and 5 in Teaching & Education, known as CTLLS & DTLLS.” “After attaining Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Beauty Therapy, I worked in the industry for a number of years to gain experience. I worked full-time, and went to college in the evenings to gain my Level 3 qualification in Education & Training,” reveals Charlotte Lowe, OPI educator & Scratch Stars Educator of the Year Charlotte Lowe finalist 2023. “Once I achieved this qualification, I focused my energy on the area of beauty that I knew I wanted to teach (nails) and sent my CV to brands I wanted to work for. “At the time, there weren’t many educator positions being advertised, but I still think it’s great to send a company your CV and covering letter so that they can consider you if there is an opening. “I continue to partake in any training opportunities to ensure my continued professional development. As an educator, be prepared to continue learning throughout your career.”

EDUCATOR SPOTLIGHT: Catherine Jimenez, Gelish master educator “I became an educator after I finished my 20-year career in the financial services industry and retrained as a nail technician. In my former role, I had spent two years in a training department, travelling around the country and teaching staff about new Catherine Jimenez products and procedures. “When I became a nail technician, gel polishes were new to the market and I discovered Gelish at the Olympia Beauty event. I contacted the brand’s UK office and attended the Gelish Translation course and a Gelish Design course. During the first course, I remember sitting in a room with over 20 other people and thinking ‘I would love to do this!’ “I sent my CV and application to become an educator and was accepted. I then attended an intensive four-day educator training event. I enjoy passing on information to different people and helping them to become the best they can be in their profession.”

STRIKING A BALANCE

“If you are self-employed or teaching on behalf of a brand, educating can be very flexible,” comments Victoria Trafford, Sweet Squared educator & Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2023. “Brands will usually outline what they require from you. If you are employed, Victoria Trafford it will work like any other job – where you are required to work specific hours, however you can also work on clients around your teaching hours.” “Before starting your education journey, consider how your diary is currently managed. Could you dedicate one or two days per week to educating the future generation of nail professionals?” asks Samantha Kendrew, head of education at Samantha Kendrew Gerrard International. “My role as an educator is consuming,” adds Jennie Nippard. “I have to make time to continue to offer nail services to my select client base. I am very lucky that the brand I work for, Glitterbels, has a loyal student following. There are times when the work-life balance can be tricky to manage, but the benefits of this role are so rewarding that it makes the late nights and commitment before and after classes worth every second.”

62 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

TEACHING THOUGHT

“When thinking about becoming an educator, consider how much time you have to give,” suggests Suzanne Clayton, interim head of education at Louella Belle. “Education involves Suzanne Clayton more than booking students onto classes and teaching them. Communication is required before and after each class, and you need to support the students when the training has finished.”

CAREERMOVES REPUTABLE COURSES

“There are so many courses available, therefore research is required to find the right one for you,” advises Ruth Atkins, Salon System educator. “Don’t just focus on price; it’s important to bear in mind that this is an Ruth Atkins investment in your skill. You need to understand what you are getting in return, and that it is correct for the path you want to take. “All courses should be accredited by governing bodies such as Habia, The Guild of Professional Therapists, ABT and BABTAC. This is to ensure that public liability insurance can be obtained. Some training courses will issue a certificate, but the certificate may not hold any weight, so find out beforehand.”

TECH TALK “Educating is a consuming career, so having the spare time to commit is imperative, as is being an effective Ruth Munro communicator,” shares Ruth Munro, Magpie Beauty educator & Scratch Stars Shooting Star finalist 2023. “I recommend that techs showcase their skills and knowledge regularly, by posting tutorials and lives on social media, as well as continuing their professional development, if they are thinking of becoming an educator.”

“There are various teacher training courses available, however they are not always specific to beauty or nails, so you will be expected to take the teaching knowledge and techniques and apply them to your chosen field,” adds Samantha Kendrew. “Once you have qualified, you can look to further develop by completing an Assessor Awards qualification, which qualifies you to assess the world of students against industry standards.”

TOP TIPS

Andrea Rimmer, Scratch Stars Educator of the Year finalist 2023, shares her top tips for becoming an educator…

1. Maintain a realistic work-life balance. If you don’t look after yourself, you can’t look after your students. Andrea Rimmer 2. Choose a supportive education facility with a good mentor system. 3. Being prepared is essential. If you are prepared, even if everything doesn’t go to plan, it can be rectified before the next lesson. 4. If a lesson doesn’t go the way you want it to, try an alternative teaching method to get your point across. Everyone learns differently and retention of information is important. 5. Never be too shy to ask for help or advice. There are many professionals who are willing to support. 6. Keep learning. I still complete courses and education on a yearly basis. The nail industry is always changing.

COURSE SPOTLIGHT: TOGETHER WE TEACH Layla Tourh, founder of Beauty Boss HQ, has launched a 12-week training programme, designed to help beauty professionals become educators.

The course covers: • How to build a profitable beauty academy. • How to write and deliver course material, for both online and face-to-face training. • The systems and processes behind running a profitable training academy. • How to attract students. • Public speaking, using the Speech To Teach™ framework. Layla Tourh

Whether you’re just starting your journey as an educator or looking to enhance your existing skills, the course offers three parts, that can be purchased separately or together as a comprehensive bundle. Once you have enrolled onto the programme, you gain instant access to module one. After this, every two weeks, you will have access to the next module, and so on. Layla will also support delegates on a group mentoring call twice a month. For more information and to enrol, scan here www.beautybusinessacademy.co.uk

NEXT STEPS

Catherine Jimenez shares words of wisdom for getting started… “If you do not have one in place already, prepare a CV. Send this to any brands you are interested in working for, while expressing your interest in becoming an educator. Also, reach out to any nail techs who are educators and talk to them, as it’s helpful to hear about the experiences of others, whether positive or negative. “Post regularly on social media, as this is one of the first places a brand will look to find out more about you, and whether you will work well as part of their team.”

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 63

a i n ls

r de

for

20%OFF

use code:SCRATCH20

EST.20 2 2

you

r u yo

Nails in need? Visit Nails Laundry - Your Trusted Online Store for creative manicures!

*valid until 30/09/2023.

S |

RIE

S I ONA S E F L O

l au

P U S

A N D A S E I L C P

HEMA-FREE/monomer free products. UV gels, gel polishes, tools & accessories, nail art supplies.

Visit store to discover brands offering hema-free, vegan & cruelty free products.

#nailslaundry

www.nailslaundry.co.uk

SCRATCHCOLUMNIST

MAKING MOVES WITH

o V o n i M Immerse in competition news & nail tales from master nail stylist, MINO VO

Avant-Garde nails inItaly

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 Shooting Star accolades in the Scratch Stars Awards 2023.

have travelled to a number of Italian cities recently to teach my signature Avant-Garde nail class. First, Micaela Lo Biondo, distributor for Nails Company Sicilia, invited me to Sicily, where I taught a welcoming and talented group of students that showed a passion for competing. Next, I travelled to Naples for a class hosted by Paola Di Vaio and Eleonora Puopolo, distributors of Nails Company Italia. I have worked with Micaela and Eleonora in the past and our mutual respect led to us reuniting, with more projects and collaborations planned for the future. I taught students how to

create my two newest nail shapes, Hoi An and London. Nails Company originated in Poland, but is now an internationally recognised brand. It has a wide range of products, including gels and L&P acrylic, and can be found in the UK, Belgium and Switzerland. The last stop on my Italian tour was Rome. My teaching time there was organised by Giorgia Grassi, brand owner of Lumi Nails, and Daria Proia, head educator for the brand. Lumi Nails is a vegan, cruelty-free brand, packaged in recyclable, ecoconscious materials. The students were very skilled and learned how to sculpt my most requested nail shape, Berlin.

These nails were influenced by educator, Leon Cabriales’, prismatic nail shapes.

Berlin nail shapes created by students in Rome. Teaching in Rome.

66 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

SCRATCHCOLUMNIST

Scratch Stars success

Although I paused competing this year to concentrate on teaching, I felt that something was missing and always knew that I would return to the competition sphere. I decided to enter the Scratch Stars Awards 2023 at the last minute, choosing the L&P Tech of the Year and The Shooting Star Award categories. It was difficult to choose which categories to enter, but I felt that I connected most with these two. I was very surprised when I was announced as the winner of both awards at The Scratch Stars Party on 23 July. I have worked hard over the last few years to improve my pink and white L&P technique, and there were times when I felt like giving up. But I made it a personal goal to master it, because I like to challenge myself. Then, winning The Shooting Star Award was a particularly special feeling, as this award assessed my portfolio of work and achievements over the past year. Winning both titles has given me the motivation to grow and accomplish more in future. It is a huge personal achievement, and it feels like a missing piece has been found. As a competitor, I’ve won many awards and these are two of the last I desired to complete my collection.

Student spotlight Viviana Marfia is an educator for Nails Company Sicilia and attended my course in Sicily. She has strong knowledge, a unique sense of style – which I love for its edginess, and her work is clean and precise.

These gothicthemed AvantGarde nails were created by Viviana Marfia.

With students at my class in Sicily.

“Winning The Shooting Star Award was a particularly special feeling, as this award assessed my portfolio of work and achievements over the past year.”

Coming up... I will be travelling to Barcelona for Nail Camp BCN in October. I will also be hosting a Project Manicure class by esteemed educator, Gosha Walczak, as well as teaching my three-day Avant-Garde course in London.

www.minovolondon.uk /miakonomo /minovolondon

These nails showcase my Tokyo shape: one of my first signature nail shapes.

@minovolondon @minovolondon SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 67

SCRATCHCOLUMNIST

The

effect Halo VIP, MICHAELA PHILLIPS, showcases how to recreate this striking, animal-inspired design using the Halo Gel Polish Safari Adventure collection

ABOUT MICHAELA

Michaela Phillips has worked in the nail industry for over seven years, specialising in nail art, gel polish and builder gel enhancements. She works from her home salon, Gelalicious, in Medway, Kent, and has been a Halo VIP since February 2022. “My nail space is very therapeutic,” she comments. “I enjoy expressing myself through nails, as I’ve always loved art.” Michaela works for Pure Nails as an in-house technician.

/Gelalicious8Nails

@gelalicious

SAFARI CHIC

Michaela creates a seasonal nail design using shades from the six-piece Halo Gel Polish autumn/winter collection, Safari Adventure. Step 1 Prep the nails and apply Halo Gel Polish Base Coat. Cure, then apply Halo Gel Polish shade, Jungle, vertically to one half of the nail, and Rafiki to the other half. Use your chosen nail art brush to blend the hues, creating an ombré effect. Cure once you are happy with the look.

Step 2 Mix Halo Gel Polish in Lodge with the Halo Non Wipe Top Coat to create a sheer shade. Paint over a section of the nail in a diagonal sweep, but do not cure.

Halo Gel Polish Base Coat £5.95 + VAT

Q&A What is your favourite shade in the Halo Safari Adventure collection? Serengeti, as it’s a rich, warm tone that’s perfect for autumn and reminds me of pumpkins and cosy evenings. The shades in the collection capture the essence of a safari adventure, and clients will love the invigorating, earthy hues that complement one another perfectly.

Halo Gel Polish in Jungle and Rafiki £5.95 + VAT each

Which nail designs work well with the six shades? Any of the hues are perfect for a skinny French or tortie combination. Go wild and create animal-themed designs for eye-catching looks. Halo Create Combo Brush: Fine Liner 4mm & 7mm £9.85 + VAT

Step 4 Use a Halo Create Fine Liner Brush with Halo Gel Polish in Black to create animal-style patterns across the nail, such as stripes and dots. Cure when you are happy with the look, and apply a coat of Halo Non Wipe Top Coat. Cure, then apply cuticle oil to finish.

Halo products are available via www.purenails.co.uk and associated stockists. /purenailsprofessionalnailproducts @purenailsuk

68 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Step 3 Decant a large drop of Halo Non Wipe Top Coat onto a palette. Pick up some of the product with the Halo Create Dotting Tool, and dot over the uncured Lodge mix. The product will create a bubble effect. Cure.

@purenailsuk

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 |

TECHTALK

Reaching goals with

Gelish N

Nail pro, NATALIE HENSON, shares her success story & how gravitating towards Gelish has supported her career

atalie Henson’s foray into the nail realm was somewhat unconventional. She lost five nails at the age of 17 due to a stress-related eczema condition. After hiding her hands at every opportunity, she decided she wanted to train in hair and beauty services to find a solution. Just shy of the GCSEs needed for her chosen course, she began a two-year hospitality and catering qualification, working in hotels and pubs. After building up experience in customer care and hygiene practices, Natalie was better equipped to reapply for a beauty training course, and attained manicure, pedicure and L&P acrylic qualifications in 2007. “I worked as a mobile therapist and then went onto complete a Level 2 award in Beauty Therapy, earning the Student of the Year title,” Natalie reveals. “I built up a loyal client base; most of whom were nail clients. In 2013, I decided to further my skills by enrolling on a Level 3 Beauty Therapy course at North Warwickshire & Hinckley College.” Natalie juggled her learning alongside caring for her two young children; then two-and-a-half years and six months old, working full-time and visiting some clients on a mobile basis.

“The course opened my eyes to what could be achieved in the beauty industry, and my range of skills saw me win the Dermalogica Student of the Year award,” she shares. In 2015, I had a vision: to open my own salon. I drew up a business plan and found a premises that had been empty for 18 months. I took the plunge and opened Regent Beauty that summer.” Nail treatments were Natalie’s most soughtafter service, so she re-evaluated her salon menu to offer a point of difference in her area: Barwell, Leicestershire. “I spent hours researching nail brands and Gelish stood out to me,” she shares. “It was everything I was looking for: unique, with a strong identity, vast colour range and fabulous marketing materials. I applied for a trade account and registered on the brand’s courses, and am qualified in PolyGel, Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish, SoftGel Tips, Manicure, Pedicure and E-file.”

Product talk “Gelish is such an innovative brand, and clients admire the shades and artistic looks I can create with the products. They love their longevity,” Natalie comments. “I believe if you want to be the best in your field, time and investment are crucial factors. Gelish puts time into its

“The sky’s the limit, and with Gelish supporting me, I know my success will continue to grow.” 70 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

TECHTALK

The Gelish UK education team.

products, and we invest in the brand to offer our clients nails that last.”

Education navigation A bachelor educator for the brand, Natalie offers a variety of courses, namely: Polygel Novice, Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish, Gelish Design, Morgan Taylor Manicure & Pedicure, Gelish Structured, Gelish SoftGel Tips and conversions in all. “I enjoy teaching the Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish course, as it marks the start of a career in nails for many of the students,” she shares. “Students are so positive and filled with intrigue. I start with a welcome and discuss expectations, asking each student what they wish to achieve from the course and their career. I detail how the lesson will be delivered and that students are free to ask questions and take photos. I offer hints, tips and business advice throughout.” Natalie’s training courses take place in a ‘calm, inviting and relaxed environment’. “Classes are small; I train a maximum of four people at a time, so that each student benefits from my time and can ask questions,” she reveals. “I get a great sense of pride when students leave with treatment knowledge, confidence and excitement for their new chapter.” Natalie admires the variety of Gelish systems, which allow nail pros to deliver a complete service; catering to every nail need. “There is so much support from Gelish in regard to education, and the knowledge and skills of the master and doctorate educators is astounding,” she comments. “I love being able to work alongside such talented pros; we’re like one big family!”

Future goals Natalie is excited to see what the future holds for her career. “The sky’s the limit,

COLOUR PICK

“My favourite Gelish shades are Hip Hop Coral and Waterfield. I enjoy creating floral designs with the shades and Gelish Blooming Gel.”

MY NAILS

“I tend to wear Gelish SoftGel Tips, as they are beautifully shaped and give me three weeks’ wear. I often choose the medium coffin shape with a Gelish Gel Polish overlay and like that I can decorate the underside of the nail in an alternative colour for an eyecatching look.”

and with Gelish supporting me, I know my success will continue to grow,” she shares. “I’d love to mentor new businesses and keep teaching, learning and growing my own business. I have over 1,000 names on my booking system and am passionate about

Follow Natalie:

turning someone’s day around for the better by creating a beautiful set of nails for them. “My journey shows that with a bucket of faith, a vision and a determination to succeed, goals can be achieved.”

@regent_beautybarwell & @Regent.beauty07

For information about Gelish systems and training, visit www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk / www.gsgroupuk.com / www.salon-services.com /GelishOfficialUK @gelishofficialuk @GelishOfficial

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 71

OLYMPIA

BEAUTY 1 5 - 16 OCTOBER 2023 EXCEL LONDON

NEW VENUE, NEW DATES N O W AT E XC E L LO N D O N

BRINGING YOU THE BEST IN BEAUTY BRANDS, TRENDS & TRAINING REGISTER NOW FOR FREE TICKETS WWW.OLYMPIABEAUTY.CO.UK/REGISTER

#OLYMPIABEAUTY @olympiabeautyuk @Olympiabeauty @olympiabeauty

TAKING PLACE ALONGSIDE PRESENTED BY

HEADLINE SPON

HAIR: HAIR:JESSICA JESSICANEIL NEILAT ATKH KHHAIR, HAIR,PHOTOGRAPHY: PHOTOGRAPHY:JACK JACKEAMES, EAMES,CLOTHES CLOTHESSTYLING STYLING––CLARE CLAREFRITH, FRITH,MAKE MAKEUP: UP:MADDIE MADDIEAUSTIN AUSTIN

LONDON

INDUSTRYINITIATIVES

Community

calling Embrace the power & support of fellow pros with REBECCA HITCHON’S roundup of nail communities & tips to start your own

Some areas of this industry can be lonely – around twothirds of beauty professionals are self-employed, and while clients provide chit-chat throughout the working day, the focus of these conversations is likely on them. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people in the sector – whether virtually or physically – is paramount to tackling loneliness and can benefit the growth of your business. “Being a part of a nail community allows you to meet industry professionals with other experiences and skillsets,” note Cleethorpes-based techs, Emily Langford and Fran Humphrey, founders of the Nail Tech Natter community for local pros. Emily was also a Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year finalist for 2023. Emily Langford & Fran Humphrey “Communities allow different perspectives and knowledge to be shared. They can help you to develop both as a person and a pro,” they continue. Beyond developing your skills, nail communities offer a unique sense of companionship and support that can be difficult to find elsewhere. “Tough times are inevitable when running your own business, but having a community that you can lean on, and that reminds Jouvan & you that you are not alone, is often the Chantelle Johnson first step to conquering any struggles,” share Jouvan and Chantelle Johnson, founders of the Clawgasmic Nail Network & finalists for the Scratch Stars Nail Business Mentor Award 2023. It’s important to be surrounded by others in the industry, rather than just friends and family, adds Zaara King, founder of The Beauty Build community. “If they don’t know the industry, they won’t understand your struggles and can sometimes hold you back from pursuing your dreams if the process is stressful,” she says. “A Zaara King community of like-minded professionals who understand your industry journey may be more willing to push you forward and can offer guidance.”

74 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

How to nurture a nail network

Reach out

“Get in contact with techs in your area and ask them if they want to be involved in your community,” advise Emily Langford and Fran Humphrey. “We found that doing this created a domino effect; when we asked a tech we knew, they would go on to ask a tech that they knew. Within a short space of time, a group of pros had amassed, who were all raring to be involved.”

Be consistent

“Your community needs to know that you will show up for them on a regular basis,” comment Jouvan and Chantelle Johnson. “Always reply to comments and messages, and if you say you will hold an event on a certain date, do it! Building trust is so important.”

Engage

“For online communities in particular, engagement is key,” shares Zaara King. “Spread positivity by leaving helpful comments, supporting others via DMs and encouraging pros to actively engage with each other.”

Consider your clients “Building a community for your potential and loyal clients is a good idea, as it encourages them to get to know you better,” suggests Joanna Tompkins, founder of the Nail Tech Tribe community & winner of the Scratch Stars Nail Business Joanna Tompkins Mentor Award 2023. “People are not just buying a service from your business – they are buying into you, the pro. Via a community, you can start creating that feeling clients crave from your treatments before they have even walked in the door, adding value to your brand.”

“Nail communities offer a unique sense of companionship and support that can be difficult to find elsewhere.”

INDUSTRYINITIATIVES

Community case studies The Beauty Build

Nail Tech Tribe

“The Nail Tech Tribe Facebook group is for qualified nail techs and beauty pros who want to grow their businesses and be inspired to take daily positive action towards their goals,” shares founder, Joanna Tompkins. “Members can access weekly live training sessions, masterclasses and resources that are specifically aimed at helping sole trader nail techs and beauticians to get fully booked and earn £3-5k per month.” Boasting over 16,000 members, Joanna was inspired to build the community after discovering the power of coaching when growing her nail business. She cites Nail Tech Tribe as a ‘moan-free zone’ with strict rules around topics that can be discussed, such as marketing and business. www.facebook.com/ groups/nailsandsales

“The Beauty Build is a Facebook community and safe space in which any beauty professional can give or receive support without judgement,” comments founder, Zaara King. “They can also benefit from live training on how to grow their business, earn more, work less and create an unstoppable mindset.” This year, Zaara launched The Beauty Build Podcast, available to listen to via Spotify, Apple and Amazon. “It’s an extension to The Beauty Build group, where I provide valuable insights for pros’ businesses and lives, and interview guests.” www.facebook.com/groups/thebeautybuild

Nail Tech Awareness (NTA)

“A community of like-minded professionals who understand your industry journey can offer guidance.” Nail Tech Natter

“We established Nail Tech Natter after finding ourselves talking to the same group of nail techs and realising that there wasn’t much of a social forum for independent nailists in our area,” say founders, Emily Langford and Fran Humphrey. Members of the nine-strong community attend monthly meetups, hosted at independent businesses in Cleethorpes. “We also hold special events, such as ‘Host An Educator Day’, and have created a community group chat: a judgement-free zone in which there is 24/7 support and where members are free to chat about anything they wish,” the pair continue.

“Nail Tech Awareness is a support network where techs can provide or ask for help, as many work alone without colleagues to share ideas or problems with,” reveals Suzanne Clayton, founder of the NTA Facebook Suzanne Clayton group & Scratch Stars Awards 2023 finalist for the Services to the Nail Industry award. “I feel that there is only so much information we can take in via training, therefore NTA is an aftercare support network.” www.facebook.com – Nail Tech Awareness

The Federation Of Nail Professionals (FNP) “With FNP membership, professionals benefit from having a stamp of approval from an official body representing the voices and needs of the UK nail industry. They also receive up-to-date facts about the science behind nails and nail products,” reveals Clare Woodcock, director of communications for The FNP & Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2022 and 2023. “Within the community, members have access to a number of experts across various fields of business, who are on hand to answer Clare Woodcock questions and share insight.” For those that aren’t ready to become a member, there is a Facebook group dedicated to The FNP, featuring over 1,500 nail techs. www.facebook.com – The Federation Of Nail Professionals Community Group

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 75

INDUSTRYINITIATIVES

Clawgasmic Nail Network

“We set up Clawgasmic Nail Network because we saw a space online to create a positive community for nail techs worldwide,” share founders, Jouvan and Chantelle Johnson. “We know how important it is for individuals to feel supported as they seek to achieve their goals.” Via the community, techs can access over 490 nail art tutorials and videos, with new releases every week. “We also cover a range of nail art techniques and foundations to learning, and we support our members with their business skills, via our podcast and weekly coaching calls.” www.clawgasmic.com

Beauty Boss Breakfasts

Layla Tourh

OPI Professional Community OPI’s community of professionals connect via a Facebook group and Instagram page, managed by the OPI education team – the Scratch Stars Nail Team of the Year 2023. “We provide a safe space in which to ask questions and learn, encouraging professional discussions with some Belinda Price fun thrown in,” says Belinda Price, OPI UK&I education & capability manager. “We avoid being sales-oriented, as our priority is to build a community of nail pros that love OPI and are seeking inspiration.” “There is a huge range of content available, including video demonstrations and tutorials. Members regularly ask questions, allowing them to receive advice from and connect with other nail professionals,” adds Charlotte Lowe, OPI educator & Scratch Stars Charlotte Lowe Educator of the Year finalist 2023. www.facebook.com/groups/OPIProfessionalCommunityUK @opiuki_pro

Hosted by Layla Tourh’s Beauty Boss Academy, Beauty Boss Breakfasts are networking events for professionals at every stage of their beauty journey. The monthly events allow them to benefit from a ready-made community of like-minded pros, in a relaxed breakfast setting.

Layla, who also hosts the events, comments: “I wanted to bring solo-preneurs together, who don’t have a ‘beauty bestie’ or a staff room to hang out in with fellow techs or therapists. Being a Beauty Boss can be lonely, so I’m thrilled by the number of professionals who embrace the opportunity to connect at the Beauty Boss Breakfasts.” www.beautybusinessacademy.co.uk/ Beauty-Boss-Breakfasts-Networking-Events

Group guidelines Online communities in particular hold potential for hate and misinformation to be spread, so setting strict rules about behaviour is important. With emotion harder to be conveyed via the written word, Suzanne Clayton notes that responses must always be constructive. “Communities should not bring stress to someone’s day, but help them work through a problem in their business,” she says. “Before replying to others, techs should think about how hard it was when they were starting their nail journey, therefore no question is too silly.” Jouvan and Chantelle Johnson agree: “Everyone should be treated equally and with kindness and respect. We must not forget that there are real people with real feelings behind every profile involved.” However, if hate does crop up in a community, Zaara King advises unfollowing, blocking and reporting the account behind it. “You can also set keywords that you would like to block in comments on Instagram and Facebook,” she reveals.

Event spotlight

Founded by three nail business owners who felt that there was space in the industry for a small trade show focused on the nail profession, Niche Nail Network’s first event was held in June. It hosted 15 nail brands and welcomed over 200 techs, with the opportunity to purchase nail products and attend masterclasses. Plans are underway for the next trade event at Cranmore Park, Birmingham on 14 April 2024. “We created The Niche Nail Network event to bring small businesses and nail artists together, to allow brands to connect with their community, and to help nail professionals shop products in-person, make new friends and level up their nail skills,” shares founder, Gaynor McCann. www.nichenailnetwork.co.uk

76 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Signature Laser Hair Removal

Compact Laser Hair Removal

Laser Skin Resurfacing

No Needle Skin Rejuvenation

Treat Your Clients With 30+ years industry experience, our devices enable you to deliver the latest treatments whilst improving your profit. To find out how, book a 1-2-1 Product Demo & FREE Business Health Check via our website or scan the QR code >>

www.the-smartgroup.co.uk

info@the-smartgroup.co.uk

SEE SEE US US AT AT STAND STAND 1006 1006

Plasma Plasma Lifting Lifting Without Without Surgery Surgery

Body Body Contouring Contouring

SMART SMART Thinking: Thinking: •• FINANCE FINANCE OPTIONS OPTIONS •• ACCREDITED ACCREDITED TRAINING TRAINING •• ADVERTISING ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN CAMPAIGN •• SMART SMART GUARANTEE GUARANTEE

01344 01344 411 411 480 480

Multi-technology Multi-technology

Hydrodermabrasion Hydrodermabrasion

Microneedling Microneedling ++ RF RF

WIN

SMARTDiode SMARTDiode PRO PRO Laser Laser System System Worth Worth

£16,950 £16,950

ENTER ENTER COMPETITION COMPETITION // BOOK BOOK A A DEMO DEMO

Beat the Burnout BUSINESSMATTERS

Are your nail art ideas waning & are you feeling run-down? CALLIE ILEY explores the causes & impacts of creative burnout & how to overcome them What does burnout look like?

Creative burnout can manifest in a number of ways and will vary from person to person, but there are often tell-tale signs. “It’s important to be able to recognise these signs and implement lifestyle changes, such as reducing hours, taking breaks, doing Pilates before work or considering other Lucy Price methods to manage stress,” says Lucy Price, OPI educator & Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2023. “Creative burnout can affect your work, as you may not feel inspired to create anything new,” shares Louella Belle educator, Michelle Brookes. “When I experienced burnout, all my clients left with a French or red nail finish – I just didn’t have any suggestions. My social media posts also took a hit, as I had no fun or creative content ideas.” Fran Humphrey of Gels by Fran, Cleethorpes, recalls her experiences of burnout, explaining that they often occurred alongside challenges outside of the workplace. “During these times, working became very hard. I used plain colour or glitter on most clients, keeping nail looks simple. At the deepest Fran Humphrey point of burnout, taking time off from work was my only option. Luckily, I have an open and honest relationship with my clients, who were incredibly kind and understanding. “The comeback after time away can be daunting, but I returned full of energy with a drive to be creative,” Fran continues. “I changed my working hours to accommodate more time for my family in the evenings, as working so late was impacting our time and my mental health, which meant I was not enjoying work.”

“Creative burnout can put someone in a state of exhaustion and irritation,” says award-winning nail artist, Scarlett Senter. “I’ve experienced this many times, which made me feel overwhelmed and as if I didn’t know what I was doing. Having so many thoughts running through Scarlett Senter your mind can be draining and make you feel less interested in your work.” “This type of stress led to my mind going blank when I was trying to create new nail designs. I would sit and stare at the nails with no idea what to do,” shares Melanie Garlick of Cruelty Free Clawz, Lincolnshire. “When I finally created something, it was simple and plain. Melanie Garlick My perfectionism is my downfall, so I would hate what I had created, which would affect my confidence. “Even though clients loved their nails, I knew I could do better. I hated sharing my work on social media and when I did, I found that I was very focused on other people’s feedback, and how many likes the design received. This would affect my confidence further, impact my motivation and ultimately, my love for nails. I live and breathe nails, but at times of burnout, I had to force myself to work.”

Poll results

A whopping 97% of respondents to a Scratch Instagram poll reported that they had experienced creative burnout during their nail career. “Nail trends are constantly changing, and being busy with clients can leave you with little time to consider ideas for nail art or social media content,” shares Stacey Machin, Glitterbels content creator. 80 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Stacey Machin

BUSINESSMATTERS How can you overcome it?

Beauty business coach, Zaara King, recalls her experience of burnout; balancing work as a mobile tech for four years alongside a home life and corporate sales career. A change in circumstance drastically improved Zaara King her situation, and she implemented strict boundaries and policies to maintain a healthy balance. “My creativity came back when I started working on my mindset. I wrote a daily journal and visualised how I wanted my life and business to look,” she shares. “It helped me realise what I want to gain from my business and that I should focus on what is in my control. I also began to schedule what I could, including daily mindset habits and self-care, and I set time aside to find creative inspiration. Working hours are usually non-negotiable, so it’s important to schedule everything else around these. “Book time off in advance if you can, and do something fun for you,” suggests Fran Humphrey. “It’s easy to want to keep updated with what other techs or creatives are doing, but it’s important to step back and enjoy time away from that space. It will still be there when you come back.”

Emma Medlicott

Emma Medlicott of Nails By Emma, Caerphilly, schedules regular breaks and time away from the nail desk to help her separate work from her personal tasks. “Find something else to focus on during breaks, so that you resume with a fresh perspective,” she suggests.

“I overcame burnout by admitting to myself why I was experiencing it, which was a mix of personal heartache and anxiety over my work,” says Michelle Brookes. “I pushed myself by building up a Pinterest folder of inspiration, Michelle Brookes buying new products and booking on some training courses. I also created an online nail art series to help other techs beat the burnout.” “It’s a good idea to look back at past work that you enjoyed and that was popular, and take inspiration from those ideas,” Stacey Machin advises. “Don’t worry too much about trends; focus on your original ideas and you will enjoy the process and create something unique. Don’t just take inspiration from nails. Consider art, fashion and film for nail art ideas and colour combinations.” “I find that maintaining social media posts takes a backseat when I’m feeling burnt out, so I now schedule posts in advance,” says Lucy Price. “Implementing small changes and allowing more time in your day to plan makes work more enjoyable.”

How can burnout be avoided?

“Regularly rest and re-evaluate how you’re operating in your life and business,” says Zaara King. “Make a note of your goals and priorities, and then schedule your time accordingly. Surround yourself with positive people and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.” “Scrolling through Pinterest and other platforms, as well as talking and getting advice from others, can reignite your creative spark. Trust your creativity,” Scarlett Senter says. “I always find that a long walk in nature is perfect for clearing my head, followed by a good night’s sleep and taking time to prioritise my physical and mental health.”

“In an industry that involves so much creativity, it is easy to hit a creative block,” adds Emma Medlicott. “Taking breaks is important and something that many nail techs do not prioritise. When I experience creative blocks, I focus my energy on other things that I enjoy until I feel ready to be creative again. I also try not to overthink my designs, and channel what I feel in the moment into my work.”

“Say no when you need to and use an online booking system to manage your diary, so you can take breaks more easily. “Book onto training courses regularly, as education helps to ignite passion.” >>

Lucy Price SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 81

BUSINESSMATTERS

“Regularly rest and re-evaluate how you’re operating in your life and business. Make a note of your goals and priorities, and schedule your time accordingly. Surround yourself with positive people and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.” Zaara King Lucy Price stresses the importance of spotting the signs of burnout as early as possible, in order to implement positive changes. “Say no when you need to and use an online booking system to manage your diary, so you can take breaks more easily. Book onto training courses regularly, as education helps to ignite passion.” “Limit squeezing in clients last-minute and stick to your working hours,” adds Stacey Machin. “If you create content, set aside one day per week as a creative day. Advertise nail designs for models at a discounted rate if you can’t work on your own nails. You don’t need to be creating content all the time, and can use your time to look for inspiration and create mood boards for content. If you have time and their approval, you may like to film your client’s nail service, to turn into a Reel or TikTok video.” Melanie Garlick shares that acknowledging her burnout was the most important factor in overcoming it. “I’m very grateful that I’ve gained some wonderful friends in the nail industry. Talking about my feelings honestly and openly helped me to acknowledge that I was burned out. For creativity to flow, I personally have to be in a good place mentally, otherwise I become devoid of ideas. “Once I acknowledged that I was burned out, I knew I had to make changes to the way I was working,” she continues. “Instead of working seven days a week, often late into the night for custom press-on nail orders, I became stricter when taking bookings. Giving myself every evening off and not working weekends was so important, as I was getting the right amount of rest and personal time to reset. I also ensure I take holidays and have a break from social media. I try not to access my work social media accounts in the evenings and at the weekend. Instead, I schedule content so that I’m not constantly on my phone thinking about work.” 82 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

TECH TALK: Experiences of burnout Sarah Hartley, owner of social media support platform, Blossom Tree Social, recalls taking on too many tasks as the cause of her burnout. “I was looking after everyone but myself, and I became quite poorly. I felt guilty for letting my clients down, the housework wasn’t getting Sarah Hartley done, and I was worried that more jobs were piling up. Instead of getting better, I muddled through, until I got a sickness bug that forced me to stay in bed and rest. I couldn’t work for over a week, and this made me realise that I needed to look after myself.” Lucy Price notes that busy periods with long hours creating back-to-back nail looks takes a toll, and social aspects of her role can be particularly draining. “The first time I felt this way was after a busy summer, working extra hours to accommodate clients. A client told me to do whatever I wanted on her nails, but my mind was totally blank. I didn’t have any ideas and I felt under a lot of pressure to come up with something artistic,” she remembers. Lecenté educator, Laura Peat of Simply Koko, Derby, shares that her creative burnout coincides with upcoming seasons and style changes. “It can be challenging to consistently think of innovative and captivating designs, especially with a large Laura Peat client base,” she says. “We don’t want to repeat the same set of nails for every client, and even a basic glitter manicure may not suffice. Clients continually expect more.”

BUSINESSFOCUS

The magic of

Magdalena Polish nail pro, MAGDALENA BOUDET, reveals how her passion for nail painting at the age of 13 led to a bountiful career as a salon owner, educator & distributor

t the age of 13, Magdalena Boudet chose to spend her free time shadowing her mother, a beauty sales rep, while she worked. The inquisitive teen learned how to talk to clients, gained an understanding of how different cosmetics products were applied, and even attended meetings alongside her mum, much to the fascination of her employer. It was this employer who encouraged her to try a make-up workshop, which she enjoyed, and she also honed her nail painting skills on family members and friends. However, Magdalena’s beauty journey was paused when she chose to pursue IT training, and she moved from Poland to Eastbourne, East Sussex, in 2006 at the age of 19. A year later, she and her then husband moved to New Malden, south west London, where she found work as a cleaner. The duo welcomed a son, but six months after his birth, the marriage ended, and Magdalena cared for their child alongside working in a kitchen at a private school. “The school was only open for 32 weeks of the year, so I used the spare time to finally follow my dream and enrol on a beauty course,” she smiles. Noticing her creativity and passion for beauty, Magdalena’s boss at the school wrote her a glowing reference, and she embraced her beauty learning experience in 2009, going on to train in a variety of treatments. By November 2010, she amassed the skills and confidence to open her own beauty business, serving clients from her home. “Nails were my most popular service, and I created amazing relationships with my clients,” she recalls. “One arrived early for her Christmas nail appointment to feed and bathe my son, and put him to bed. She knew I was busy and I was grateful for the support. I have maintained a very loyal client base; they are like my family.” 84 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Salon spectacular As word spread in the local area about Magdalena’s nail creations, she sought an alternative setup, and moved her business, Magic Hands, to the back of a barber’s shop in 2017. Just one year passed before she realised the need for a bigger space; a salon of her own, and she acquired a premises on Blagdon Road, amongst residential buildings, a leisure centre and abundance of shops. “The premises was formerly a beauty salon, but it had been unoccupied for a number of years,” Magdalena explains. “The interior was dark and dreary, and it needed a lot of work to transform it into the salon of my dreams.” Initially, Magdalena chose a grey and red colour scheme, with enticing greyscale imagery inside the salon, on the signage outside, and on her website. She attracted a more diverse range of clients, who indulged in all Magic Hands had to offer: from nail services to facials, massages, lash and brow treatments, waxing and more. As her clientele grew, so did her team, and two therapists (coincidentally, both called Magdalena) supported the salon’s full appointment book. Lockdown arrived, and with the salon closed to appointments, Magdalena decided to revamp the space, with input from a new colleague. “She suggested incorporating flowers for a softer, more inviting look,” Magdalena reveals. “Flowers also appear on many of my favourite nail designs, so I agreed that her vision would represent my brand well.”

BUSINESSFOCUS

L-R: Holly Dye, Alexandra Tur, Magdalena Boudet, Joanna Barna, Klaudia Pomirowska

“I love the variety that the nail industry presents. Every day is different, as I now have roles as an educator and distributor, as well as a nail professional. I also enjoy that no two clients request the same colours or artistry. The variety keeps me happy and fulfilled!” The three treatment rooms, training space, reception and nail area now feature soft shades of cream, pink and lilac, and fresh flowers fill Magic Hands with subtle, sweet scents. Since lockdown, the team working within this decadent space has grown further – with Magdalena joined by Alexandra Tur to offer nail treatments, while Holly Dye and Joanna Barna offer beauty services, and Klaudia Pomirowska mans the reception desk and general needs of the team.

No tricks – just treats Clients at Magic Hands range from age 16 to 86, and the most popular services are gel polish and hard gel enhancements, for which Magdalena chooses the PB Nails brand. Established in 2007 by practicing nail pros keen to support the needs of fellow techs, Perfect Beauty (PB) Nails offers acrylic, gel and gel polish ranges, as well as tools and bodycare products. “I tried a few brands before enrolling on a course with PB Nails and instantly fell in love with the brand,” Magdalena explains. “I find the quality of the products to be exceptional, and I was taught by a nail champion who helped me to refine and perfect my skills.” Magdalena was asked to be an educator for the brand shortly after she opened the salon, and she trains nail enthusiasts in a room covered with framed certificates of achievement and books bursting with her artistic creations. She is also a distributor for the brand, and has taken on distribution of NailU products. “I love the variety that the nail industry presents,” she shares. “Every day is different, as I now have roles as an educator and distributor, as well as a nail professional. I also enjoy that no two clients request the same colours or artistry. The variety www.magichandsbeautysalon.com / www.pbnails-london.co.uk keeps me happy and fulfilled! /magichands.beauty.nails & “The girl aged 13 would be very proud that her passion for nail painting has developed into a successful business, and I look forward to seeing what happens next.”

/MagdalenaBoudetPbNailsLondonEducator @magic_hands_beauty_nails

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 85

o t w Ho

SCRATCHCOLUMNIST

Hair & beauty business coach, MADDI COOK, shares top tips to elevate your offerings & enhance your profits

THE STATE OF THE INDUSTRY: WHO OR WHAT IS TO BLAME?

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 15,000 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.

“While you can’t control the economy, the competition or the industry at large, there is so much that’s in your control, which can have a very positive impact on your current situation.” www.bossyoursalon.com /bossyoursalon @bossyoursalon 86 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

o quote the great Taylor Swift: “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem it’s me.” I often get asked my views on the state of the hair and beauty industry, and it’s often in the form of someone pointing the blame and trying to get my agreement, or backup, as an expert.

The usual suspects are: • Nail artists charging too little, and therefore ‘devaluing the industry’. • The rise of self-employed people who are working mobile and from home, and so their lower overheads are making it harder for those with staff, premises and VAT bills to compete. • Short/online courses that are not teaching to required standards. • The economy in general, from the cost of living crisis to rising interest rates pushing mortgage rates up, which is making clients more mindful of their spending. Do you think the industry is going down the pan and want to play the blame game? Take your pick; there are plenty of areas to choose from. But one of the biggest culprits when it comes to why things feel hard, or why business feels like a struggle, is us. I see it time and time again with my coaching clients and bosses in my online community, and it’s something I’ve personally worked through in my own business, with the help of my coach, mentor and therapist – because it takes a village! This might feel like a kick in the teeth, but it’s actually great news, because guess who has control of you? Yep, you do! While you can’t control the economy, the competition or the industry at large, there is so much that’s in your control, which can have a very positive impact on your current situation. For example, you are in total control of the prices you charge, and if you’re stuck on the numbers, check out my handy pricing calculator at www.bossyoursalon.com/bossyourprofits. You’re in control of your marketing, your social media, the services you provide, your working days and hours, your policies and your boundaries.

So how might this look day-to-day? Let’s say you’re feeling down because yet another nail artist has popped up in your area, charging buttons and having done a course that you feel isn’t up to scratch. Old you might have felt hopeless and like business is an uphill slog, overwhelming and out of your control. But the new you takes radical responsibility and checks in with what’s in your control. You’re led by facts, not feelings. And the facts tell you that there are plenty of hands to go around, and your rockstar clients love what you do. They aren’t looking for £10 nails. In fact, they’d probably have an awful mental image of what a £10 set of nails looks like. You block an hour out of your diary next week and look over your numbers. You check your stock spend against your budget, do an order where you utilise bulk discounts, and don’t get swept away with impulse buys or ordering stuff you don’t need. You use a comparison site to shop around for your insurance renewal that’s up in a few weeks’ time. You check over your social media insights and see what’s been working, and you save yourself time by scheduling some posts because you’ll be busy with clients next week. You even repurpose older content that performed well. It’s not so scary anymore, is it? In fact, it’s pretty liberating to check in with yourself when you start to slip into finger-pointing and playing the blame game. Take back some power and take control of your situation. I like to think of it as doing Maddi of the future a total solid: something she’d give me a high five for, for taking care of it for her or making her life easier. So, nail boss, what’s in your control that you can do right now, that your future self will be grateful for?

Maddi x

HELPING HAIR AND BEAUTY PROFESSIONALS THROUGH TIMES OF HARDSHIP For more than 150 years, the Hair and Beauty Charity has helped those in our industry who have fallen on hard times. We provide practical and financial support to those who need us and their families, to make their lives a little easier. Many of our beneficiaries have given a lifetime of service to the hair and beauty industry, changing the lives of millions of people. It is our duty to see them through in their time of need.

MEET OUR SPONSORS

Become a Charity Supporter for just £5 per month

SUPPORT, FUNDRAISE, SPONSOR or DONATE HAIRANDBEAUTYCHARITY.ORG @HBCHARITYUK

BUSINESSMATTERS

Could your business practices be more sustainable? Immerse in expert advice & product inspo to help protect the planet & satisfy clients REBECCA HITCHON REPORTS

HOW TO CATER TO eco-conscious clients W

hile the appetite for Barbie pink may be slowly dwindling among clients, don’t expect their passion for all things green to decline any time soon – and I don’t mean the colour.

Fry Taylor, co-founder of Green Salon Collective, an authority on salon sustainability in the UK&I, notes: “Greenness is a mindset rooted in eco-awareness, health and ethics, and is about securing your spot in a sustainable tomorrow.” It’s an important value for today’s consumer. In fact, Unilever reports that 90% of Gen Z expects brands to do more to help Fry Taylor reduce climate impact, and last year, a YouGov survey found that two-thirds of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable purchases. “People are seeking products, especially in the beauty space, that are kinder to themselves and nature,” notes Diana Verde Nieto, co-founder & CEO of luxury sustainability specialist company, Positive Luxury & member of the Sustainable Beauty Coalition’s advisory committee. “This is why business owners need to make nature one Diana Verde Nieto of their key focuses, moving their emphasis from being less bad to positively good.” And many of you agree, with 54% of Scratch followers stating that sustainability is a priority for them and their clients in an Instagram poll. “In my upcoming book, Reimagining Nature, I explore how sustainability innovation can help organisations to reimagine their world,” Diana tells Scratch. “Although this sounds grand, it’s about doing less and better, for example by letting knowledge flow within every function and person in a business, and letting sustainable innovation drive processes. This will reap financial rewards.”

88 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

“Most new clients reference my focus on sustainability during their first appointment,” notes Claudia Sear of Claudia Sear: Luxury Eco Nails, Sussex. “The problems facing the earth are problems facing every individual, so it’s a niche that adds value to everyone’s service. With an eco-friendly treatment, a client Claudia Sear can feel that they’ve made a green choice, without it being any more work for them.”

Lucy Allen

Warrick Burton

Lucy Allen of conscious studio space, Offbeat Beauty Collective in Sheffield, agrees. “Almost every new client says that our ethical and environmental ethos is one of the main reasons why they choose to visit our business. This confirms that large numbers of the public are actively looking for greener options when searching for beauty and wellness services,” she comments. “Our clients are increasingly passionate about minimising their ecological footprint and seeking out businesses that share their commitment to sustainability,” adds Warrick Burton, managing director at Huddersfield eco spa, Titanic Spa. “This is why we have infographics and prompts around the spa, designed to educate our guests.”

“People are seeking products, especially in the beauty space, that are kinder to themselves and nature.”

BUSINESSMATTERS

Why being green matters “As an industry, we produce tonnes of waste that unnecessarily ends up in landfill,” shares Lucy Allen. “Being environmentally conscious should be a priority for us all, especially as we’re witnessing the global effects of climate change. I understand that sustainability can feel overwhelming and it’s easy to question whether your changes will make a difference, but small efforts will add up and benefit our futures, and the futures of those after us.” “Being the UK’s first eco spa allows Titanic Spa to set an example for other businesses, encouraging and supporting to follow suit and create a positive impact,” adds Warrick Burton. Are you ready to set an example for others and satisfy the eco-conscious client? Scratch has sourced expert advice and product picks to help...

INITIATIVES Green Salon Collective (GSC) Both Claudia Sear and Lucy Allen note the ease of joining Green Salon Collective, and have benefitted from offsetting their businesses’ carbon emissions via partner brand, Eco Offset. Claudia mentions GSC’s great marketing tools and media for members, and Lucy adds that any waste that can’t be recycled is incinerated, generating energy to heat and power local homes and businesses. www.greensaloncollective.com

Greenspark “For every one of my manicure or pedicure services booked, Greenspark plants a tree or removes a plastic bottle from the ocean,” reveals Claudia Sear. “I let the client choose which they’d prefer, and find that this is a tangible way for them to connect with what I’m trying to achieve as a business.” Via Greenspark, both a brand and its clients can track their planet positive impacts. www.getgreenspark.com

RecycLeBelle This is a scheme from distributor and training provider, Louella Belle, that collects and recycles old product bottles from any brand, including gel, nail polish and nail treatment bottles. Louella Belle customers can request a free label and return any four empty bottles, with a small amount of residue being acceptable. They will then receive 15% off their next order (over £50 + VAT). www.louellabelle.co.uk/sustainability

Ellie’s Recycling Fund “I send my nitrile gloves to Ellie’s Recycling Fund via Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity, which recycles disposable gloves, printer cartridges, used writing Tanya Jeskins instruments, water filters and used stamps to raise funds for research into brain tumours,” shares Tanya Jeskins, Famous Names educator for Louella Belle & Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year finalist 2023. Scan here for more information about Ellie’s Recycling Fund

DID YOU KNOW?

Titanic Spa utilises: • Renewable energy generation through solar roof panels. • Its own natural water source. • An OTEX laundry system for energy efficiency. • Organic and fairtrade food ingredients from locally sourced, in-season produce. • Electric car chargers and LED lighting in its car park.

“The problems facing the earth are problems facing every individual, so [supporting the environment] is a niche that adds value to everyone’s service. With an eco-friendly treatment, a client can feel that they’ve made a green choice, without it being any more work for them.”

Faring financially The SME Insights Report 2023 from business insurance provider, Simply Business, found that finances are negatively impacting sustainability efforts for 57% of small UK businesses, with only 13% saying they have been able to achieve their green goals. With this in mind, the concept of a green fee (a small added cost to allow businesses to carry out environmentally conscious practices) is becoming increasingly popular – and can be implemented with the help of organisations like Green Salon Collective. “We work with most salon software, so a £1 to £2 green fee is easy to introduce, showing clients that you’re a salon that takes environmental matters seriously,” says Fry Taylor. Lucy Allen tells Scratch that her green fee is included within her treatment prices and pays for her to be a Green Salon Collective member. “Before introducing the fee, I spoke to every client about the recycling we’d be doing and why, helping them to understand the small price addition to services. Not one person complained; they were all very supportive of the scheme,” she smiles.

>> SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 89

BUSINESSMATTERS

Marketing magic

Digital do & don’t

“If you’re embracing the green wave, share it with genuine vibes, let your passion shine and do not act like an eco guru unless you truly are,” notes Fry Taylor.

“Even small green choices can be used as marketing content, and if you’re consistent in posting about the eco values of your business, a reputation builds quickly,” adds Claudia Sear. Tanya Jeskins details that she markets her sustainable efforts and plans in-person, by openly talking to clients. “It creates conversation, clients love to ask questions and they often want to know how they can continue to be environmentally conscious after leaving the salon,” she says.

5 tips to avoid greenwashing Greenwashing is a deceptive marketing technique, where brands make misleading claims about their environmental practices. Publisher, UK Greetings, details how to avoid it... 1. Keep communication clear 77% of UK customers don’t understand what companies are claiming when they talk about sustainability. This can lead to confusion, so send clear, consistent messaging. 2. Avoid overpromising While you may be tempted to claim that your business will reduce carbon emissions by a certain percentage, for example, if this doesn’t happen it can lead to greenwashing claims. Make sure you are advertising past efforts, backed up by suitable data. 3. Partner up One way to ensure you are meeting some of your sustainability values is by partnering with other companies doing the same. 4. Utilise statistics You should be able to quantify claims that your company is making sustainable efforts with data. Being unable to do so may not only damage your clients’ trust, but could lead to legal action. 5. Hire environmental staff Your business could hire a professional, such as a corporate sustainability officer, to consider the environmental implications of your procedures.

“Reduce paper waste and the impacts of deforestation by using an online booking system, rather than a physical diary,” suggests Tanya Jeskins. “Online systems allow you to manage appointments, organise stock and save client information more easily, too.”

Don’t “You clean your nail tools and equipment, but how clean is your email inbox? Do you have 500, 700, even 1,000 read, unread or spam emails?” asks Sam Blake, aka The Safer Salon Geek, a health, workplace wellbeing and safety trainer & adviser for salon professionals. Sam Blake “Emails are stored in the cloud, which takes a lot of electricity to power, generally produced by fossil fuels. Deleting emails and unsubscribing from mail that has no use or meaning is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint and costs nothing to do. Deleting 10 emails could save 1,725,000 gigabytes of storage space, which is around 55.2 million kilowatts of power!” Sam has a Facebook group dedicated to workplace safety, accessibility, mental and physical health and wellbeing, available to join here To discover more nail communities, visit page 74.

READER OFFER

Sam is hosting a virtual Eco Impact Assessment Workshop on Monday 25 September 10-11am, to help industry professionals recognise and act upon their business’ green potential. Readers who book via www.thesafesalongeek.com or by emailing info@samblake.co.uk and mention Scratch will be able to access the workshop, its replay and bonus business resources for £29.

TOP TIP

“Simple actions like using an eco-mode when washing treatment towels can make a big impact. It’s important for everyone to take sustainability seriously and do their bit to safeguard our planet.”

Laura Peat, Lecenté educator

POSITIVE PURCHASING

+serumology Nourishing Foot Serum housed in a Forest Stewardship Council-certified card box printed with vegetable ink. £5.95 + VAT. Available via wholesalers nationwide. Famous Names Releaf Dadi’ Scrub Gold in a biodegradable sugar cane tube. £9 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk

90 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Beauty Made Easy 100% natural origin & plastic-free Lip Balm in Berry £1.88 + VAT/RRP £4.50 www.beautyandskincareessentials.com

Claudia Sear shows how Pinks Boutique product jars make great plant pots!

“As different farming methods have such a varied impact on the environment, it was important to me to choose a certified organic skincare brand that I love for retailing,” says Claudia Sear, who opted for Pinks Boutique manicure and pedicure products, available via www.pinksboutique.com. “If a client chooses my business because they care about their impact on the environment, it becomes natural to talk about conscious products I enjoy and how they might benefit them at home.”

BUSINESSMATTERS

CARING CLAWS

“When buying stock, search for companies that make reducing waste easy,” recommends Tanya Jeskins. “Refill packs are available to decant some products into their original packaging. Also, buying in bulk saves on the environmental cost incurred by delivery, as well as financial cost.”

INTENTIONAL TOOLS

“Any items that can be fully sanitised, disinfected, sterilised and reused, such as tools and metal files, are essential to protect the environment, as they reduce landfill waste,” notes Tanya Jeskins.

iZ Beauty Of London Platinum Hexagon Biodegradable Glitter £4.50 + VAT www.izabellehammon.com

OPI Nature Strong Nail Lacquer in Simply Radishing featuring up to 75% ingredients of natural origin and housed in a bottle and cap made from 20% postconsumer recycled materials. £POA/RRP £17.50 www.opiuk.com Glitterbels Clear Monomer (500ml) housed in a recycled aluminium bottle. £35 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com

Salon System Marvelash Bamboo Mascara Wands (3pk) as an alternative to single-use plastic. £10.95 + VAT. Available via wholesalers nationwide.

Lecenté 87% biodegradable BioglitterTM in Sunshine £4.99 + VAT www.lecente.com / www.sweetsquared.com / www.ellisons.co.uk

Genesis Professional Tools’ tools and product packaging are recyclable, and plastic used for packaging is created by renewable sources. Products available via www.genesisprofessionaltools.com

Kure Bazaar up to 90% bio-sourced Nail Polish in Afrika £POA/RRP £16 www.kurebazaar.com

Manucurist up to 84% biosourced Green Nail Polish in Midnight £14 inc VAT www.manucurist.com

NailKind up to 85% bio-sourced Nail Polish in Liv’ A Little £8.95 inc VAT www.nailkind.com

Majestic Towels recyclable & biodegradable Disposable Pedicure/ Manicure Towels (100pk) £12 + VAT www.majestictowels.co.uk

“Being environmentally conscious should be a priority for us all, especially as we’re witnessing the global effects of climate change.”

SUSTAINABLE SOAK OFF

“Reduce waste wherever possible, for example by cutting cotton pads to size for use in the gel removal process,” advises Lucy Allen. Gelish Artificial Nail Remover (32 oz refill) £24.99 + VAT www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk www.gsgroupuk.com www.salon-services.com

Palette London Cuticle Oil with brush stem and globe cap produced from 100% post-industrial recycled plastic, and brush bristles made from castor bean oil. £8 inc VAT www.palettelondon.com Jessica BioPure Nail Colour in Compost Happens produced using 83% vegetal biomass ingredients. £7.85 + VAT/RRP £15 www.gerrardinternational.com

The GelBottle Inc Pro Soak Off Removal Clips as an alternative to single-use foils. £12 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

En Vogue 100ml Refill Bottles – Simply Connect, Simply Shine, lac it! I’m A Base & lac it! I’m A No-Wipe £POA www.envoguenails.eu

Navy Professional Biodegradable & Decomposable Lint Free Cotton Pads (325pk) £5.95 inc VAT www.navyprofessional.com

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 91

NAILTALK

BEHIND THE GRAM Get to know social media nail stars as they offer an insight into their lives & share content creation tips Seattle, USA Noelle Moore – nails yu efu ell @no 118K followers

My nail journey

ppola

In my early 20s, when I was deciding on the career I wanted to pursue, my mother urged me to become a nail artist. I had a talent for drawing but hadn’t considered a role in nails, so I am very grateful that my mother encouraged it as a career.

Photo by Louis Co

I opened my studio in October 2022, in a collective environment. I wanted to create a space to represent my signature nail art, so the walls are colourful, with cute illustrations. I also produce merchandise, because it is a fun way to introduce people to my business, Noelle Fuyu Nails. I am focusing my efforts on making branded clothing, as I want my merch to be worn by many. The Noelle Fuyu Nails studio.

What makes me happy I love my routine and find small joys within each day. I enjoy going to my favourite coffee shops and reading books, visiting the beautiful parks where I live in Washington, and FaceTiming my family and friends. I also like to cook and try new recipes.

Social media advice In early 2022, about a year and a half after I focused on offering nail art services, my Instagram following grew exponentially. I had been creating more mix and match designs, and a few of my posts went viral.

My top three social media tips are: 1. Post consistently. Doing this strengthens your online presence.

2. Be intentional with the type of nail tech you

want to be viewed as. Post the designs you would like to create more of in the future. 3. Don’t fixate on social media hacks, in order to protect yourself from burnout.

Fun fact

My name is Noelle as I was born on Christmas Day. My inspirations Signature look I am known for my mix and match, pop art-inspired nail styles.

92 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

I take inspiration from elements of my childhood. Flowers, butterflies and smiley faces in vibrant colours made me happy, so I feature them a lot in my nail designs. I want my clients to be happy with their nails, and this motivates my work.

A day in my life My work schedule varies, but I typically see two to three clients each day. I start at around 11am and can sometimes finish at 9pm. I walk 30 minutes to and from the nail studio, which I enjoy because it allows me to clear my mind, think about designs and buy an oat latte on the way.

THE ULTIMATE BEAUTY

EXPERIENCE SAN ANTONIO

TEXAS

OCTOBER 1-2, 2023

COLUMBUS

OHIO

OCTOBER 8-9, 2023

ANAHEIM

CALIFORNIA

FEBRUARY 4-5, 2024 — NEW DATES

ORLANDO

FLORIDA JUNE 1-3, 2024

LEARN MORE!

NEXT LEVEL EDUCATION, HOTTEST BRANDS & LATEST TRENDS PREMIERESHOWS.COM | 800-335-7469 |

HYGIENEMATTERS

A handle on

HYGIENE

Refresh your knowledge on hygiene matters at every stage of the pro & client journey CHLOE RANDALL REPORTS

Nail and beauty spaces are sanctuaries for relaxation, transformation and self-care. But a great experience doesn’t just lie in clients’ treatment results; it’s imperative that the environment in which they indulge in their service is clean and fit for purpose.

There are different steps and levels for each stage of the decontamination process, with various products supporting these steps. Freshen up your hygiene protocols to ensure the optimum health & safety of clients, as well as your own safety and that of your team, with our roundup of expert advice.

DEFINE IT: KEY TERMS NailKnowledge defines the main stages for optimum nail salon hygiene…

Cleaning & sanitising This level of decontamination involves the use of liquid soap and water. Hard surfaces, tools, hands and feet should be washed diligently before any service. Both the nail pro and the client need to use an alcohol-based skin sanitiser on their hands and feet at the beginning of each service. Hand sanitisers/cleansers should not take the place of liquid soap and water, and will not remove debris or dust. However, they are useful after washing and during a nail service or treatment. They usually use alcohol in a gel. The gel, which evaporates slowly, allows the alcohol to be in contact with the skin for longer. Using soap and water is also an essential step before the next levels of decontamination can be efficiently carried out. Every tool must be washed with liquid soap and water, using a brush to clean away all debris and oils that hamper the decontamination process.

94 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Disinfection

For hard surfaces, a general purpose disinfectant is sufficient. This will destroy a large number of pathogens, but the manufacturer’s instructions must be followed in regard to dilution, length of time for submersion and how long the solution will last. The method will be ineffective if the instructions are not followed exactly. Avoid contact with the skin and choose the right disinfectant for the job, such as one for hard surfaces and one designed for pedicure bowls. Use general purpose disinfectant to clean desks, floors, light switches and door handles etc, but not metal tools. For such tools, a hospital-grade or high-grade disinfectant is needed. These often claim to destroy 99.9% of all pathogens, but this claim needs to be certified. In the UK, the standard uses a series of numbers with the prefix ‘EN’. This falls under the REACH and COSHH regulations. Each product should be very specific with the pathogens it will destroy and for this level, as an alternative to sterilisation, the more the better. It should also be suitable for what is being disinfected, i.e. metal tools, as those with chlorides can corrode metal.

HYGIENEMATTERS

CONTACT TIME

Nigel Rouse is MD at Mundo Professional, which has been developing hygiene and infection control products since 2006. He shares why time is a key factor in the decontamination process…

“I have watched many people – including those in the medical profession – spray disinfectant onto a surface and then immediately wipe it dry. What’s wrong with that? Time! Nigel Rouse

“While disinfectants are brilliant at playing their part to reduce the spread of disease, if they are not used properly, they are of minimal use. Contact time is imperative. “When disinfectant is sprayed on a surface, or a sanitiser is applied to hands, it is vital that sufficient time is allowed for the product to work. Each product has its own specific contact time, and in order for maximum disinfection or sanitising to take place, you must establish the required contact time and adhere to it. This could be as little as 30 seconds, but for some less effective disinfectants, it could be several minutes.

COURSE SPOTLIGHT: The Safer Salon Geek Sam Blake, aka The Safer Salon Geek, a health, workplace wellbeing and safety trainer & adviser, offers different levels of CPD for health & safety in salons – from workshops for awareness to full programmes. Through these, she works with businesses, individuals and salons and creates safety-focused salon operational Sam Blake procedures through compliance records, tailored policies and risk assessments. “I help business owners audit what they currently do and put matters into practice,” shares Sam. “For example, in my ‘Housekeeping & Hygiene’ module, I take a deeper dive into hygiene and environmental impact through audit lessons. This enables salon owners to choose the correct chemicals or eco solutions to use for cleaning; developing method statements for staff to follow and housekeeping induction training for new staff.” For more information, visit www.facebook.com/thesafersalongeek

“Details should be on labels or be readily available from the manufacturer, so take a moment to discover the contact time for the products you use, to help reduce the spread of disease.” www.mundoproducts.co.uk

TOP TIP

Throughout the day, it is good practice to disinfect regular touchpoints in your salon space, such as door handles and card machines. Nail pros should also ensure a high degree of personal hygiene by wearing clean and appropriate attire, tying hair back and avoiding wearing excessive jewellery that might harbour germs.

Sterilisation

This is the highest level of decontamination and is achieved with the use of an autoclave. Autoclaves use the steam from water heated under pressure, that boils at around 160 oC or above, which is enough to kill all pathogens including spores. To sterilise, tools should be cleaned and then placed in the autoclave. The manufacturer’s instructions must be followed and the cycle can be relatively short, around 15 to 20 minutes. However, it is important that autoclaves are tested on a regular basis; weekly or monthly, using a spore test. Without this regular testing, they can become ineffective. Autoclaves are quite expensive and hospital-grade disinfectant is a suitable alternative for nail services. Another option is a dry heat steriliser, which can be effective and often cheaper than an autoclave. However, heat sterilisers can take more than 90 minutes to reach the required temperature, and so use more electricity than an autoclave. www.nailknowledge.org

DID YOU KNOW…? “If a nail file falls apart during cleaning and disinfection, it is not a reusable nail file and should be disposed of,” says Doug Schoon, internationally-recognised Doug Schoon scientist, author & educator with over 30 years’ experience in the cosmetic, beauty and personal care industry. “It is important to know that spraying a disinfectant doesn’t make it work any faster. Most salon disinfectants work in 10 minutes, and some in three or five minutes. However, none work in seconds. “Spraying alcohol or other disinfectants on a nail file does virtually nothing to protect the client. The file must be washed first. If a sprayer is used to deliver the disinfectant, the nail file or other implement must remain wet with the disinfectant solution for the time specified on the disinfectant label.”

ARE THERE GUIDELINES?

“There are no ‘set’ guidelines in regards to salon hygiene and infection control, other than to follow universal good hygiene practices and standards,” comments Sam Blake. “Salons should start with this, and their individual risk assessment, to build their own methods and housekeeping routines as part of their salon operational procedures.”

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 95

HYGIENEMATTERS

THE CLIENT JOURNEY

Consultation

Before the client arrives for their appointment, encourage an open dialogue in regard to their health status. If the client is unwell or appears to have any form of nail infection upon consultation, it is important to reschedule and recommend appropriate action points, in order to prevent the spread of germs.

Hands up

The Habia code of practice states that every appointment should begin with both the client and technician washing their hands at a sink, with running water and soap.

Surfaces

Before opening the salon and in between clients, clean and disinfect your work surfaces. “Doing this does not only keeps the work area looking professional, but reduces the risk of cross-infection,” says Nigel Rouse. “Some vinyl and plastic surfaces can be affected by alcohol over time, so if you have any work surfaces that are sensitive to alcohol, use a product that is alcohol-free,” he continues. To help protect work surfaces, consider investing in disposable table towels.

Kay Ali

“The majority of harmful bacteria on our hands resides under the free edge of the nail,” states Kay Ali, founder of natural hygiene brand, Labology 3. “Without the client scrubbing off their own grime, the technician is put at risk working on the unsanitary nails. Also, many nail treatments can lock in the dirt, so it’s beneficial for the client to thoroughly wash their hands before the treatment commences.”

Mundo Sanitizing Hand & Foot Spray from £2.50 + VAT www.mundoproducts.co.uk

Mundo Disposable Table Towels £9.95 + VAT www.mundoproducts.co.uk

Labology 3 Super Antibacterial All Purpose Cleansing Water from £16.80 inc VAT www.labology3.com

Barbicide Surface Spray £7.35 + VAT. Available from wholesalers nationwide.

Mundo Hard Surface Disinfectant Spray from £6.95 + VAT www.mundoproducts.co.uk

Disposables

Cosmeticide 500ml Jar £14.99 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk

Ideally, fabrics and tools (except metal tools) should be single-use and discarded. “A tool spray can be useful, certainly for a quick clean, while working with the same client,” suggests NailKnowledge. “There are some files that are washable, and if there is no possibility of contact with the skin, these can be scrubbed under running water to remove any debris, then sprayed (or submerged) and allowed to dry.”

Charlotte Henson, nail pro & founder of Home Of Nail Art, uses a disposable nail file, buffer and orangewood stick for each client. Charlotte Henson “I also use clean, fresh towels for each client,” she shares. “Used linen must be laundered at a minimum of 60°C.”

96 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Salon System Nail + File Antiseptic Spray £4.30 + VAT. Available from wholesalers nationwide.

Mundo File & Tool Disinfectant Spray from £6.50 + VAT www.mundoproducts.co.uk

Tools

“The gold standard for tools is to use an autoclave, as it will remove all forms of life on the tools,” shares Kay Ali. “It’s good practice to open sterilisation pouches in front of the client, to foster trust that you operate within a hygienic and safe environment. However, autoclaves are expensive and can take anything between 30 to 60 minutes to sterilise tools, which isn’t efficient if you have clients booked in back-to-back and don’t own multiple pairs of tools.”

The GelBottle Inc SanitisedAF + Antibacterial Tool & Surface Spray £7.50 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

Finishing up

At the end of the working day, ensure all contact areas, tools and surfaces are cleaned as directed.

HYGIENEMATTERS

Q&A

The team at NailKnowledge shares answers to reader questions about hygiene…

Q: Can I sanitise and disinfect rubber-based, silicone toe separators? A: Silicone is highly resistant to disinfectants. Therefore, you can easily clean and disinfect toe separators, and the silicone won’t break down. You can even disinfect highly porous toe separators. However, some regions have regulations against disinfecting porous items, even though being ‘porous’ actually makes it easier to disinfect, not harder.

Q: Can I sanitise metal tools in isopropyl alcohol? A: No, you cannot sanitise your metal tools only in isopropyl alcohol. It may kill a few viruses, and that is why it is used in hand sanitisers, but that is all. Hygiene needs to be a full spectrum that kills all known viruses and bacteria. Fungal spores will only be destroyed in an autoclave.

Silicone toe separators will not absorb disinfectants, so are they porous or non-porous? Most would say they are nonporous, but when soaked in coloured disinfectant solutions, they will absorb and become stained by colourants in the disinfection solution. The silicone surface can become slightly blue, purple, red, yellow or even greyish. This colouration change indicates that the surface absorbed some of the disinfectants, demonstrating that the surface is actually slightly porous. This colour change is just a cosmetic effect and won’t affect the function of the toe separators. Even though silicone has some porosity, there is no doubt that one can adequately disinfect these items. One can repeatedly clean and disinfect them for many years, so don’t throw them away after a single use. An autoclave can’t sterilise silicone toe separators without destroying them. Autoclaves are very hard on anything not made from metal or glass. Even so, disinfection is enough for silicone toe separators and will kill 99.99% of microbes on the surface, thus rendering them safe for reuse on clients.

“When disinfectant is sprayed on a surface, or a sanitiser is applied to hands, it is vital that sufficient time is allowed for the product to work. Each product has its own specific contact time, and in order for maximum disinfection or sanitising to take place, you must establish the required contact time and adhere to it.”

Proper cleaning is scrubbing under warm water with soap. This will get rid of debris and oils which would stop exposure of the surfaces to the disinfectant. Next, dry and submerge in a hospital-grade disinfectant following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Anything less is not proper cleaning.

Q: Can I use my oven to sterilise my tools? A: The professional sterilisation method is an autoclave.

This uses steam under pressure that is many degrees hotter than boiling water and does a very efficient job. To use an oven would be to use dry heat and this is not efficient, as the tools would need to be there at over 100oC for more than four hours. Use professional equipment for professional, intended purposes. www.nailknowledge.org /nailknowledge @nailknowledge.education NailKnowledge

DID YOU KNOW…?

As part of the Federation of Nail Professional’s mission to raise industry standards, there is work underway on a scheme to help consumers recognise trusted salons. Set to launch in 2024, you can find out more by joining the FNP seminars at Professional Beauty North on 25 September and at Olympia Beauty on 15-16 October 2023. www.professionalbeauty.co.uk / www.olympiabeauty.co.uk SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 97

TREATMENTSPOTLIGHT

WHY T

Wax?

Derby hair & beauty pro, LAURA KATE, shares why waxing has uplifted her treatment portfolio & how to market it alongside footcare services

end to hair on toes during a pedi or upsell a mani with a brow, leg, underarm or intimate wax, and see your profits grow per client visit. After all, convenience is key, and expanding your service menu not only allows a client’s grooming needs to be met in one destination, but it can help you attract a new following.

Laura Kate is a hair and beauty pro from Alvaston, Derby, with over 20 years’ experience in the industry. She offers hair, nail, lash, brow and wax services alongside training from her salon space. “Waxing treatments complement nail services really well,” she shares. “If a client books every three weeks for a nail service, you can add on facial or underarm waxing, and every six weeks you can encourage leg and intimate waxing.” She chose Lycon for her waxing services after discovering the brand at a trade show and booking on the Introduction to Lycon and Advanced Precision training courses. “The flexibility of Lycon wax products is great, as the wax doesn’t snap when removed,” Laura reveals. “When the full system is used, the skin feels fresh, smooth and hydrated. The products also smell amazing, and the range offers sugar scrubs and hand and body lotions that can be retailed to clients to use post-treatment.”

Why Lycon? Lycon was founded in Australia in 1978 by beauty therapist, Lydia Jordane, who began her product development journey by creating a depilatory wax on her home kitchen stove. The brand has since evolved to offer results-driven waxing, skincare and pedicure products. “Lycon has embraced advancements in technology and formulation to cater to the evolving needs of both beauty professionals and their clients,” shares Helena Dodwell, marketing manager at Beauty Triangle International, provider of Lycon products and training in the UK. “We offer a range of waxes, each tailored to specific hair types and areas of the body, that are effective and gentle on skin. The waxes incorporate a blend of resins, natural ingredients and aromatherapy oils to ensure Lycon Mango & Guava Hand & Body great adhesion to the hair and gentle removal from the skin.”

HOW-TO: Lycon Leg Wax An ideal upsell to a pedi service, Laura Kate shares how to perform a leg wax using Lycon products... Step 1 Cleanse the area with the Lycon Lycotane Skin Cleanser. Step 2 Hold the SoBerry Delicious Strip Wax Cartridge upside down to allow the wax to flow to the roller to prevent pulling. Step 3 Stretch the skin and apply the wax with the hair growth. Step 4 Place a waxing strip onto the wax and remove quickly in the opposite direction of the hair, following the contour of the leg. Step 5 Apply Lycon’s Perfect Finish to the skin to remove wax residue, moisturise and refresh the skin.

Lycon Lycotane Skin Cleanser £15 + VAT

Lycon Perfect Finish £8.50 + VAT

Lotion £7 + VAT

Promotion & pricing Laura Kate talks to her beauty clients about the benefits of waxing, as well as the products she uses and what happens during the service. When pricing, she considers setup, treatment and cleaning time, as well as products used and the time spent taking payment and booking the next appointment. “I also consider the skill level for the treatment,” she shares. “For example, intimate waxing is an advanced treatment that requires particular training that I invested in, so this cost should be factored in.”

Training Beauty Triangle International offers training nationwide. Education options are: • Introduction to Lycon System. Save 15% on • Advanced Precision Waxing. Lycon products • Male Intimate Waxing Class. • In-salon training. with code • Bespoke training. SCRATCHBT. Follow Laura Kate: /laurakatehairandbeauty 98 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

@laurakatehairandbeauty

Lycon SoBerry Delicious Strip Wax Cartridge £3.50 + VAT

TOP TIP

“I use Lycon Hot Wax on the toes to remove any unwanted hairs when performing a pedicure. Bend the toe slightly when applying and removing the wax,” advises Laura.

Lycon SoBerry Delicious Hot Wax £21.50 + VAT

For more information about Lycon products and training, visit www.beautytriangle.com /beautytriangleinternational @beautytriangleint @beautytriangle

12 issues of Scratch The world’s #1 resource for nails

FOR JUST £39 UK & Northern Ireland only

(£55 rest of Europe - £79 rest of the world)

SUBSCRIBE NOW! KEEP IN TOUCH WITH SCRATCH!

Ensure you get the latest nail news delivered to your inbox by opting in to our weekly e-newsletters. Packed with competition info, the hottest products, expert advice and so much more, they offer the perfect nail and beauty fix in between Scratch issues. Simply scan here and confirm your details to opt in:

% 01580 883844

www.scratchmagazine.co.uk We accept the following card payments:

SCRATCHCOLUMNIST

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 and 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).

7 retail tips for mobile techs

s mobile pros, we bring the convenience of professional nail treatments directly to clients’ doorsteps. However, providing an excellent service isn’t the only way to enhance your business. Incorporating retail strategies not only boosts your profits, but provides clients with an added level of convenience and care.

So, how should you implement these into your business? Here’s my advice...

1. Choose the right products Select a few high-quality aftercare products that will help clients to maintain the health and appearance of their nails and skin, such as cuticle oil. If you choose products that are aligned with the nail system you use, it will make sense for clients to buy from you.

2. Educate clients Well-informed clients are more likely to invest in retail products. Use their appointment time to educate them about proper nailcare and the benefits of using specific products. Explain how these items will help enhance the longevity of their gel mani or pedi and maintain the health of their natural nails between appointments. If you use your retail products during services, clients will experience their benefits first-hand.

3. Utilise e-commerce It is a good idea to link an online shop to your website, so that clients can purchase from you at any time. Shopify and Square are examples of shops that link to your social media accounts, booking platform and payment system. I personally find Shopify the easiest to integrate into other platforms. It syncs with my booking system, Timely, allowing stock to be managed across physical and online outlets.

100 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

4. Stay up-to-date with trends Keep an eye on seasonal nail and skincare trends. Carry foot creams around during pedicure season, SPF products in summer, and hard-working hand creams during the winter months. Consider when is timely to offer gift packages, too, such as Mother’s Day or during the festive season.

5. Collect feedback Regularly seek feedback from clients regarding the retail products you offer. Ask about their experiences, preferences and any suggestions they might have. This information will help you to refine your product selection and tailor it to clients’ needs.

6. Determine how you will carry stock I keep one or two items of each product I sell in my kit bag and during peak buying times, I carry stock in a box in my car. You could also market products online or directly through WhatsApp, reminding clients to purchase in advance so you can bring stock with you to their next appointment.

7. Sell without stocking product A useful retailing route is to become a brand ambassador, or to set up referral codes with stockists. There are many beauty brands that now operate in this way, and this allows you to earn without having to stock product. By referring clients with a unique discount code, you reap rewards when they buy. If you start refining your retail offerings now, you will be prepared to boost your earnings at peak purchasing time: Christmas! Until next month,

Clare

www.thenailclub.uk /thenailclublondon @thenailclublondon

NA I L s g n i p Clip SCRATCHMEDIA

...

Whether clients opt for classic monochrome styles or choose bold looks with clashing hues and bright neons, checkerboard nail art offers a versatile option for all. Check out some of our favourite looks by pros on Instagram…

Instagram.com/

Instagra

m.com/e

mrata

_beauty_bymeg

A SERPENT STYLE

The ‘evil eye’, a blue, white and black symbol, is a popular, speedy nail art design, but do you know the meaning behind it? Dating back around 5,000 years, the symbol represents an open

The team at Glossify has revealed the nail shade used in the hugely popular Barbie movie when Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, reveals her ‘flat feet’. The Glossify Gel Polish in delicate pink Naked £14.99 inc VAT www.glossify.co.uk gel polish shade, Naked, created a look perfect for the pedi close-up.

evil, ready to ward off bad intentions.

yninpeng

PLA Gel Polish in It Girl £10 inc VAT www.plapro.com

.com/sre

Instagram.co

tedbypen m/pain Instagram.co

102 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

THE BARBIE LOOK

eye that watches for signs of

m/_by_shelley

Instagram

.com/cha

rlottesbea

utyandwel

lbeing

TREND WATCH: THE EVIL EYE

American model, Emily Ratajkowski, took to Instagram to show off her mismatched manicure with a reptilian twist. Featuring a different design on each nail, Emily named the style ‘serpent nails’ as it mimicked snakeskin patterns.

Instagram

❤

CHLOE RANDALL uncovers the hottest nail topics & tales across the ‘net, TV & social media & gets the scoop on celebrity beauty must-haves

Up-and-coming US rapper, Ice Spice, most known for her duet with Nicki Minaj on ‘Barbie World’, received a mani courtesy of nail pro, Nin (@sreyninpeng). She wore the apt ‘It Girl’ shade from PLA’s She’s The Boss collection, as she collected Billboard’s Rookie of the Year award.

SCRATCHMEDIA

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: LOVE ISLAND NAILS

ils

Love Island champion, Jess Harding, and fellow finalist, Ella Thomas, sported matching manicures: a classic French with gold leaf detail.

/ellabe

lla_na

The GelBottle Inc in Jet Black £14.50 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

m.com

.com/kare

.com/ella

bella_nai

Glitterbels Acrylic Powder in Highlighter Yellow £8.95 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com

Enhanced nails with pink, glittery tips and silver chrome details were chosen by Indiyah Polack for Love Island, The Reunion.

Instagram

‘People’ singer, Libianca Fonji, spor ted a vibr ant and fun nail look , cour tesy of Kare n Tati ana (@k aren tatia na). The nail artis t used pink , oran ge and yello w acry lic pow ders from Glitt erbe ls.

Instagram

CELEB MANI SPOT!

Molly Marsh opted for a sleek nail finish with The GelBottle Inc in Jet Black.

The GelBottle Inc Mirror Chrome Studio Gel £13 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

ntatiana._

American rapper, Lizzo, jumped on the Barbiecore trend and sported a stunning style, courtesy of her go-to tech, Eri Ishizu. Eri used The GelBottle Inc’s Barbie shade with Mirror Chrome Studio Gel.

Instagram

The GelBottle Inc in Barbie £14.50 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

Instagra

LIZZO’S LOOK

.com/ellabe

Instagra

lla_nails

m.com/e

riishizu

Bristol-based nail artist, Ella Jarvis of @ellabella_nails, headed to Mallorca to tend to the talons of Love Island contestants for the grand final, and again for the reunion show. Take a look at some of her handiwork…

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 103

£6 Million Professional, Public & Product Liability

Personalised Membership Portal Your very own personalised membership

portal where you can climb from blue to beyond and earn points and rewards along the way. A safe place where you can check your insurance details and documentation and it is here you can utilise our ‘Find the Nearest’ marketing tools as well.

Beauty | Hair | Complementary | Nails, Tanning & Make-Up | Salon Full Details, Terms of Business, Application Forms, Policy Wording and Explanatory Documents are available to view online at www.abtinsurance.co.uk

As an ABT Member What do I Receive at Olympia Beauty? Show Only Offers

Goody bag (collect (collect from from ABT ABT Stand) Stand)

Early Early VIP VIP entry entry to to the the show show at at 9.30am 9.30am

Drinks Reception 15 15 -16 -16 OCTOBER OCTOBER 2023 2023 EXCEL EXCEL LONDON LONDON

50% 50% off off Live Live Stage Stage Sessions Sessions

ABT ABT Membership Membership One One Off OffArea Fee Fee Seating Seating Area

Face Face to to Face Face Talks Talks With With The The Accreditation Accreditation Team Team Who Whoare areon onhand handto tohelp help all allof ofyour yourquestions questions

Access Access to to the the VIP VIP Lounges Lounges With With refreshments refreshments throughout throughout the the day day

Plus so many more benefits through out the year

NAILDESIGNS

Hearts, swords and black tips make for a fierce nail style, as shown in this mani by Linz (aka @nail_gal__) from Ouseburn, Newcastle.

Instagram’s @glamgoth channels their username with glossy black nails, silver chrome artistry and pale pink embellishments.

Embrace the dark side of nail art with Scratch’s roundup of glam, gothic-style designs to ignite your creativity

Focus

These chic, dark nails by Sarah Curtis (@thenailritual_) were created using TGB’s Glass Black gel polish and a Nail Stamping Queen UK plate.

Fingernails in

Bekah Martin (@southtxnails) adds silver crosses and spider details inspired by @tattoobyserenity to this textured nail design.

A hand-painted skeleton and roses stand out against a black base in this tragically romantic manicure by Nat McMains of @nailphases.

Glasgow’s @thelacquerlassie named this nail style ‘Pink Venom’, and used Nail Order’s Square Full Cover Tips alongside black and pink gels.

A couple sports complementary manicures courtesy of @nineluxenails, who used black, red and white shades with a matte finish.

@sana.claws took inspiration from @hardstudioo to create these glassy nails with a variety of silver and black embellishments.

A coffin-shaped enhancement is apt for this gothic-style purple, black and glitter ombré design by @sugamama_nailz.

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 106 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Scan here to register for your free ticket

Scratch magazine's annual photographic competition

n i o J us!

Find out who scoops the top prizes at Olympia Beauty, with competition organiser, Chloe Randall. WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT Monday 16 October @ 3:45pm BST The Nail Stage @ Olympia Beauty, ExCel

Find out more:

www.scratchmagazine.co.uk

Can't make the event? Tune in on socials! /scratchmag @scratchmagazine