Scratch Magazine October 2022 by scratchmagazine

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

THE #1 GEL POLISH WORLDWIDE • 160+ shades • Curve-hugging brush • Full, even application • 2x faster soak-off removal • No nail damage • Vegan formula

NOTHING BEATS THE ORIGINAL Discover the NEW CND™ Autumn Collection

Discover more about CND™

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

AUTUMN COLLECTION

IN FALL BLOOM Flourishing shades fresh for autumn

Introducing the CND™ In Fall Bloom Collection. Elevate manicures and pedicures this autumn using vibrant hues to bring energy, optimism and romance to your nails.

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

Discover more about CND™.

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

Nineteen years of... ®

Issue 234 Managing editor Helena Biggs helena.biggs@scratchmagazine.co.uk Publisher Scott Derbyshire scott.derbyshire@scratchmagazine.co.uk News & features writers Chloe Randall chloe.randall@scratchmagazine.co.uk Rebecca Hitchon rebecca.hitchon@scratchmagazine.co.uk 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

T: +44 (0) 1959 547 000

nant and l on a very poig write this editoria r Majesty He id e day we la reflective day; th tion’s Head na r ou As st. II to re Queen Elizabeth le in our ro ed an important of State, she play and tity en id l na g our natio lives, representin d symbol an d ea eh ur fig to being a devoting her life d witnessing g her funeral, an hin tc Wa . lity of stabi on to pay their nd Lo descended on o wh s ct se as m e th much of an impa asised just how . rld respects, emph wo entire nation, and the she had on our lipstick, r clothing to her t colours; from he igh br r that she fo so e es lov ad a e wore vibrant sh Her Majesty had Sh e. hu d ne te nail to a fuchsia, yet her favouri which was often crowds she drew ge lar s the wa t gs ce amon ade. Appearan would stand out Ballet Slippers sh as sie , Es re k he pin sp l le bt na professio polish was the su for many in our she was an icon important, and lly. well as persona Queen’s Honours cognised in the re en be ve ha s nny MBE ustry peer nals Leighton De A number of ind ing nail professio lud British inc ; d de an ca E, de Lesley Blair MB List over the past BTAC & CIBTAC’s her BA al M, ve BE re ty an jes wm Ma and Marian Ne E. Stories of Her OB all nd nail Ke the llie CEO, Mi le; traits that you, Beauty Council nnect with peop co to y ilit ab d an caring manner o hone. professional, als her example, e to learn from May we continu with grace, les r working ro and continue ou of colour h las sp a nity, elegance and dig and a smile.

ISSN 2635-0327 Contributors Alex Fox, Annabel Maginnis, Sadie Jordan, Green Salon Collective

Subscriptions Curwood CMS Ltd T: 01580 883844 Printer The Magazine Printing Company Mailing House Mailing & Fulfilment MK Ltd

A nail art tribute to Her Majesty the Queen by Kirsty Meakin (@kirstymeakin).

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

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

COVER CREDITS Images courtesy of Mii Shades shown are Bonfire Crackle, Green Illusion, Shades Of Grey, Rich Meadow, Darker Days & Night Frost from the Nature’s Mosaic Colour Confidence nail polish collection. Available via www.gerrardinternational.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. © 2022 SEED PUBLISHING LTD

Photographer: Toti Bajakov /ARToti @artotistudio Hair stylist: Katerina Velinova /katerina.velinova.3 @make_up_by_katy Make-up artist: Katerina Velinova /katerina.velinova.3 @make_up_by_katy Nail stylist & model: Antonia Atanasova Tsamparova /antonia.tsamparova & /apacademybg @tsamparova & @apacademyy www.apacademy.bg

Follow Scratch and Nailympia:

Scan to download the Scratch App:

Contents OCTOBER 2022

FEATURES 18 Warrior Woman

Get to know the nail stylist behind this month’s front cover concept, which showcases skill, strength & styling prowess

26 Showstoppers At Olympia Beauty Revealed: the talent taking to the Scratch Nail Stage at Olympia Beauty & exclusive show offers from brands

30 Inflation Explanation

Experts serve up advice on managing business costs during a difficult financial period

38 Training Transitions

Meet the education team delivering a revamped programme from Gelish & Morgan Taylor to nailists

42 L&P Tool School

Brush up on must-have tools for perfecting L&P enhancements & ways to keep them in tip-top condition

52 Think Pink

Check out the nail businesses & beauty brands supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October

58 The Dark Side Of Design

Switch up your spooky nail styles with twists on traditional options to mark Halloween

66 Make Your Mark

Top tips for making the most of public relations to raise the profile of your business

70 The Great Scratch Shoot Out 2022: Entries Revealed

Feast your eyes over the 79 entries to Scratch’s annual photographic nail competition

80 Boujee On A Budget

Spruce up your nail space without huge expense with handy tips & product picks

86 Space Invaders

Check out the initiatives that allow you to rent a nail desk as & when it suits for a more flexible way of working

REGULARS

10 22 24 36 50 54 62 68 76 78 84 88 90 96 98

Nail Nation The Hot List The Scratch Scoop Calendar Girl The Force Of The Feds Readers Gallery Health Matters Just Add Glitter Through The Keyhole Tech For Techs *NEW COLUMN Style With Sadie Business Matters Girl Power Nail Clippings Fingernails In Focus

Download the brand new NSI App today! Order our latest product guide through the app to be entered into draw to win one of 3 cash prizes!

WIN £1000, £500 or £250 CASH! See app for full competition details.

App Features:

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD

Collect Reward Points! Barcode Scanner Manage Your Account Save Your Faves Advice & Inspiration Shop Nails, Hair & Beauty

If you have an existing online account with NSI there’s no need to re-register! Use your existing login with our app!

0800 881 8469 | www.nsinails.co.uk Proudly Supplying and Supporting UK Nail Professionals Since 1992 Share your creations #nsinails #nsiuk @nsiukltd

@nsiuk

Nail NATION

business

news & views

SECRET SPA CREATES APP TO SUPPORT BEAUTY FREELANCERS

Government announces plans to support businesses with energy bills Prime Minister, Liz Truss, has announced an energy plan to support the cost of living. In a statement to the House of Commons on 8 September, Truss revealed that as of this month, household (domestic) energy bills will be capped at £2,500 a year. This support will last for two years, while an energy supply taskforce negotiates long-term energy contracts with providers. This plan is in addition to the previously announced £400 energy bills discount, and will allegedly save the average household £1,000 a year. Businesses are getting a support package for six months, which will provide ‘equivalent support’. After three months, it will be reviewed and further support will be targeted at industries considered to be vulnerable. Business secretary, Jacob Rees-Mogg, will work to make sure that those most in need receive support. Truss commented: “I promised I would deal with the soaring energy prices faced by families and businesses across the UK, and I am delivering on that promise.” Chancellor of the exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng, will set out the expected costs of the energy package in a fiscal statement. “There are no cost-free options to dealing with the global energy crisis,” Truss revealed, and that to ‘defray’ the cost, the UK will need to speed up the deployment of clean and renewable technologies, and sources of energy including North Sea oil and gas contracts for exploration. Reactions Following the announcement, Richard Lambert, CEO at the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) commented: “We’re pleased that the government has responded to our call for emergency energy support for hair and beauty businesses over the next six months. Businesses now urgently need clarity on the details of the scheme in order to help them plan for the coming months. “For the majority of hair and beauty businesses, energy is one of the two biggest overheads, so we will be pressing the government to consider hair and beauty as one of the ‘vulnerable industries’ that will be in most need of support after the initial six month period. “We’ll look at the detail in the full package when it’s announced. Meanwhile, we are still calling for further support in the form of 100% business rates relief to help businesses with cash flow issues and the cost of doing business crisis from the fiscal statement.” www.gov.uk / www.nhbf.co.uk

10 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

At-home beauty and wellness marketplace, Secret Spa, has launched Solo, an app for freelancers working in the personal care sector. Solo offers a platform tailored to various aspects of a freelancer’s business, from online consultation forms to a travel time calculator, booking system, marketing tools and a professional website. Rider Latham, CEO & co-founder of Secret Spa and Solo, comments: “Solo is the next chapter in our mission to reshape personal care around individual professionals. Over 60% of the workforce are self-employed, and ultimately clients build incredible relationships with these entrepreneurs. “Solo transfers the power to the individual by enabling them to build a distinct business, whether they offer bookings in a salon, at a client’s home, or both. “The pandemic saw 10% of salons close, so going into the current economic crisis, it is more important than ever that individual professionals take control of their business with Solo.” The company is offering a three-month free trial for the first 1,000 freelancers who can join the waiting list at www.getsolo.co. After the trial, the Basic subscription is £10 per month and the Premium subscription is £20 per month. www.getsolo.co

Take part for a chance to win a share of £500! Scratch has launched a nail industry survey to assess the working habits and needs of nail professionals in the UK. If you love a Q&A session and have 20 minutes to spare, simply head to www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/survey or scan the QR code and submit your responses by 31 October. Five participants will each win £100 – and there are nail goodies up for grabs!

N EW N ! O AV AI LA BL E

GEL POLISH

C O S M I C C O L L E C T I O N

Six lustrous new colours that are as deep and unfathomable as space itself!

Go boldly on a journey to the solar system, and discover our dark mysterious new glitter gel collection – colours that are truly out of this world!

JUPITER

M E RC U RY

NEPTUNE

MARS

S AT U R N

VENUS

Available now at leading Distributors and at

PURENAILS.CO.UK

business

Nail NATION REFILLABLE PRESTIGE BEAUTY ON THE RISE Sales of refillable prestige beauty products increased by 47% from January to the end of July 2022, according to market research company, The NPD Group. The market for such products was valued at £34 million in this seven-month period, and sales of refillable products performed better than the total prestige market overall during this time. The strongest category growth was make-up, where sales of refillable products increased 364% in the period from January to the end of July 2022, compared to the same period last year. This contrasts with sales growth in the total make-up market, which reported a 30% increase year-on-year. Just over half of make-up refill sales can be attributed to lip colour. Other sub-segments that dominate the refill space include bronzer and blush. Emma Fishwick, account manager at NPD UK Beauty explains: “As consumers become more conscious of the importance of sustainability and their role in promoting it, we have seen a corresponding rise in sales of refillable prestige beauty products. These latest figures demonstrate that as far as beauty consumers are concerned, buying refillable products is becoming more mainstream – but there is a long way to go. What we are seeing here really marks the beginning of the refillable beauty story, as only a small percentage of sales weight of make-up products are currently refillable. This is similar for skincare and hair products.” www.npd.com

NHBF UNVEILS SKILLS ZONE TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES AT A HIGHER LEVEL The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has created ‘Skills Zone’, a series of business support resources that can be accessed by members anytime via a phone, tablet or laptop. Skills Zone will host guidelines and lessons in line with the NHBF Professional Code of Conduct. Launching first under the ‘Time to Shine’ theme is a resource in partnership with the Pivot Point Lab educational platform, which focuses on the areas that all salons have to navigate to protect their clients and business. Lessons include: • Understanding qualifications and training requirements. • Being clear on health & safety. • Understanding consultation, allergy alerts and industry tests. • How to manage advertising, promotions and pricing responsibly. • Understanding what you must ensure for pay and tips. Richard Lambert, NHBF chief executive says, “Running a hair or beauty salon or barbershop business can feel very complicated, with lots of things that need to be in place to allow professionals to concentrate on building a client base. The launch of the Skills Zone, which can be found in the Member Benefits area at NHBF.co.uk, offers free access to the NHBF School on Pivot Point Lab. Pivot Point provides newly developed professional standard Richard Lambert resources to master the knowledge required to protect your clients and your business, in a way that fits in with your busy schedule.” This development of the Skills Zone is part of the NHBF’s response to its independently commissioned report, Careers at the cutting edge: tackling the skills crisis in the hair & beauty sector, which highlighted the current challenges that the sector is experiencing. Sign up online to the NHBF Skills Zone at www.nhbf.co.uk

12 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Celebrity manicurist launches 8-week workshop for ‘nailpreneurs’ US-based celebrity manicurist, Julie Kandalec, has launched an addition to her Julie K Nail Academy education offerings; an eight-week online business course to turn nail pros into ‘nailpreneurs’. Tailored to nail professionals who want to elevate their careers beyond traditional salon life and build an exclusive VIP service-based business, the course modules will be available on demand with a weekly live call. Video calls will provide students with the opportunity for live question and answer sessions. Modules include: • Branding yourself as a VIP nail artist, including creating a brand kit and logo. • Social media and marketing for nail pros. • Where to find celebrity and VIP clients, how to reach out to them and what to say. • How to offer VIP hotel and house calls, what to pack and how to stay safe. • How to build credibility to accelerate growth and set yourself apart from other nail pros in the area. • Etiquette and professionalism while on set and attending to VIP clients. • How to handle a long client waiting list, setting rates and when to raise them. • How to make more money by working smarter, not harder, and how to gain the confidence needed to succeed. The course also features interviews with industry leaders, including Julie’s agent, a top beauty publicist, plus a social media manager at a major beauty brand. For more information and to register, visit www.julieknailacademy.com

‘Nail Twins’ to host four-day bootcamp in London Hungarian nail stylists, Barbara and Krisztina Újvári, are travelling to London at the end of November to host a four-day bootcamp. Designed to help nail pros take their professional skills to the next level, the duo will be covering the following: Day 1: Landscape painting with Barbara. Day 2: Combined salon techniques with Krisztina. Day 3: Realistic portrait painting with Barbara. Day 4: Extreme shapes with effects with Krisztina. Limited spaces are available. To book, send a direct message via www.facebook.com/UBNSnails.

POPPY BAUBLES IN

POP THE BAUBLES LIMITED EDITION JEWEL BE BOLD COLLECTION GELCOLOR • INFINITE SHINE • NAIL LACQUER

SHOP AT TRADE.OPIUK.COM ALSO AVAILABLE AT CAPITAL HAIR & BEAUTY

pleasure

Nail NATION

Townhouse nail salon opens in London’s Spitalfields

Scratch Stars Nail Salon of the Year 2022, Townhouse, has expanded its franchise with the opening of a fifth salon; in the historic Spitalfields market, London. The state-of-the-art salon features Townhouse’s signature slick décor and digital colour libraries, with a seasonal nail art menu. The treatment menu features express treatments starting at £26 for customers on-the-go, as well as luxury nail treats for a more indulgent experience. Post-treatment, customers can keep their mani lasting longer with Townhouse Cuticle Oil, available for £5 with unlimited top-ups at the sustainability-focused Townhouse Cuticle Oil Refill Station. Townhouse founder, Juanita Huber-Millet, comments: “I am so excited to open Townhouse in East London. This location has been an ongoing request from our amazing customers and we are absolutely thrilled to be extending our offering to the heart of London. Expect our stunning signature interiors, flawless treatments and talented nail artists.” Juanita Huber-Millet www.mytownhouse.co.uk

Nail artist announced as Booksy brand ambassador Bryony Howell of Gels By Bry in Ruyton-XI-Towns, Shrewsbury, has been appointed as a brand ambassador for hair and beauty booking app, Booksy. The popular Instagram creator boasts over 290k followers on the platform and her nail designs have been featured in Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Glamour magazines. Bryony works from her home studio – a converted pigsty – where she creates contemporary nail looks for clients. She uses Booksy to help manage her business, as clients can book appointments via the app at any time of day. She comments: “I’m very excited to be representing Booksy as a brand ambassador. I invested in Booksy early on in my business journey and couldn’t be without it now. Not only does it save me time, but it protects my business, and my clients love it too.” Bryony, who is also an ambassador for The GelBottle Inc, will be working alongside other Booksy ambassadors including nail artist, Alice McNails, barber, Alan Beak, and creative hair stylist, Pedro Plastic. TThe ambassador role includes attending Booksy events to inspire and educate merchants with ideas to grow and excel their businesses. Vishal Khakhar, Booksy’s head of marketing, comments: “Bryony encompasses everything we look for in an ambassador and I’m looking forward to working with her and seeing what she brings to Team Booksy. She is an incredible talent and has achieved so much already in her career. We are so grateful to all our amazing ambassadors for inspiring our merchants and helping to spread Booksy’s message.” www.booksy.com

Nails by Bryony Howell, aka @gelsbybry

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES

The Massage Company has 50 roles available as it expands its business and opens new centres across the UK. Applicants can enrol on the national training programme to learn sports, maternity, Swedish and deep tissue massage. For more information, visit www.massagecompany.co.uk/jobs or email training@massagecompany.co.uk. 14 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Buttercups Uniforms has launched 100% recycled and recyclable fabric workwear items. Produced from water bottles and manufactured using 60% less energy than traditional fabric, the 2Life fabric maintains softness and durability, and three workwear styles are available; the B072 Eco Faux Wrap Tunic (available in five colours), the B079 Eco V Neck Tunic with zipped pockets (available in four colours) and the B100 Eco Slim Leg Trousers, a slimline style available in six colours. www.buttercupsuniforms.com

Studex, provider of ear piercing systems, is supporting pros on their piercing journey with its Media Hub; an online resource with business tips, marketing guidance and content. The Hub houses digital marketing assets and a large range of supporting materials needed to ensure the success of a piercing business. Free to all registered Studex customers, the content can be accessed via www.studexuk.com

STAND G18

pleasure

Nail NATION

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Enter the Social Media Hair & Beauty Awards 2023 for : your chance to get OPEN recognised and build selfENTRY BA SMH confidence. The awards aim to ensure that those working with the hair and beauty l media for their hard work and industry are commended on socia rg to submit an image of your ba.o .smh www to head ly effort. Simp BA social platforms where SMH to ed work, which will then be post and post a review or comment. followers are encouraged to ‘like’ an expert panel, with winners by ed The top posts will then be judg t in Cardiff on Sunday 7 May. in each category revealed at an even .smhba.org www For more information, visit

1 R BE OCTO

Hair and beauty booking app, Booksy, invites UKbeauty R based salon owners, BETTE Y barbers and nail ts, S apis ther K O BO BETTER Better YOU, S EVENT artists to its free ES er Business event Bett N You, I S U B in Sheffield on the fourth ty businesses paign, which aims to equip beau cam its in stop the industry. in e thriv to on irati insp and with tools, insights com ksy. Register to attend via www.boo

17 R BE OCTO

CND™ nail styles storm the runway at NYFW Design duo, The Blonds, called upon CND™ nail stylists to create looks for their spring 2023 show at New York Fashion Week. The fashion collection is a tribute to the first summer the designers shared, filled with escapism, glamour and nightlife in New York City – as well as excess style. The collection features the brand’s signature over-the-top looks with golden hardware and crystals, which were dripping off the clothes and nails. CND™ co-founder, Jan Arnold, selected nail stylists, Julie Kandalec and Lavette Cephus, to lead the nail looks, which were: 1. Dipped in chain, wrapped in chain and framed in chain. 2. Diamond strand. 3. Gold studs. 4. Solid gold. 5. Navy pearls. 6. Coffin neutrals. Products used included CND Plexigel™ Bonder to coat the nails with a bonding base coat, and CND Plexigel™ Builder which was used as a base on which to adhere chains and pearls. Shellac™ shades that featured were Bare Chemise, Satin Pajamas and Black Pool. CND™ products are available in the UK via www.sweetsquared.com.

16 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

‘ The Nail Safari – Paw 2 1 - 2 5B E R & Claw is returning to M NOVE Shepreth Wildlife Park, Cambridge, for five NAIL annual I R A days of intensive nail education. The F SA , Jennie BEM man New an Mari by event, hosted ally renowned glob ents pres Fox, Alex and ard Nipp array of nail techniques nail educators showcasing a wide lenges, networking chal fun es, rienc alongside zoo expe y bag teeming with nail good a opportunities, special guests and include Olena Oezman, 2022 for ators Educ . sors ‘ gifts from spon Vo, Rebecca Isaac, Mino t, Hazel Dixon, Andreea Simona Igna Newman BEM. an Mari and ard Nipp ie Jenn Kirsty Meakin,

Safe ‘N’ Beautiful founder shares story in Nailed It! book Jeanette Sklivanou, founder of cosmetics company, Safe ‘N’ Beautiful, and the Snails nail polish brand for children, has released Nailed It! How One Woman Turned A Dream Business Into A Huge Success. In the book, Jeanette explores topics entrepreneurs need to know to start a business; from how to think of a good idea to how to develop it, keep it going through tough times, and ultimately succeed. It features a mix of supportive messages and practical tips. Nailed It! draws on the author’s 10-year experience building the Snails brand, which is sold in 79 countries. “I believe that any woman can become an entrepreneur if she wants to,” Jeanette comments. “The truth is, anything in life can be learned, especially when it comes to being an entrepreneur. With the internet at our fingertips, we have access to a wealth of information and we can research any topic we like. I am writing this book to share my journey with Snails in detail. After all, if I can do it, so can you.” Nailed It! is available via Amazon for £13.99 inc VAT.

©Nail Alliance – North America, Inc • HM 15237

The When In Rome collection embodies the elegance of Rome, bringing the feeling of the city to life.

AVAILABLE IN MATCHING GEL, LACQUER AND DIP

EntityBeauty.com #EntityBeauty

Call 714.773.9758 • Made in USA

STAND F10

GOING TO THE PIAZZA

CARPE DIEM BABY!

SEE THE SIGHTS

GIVE ME A PECORINO

FEELING ROME-ANTIC

The Creative Beauty Group

Tel: 01202 876734

55b Cobham Road

www.thecreativebeautygroup.co.uk

Ferndown Industrial Estate

www.creativebeautyonline.co.uk

Dorset

thecreativebeautygroup

MEET ME AT THE TREVI FOUNTAIN SCAN HERE to learn about NEW and exciting products!

COVERSTORY

Warrior

woman Discover the powerful story behind this month’s cover image, which showcases strength, skill & exceptional nail styling CALLIE ILEY REPORTS

he strength of women throughout history has been an inspiration to many across the globe, from the sacrifices of the suffragette to the resilience of the modern woman. This month’s striking cover draws on the warrior spirit within every woman, creating an image balancing femininity, power and grandeur. Inspired by her own competitive nature, Bulgaria-based tech, Antonia Atanasova Tsamparova, gives an insight into the warrior-themed image Antonia Atanasova that adorns this month’s Tsamparova Scratch cover. “I wanted to personify the challenge of being a woman – the desire to fight and be provocative at the same time. I wanted to show real life,” she explains. “Women are the strength, the beginning, the inspiration. I want every woman to maintain the warrior within herself, to be brave and fight for what she believes in. “The warrior woman personifies the traditional ‘good woman’, who holds a strong spirit and is wise and brave. It’s the woman who is a good friend, wife and mother. She chooses her battles carefully; with wisdom and without anger.”

Ready for action Organising the photo shoot in just two days, Antonia planned the accessories, nails and make-up before diving straight into the composition of the image. She was both the model and nail stylist and 18 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

comments: “Trying to achieve harmony between the nails, facial expression and accessories was a challenge. The shoot lasted for three hours and was difficult at times, as I was trying to balance wearing heavy horns and holding armour.” Opting for warm tones with bright accents to soften the image and preserve its feminity, Antonia accessorised with animalistic items. These included feathers and a mouflon head to capture the essence of a hunter, and she wore trophies to display strength, power and majesty. “I wanted the nails to have a rough, tough appearance, so opted for black with chains, stones and wire. The nails are designed to showcase the concept of a warrior, not a princess.”

“Women are the strength, the beginning, the inspiration. I want every woman to maintain the warrior within herself, to be brave and fight for what she believes in.”

COVERSTORY

The role of the nails in this picture story is poignant, as Antonia explains: “There have been female warriors, but not with avantgarde nails. The stiletto nails were built on my natural nails using gel and took around five hours to create.”

A strong history Antonia’s interest in nails developed from the age of 13, when she helped her mother, Polya Hristova, in a beauty salon during her free time. Attracted to the industry by its creative opportunities, Antonia notes her love for creating masterpieces on nails, using a range of systems to capture her vision. After competing on national and international stages, as well as opening her own academy, AP – Academy, which she intends to develop into ‘the best nail academy in Bulgaria’, Antonia has proven her ability and dedication to the industry. However, her true

passion lies in telling a story through her art. “Creating and executing concepts for photo shoots is what truly allows me to flourish, and my nail styling skills to develop. I love breaking away from the norm and creating a masterpiece on a tiny canvas.”

COVER CREDITS Photographer: Toti Bajakov /ARToti @artotistudio Hair stylist: Katerina Velinova /katerina.velinova.3 @make_up_by_katy Make-up artist: Katerina Velinova /katerina.velinova.3 @make_up_by_katy Nail stylist & model: Antonia Atanasova Tsamparova /antonia.tsamparova & /apacademybg @tsamparova & @apacademyy www.apacademy.bg

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 19

Autumn’s biggest beauty event Sunday 2 nd & Monday 3 rd October at Olympia London 100’s OF NAIL & BEAUTY BRANDS PRODUCTS, SERVICES & INNOVATIONS SALON, SPA & CLINIC OWNERS EXPERIENCE THE SHOW IN FIRST CLASS BRAND NEW NAIL STAGE IN ASSOCIATION WITH SCRATCH MAGAZINE THE HOST OF NAILYMPIA LONDON SUSTAINABLE, GREEN & VEGAN BRANDS WORKSHOPS & LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS

DOWNLOAD THE FLOORPLAN FROM OUR WEBSITE OLYMPIABEAUTY.CO.UK TO FIND OUT WHICH BRANDS YOU’LL SEE AT THE SHOW THIS YEAR

SHOW FEATURES INCLUDE

SALON & SPA Owners’ Club

The

BREAKOUT

Rooms

Health & WELLBEING

Nailympia ®

COMPETITION

LONDON 2022

The N ational M assage C hampionship RECOGNISING PROFESSIONALISM GLOBALLY

THE

Nail

STAGE

s ’ t I ! e m i t w o h S

Get your tickets! OLYMPIABEAUTY.CO.UK

FOLLOW FOLLOW OLYMPIA OLYMPIA BEAUTY BEAUTY @olympiabeautyuk @olympiabeautyuk

@olympiabeauty @olympiabeauty

NEWPRODUCTS

TGB Studio Gel™ Liquid Metallic in Mirror Chrome £13 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com Effortlessly create striking nail styles and on-trend chrome tips with this highly pigmented Studio Gel. The liquid-mirror chrome finish is ideal for intricate nail artistry and fine lines can be created with ease using Liner 01, Liner 02 and Detail 01 from the TGB Brush range.

Artistic Colour Gloss Cover Me Head To Toe Collection £12.95 + VAT each www.louellabelle.co.uk Comprised of striking hues and go-to classics, the Cover Me Head To Toe collection is available in Colour Gloss, Colour Revolution (£5.95 + VAT) and Perfect Dip Powder (£7.95 + VAT). The six shades include bold crème blue Against The Norm, coral crème Caught In A Vibe and edgy chocolate From AM To PM.

List THE HOT

Scratch scours the industry for the latest nail & beauty products to captivate clients & lend a helping hand to your services Aviva XTEND LED Mini Lamp £99 inc VAT www.avivaprogel.com This cordless, rechargeable and compact lamp offers precise curing for full cover tip application. It features an on/off touch sensor, 30 and 60 second modes and a flexible arm. Its handy size means it’s perfect for mobile nailists and takes up minimal space on the nail desk.

Entity When In Rome Collection from £4.95 + VAT www.thecreativebeautygroup.co.uk Entity’s autumn collection embodies the elegance of Rome through nail colour, serving up the likes of emerald green Carpe Diem Baby!, nude crème See The Sights and iridescent overlay Meet Me At The Trevi Fountain. The six hues are available in lacquer (£4.95 + VAT), Colour Couture gel polish (£10.95 + VAT) and Dip Or Brush (£14.95 + VAT).

22 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Nailchemy Supernatural Acrylic Colour Collection £54.99 + VAT www.nailchemy.co.uk Catch eyes with these stunning glitter acrylic powders. The eight shades are ideal for autumn and Halloween nail creations, and include Vampire’s Kiss, Ghostly and Ghoulish. Each of the powders is available in a 20g jar for £7.50 + VAT.

NEWPRODUCTS

Jessica Phenom Refined Collection £6.75 + VAT/RRP £13.50 each www.gerrardinternational.com Embrace these three seasonal neutrals for sophisticated nail styling. Ideal for retailing, the crème shades are Effortless; an early leaf green, So Fresh; a subtle cashmere white, and Essential; a rustic terracotta. The formula offers a fast drying, gel-like finish. Light Elegance P+ PINKplus Collection £74.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com Created to deliver a pink to suit any skin tone, the P+ PINKplus collection has launched in collaboration with nail pro and YouTube star, Tabytha Scott. The six shades offer versatility for pros and clients alike, and the performance of hard gel in a soak-off system. The hues, including Pouty Pink and Naïve, are available individually for £13.95 + VAT each.

HD Pro Nails Flex It! Sparkle Collection £13.99 + VAT each www.hazeldixonnails.com Diamond, White Glam and White Twinkle join the HD Pro Nails Flex It! range of brush-on, flexible base gels. The shimmering hues can be used to create shape and structure and be worn alone, or used to create a flawless foundation for easy gel polish application. Long-lasting, Flex It! soaks off in around 10 minutes.

Lecenté Animal Print Nail Foils £3.99 + VAT each www.lecente.com / www.sweetsquared.com / www.ellisons.co.uk Add a roar-some element to nail enhancements with these four fun foils. Depending on your client’s preference, use within a nail design or create a full coverage look. Choose from Disco Tiger, Gold Stripes, Silver Stripes and Metallic Leopard. OPI 25-Piece Mini Advent Calendar £58.90 + VAT/RRP £79.90 www.trade.opiuk.com Stock up sharpish on the everpopular OPI Nail Lacquer Advent Calendar; an ideal product for clients to gift loved ones or take home themselves postappointment. Featured are 25 mini nail lacquers including 12 holiday collection shades, 10 iconic hues, Nail Envy, RapiDry Top Coat and Start To Finish.

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 23

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

In the

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

We’re embracing autumn with the six enchanting nail shades in CND™’s In Fall Bloom colour collection, sent to Scratch HQ via Sweet Squared. Inspired by nature, the hues are bold magenta Orchid Canopy; blackened blue-green Teal Time; weathered blue-green Morning Dew; soft grey-taupe Skipping Stones; royal purple Absolutely Radishing and caramel brown Willow Talk. Also included in our parcel was CNDTM‘s stylish and handy tool bag. CNDTM products are available via www.sweetsquared.com

out b a d n a t u O

Managing editor, He lena, headed to London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre for an insightful event ho sted by hair and beauty trade associati on, HBSA. The day afforded opportunitie s for networking and learning about organisations within the sector, and speake rs included Millie Kendall OBE of the Brit ish Beauty Council, Lara Morgan, co-foun der of Scentered, and Laurence Newm an of Current Body. The discussions included how to successfully grow an online beauty business, success an d leadership, and how to unify the British beauty sector.

News & features writers, Callie and Chloe, atte nded the Beyond Beauty: The Powe r of Video semina r as part of British Beauty Week 20 22, presented by the British Beauty Council. The se minar, held at the Meta building in London, served up information on Instagram Reels in the beau ty industry.

What we’re wearing...

Art editor, Jess, booked an appointment with her local nail pro, Hazel Martin of @nailcreationsbyhazel, to get her nails in shape for the new season. She opted for a green-grey gel polish base with a fine, silver-toned glitter gel on two feature nails. 24 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Callie visited the Treehouse Hotel, London, to chec k out Evolve Beau ty’s autumn/winter pro duct offerings, including the bra nd’s newly launc hed hand cream and cuticle oil. She wa s treated to a luxuri ous hand treatm ent using products fro m the range an d also created a bespoke booste r oil blend and terra rium bauble. Ev olve Beauty products are available via www.louellabell e.co.uk.

cca, was es writer, Rebe News & featur tchley’s spring/ ru C nd Edward ion invited to atte London Fash showcase at rk, pa r ca summer 2023 d un ro in an underg logy Week. Hosted ho yt m ek re sed on G . its theme focu eal mermaid’ t of an ‘ether ep nc co e d an r, and th te os C t, Marie-Louise Lead nail stylis s for the 24 ted three look ea her team cr n products, tic Nail Desig tis Ar g in us s model style and tural, matte including a na sign. de d ire ater-insp elongated, w

Showstoppers at

INDUSTRYEVENT

Discover the nail events & exclusive offers at autumn’s leading trade expo Taking place 2 & 3 October in Kensington, London, Olympia Beauty invites professionals from across the sector to indulge in educational events, competitions and exclusive offers on products and training. Free to attend, the trade show takes over the grand hall of the iconic Olympia venue, and this year welcomes more than 220 brands. Also in situe is Nailympia London, the renowned nail competition that sees nail pros fly in from all over the world to compete in front of a prestigious lineup of judges for medals and trophies. In addition, The National Massage Championship returns for a fourth year, affording the opportunity for massage therapists and bodyworkers to battle it out across eight competition categories. This year, Scratch is delighted to host speaker sessions and demos on The Nail Stage across the two-day show. Featuring talented pros and business experts, visitors are encouraged to attend as many sessions as they can to help better their nail techniques and business.

In association with Scratch magazine

SUNDAY 2 OCTOBER

MONDAY 3 OCTOBER 11am - 11.50am: Artistic Gel On Xtensions & chrome design demo – with Sandy Borges

11am - 11.50am: Gelish Soft Gel Tips & Blooming Gel demo with autumn shades – with Antony Buckley

12pm - 12.50pm: Nail art demos & techniques – with Hazel Dixon & Catriona Leith

12pm - 12.50pm: Advice on becoming an educator & how to generate multiple streams of income with your nail/beauty skills – with Layla Tourh

1pm - 1.50pm: Why retail is the lifeline many small businesses rely on to supplement income – with Nergish Wadia-Austin

1pm - 1.20pm: How to make a success out of working mobile – with Clare Woodcock, Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2022

2pm - 2.45pm: Entity gel designs & salon applications demo – with Max Braga

1.30pm - 1.50pm: How to be a more sustainable salon business – with Green Salon Collective 2pm - 2.50pm: The Federation of Nail Professionals meet & greet

3pm - 4pm: Japanese Ukiyo-e art & design demo – with Sandy Cheung

3.45pm – 4pm: The Great Scratch Shoot Out 2022: winners announcement

Nailympia ®

COMPETITION

LONDON 2022

26 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

4pm – 5pm: The Nailympia London Awards 2022

Get 20% off all nail courses with Majestic Beauty & Nail Academy, and 20% off nail tools.

INDUSTRYEVENT

Save 20% on Footlogix products when you spend over £100. Get 20% off when you spend over £50 on Famous Names products.

THE NAIL BRANDS EXHIBITING AT OLYMPIA BEAUTY 2022 INCLUDE: • INK London • Artistic Nail Design • Footlogix • Entity Nails • REM UK Ltd • Nail Order • Gelish • Morgan Taylor • Astonishing Nails • The GelBottle Inc • Kiara Sky • The Gel Box • I.Nails Express • Brillbird • Willow Academy • The Pro Gel • Unicorn’s Den • Missu Beauty • Slowianka Nails • Manisafe (Brand Discovery Session) • Callux Pro • Pro Impressions • Art Beauty & Brzesk.a Nail Expert Academy • Famous Names • Glitterbels • Lecenté • Scratch magazine

Buy Artistic Colour Gloss Correction Gel for the special price of £14 + VAT (normally £17.95 + VAT).

Save 20% on all Willow Academy products by visiting the team on stand C02. Buy 10 Gelish colours for £100, saving over £69.

REM is offering furniture discounts on any orders made at Olympia Beauty. Visit the team on stand F12.

Save 15% on Astonishing Nails products at stand C26.

Buy one, get one free on Artistic Colour Revolution

Save on Artistic Colour Gloss: • 3 for £30 (save £8) • 10 for £80 (save £49.50) • 20 for £140 (save £119)

Join The Pro Gel team for the launch of its autumn/ winter 2022 nail colour collection and Visit the Pro explore bundle Impressions team at deals. stand A20 to discover a number of special offers exclusive to Olympia Beauty.

Register for your free ticket to attend Olympia Beauty via www.olympiabeauty.co.uk /olympiabeauty @olympiabeautyuk SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 27

STAND G07

MONEYMATTERS

INFLATION

n o i t a n a l p x e

With inflation rising across the UK, the nail industry is facing a number of business challenges. CHLOE RANDALL explores ways to manage costs & cope during this difficult financial period

Trend forecaster, WGSN, predicts that niceto-have and non-essential beauty sectors should prepare for consumers to reach for at-home, multi-use products that can be used by the entire family. “As inflation climbs, it is increasing borrowing costs, squeezing household budgets and eroding the business and consumer confidence that had built up during the latter part of 2021,” says the Local Data Company in its Act Now To Recover report. The consequences of inflation include raised energy prices and increases to the cost of many other items. With this in mind, how are nail and beauty professionals meant to adapt? Scratch explores ways to monitor your money matters during this period of financial uncertainty and points to consider in your business…

30 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

WHAT IS INFLATION?

Inflation is a rise in prices, translated as the decline of purchasing power over time. This rise, often expressed as a percentage, means that a unit of currency effectively buys less than it did in a previous period.

Work it out!

The Office for National Statistics has released an online calculator that estimates a personal inflation rate based on spending patterns and compares this with headline inflation. The calculator will: • Estimate how much your monthly spend has increased over the past year. • Show you how this compares with previous years. • Break down which items are contributing most to your cost of living increases. To discover your personal inflation rate, visit www.ons.gov.uk or scan here

Image courtesy of Office for National Statistics

At the time of writing, the rate of inflation in the UK is currently near a 40-year high at 9.9%, with it forecasted to be increasing further. As a result, consumers are going to be more conscious of their spending and according to the British Beauty Council, beauty businesses are going to be hit hard.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Managing and assessing your finances is imperative in this period of uncertainty. “If you haven’t been monitoring your income and expenses, now is the time to study your accounts,” reveals Theresa Cientanni, business development manager at Soldi Partners Ltd.

“Your accountant or bookkeeper will be able to help you analyse your situation Theresa Cientanni and create a plan. Knowledge is power so the priority is to understand your financial picture. “Study expenses and make changes where possible to ensure you are getting the best deals on energy, phone bills, insurance and so on. Revaluate this on a yearly basis – don’t renew policies without shopping around.” “All beauty professionals will need to make sure they constantly check the prices they pay for various items, to be as efficient as possible,” says Vicki Boddice, founder of Boddice Accounting. “This includes monitoring or streamlining services you Vicki Boddice are signed up to, removing duplications and cutting down on non-earning time. “Prices are not going to be going down any time soon, so finding fixed rates for ongoing supplies will benefit you in the long term.”

TAX TIP

A turndown in business will result in a reduction in profits and in available resources for dividends if a company, or personal drawings if a sole trader. “If personal incomes will be reducing over the next 12 months, nail professionals should consider reducing their payments on account when completing a tax return or making an amendment if the return has already been submitted,” says Theresa. “Your accountant can help you with this.”

PROMOTION

Showcasing less popular products and adapting your marketing methods are two other ways to help keep costs down.

Products

“Promote products you don’t use often,” advises Theresa. “It could be older colours or ‘shelf sitters’ that haven’t been used in a while, or nail art accessories that have been put in a drawer. Bring them to the nail desk and see if you can stir up interest from clients for their next nail design.”

Marketing

“Concentrate on the client relationships you already have,” Theresa continues. “This will serve you well in the long term as in a recession, it will be easier to keep a current client, rather than spending time and money trying to gain new ones.”

MONEYMATTERS

SAVVY SHOPPING

Planning and managing your supply is more important than ever to prevent any additional or unnecessary costs.

Deals

“Most suppliers run deals on a regular basis, so try to use these to your advantage and plan ahead,” comments Theresa. “For example, if you come across a deal for top coat or product you use regularly, stock up when it’s on offer. However, don’t be tempted to compromise on offering a quality product or system in favour of a cheaper alternative.”

Stock takes

“You need to be doing a regular stock take so you know exactly what you have,” advises Sarah Hartley, founder of marketing company, Blossom Tree Social. “This will also show you if you’re using too much stock. You can compare what’s been used to the number of treatments carried out over the month, Sarah Hartley and you can speak with your product representative to find out the recommended amount of product to use per service. “Remember to only order what you need. If you tend to get a bit excited when ordering, set yourself a monthly budget and try to stick to it!”

Suppliers

“Although the majority of beauty professionals have particular brands they use almost exclusively, it may pay to be aware of offers and incentives from other brands,” suggests Vicki. “Also, be mindful of your waste as often, certain nail colours or products can sit for months without being used and eventually need to be disposed. If you do throw out something before it was finished, consider whether you really need to replace it.”

TO DO: Social media training Sarah Hartley of Blossom Tree Social explains how you can improve your social media platforms on a budget… “A number of people have approached me saying that they don’t understand social media, or don’t know where to start, so if they could afford it, they’d hire someone else to do it. However, that can be very expensive. “If you manage your social media platforms yourself, you have full control and can be yourself. This way, your audience can find out more about you and begin to know, like and trust you. “Try setting yourself some budgets to help keep you on track and prevent too many boosted posts. For the most cost-effective marketing methods, try these ideas: • Share more about you – the face behind the brand • Client reviews • Loyalty schemes • Email marketing “Word of mouth is your best marketing tool and it’s free. Try a ‘recommend a friend’ offer to give clients an incentive to share about you.” www.blossomtreesocial.com @blossomtreesocial

Scan here to visit the Blossom Tree Social membership page

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 31

MONEYMATTERS

PROFIT

Evaluate your treatment menu and consider if every service you offer is profitable and popular. Time is money!

“Assess what services are making you money once you factor in your own time,” suggests Vicki. “However, don’t strip out all the parts of your work that you enjoy the most – just consider limiting the number of those appointments that you do in any given week.” “Invest in retail items,” adds Theresa. “Some clients may try to go longer between services if funds are tight. Ensuring you have quality products that you can endorse and retail to them means you can still service them and make some money. This is also a great way to boost extra income at Christmas.” “Profit is the most important thing in business, so I have always focused on the highest value solutions,” reveals Zaara King, founder of The Beauty Build, an online community for beauty professionals. “Whether you remove low cost services, create treatment packages, reduce time or increase prices, Zaara King you need to adapt in line with inflation. If you keep note of your overheads, product cost per service and the living wage you need to make, you’re on the right track to stay in profit and grow your business.”

PRICE POINTER

To raise or maintain prices is a difficult decision for nail professionals during financially difficult times as on one hand, prices need to be increased to keep in line with inflation, but increasing prices could deter customers.

“Raising prices is very difficult in a tough financial environment,” says Vicki. “However, to make sure your business can survive, you need to keep a consistent gross profit margin. “Essentially, this means making sure that the cost of materials being used stays the same percentage of your sale price overall. There will always be some services that have a better profit margin than others, but if the overall margin doesn’t drop, you will be in a good place to make it through.

Add-on services

“Look at what you add to services but don’t charge for currently, such as an added hand massage, builder gel addition or IBX treatment, for example,” Vicki continues. “Rather than raising prices across all your services, have an ‘add-on’ menu where clients can choose these extra services on top of their mani or pedi. “If they don’t want to pay for them, you will likely get the service completed in a shorter time, giving you space for more clients. If they do still want them, then you have instantly improved your profitability.”

Annual prices

“Ideally, you should put your prices up every year,” says Sarah. “Remember, you’re another year more experienced, and you may have learned a new technique or treatment. In addition, many of your outgoing costs would have increased so you need to put your costs up to keep growing your business. If you raise prices annually, your clients will expect annual changes.”

32 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

“The sector has ridden the rollercoaster business environment over the last two years and survived, due to its own steely resilience and the vital support provided by governments across the UK.” Richard Lambert

The future While the future remains uncertain and slightly daunting, it has been proven time and time again that the beauty industry remains strong and resilient during difficult times. “The sector has ridden the rollercoaster business environment over the last two years and survived, due to its own steely resilience and the vital support provided by governments across the UK,” comments Richard Lambert, NHBF chief executive. “With continued support from the UK government, we are Richard Lambert confident that the personal care sector will continue to play a crucial role in the UK’s economic recovery, thriving high streets and community wellbeing.” At the time of writing, Prime Minister, Liz Truss has announced an Energy Price Guarantee for businesses to help with soaring energy bills. While no detail has been made clear yet about how it will work, nail and beauty professionals can expect a cap on energy bills, in a sector where it is one of the largest overheads. When further information has been announced, the NHBF’s partner, Direct Business Solutions, can assist you in finding the best energy deals for you and your beauty business. www.nhbf.co.uk

MARION ICE IN

MERRY & ICE LIMITED EDITION JEWEL BE BOLD COLLECTION GELCOLOR • INFINITE SHINE • NAIL LACQUER

SHOP AT TRADE.OPIUK.COM ALSO AVAILABLE AT CAPITAL HAIR & BEAUTY

This autumn, glamour and attitude collide in 10 new iconic shades hand selected by Founder & CEO Daisy Kalnina and TGB Nail Expert Helena Marimon. Intense pigments and game-changing finishes include a new glass and a light-up glitter that deliver maximum impact. Use these head-turning colours to create legacy worthy nails this season.

SCAN TO SHOP

THEGELBOTTLE.COM

@ THE_GELBOTTLE_INC

DIARYDATES

CALENDAR

GIRL

Colour clients beautiful & commemorate the month’s notable dates with treats for hands & feet

OCTOBER

Nailscopes Those born in October fall under the Libra or Scorpio star signs. This month encourages creative expression and positivity.

Black History Month

Black History Month celebrates and promotes the heritage, culture and achievements of the black community. Use any free time this month to foster an understanding and educate yourself, colleagues and clients about the significance of black culture in the nail industry and beyond.

World Mental Health Day

Raise awareness and break stigma surrounding mental health by using your platform to spread positivity. Consider offering mental health-inspired nail art or donating a portion of each treatment to a mental health charity today on this day. The semi-colon is a symbol representing mental health struggles, showcased in this design by @lisamprice.

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Scan this QR code to learn about the significance of black culture and its impact on the nail industry.

In need of birthday nail inspo? @polishedbyneena serves up this Libra-themed nail design.

Mean Girls Day

“It’s October 3rd!” Mark the occasion by breaking out your Burn Book and offering manis inspired by the Mean Girls film. It may not be Wednesday, but we can still wear pink on our nails. INK London Glitter in Natasha £3.33 + VAT www.inknails.com

National Coming Out Day

Show your support for the LGBTQIA+ community by celebrating Coming Out Day. Take pride in sharing your rainbow nail designs and help create a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community within OPI GelColor in Exercise Your Brights £17.80 + VAT the nail industry.

www.trade.opiuk.com

Halloween

Image from the OPI Power Of Hue campaign, which encourages consumers to be unapologetically themselves.

Happy Halloween! Looking to fill your social media platforms with Halloweeninspired nail art? We’ve got you covered – turn to page 58 for product picks and design ideas.

This spooktacular nail style comes courtesy of @tokyo_tee83.

36 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

@naileditbychelsey serves up Mean Girls-themed nail art.

COLOUR ME Crazy NEW COLLECTION

8 NEW fashion and trend inspired shades. Available at your wholesaler now.

#Gellux

www.salonsystem.com

@salonsystem

EDUCATIONNAVIGATION

TRAINING Transitions In-house training with educator, Debbie Willis.

Check out the revamped & globally recognised education programme from Gelish & Morgan Taylor – designed to develop, perfect & enhance skills & passion for the craft

HELENA BIGGS EXPLORES

elish is a brand synonymous with innovation. Storming the industry with its soak-off gel polish in 2009, the brand has since evolved under the Nail Alliance company umbrella, introducing hard gel, PolyGel, L&P range ProHesion, Xpress Dip and so much more. Complementing the brand is its lacquer colour counterpart, Morgan Taylor, named after the daughters of two of Nail Alliance’s founders. The innovation has continued as the industry adapts to postpandemic learning habits, with Nail Alliance’s UK director of education, Kristina Kristina Manners Manners, revamping the education programme for the brands. “Our education offerings are constantly being updated and evolving as a result of new product development from Nail Alliance’s brands and the company’s desire to innovate,” Kristina comments. “New products afford new techniques, and we are delivering a range of courses to support nail pros at all stages of their career.”

Claire Blincoe’s setup for online training.

38 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Educators across the UK will be offering both classroom and online courses in a variety of nail systems, for every level of tech; from a complete novice to seasoned professional

looking to update their skills. “The Gelish and Morgan Taylor learning experience – your learning experience – is one that offers information that can be easily digested,” Kristina continues. “All of our courses incorporate live demonstrations, ‘hands on’ practice, case studies and feedback analysis, with our principle aim to empower you, so you have the skills and confidence to create great nails.” A team of educators nationwide will deliver the programme, with support from Kristina. “Every member of the team is passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping support nail businesses,” Kristina enthuses. “Some of our educators have been working with the Gelish brand since its inception, and others have joined us along the way. They are approaching social, digital and traditional ways to train while maintaining Gelish’s high standards.” Kristina has worked with Danny Haile, Gari-Dawn Tingler and David Daniel, the brand founders in the USA, since the beginning of the Gelish journey, and is excited to help mentor and encourage nail professionals across the UK through education. “An investment in Gelish and Morgan Taylor UK training is one that will really make an impact on your skills, knowledge and the quality of your services,” she explains. “I can’t wait to introduce new pros to the nail industry, unlock the potential of others and support them on their journey to success.”

EDUCATIONNAVIGATION

Students’ work on the first day of Soft Gel training.

Soft Gel training with Amy Martin.

Form application with Maz Wilson.

MEET THE EDUCATION TEAM

“Gelish educators have a commitment to continuous professional development and self-improvement, giving them the tools and passion to deliver quality training and and mentorship skills to support students,” reveals Kristina Manners.

Amy Martin Scotland

Becca Butterworth South Yorkshire

Jan Soar Essex

THE COURSES

Catherine Jimenez Buckinghamshire

Kirsty Walker Somerset

Claire Blincoe Worcestershire

Maz Wilson Dorset

Debbie Willis South Wales

Nicole Parker Somerset

Emma Prescott Cheshire

Thi Jackson Kent

“Dedicated to the professional, passionate about education.”

If you are interested in joining the education team, email UK director of education, Kristina Manners: kmanners@nailalliance.com SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 39

FOLLOW SUIT

TARTAN THE INTERRUPTION

TAILORED FOR YOU

AVAILABLE AT

gsgroupuk.com Georgie Smedley Group Phone: 01708 465900 www.gsgroupuk.com | Email: info@gsgroupuk.com

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TWILL

WOOL YOU LOVE ME?

STAND E20

HM-16304

Style is always in season with the NEW Plaid Reputation Collection from Gelish® and Morgan Taylor®! Plaid Reputation is a retro revival that reimagines the fashionable colors and patterns from eras past.

TWEED TWEED ME! ME!

MODEL MODEL IS IS WEARING: WEARING: FOLLOW FOLLOW SUIT SUIT & & TWEED TWEED ME ME

tool L&P SYSTEMSPOTLIGHT

school

Brush up on what tools you need to perfect L&P enhancements & explore how to keep them in tip-top condition

Extreme L&P nails with floral details by INK London educator, Simone Radley.

REBECCA HITCHON REPORTS The liquid & powder (L&P) system is nothing new in the nail world – but its popularity among nail clients has increased in recent years, thanks to celebrity culture and a boom in nail art, for which L&P enhancements offer a large canvas. “I’ve noticed that L&P services are on the rise again, after demand subsided when gel polish’s popularity grew,” says Georgie Smedley Group educator, Emma Prescott. “The gel polish market is quite saturated, so there’s never been Emma Prescott a better time to promote L&P services.”

Magda Gniewek

The huge range of benefits that the L&P system offers to clients can help diversify your treatment menu and attract clientele with a number of nail needs. “L&P suits clients whose nails are short, bitten or vulnerable to damage and cracks, as L&P acrylic masks these imperfections,” comments Magda Gniewek, Magnetic Nail Design expert educator.

Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year 2022 and founder of the Nail & Beauty Excellence brand, Jade Barber, adds that L&P services offer a plethora of possibilities for nail styling and length. “They are perfect for clients who seek longer nails, as the L&P system allows techs to create long and extreme shapes with ease,” she says. “The strength Jade Barber and durability of L&P acrylic is fantastic, and we must not forget the art techniques that can be created using it.” But what does a tech need to create beautiful L&P acrylic creations, whether salon-style or extreme in shape? L&P experts have given Scratch a peek inside their tool kits and offered advice for best tool use and care…

“The huge range of benefits that the L&P system offers to clients can help diversify your treatment menu and attract clientele with a number of nail needs.” 42 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year 2022 finalist, Kylea Wherry showcases mesmerising stilettoshaped L&P enhancements.

TECH TALK

“My favourite L&P tool is my HD Master Pro Acrylic Brush. A high-quality brush not only contributes to picking up the correct ratio of L&P, but also enables you to lay an acrylic bead on the nail with ease and control, requiring minimal filing and contributing to a better experience for both tech and client.” Donna Jones, Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year 2022 finalist & Hazel Dixon Nail Academy educator HD Pro Nails Master Pro Acrylic Brush #10 £32.50 + VAT www.hazeldixonnails.com

SYSTEMSPOTLIGHT

PREP “Without thorough and correct prep, you will experience service breakdown, such as lifting,” warns Katie Barnes, founder of Katie Barnes Academy & Tool Range. “I use my Doubleended Cuticle Tool prep the nails. For clients with smaller nails, I find the Mini Katie Barnes Pushie a more suitable cuticle pusher for removing excess skin from the nail plate, due to its reduced size,” she reveals.

NSI Premier Cuticle Nippers £21.75 + VAT www.nsinails.co.uk Emma Prescott removes cuticle using nippers for a clean natural nail plate, ready for product application.

Halo Elite Cuticle Pusher £14.95 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk

KB Double-ended Cuticle Tool from £26.99 inc VAT & Mini Pushie Cuticle Pusher from £26.99 inc VAT www.katiebarnesacademy.com

Remove cuticle using the Willow Academy ‘The Ball’ Medium Diamond Bit £7 + VAT www.willowacademy.com www.salonsdirect.com

Push cuticle away from the nail plate using the Willow Academy ‘The Anastasia’ - Medium Diamond Bit £9 + VAT www.willowacademy.com www.salonsdirect.com

INK London K-38 Clip - E-file Kit with three bits & silicone stand £262.50 + VAT www.inknails.com

“My go-to tool for prepping for L&P application is my E-file, as it allows me to carry out thorough, gentle and speedy prep,” comments Emma Prescott. “It leaves me with the perfect canvas on which to apply my product, ensuring no lifting and a beautiful, flush cuticle line.”

Light Elegance Cuticle Nipper £22.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com

Once the prep work is complete, it is imperative to ensure that the nail plate is completely clean and free of dust. “Using a tool such as a dust brush to clean the nail plate ensures your Sandy Cheung L&P creations will be long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing,” reveals international nail educator, examiner & brand owner, Sandy Cheung. NSI Lush Brush £3.35 + VAT www.nsinails.co.uk

CNDTM Implement Kit £49.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com

Mundo Nail Plate Cleanser cleanses and dehydrates the natural nail plate to provide greater adhesion for enhancements. From £6.95 + VAT. www.mundoproducts.co.uk

Mobile must-have

TECH TALK

Go Pretty Stylish Nail Dust Brush £5.95 inc VAT www.gopretty.co.uk

INK London educator, Simone Radley, preps the natural nail using the INK K38-Clip E-file.

“My favourite L&P tool is my Glitterbels Pinched Brush in size 10. This brush is the perfect shape and size for me to work with, allowing precise product control and application.”

This multi-tool kit from CNDTM features a range of tools for L&P techs on the go. Housed in a handy, zip-up case, it includes a nail nipper, nail clippers, cuticle pusher, cuticle nipper, tip cutter and straight scissors.

Glitterbels Pink Acrylic Brush (Size 10) £29.99 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com

Katy Rose, Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year 2022 finalist

>> SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 43

SYSTEMSPOTLIGHT

TIP & FORM FITTING Glitterbels Clear Almond Nail Tips £14.99 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com

Tips Tips provide a straightforward and speedy way to create a uniform set of enhancements, with builtin C-curves and complex shapes available.

Izabelle Hammon Tip Cutter £5 + VAT www.izabellehammon.com

Sandy Cheung used nail tips to create these almond-shaped enhancements before adding art. INK London Plush Tips - Natural Tapered Square (504 Tips) £12.50 + VAT www.inknails.com

Halo Elite Stork Scissors £5.95 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk

Forms

While form fitting can be more fiddly than tip application, mastering the technique will help you to offer tailor-made enhancements that complement your client’s natural nails. “By practicing fitting forms correctly, you can eliminate most L&P issues to ensure strong and aesthetically pleasing sets of enhancements. Once you have nailed the technique, you will fall in love with sculpting,” enthuses Emma Prescott.

You must be prepared to tailor forms to clients, as Marian Newman explains in her book, The Complete Nail Technician, Fourth Edition. “No two fingers are exactly alike and no two clients are exactly alike either,” she writes. “It is often the case that forms Marian Newman need a little tailoring to provide a perfect fit. It is essential that the form fits exactly under the nail with no gaps and should be perfectly straight. Use scissors to cut the form so it has a perfect fit.”

KB Form Tailoring Kit – including white gel pen & scissors for precise adjustments £59.99 inc VAT www.katiebarnesacademy.com

Brillbird Sculpting Forms – Long from £3 inc VAT www.brillbirduk.co.uk

Sandy Cheung recommends the Artistic Nail Design Rock Hard Get Bent Nail Forms for beginner L&P techs £7.95 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk

Nail Harmony ProHesion Perfetto Custom Nail Forms from £5.99 + VAT www.gsgroupuk.com www.salon-services.com

When creating a stiletto-shaped L&P enhancement, Katie Barnes cites the importance of drawing the shape on the form. “The application of the lower arch is critical for this shape to ensure that it ends in an absolute point. By drawing the shape on the form, it gives you the template to build your product and know where to file, so you do not over-file,” she explains.

Mino Vo

Jade Barber is the nail stylist behind this extreme length L&P masterpiece.

44 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

“Stiletto is such an important shape – if you can perfect it, you will understand many other shapes, such as avant-garde structures,” adds multi award-winning nail artist, Mino Vo. “Clean application is key, but the most important step is the filing technique, which will make your work a lot easier and more time efficient if mastered.”

“For extreme shapes, the form itself is what gives the slender shape, therefore accurate and correct form fitting is essential. The nail form should be closed with a tight C-curve from the starting point,” adds Katie Barnes.

Mino Vo showcases a variety of nail shapes using L&P acrylic.

SYSTEMSPOTLIGHT

APPLICATION Before you get to work with brushes, you need a sturdy dappen dish. “A dappen dish (DD) is a small cup or glass in which the monomer liquid is poured,” explains expert nail tech & educator, Maria Sundberg Stuxgren in Maria Sudberg her book, Nail Therapist – A Professional Stuxgren Guide. “Do not use too large a container, as that will increase the amount of monomer giving off vapours and can also result in having to discard unnecessary amounts of liquid. Salon System Multi“If you choose a dappen dish without a lid, it must always be wiped out when used,” she continues. “Leaving it open will cause the monomer to evaporate into the nail space. Use gloves and a pad, cotton or paper to soak the residue from the dappen dish.”

Purpose Glass Dappen Dish £1.50 + VAT. Available from wholesalers nationwide.

How to perfect the C-curve

A consistent C-curve, or curvature of the nail, not only creates an aesthetically pleasing enhancement, but also provides durability and defines the nail’s shape: from The line of light showcases the C-curve in this design where the natural nail starts, to the free edge by Simone Radley. of the enhancement. “In theory, the longer the nail, the tighter the C-curve should be, therefore ending in a more pointed free edge which provides an elongating and slimming result for the client’s finger,” explains Katie Barnes. “Pinching entails shaping the C-curve and sidewalls of the nail by bending and pinching it together,” writes Maria Sundberg Stuxgren. “This can be done using the thumbs, a pair of forceps, a clamp, a pinch tube or some similar tool. This method is particularly suitable for wide nails, nail biters and fan-shaped nails.”

Brillbird C-curve Metal Clip £2.40 inc VAT www.brillbirduk.co.uk

NSI Pinching Tools from £9.95 + VAT www.nsinails.co.uk

NSI Manicure Care Tool – Spoon for mixing £2.99 + VAT www.nsinails.co.uk

Mino Vo explains to Scratch that a high-quality L&P acrylic brush, along with the right technique, is then key to full product control. “By taking my time, I don’t have to refine the enhancement as much with my file, which doesn’t just save me time in the long run – it also saves me energy,” he says. “Imagine the final shape you wish to achieve and apply the product as close to this as you can. For precise application, the brush shouldn’t be too big, but quality hair will still allow you to create long enhancements. “I’ve developed my own brush, designed to help techs create beautiful salon nails, as well as long avant-garde enhancements,” he adds.

Mino Vo London Acrylic Brush £45 inc VAT www.minovolondon.uk

NSI No. 14 Purple Precision Brush £36.95 + VAT www.nsinails.co.uk

Craft crisp smile lines with the Nail & Beauty Excellence Smile Line Metal File £5 inc VAT www.nailandbeautyexcellence.com Light Elegance Smile Line Bling Brush £13.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com Nail Harmony ProHesion Acrylic Size 9 - Two Piece Brush £45.99 + VAT www.gsgroupuk.com www.salon-services.com

Entity Pink Studio Sculpting Brush £55.95 + VAT www.thecreativebeautygroup.co.uk

However, INK London educator, Simone Radley, stresses that while pinching tools are useful, they should not be used as a substitute for correct tip or form fitting. Similarly, Maria Sundberg Stuxgren comments that over-pinching can be detrimental for the nail. “Pinching too much can damage the nail bed and hurt the sidewalls. In extreme cases Simone Radley it can even induce onycholysis. If it is painful for the client, reduce the pressure and/or place the pinch differently,” she writes. KB Aluminium Nail Form Support £25.99 inc VAT

www.katiebarnesacademy.com There are other tools that can also help create a C-curve, such as C-curve sticks. Katie Barnes uses her brand’s 4in1 C-curve Tool Set, with a choice of four differently sized sticks. She uses this in conjunction with her Aluminium Nail Form Support, which holds the shape of the form. The kit is well suited to creating competition-style enhancements, as precision measuring allowed by the sticks means techs can check that the curvature of the nails is symmetrical. “C-curve contributes to many areas including lower arches, upper arch, free edge shape and the C-curve shape itself. This can lead to many competition points being lost if this isn’t correct,” Katie explains.

“The thickness of the nail enhancement for a competition nail must be consistent, often having to follow set criteria,” she continues. “A calliper allows techs to KB 4in1 C-curve Tool Set £47.99 inc VAT measure thickness in different areas, alongside acting as www.katiebarnesacademy.com a pinching tool and measuring the consistency of the parallel sides for an almond or stiletto nail shape.” She adds that a consistent filing routine is also key to ensure this symmetry. >> KB 3in1 Nail Thickness Measuring Calliper £25.99 inc VAT www.katiebarnesacademy.com

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 45

SYSTEMSPOTLIGHT

FINISHING TOUCHES TECH TALK

Once the product is applied, the focus turns to refining the nail. “The general rule is to start with a coarser grit and then gradually switch to finer grits. If the sculpting has been done correctly, a 120-180-grit is usually sufficient. If the product is very hard or a lot has been applied, a 100-grit file can be used,” writes Maria Sundberg Stuxgren. Katie Barnes tells Scratch that she uses a rectangular-shaped file, as this delivers a larger surface area for improved comfort and better hand-eye coordination, helping to create a more uniform result. OPI Shiner File

“My favourite tool for the L&P process is my E-file, because I love how nerve-wracking but exciting it is to file away the mess from creating an intricate design, to reveal the beautiful, crisp lines of the finished look. The E-file does a lot of the hard work for me.”

1000/4000-grit £2.90 + VAT www.trade.opiuk.com

Karen Brown, Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year 2022 finalist

Nailchemy Metal File (stick-on grits available) £4.50 + VAT www.nailchemy.co.uk

BEFORE

AFTER

“Buffing with a sponge buffer is usually the last step before applying top coat,” concludes Maria Sundberg Stuxgren. “Make sure that no large scratches after using a coarser grit are visible, as they will be seen under the gloss. Some more shallow scratches can be left as a UV curing finish settles in fine scratches and hides them.” Or skip applying the top coat and buff to a shine to perfect the enhancement. Refine product around the cuticle area using the Willow Academy ’The Clove’ Medium Bit - for left-handed & right-handed techs £17 + VAT www.willowacademy.com www.salonsdirect.com

Glitterbels Square Buffer 90p inc VAT www.glitterbels.com

Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year 2022 finalist, Donna Jones, adds her artistic flair to these L&P enhancements.

Instagram.com/kyleawherry_nailartisteducator

Izabelle Hammon Angled Application Brush £4.45 + VAT www.izabellehammon.com

TECH TALK

“I couldn’t work without a wrist rest for L&P appointments, as the position that it places clients’ hands in is perfect for creating enhancements. It elevates their arms, allowing forms to hang freely when sculpting. My placement stays in the same position and gravity pulls the product down and away from the cuticle area.” Kylea Wherry, Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year 2022 finalist

46 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

The GelBottle Inc Brushes in Liner 01, Liner 02, Detail 01 & Round 02 £9 + VAT each www.thegelbottle.com

Katy Rose, Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year finalist 2022, serves up this dazzling orange nail style with crystal additions – perfect for a glitzy take on Halloween nails!

SYSTEMSPOTLIGHT

REMOVAL Methods of removal vary depending on tech preference and the intended purpose or wear time of the nails. For competition and editorial work that isn’t intended for everyday wear, Jade Barber recommends an easy removal product like Nail & Beauty Excellence’s Pop Offs Base Coat Film. “It acts as an adhesive sticker, creating a protective barrier between the natural nail and product. Apply to prepped natural nails, smooth down, file any excess product and apply L&P acrylic as normal. When you are ready to remove the product, gently apply pressure and it will separate from the natural nail,” she details.

How to take care of tools Brushes

“Keeping an L&P acrylic brush in perfect condition starts with the preparation of the brush once you have bought it,” reveals Magda Gniewek. “You must carefully remove all Arabic gum from the bristles, which comes off the brush as a fine dust, as this can interact with L&P and damage the brush.” The brush is then ready to be primed, using the liquid medium that you will use with the tool. “Therefore, L&P brushes should always be cleaned in monomer,” advises Simone Radley. And this cleaning process should be carried out every time the brush is used – otherwise the acrylic will cure in the bristles and be extremely difficult to remove, adds Magda. How you clean the brush is also essential to prolong its longevity, explains Katie Barnes. “Take your time, be delicate and do not put force on or splay out the bristles vertically,” she says. “To prevent fraying or dishevelling the brush, reshape the bristles after cleaning them, wearing gloves to avoid product contact.”

Nail & Beauty Excellence Pop Offs £5.99 inc VAT www.nailandbeautyexcellence.com

For salon-style nails, the removal process consists of removing any excess length using nail clippers, before either striping away the bulk of the product with a nail file or E-file. The remainder of the product can then be soaked off using acetone.

Katie Barnes demonstrates how and how not to clean L&P brushes.

Then the brush must be safely stored in a brush case, with the bristles facing downwards, she adds. “This prevents any liquids running into the ferrule and causing damage, such as breaking the adhesive which holds the bristles in place. It also prevents fluff or dust contamination and other tools knocking and damaging the bristles.”

“How you clean the brush is also essential to prolong its longevity. Take your time, be delicate and do not put force on or splay out the bristles vertically.” Metal tools

Willow Academy ‘The Purple Willow’ – available as right or left-handed – Extra Coarse Bit for infills & removals £19 + VAT with Willow Gold E-file Pro Machine £250 + VAT www.willowacademy.com / www.salonsdirect.com

Gelish Go File £299.99 + VAT www.gsgroupuk.com www.salon-services.com

OPI Disposable Files 150-180-grit (46 pcs) £18.50 + VAT www.trade.opiuk.com

“Metal tools should always be disinfected, following manufacturers’ instructions, and never left in disinfectant solution, as this can cause them to rust and become brittle and blunt,” Simone Radley tells Scratch. If you disinfect them using a jar, you must protect the blade tips by placing cotton wool in the bottom of the jar, advises Katie Barnes, adding that tips damage easily, so sharp tools must be stored in separate protective holders and using the plastic caps provided. “Ensure these tools are dry after being disinfected and then store them somewhere dry, as even the humidity from warm air can damage metal tools, making them rust, discolour or pit,” she continues. Scissors require the most care, she explains, advising using different pairs for cuticle work and form tailoring. “This is because cutting paper will blunt scissor blades,” she says. “Paper products contain minerals that are abrasive and can eventually dull even a razor-sharp pair of scissors. Also, don’t share tools – even a small change in the way someone else uses your scissors can quickly shorten their life and make them feel like they never cut the same for you again.”

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 47

ADVERTORIAL

manucurist An innovative range of clean,

green products

ith its roots in the professional nail industry, Manucurist is a cosmetic brand specialising in nail care and colour. Its mission is to offer highquality, professional products that don’t compromise your health and are kind to the environment.

Clean products With its salon origins and awareness of the issues related to frequent exposure to potentially harmful products by professionals and consumers, Manucurist has always made health its number one priority. The brand offers a wide range of vegan nail polish and nail care products that contain no endocrine disruptors or allergens. Manucurist products are also made from bio-sourced ingredients, i.e. ingredients that come from natural, renewable plant sources (cassava, cotton, sugar cane, corn and wheat). As for its packaging, it is eco-friendly and uses recyclable materials.

ADVERTORIAL

A revolution in the gel polish market With With Green Green Flash™, Flash™, the the brand brand has has created created the the first first newnewgeneration, generation, non-sensitising, non-sensitising, LED-activated LED-activated gel gel polish polish without without compromising compromising on on staying staying power power or or shine. shine. It’s It’s an an innovation innovation for for salons salons and and the the perfect perfect alternative alternative to to offer offer clients, clients, as as itit has has all all the the advantages advantages of of aa regular regular polish polish and and a a gel gel polish. polish. In In just just 33 quick quick& & easy easysteps stepsyou you have have aa flawless flawless manicure manicure lasting lasting up up to to 10 10 days. days. It It can can be be removed removed as as easily easily and and gently gently as as regular regular polish polish using using an an acetone-free, acetone-free, biobiosourced sourced nail nail polish polish remover removerthat that doesn’t doesn’t damage damage your your nails. nails.

“

Removal Removal duo duo set set for for gel gel nail nail polish polish

ere ere at at Manucurist, Manucurist, our our customers’ customers’ health health and and respecting respectingthe the environment environment have have always always been been our ourpriority. priority.We Wework work with with partners partners (manufacturers, (manufacturers, suppliers) suppliers) like like us, us, concerned concerned about about product product ingredients, ingredients, to to develop develop more more natural natural nail nail polish polish and and nail nail care care products. products.

In In the the professional professional nail nail industry, industry, Green Green Flash Flash is is used used in in 30 30 countries countries with with over over 400 400 salons salons and and 70 70 partner partnerspas. spas.

“

Our Our innovative innovative Green Green Flash™ Flash™ is is the the result result of of extensive extensive research research & & development development to to create create aa new newformula formula respectful respectful of of our our health health and and environment. environment. We We believe believe in in a a cleaner, cleaner, greener, greener, more more responsible responsible way way of of creating creating beautiful beautiful manicures. manicures.This This is is also also why whywe we have have chosen chosen to to bio-source bio-source all all the the products products in in our our ranges. ranges. Gaëlle Gaëlle Lebrat-Personnaz, Lebrat-Personnaz, Founder Founder of of Manucurist Manucurist

To To find find out out more more and and discover discover our our range range for foryourself, yourself, visit visit www.pro.manucurist.com/en www.pro.manucurist.com/en

SCRATCHCOLUMNIST

Deputy chair – Liza Smith

Chair – Marian Newman BEM

Director of education – Donna Clayton

Director of finance & legal affairs – Denise Spragg

Director of communications – Clare Woodcock

THE FORCE

OF THE FEDS Scratch reveals additions to the FNP board & highlights the advisors supporting the organisation’s goals

CHANGES, DEVELOPMENTS & APPOINTMENTS

he Federation of Nail Professionals has been representing the nail sector for two years, with its board members voluntarily working on projects and initiatives to support the industry.

These board members each bring different skills and industry experience to the fore, and there have been some changes in recent months to support the FNP’s future plans and growth. Sue Davies was appointed deputy chair & director of information at the FNP’s inception, and comments: “I’ve taken the really difficult and sad decision to step away from my role as deputy chair and competition director at the Federation of Nail Professionals. “Being a founding member of the FNP has been an honour, but it’s time for me to do some self-care, personal Sue Davies growth and business growth, and I know that the rest of the board, including the new directors, will continue to do great things for the nail industry. I really hope that the FNP makes the impact needed going forward.”

Liza Smith

Industry aficionado, Liza Smith, now takes the position of deputy chair. Liza has a multitude of industry award wins under her belt, and was honoured with the Scratch Stars Award for Services to the Nail Industry 20/21. She co-owns an award-winning salon, Bodylines in Sittingbourne, and is a seasoned celebrity nail stylist, an educator, business mentor and coach. “It’s a pleasure to join the board,” she says. “I am truly

50 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

passionate about our industry and while I’m sad that I can’t share the experience with Sue, I am ready to serve and be a voice for our sector.” Clare Woodcock, Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2022, has stepped into the role of director of communications for the FNP. “I have been offering my services as an FNP volunteer for some time and helped out at trade events, so was asked by Marian to become a Feds advisor earlier this year,” she reveals. “Now I have been appointed as a director and while I’m still relatively new to the Clare Woodcock nail industry compared to my fellow directors, I hope that I can bring skills from my background in PR and event management to the table.” Clare has always had a huge passion for the beauty industry, and considered various career avenues before turning her focus to nails in 2017. “I, like many, have sidestepped (or danced, as I prefer to think) into the industry. I first decided to train and set up a business after my regular nail tech moved to a different part of the country. I came across an online course for £45 that taught me ‘everything I needed to know about gel nails’ in just 30 minutes (yes really!) and I received a certificate that then allowed me to gain access to many distributors and professional-only products. I thought it was all too easy and my nail tech told me to get some reputable training if I was serious about a nail career. “Following this advice (thank you Rebecca Andrews of Heavenly Beauty!) I went on to train with Gelish, OPI and Bio Sculpture and am currently bolstering my learning with a Level 2 assessment via Louise Searles’ Route to Regulation industry support network, which no doubt will be continued into Level 3 and beyond.

SCRATCHCOLUMNIST

“I hope that my education journey, and role as a ‘solopreneur’ with a mobile business, will give the FNP an additional perspective on the challenges we all face moving forward. I also aim to put my PR and communication skills to good use to build momentum with our growing members and be part of a greater campaign for consumer awareness. “The FNP’s work is vital to secure the sustainability and growth of the nail industry, and to support nail techs and businesses, both large and small, to navigate these changes that will set us all up for more success, and future-proof our businesses. “I would be very proud to be part of a much-needed change to introduce more licencing and regulation to this industry, which will hopefully stamp out inadequate courses and raise standards. I want to do everything I can to help with that change.”

CLAIRE AGGARWAL EXPERT AREAS: Scaling beauty businesses, attracting new clients & beauty distribution

SAM BLAKE

EXPERT AREAS: Health & safety, welfare, education & wellbeing Sam’s formative industry career in a salon, then in education, gifts her with a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of our industry’s health, safety and welfare culture and needs, for both businesses and individuals. With experience in many different environments, and as a solopreneur, she has navigated and resolved the issues many face in their business and implemented a positive culture. She runs The Safer Salon Geek, which provides training, consultancy and advisory services for salons, industry businesses, academies and solopreneurs. In her FA role, she wants to support new and existing industry professionals to make good choices, and champion the need and necessity for strong foundations and quality over cheap, quick and unsustainable business.

Claire graduated from Nottingham University with a business degree and went on to win CIBTAC Student of the Year. In 2011, she established Perfect 10 Mobile Beauty, which she grew to be one of the leading mobile beauty businesses in the UK. She sold the business in 2016 and worked as a consultant before joining Re:New Beauty to lead its sales and marketing, and is the company’s COO. She is looking forward to offering the FNP a unique insight into the beauty sector as an individual with both professional beauty training and commercial knowledge.

RYAN POWER EXPERT AREAS: Business growth

Ryan Power is an award-winning salon coach, speaker and selfconfessed marketing geek. He is also the author of the best-selling book, The Customer Is Always Right... & 7.5 other outdated myths which are destroying your beauty business. He and wife, Hollie, are co-founders of salon coaching brand, Salonology, and are passionate about helping salon owners earn more money while working less hours. They owned a day spa and salon in Bournemouth for more than a decade.

SAM MARSHALL

EXPERT AREAS: DEI, gender inclusivity, waxing & skin treatments, LGBTQIA+ Sam is a leading gender inclusivity expert, professional educator and recognised voice within the beauty industry. Backed by over 20 years’ experience, she is a commercial therapist and the founder of The Beauty Guru Clinic in MediaCityUK, Manchester. Sam has worked with well-known brands such as Aveda, Clarins, Dermalogica, Dr Murad and Leighton Denny. For nine years, Sam managed the prestigious Urban Retreat salon within Harvey Nichols, Manchester. She sits on the HABIA advisory board, British Beauty Council DEI Committee, and is an advisor to VTCT while regularly contributing to national and trade media. Sam has an abiding passion for education and for nurturing new talent within the beauty industry. She is a founding member of Skin Professionals UK, a forum where professionals can gain dermatology education. She teaches trans awareness to the hair and beauty industry under the brand Be Trans Aware, and is an HIVawareness advocate and member of George House Trust.

“The FNP’s work is vital to secure the sustainability and growth of the nail industry and to support nail techs and businesses, both large and small, to navigate these changes that will set us all up for more success, and future-proof our businesses.” www.the-fnp.com

/TheFNPUK

@the_fnp_

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 51

Think

INDUSTRYINITIATIVE

PINK

Scratch shines a spotlight on the nail pros & brands supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October Susan Gerrard, chairman of Mii Cosmetics’ parent company, Gerrard International, has chosen one of the brand’s most popular pink shades, Just A Smile, to support the efforts of the Future Dreams charity. “A smile played an enormous part in Susan’s positive mindset as she went through her breast cancer journey,” comments a spokesperson from the brand. Available both in Mii Colour Confidence Polish and Statement Gel Polish formulas, 20% of each trade sale of the shade will be donated to Future Dreams, which is dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer support, awareness and research.

Mii Colour Confidence Nail Polish (£6.75 + VAT/RRP £13.50) & Statement Gel Polish (£15.50 + VAT) in Just A Smile www.gerrardinternational.com

Dermatology platform, GetHarley, has teamed up with skincare brand, PCA Skin, to exclusively retail its Hyaluronic Lip Booster at a special price of £20 (usually £44) with 100% of the profits going to The Pink Ribbon Foundation. www.getharley.com The @niche_hairandbeauty team is hosting an in-salon ‘Wear It Pink’ event on 21 and 22 October, with clients encouraged to wear pink, buy cakes and enter a raffle to raise funds for ‘breast cancer warriors’.

British supplement brand, Rejuvenated, is supporting the Pink Ribbon Foundation for a fourth consecutive year by donating 20% of sales from its limited edition Pink Drink Set this October. The set features Collagen Shots and H30 Hydration to support smooth, glowing skin with a Rejuvenated Shaker.

Rejuvenated Pink Drink Set £37.50 + VAT/ RRP £76.50 www.rejuvenated.com 52 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Pink nails by @jennieatcatbf created using Glitterbels products.

The team at Charli & The Beauty Factory, Blackburn, is donating £1 from every pink nail, lash or make-up look it creates throughout October to Breast Cancer UK.

Artistic Colour Revolution in Don’t Drive Me Mad £5.95 + VAT/RRP £11 www.louellabelle.co.uk

The minky taupe shade, Don’t Drive Me Mad, in the Artistic Colour Revolution formula is a fond nod to Louella Belle founder and Future Dreams ambassador, Lisa Crook, who sadly lost her battle with breast cancer in December 2017. Its name was often her response when people would ask how she was feeling! The Future Dreams charity will receive 90% of profits from the sale of this shade.

The GelBottle Inc’s flagship salon, Create & Coat, located in Harvey Nichols Manchester, will be offering ‘BIABs for Breast Cancer Awareness’ – with 20% of the income from every BIAB treatment booked in October donated to a breast cancer charity. www.thegelbottle.com

Mobile nail tech and Pure Nails VIP, @nailsby_shelley, is offering free Breast Cancer Awareness nail art to clients choosing a pink nail style throughout October. She will also be donating £5 from each treatment to the Breast Cancer Now charity.

Mavala UK is supporting breast cancer awareness charity, CoppaFeel! for the second year running with the Power Of Pink collection. The four products in the collection are: • Power Of Pink mini colour nail polish (limited edition) • Tinted Lip Balm in Candy • Crayon Lumiere Eyeshadow in Prune Flambée • Clean & Comfort Micellar Water Mavala UK will donate £1 from the sale of each product to the charity. www.mavala.co.uk

R U F Heart braker

radiate my love

STAND

sHe’s aF10 spark plug

torque it!

grease monkey

supercHarged

LOOK OF THE DAY

FROM AM TO PM model is wearing sHe’s a spark plug

CAUGHT artisticnaildesign.com

NEUTRAL IN A VIBE ON REPEAT proFessional Formulas | proFessional results™

ESCAPE THE ORDINARY

AGAINST THE NORM

0333 000 2100 +44(0)20 8238 6300 info@louellabelle.co.uk www.louellabelle.co.uk

facebook.com/louellabelle @louella_belle linkedin.com/company/louella-belle

pinterest.com/louellabelleuk instagram.com/louellabelle

TECHSPOTLIGHT

READERS GALLERY Caerphilly-based nail artist, JODIE RICHARDS, shares her favourite nail creations & career goals

54 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

TECHSPOTLIGHT

Name – Jodie Richards Age – 31 Business name – Beauty Haven by Jodie Location – Caerphilly, South Wales Years in nails – I’ve been doing nails for around 12 years, but turned my focus to the craft full-time around four years ago, when I became self-employed and started my own business. Trained with – I trained at Ystrad Mynach College in South Wales and have been honing my nail art skills ever since. I had a flair for art at school, which has supported my nail artistry. Favourite product – The GelBottle Inc’s Builder In A Bottle. I use it every day!

Favourite nail design – I love creating tortie nails and incorporating animal print into my designs. Career, ambition & vision – My goal was to open a salon by the age of 30 and I’m proud to say I have achieved that dream and have a full client list. In the future, I would love to teach and tend to the nails of Stacey Solomon, as I think she’s great! Who do you admire in the industry? There are so many incredible nail techs that I follow on social media, but Isabel May’s posts (@isabelmaysurtees) encouraged me to enhance my nail art skills. She is so talented, a lovely person and inspires so many. /beautyhaven.byjodie @beautyhaven_byjodie

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 55

FALL 2022 BUTTERCREAM COLLECTION

Transport yourself into an autumn wonderland as you discover six new on-trend ButterCreams that combine the sophistication of the city with rich tones found only in nature. These butter-smooth shades provide maximum colour impact in a one-coat application.

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT

Distributed exclusively in the UK and Ireland with Love and Respect

SCAN THE QR CODE TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT LIGHT ELEGANCE

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

SEASONALIDEAS

The dark side of

design

Are you being haunted by the same Halloween nail art requests? Switch up your spooky offerings with our roundup of trendy nailspo that’s fitting for the occasion…

Photography: Arienne Jonas @ajfeatherphotography Nail artist: Scarlett Senter @scarlett_senternailartist Make-up: Christabel Franklin @hairmakeupbychristabel

BY CALLIE ILEY Capture the attention of clients this month by serving up Halloween nail art styles with a difference. Halloween affords the opportunity to get creative and showcase your skills, and extra revenue can be made from nail art add-ons that embrace the spooky season.

We love this bat-themed take on the French mani by @paiwaloves, Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year finalist 2022.

Fang-tastic Frenchies Mix up the timeless French with spooktacular twists; from coloured tips to arty additions.

A flaming French with ghost tips by Evie Goodman of @clawsnailstudio.

Pure Nails VIP, Hari Hatfield, keeps it classic with this French tip and pumpkin design.

58 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Nailchemy Acrylic in Ghostly £7.50 + VAT www.nailchemy.co.uk

Manucurist Green Flash in Aubergine £9.50 inc VAT pro.manucurist.com

Halo Gel Polish in Mars £5.49 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk

The ghosts decorating these glittery tips by Chicago-based tech, @nailtechnextdoor, are simply boo-tiful! Hope Ivekich of @that.nailplace proves that neons aren’t just for summer with these cobweb-covered French tips.

Entity Colour Couture in Going To The Piazza £10.95 + VAT www.thecreativebeautygroup.co.uk

“Imaginative nail designs for occasions such as Halloween can boost business engagement, as the novelty element encourages shares, likes and comments,” notes Kayley Cairns, joint head of education for HD Nail Artist Academy & two times Scratch Stars Awards winner 2022. “People search for hashtags such as #halloweennails, so designs from past years may pop up, be reshared and keep on giving.”

SEASONALIDEAS

Monster mash-ups

Lecenté Create Gel Polish in Who You Gonna Call £11.99 + VAT www.lecente.com / www.sweetsquared.com/ www.ellisons.co.uk

Is your client struggling to decide on a nail art style? Mix up your manis with a combination of ideas, such as pumpkins, candy corn, ghosts and spiders.

Ceirra Ceirra Carlini-Smith of @ceirrasnails plays with colour and style in this Nightmare Before Christmas nail look.

Ghosts, swirls and skulls feature in this black and white mani by Alana of @trickortreatnails.

“Halloween is a great occasion to promote your business using content that’s a little different, while also being to charge extra for nail art,” shares Jasmine Corrina, The GelBottle Inc influencer. “I think fun, mix and match nails will be popular for Halloween this year.”

Glitterbels Acrylic Powder in Olive Branch £8.95 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com Checkerboards, bats, hearts and ghosts decorate this Halloweenthemed mashup by Zuly of @clawsbyzeee.

Candy corn mix ‘n’ match nails by Jasmine Corrina.

Magpie Beauty Matte Glitter in Clementine £3.95 + VAT www.magpiebeauty.co.uk

Californiabased tech, @naailsbycarol, mixes green, white and black with sparkle and matte effects for an eye-catching nail look.

Mii Colour Confidence in Night Frost £6.75 + VAT/RRP £13.50 www.gerrardinternational.com

G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G

Character nail art

Nashvillebased tech, @nailartistalisha, paints portraits of The Addams Family.

Whether you’re a horror enthusiast or prefer to do Halloween with a cute Disney twist, show love for your favourite Halloween film characters through nail art. It’s a great way to showcase artistic ability and allows you to display your talent using a range of styles, from cartoons to realism.

OPI GelColor in Red-veal Your Truth £18.70 + VAT www.trade.opiuk.com

This spooky take on four Disney princesses is cleverly crafted by Amani of @amanicuredqueen.

The GelBottle Inc Detail Brush £9 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

Salon System Gellux in Maple Dreams Come True £11.95 + VAT. Available from wholesalers nationwide.

“I start sharing images of Halloween-themed designs at the start of October to inspire clients ahead of their nail appointments,” comments Kayley Cairns. “I also enjoy doing my own nails with Halloween designs as I find clients are far more likely to opt for a seasonal design on their nails if they see me wearing something similar.”

This bold Coraline design comes courtesy of @annassnailss.

Awardwinning nail artist, Scarlett Senter, showcases an IT-themed nail design.

Salon System Gellux expert, Julie-Anne Larivière, hand-paints the nun from The Conjuring films.

>> SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 59

SEASONALIDEAS

This hauntingly beautiful ghostinspired illusion ombré comes courtesy of nail artist & content creator, @dawn.marie_nails.

Eerie illusions

Illusion ombré has taken over TikTok as a new nail trend, and it’s perfect for Halloween! Utilise classic Halloween shades and deep hues with simmer for the ultimate spooky ombré.

Jessica GELeration in Hunter £17.75 + VAT www.gerrardinternational.com International nail artist & educator, Dorota Palicka, serves up this Jack Skellingtoninspired design.

Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer in Follow Suit £4.95 + VAT/RRP £10.99 www.louellabelle.co.uk CND ShellacTM in Absolutely Radishing £13.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com

This striking black and purple illusion ombré by Sydney Petty of @sydney3threenails features pumpkins and bats.

Wirral-based tech, @nudeynails, uses red and black for this spooky illusion ombré.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse get Halloween makeovers thanks to Canadian tech, @davids_nails, in this illusion ombré design.

Artistic Perfect Dip in Escape The Ordinary £7.95 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk

G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G

Spells of pink

HD Nail Academy educator, Donna Jones of The Nail Priestess, takes inspiration from Scream for this pink and black design.

It’s time to turn up the cute factor and add some pink to your Halloween designs and try a nail style that’s a treat with no tricks...

Pretty pink and white details feature in this design by Glitterbels ambassador, @nailsbyjanine.x,

Derbyshirebased tech, @nailperfectionbynatalie, adorns these pink tonal nails with pumpkins.

Entity Rubber Base Gel in Blush Pink £14.95 + VAT www.thecreativebeautygroup.co.uk

Salon System Gellux in Pink Whispers £11.95 + VAT www.salonsystem.com

INK London brand ambassador, @totalbeautylauren, paints pumpkins on a pink base.

NSI Balance Elite Gel in Blush from £20.95 + VAT www.nsinails.co.uk

Ghostface has never looked so good thanks to this super-cute Scream set by Bekki Woolnough, Georgie Smedley Group ambassador.

Pumpkins and ghosts decorate this Halloween-themed design by @onenailtorulethemall.

INK London Acrylink Coloured Powder in Cruise £5 + VAT www.inknails.com

“Techs should take advantage of events like Halloween to upsell manicures with nail art,” comments Giorgia Cappella, The GelBottle Inc brand ambassador & educator. “By upselling nail art during seasonal occasions, techs can showcase their skills to a wider audience, build up imagery for their portfolio and as a direct result, encourage more nail art bookings and an increase in profit.” Lecenté partner, Amanda Trivett, agrees: “Holidays and festivals such as Halloween are the perfect excuse to encourage your clients to embrace nail art. They also offer a way to challenge and push your skills as a nail artist.”

60 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

SEASONALIDEAS

Chrome calling

Chrome was one of summer’s hottest nail trends, and it affords striking design opportunities. Consider applying chrome to cobwebs and blood drips to add some sparkle and shimmer to Halloween nail designs. Scarlet looks striking against gold chrome accents in this design by Magpie Beauty brand ambassador, Adelina Walker.

Chrome accents decorate this Grim Reaper design by nail artist, Jordan Ward.

Delicate silver cobwebs decorate these nude nails by Kelham-based tech, @_gelsbymegs.

G G Spooktacular G & subtle G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G Pricing nail art G G G G G G G Try something out of the ordinary this Halloween with a low-key look. Check out some subtly spooky designs to inspire…

“Enticing clients to opt for Halloween-themed nails isn’t always easy. Some clients will love Halloween and jump at the opportunity to sport unusual nail art, but others will need more encouragement,” says Giorgia Capella. “While some clients will desire avant-garde, eye-catching nails, showcase some subtle Halloween designs on your Instagram grid to encourage clients of all preferences to try something new.”

Izabelle Hammon Gel & Go in Jolie £13.50 + VAT www.izabellehammon.com

This colourful chrome cobweb design comes courtesy of Lecenté partner & educator, Jenny Nagorski.

Light Elegance Buttercream in A Jog With My Dog £15.45 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com

German nail tech, Funda of @nailsbyfda, adds Halloweenthemed art to tips.

Pure Nails VIP, Michaela Rose of @gelalicious, creates a stunning crystal spider nail.

Tiny spiders crawl over these nude nails by Jess Mitchell of @thenailshed_byjess.

Magpie Beauty Halloween Nail Art Stickers £1.75 + VAT www.magpiebeauty.co.uk

The GelBottle Inc Liquid Metallic Studio Gel £13 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

Lindsey Howard of @witchfacenails uses Magpie Beauty’s Winifred Chrome and Black Betty Gel in this cobweb-themed design.

Gelish Chrome Stix in Violet Chameleon £6.99 + VAT www.gsgroupuk.com www.salon-services.com

“I’m a mobile nail tech, meaning I cannot decorate a salon with Halloween decorations. This leaves me with one option – I have to decorate myself,” smiles Halo VIP, Shelley Lewis. “Turning up at my clients’ houses for appointments in fancy dress isn’t just entertaining for us both, it also gets them excited and inspired for a spooky set of nails.”

Amanda Trivett vamps up her salon window displays with Halloween decorations of webbing and skulls. “The team also re-posts past Halloween nail designs on the salon’s social media platforms to encourage clients to choose seasonal art.” she reveals.

HALLOWEEN MARKETING TIPS By Sarah Hartley, founder of Blossom Tree Social 1. Offer a trick or treat lucky dip, where clients can find a trick, such as a toy spider, or a treat, like a gift voucher. 2. Promote limited edition Halloween treatments. 3. Decorate your salon and create a spooky window display. www.blossomtreesocial.com

“I price my nail art in two ways,” reveals HD Nail Academy educator, Donna Jones. “I either offer a set price for intricate nail art worked out by the time taken, or if art is just displayed on a few nails, I price per nail.”

Nailchemy Liquid Metal Art Gel in Liquid Silver £11.99 + VAT www.nailchemy.co.uk

Samantha Nguyen of @naileditofnaples uses green chrome for this sleek design.

“Halloween-themed nail art should be priced similarly to current nail art pricing and based on added treatment time. Techs need to make sure that clients requesting nail art have booked in beforehand, so extra time can be allowed for these appointments,” adds Giorgia Cappella. “Seasonal nail art can often take longer than standard nail art timings so I would suggest an extra £7-10 per 30 minutes, but in order to make it clear for clients, techs should consider pre-advertising their nail art prices when sharing Halloween inspiration in the lead-up to 31 October.”

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 61

HEALTHMATTERS

QUERVAIN’S

strain Delve into a lesser-known RSI affecting nail pros with REBECCA HITCHON & learn how it can be prevented & managed Sitting at a nail desk, repetitive hand filing and poor posture can have physical ramifications for many nail professionals. Long days can take their toll, and while clients will leave the nail space with pristine fingertips, techs may find that their own needs have not been adequately addressed or considered, since good working practices and ergonomics are essential to all round good health and wellbeing. For some techs, the strain of the job can result in the condition of De Quervain’s Syndrome, which presents as an uncomfortable medical issue affecting the hands and wrists. Scratch gets a greater insight into the condition from a medical expert and nail pro managing its effects...

WHAT IS DE QUERVAIN’S SYNDROME?

De Quervain’s Syndrome, or De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, is a repetitive strain injury affecting the tendons located on the side of the wrist and thumb. “Put simply, it is inflammation of the tendons, which occurs when they are overloaded due to excessive work. The protective sheaths that cover the tendons become inflamed, leading to swelling and pain,” Dr Lorenzo Masci explains Dr Lorenzo Masci, practice owner at Sport Doctor London. “Generally, the condition occurs among those in an occupation that involves repetitive movement of the thumb.”

The symptoms

“Common symptoms include sharp, severe pain when moving the thumb, as well as swelling at its base, extending to the wrist and forearm,” Dr Masci details. Many nail techs suffer from a more recognised condition with similar symptoms, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), which is caused by pressure on a nerve in the wrist, leading to numbness, tingling and pain in the hands. So, what is the difference between CTS and De Quervain’s Syndrome? Dr Masci explains that CTS symptoms are often worse at night and more likely to affect the thumb, index and middle fingers.

TECH TALK

Molly Busby of Welsh business, She Nailed It By Molly, noticed her hands becoming weak and uncomfortable when holding objects. After numerous phone conversations with her doctor and an X-ray to check for a fracture, a referral to a specialist instantly gave her a diagnosis of De Quervain’s Syndrome. Molly Busby “As we were in the midst of the pandemic, my pain was not taken seriously,” Molly reveals. “I was working in a nursery alongside running my salon, which just exacerbated the condition. I was picking up babies to care for them, then spending hours in the salon holding clients’ hands, tools and nail products. My hands never had chance to recover between these activities.” Molly was advised to try wrist supports and at-home physio until an appointment could be made with a physiotherapist. “I wore the wrist supports, but noticed the biggest reduction in pain when resting and icing my hands when they hurt,” she tells Scratch, adding that she hasn’t experienced sharp pains or struggled to pick up items since. “Unfortunately, this treatment is not practical when working full-time in a hands-on job. Although I’m able to work as normal, it’s crucial that I do not overexert myself and cause further issues. I love my job and would hate to take time off or change career path due to this condition,” she admits.

PREVENTION & TREATMENT

“The most important method of prevention for a nail tech is to ensure they take regular breaks between clients,” reveals Dr Masci. “This will prevent overload of the thumb tendons, as will massaging any tightness that develops in the forearm and elbow. However, if you think you may be suffering from De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, it is essential to receive an early diagnosis. Specialist doctors often perform an ultrasound at the initial consultation, which can confirm a diagnosis.” With a De Quervain’s Syndrome diagnosis, Dr Masci recommends first trialling simpler methods of treatment, such as ice, topical antiinflammatory cream and anti-inflammatory tablets. “Wearing a thumb splint can also help with pain, and a hand therapist will often create a splint personalised to you, and guide you through at-home exercises to stretch and strengthen the thumb tendons,” he says. “In severe cases of pain, a cortisone injection with a specialist can reduce pain and swelling,” Dr Masci adds, revealing that the majority of De Quervain’s Syndrome cases respond to simple treatments and one or two injections. To learn more about treatment options, visit www.sportdoctorlondon.com. 62 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

!W O EW N N

E BL LA AI AV

GEL POLISH

C O S M I C C O L L E C T I O N

Six lustrous new colours that are as deep and unfathomable as space itself! Go boldly on a journey to the solar system, and discover our dark mysterious new glitter gel collection – colours that are truly out of this world!

JUPITER

M E RC U RY

NEPTUNE

MARS

S AT U R N

VENUS

Available now at leading Distributors and at

PURENAILS.CO.UK

Stand E10

SMART Group Offer The Latest in Aesthetic Technology Reach Clinical & Commercial Success with SMART Laser Hair Removal

Skin Rejuvenation

Body Contouring

Super-fast, pain-free certified

Fractional, non-ablative

Reduce fat, tighten skin and

medical grade lasers.

skin resurfacing.

improve cellulite.

EARN OVER £350 PER HOUR!

EARN OVER £700 PER HOUR!

EARN OVER £250 PER HOUR!

Book An Exclusive 1-2-1 At Olympia Beauty With Our Expert Team - Exclusive show offers available - Discover the right treatment for your business - Learn how to reach clinical & commercial success

Scan here to book an in person or virtual 1-2-1

01344 411 480

info@the-smartgroup.co.uk

WIN! SMARTDiode Pro Laser System Worth

£16,950! + VAT

Approved by

www.the-smartgroup.co.uk

Order an online brochure to enter!

BUSINESSMATTERS

MAKE YOUR

Are you the owner of a small business & eager to raise its profile to boost trade? Business experts & thriving techs reveal how to manage your PR to make an impact REBECCA HITCHON REPORTS

mark The beauty industry is largely made up of small businesses. According to the NHBF, over two thirds of hair and beauty businesses employ fewer than five people, and 94% employ fewer than 10. As a small business, budgets and time are often stretched, but PR (public relations) – a practice used to manage and raise the reputation and image of brands – should be part of your agenda. Here, we discuss its importance and source answers to common PR questions...

‘What is PR?’

Jennifer Hodgson

“PR is everything you do, say or put out there as a brand,” explains Jennifer Hodgson, founder of award-winning PR agency, MODA PR. “If done correctly, it will increase repeat business and generate trust for your brand and services.”

Clare Woodcock

“There’s a fine line between marketing and PR. The two roles have merged more since social media became so significant, however traditional methods of PR include press, radio, TV and digital media,” details Clare Woodcock, Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2022, who forged a successful career in PR before discovering nails.

‘Where do I start?’

“For any element of PR to be successful, you first need to establish what makes your business what it is and what you want to be known for,” reveals Jennifer Hodgson. “In doing this, you can make the first steps to create content.” “Think about what your business has to offer, then consider what your goals are and how you can reach them,” adds Clare Woodcock. “Your PR strategy is the steps you will take to get where you want to be and to create a manifesto: a central message for everything you do.”

‘How long will it take to get noticed?’ “You need to be prepared to be dedicated; don’t give up after one month because you haven’t featured in a newspaper or had a viral video – PR is a long-term, brand-building concept,” comments Jennifer Hodgson. “It is something you need to actively prioritise, as stop-starting any activity will create a huge disjoin in your brand. However, the more you understand your brand and audience, the better and quicker the results will be.”

‘Why should I manage my PR?’ Shirelle Hedges of Welsh salon, Nails To Veils, tells Scratch that she relishes the control she has through managing her own PR, as well its low cost. “I choose exactly what information goes out about the salon, which is Shirelle Hedges invaluable to me,” she smiles. “This has allowed me to view my business from an outside perspective, which has helped me gauge how I want it to be seen.” While Jennifer Hodgson agrees that control is a key advantage of managing your PR, she stresses that you must be careful with it. “Don’t get distracted by making decisions based on what you like or want. Your business isn’t there to serve you; it’s there to serve your clients, so listening to them is vital,” she says.

“For any element of PR to be successful, you first need to establish what makes your business what it is and what you want to be known for.” Jennifer Hodgson

66 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

BUSINESSMATTERS

‘How do I fit PR into my schedule?’ “I plan my time alongside appointments to include social media, attracting new clients, researching anything to get involved in and capitalising on seasonal occasions,” Danny Manchip says Danny Manchip, winner of the Scratch Star for Home Nail Salon of the Year 2022. Shirelle Hedges adds that she allows time to schedule social media posts. “This has saved me so much time as it has meant that while I am working, my brand has been getting noticed,” she reveals. Jennifer Hodgson explains that being organised is key. “Set aside time to work on, not in, your business and invest in research by subscribing to newsletters, attending webinars and going to industry expos,” she advises. “Small steps are crucial to keep up momentum.”

‘How can I gain more clients using PR?’ Danny Manchip cites the importance of building a strong relationship with clients, as tactics like word of mouth and his ‘recommend a friend’ scheme have grown his client base. “I give out recommendation cards to clients, who write their name on them and give them to a friend. The new client receives a discount and the original client does when their card is redeemed,” he explains. “I also host a Macmillan Coffee Morning every year, which I sponsor through my business. I invite all of my clients and ask them to bring a friend. This brings potential clients into the salon and raises money for the charity.”

‘How do I make my business stand out?’ “If you have a strong message and identity, it will help you to stand out from the crowd, but if you are struggling to find yours, you need something that clients can relate to,” advises Clare Woodcock. “Services can be the same from one business to another, but a potential client might see or read something that triggers them to choose you. Ensure that your message, or a strapline if you have one, is visible on your website, social channels and in your workspace. This keeps your work recognisable – something that is tricky to achieve when we are limited with how to photograph and film nails.”

‘How do I get noticed by the press?’ Firstly, you need to consider whether what your business has to say is suited to regional press or is interesting to a wider audience, says Clare Woodcock. “Could your story be a feature, or do you have a news announcement? Is there a regular column that you could contribute to? Is there a local radio station that would benefit from your insight? Do you follow #JournoRequest on Twitter so you can respond to journalists asking for contributions?” she asks. For local press, Clare comments on the significance of a feel-good story – “something that makes the community stronger or something quirky, which has a clear story beyond your services.” She also mentions the media value in local or industry business awards, if you place in the final or win. Clare with her Scratch

“When emailing press contacts, keep text Star Award for Mobile short and sweet. Journalists receive hundreds of Nailist of the Year 2022 pitches daily, so why you stand out needs to jump off the email,” she notes, adding that it can be helpful to have a folder of information, such as a headshot, bio and pictures of your work, team and premises, ready to send to press as needed.

‘How can social media help with PR?’ “A huge part of PR these days is in social media, so look at your client database and your insights to find out your audience’s age, location and habits – and use this to deliver content that people will engage with,” says Jennifer Hodgson. As well as gaining clients through your existing customer base, Clare Woodcock advises reaching out to potential clients directly. “Invite them for a complimentary service so they can experience what you do,” she suggests. “Think about every outlet you have to reach out. What social channels do they use? What publications do they read? Where would they hear about you?”

Shirelle Hedges affirms that research is key. “I look into the best times to post on social media, as well as the most popular hashtags and sounds. Doing this not only helps me to reach more followers, but also attract new clients,” she details. “Showing an interest in others’ work is also a great way to be seen, as people always remember kind messages.”

She also recommends making an impact within the local community. “You could partner with a local influencer, offering them a discounted or free service in return for some promotion. Similarly, why not partner with local businesses and recommend each other to your customers?”

Researching key dates that you could create relevant posts for will keep your content exciting, adds Clare Woodcock. But her top social media tip is to add a flavour of personality into posts. “People buy into people, so post pictures or videos of yourself. Occasional posts are fine, but always show your personality in your captions,” she recommends.

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 67

SCRATCHCOLUMNIST

JUST ADD

2022 WINNER

ABOUT ANNABEL

Annabel Maginnis studied fashion and make-up artistry in London before moving into the nail world in 2015. Her notable creative flair in the field saw her Instagram following skyrocket. Fuelled by momentum, she opened her own salon, Nails By Annabel, in Newcastle, and in 2017, supported by husband, Elliott, the duo launched Glitterbels – a professional range of nail products. In 2021, the business was awarded the Scratch Stars Shooting Star Award based on its growth, popularity and provision of education and products for pros. The Glitterbels education team scooped the Scratch Stars Nail Team of the Year award 2022.

“Scheduling time for your family, hobbies and rest is as important as work, so take note and enjoy the benefits of balance.” www.glitterbels.com /Nailsbyannabelm & /GlitterbelsbyAnnabel @nails_by_annabel_m & @glitterbels /Nailsbyannabelm & /Glitterbels 68 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

r e t t gli Help your business sparkle & nail designs shine with advice & inspo from ANNABEL MAGINNIS, co-founder of Glitterbels

How to maintain a good work/life balance

ellow working mums may agree that finding a good balance between a personal and professional life can be tricky. However, the beauty industry can offer the flexibility we desire, as we can manage our diary to suit our commitments. Many nail pros opt to work on a self-employed basis, meaning that those all-important ‘firsts’ won’t be missed, such as the first day of school or first assembly, and family events can be attended without rescheduling. At the start of each year, I note special events and family occasions in my diary so I never double book my time. On those days, I turn my social media notifications off so my focus is fully on my family.

Annabel with husband, Elliott, and daughter, Pearl.

It is imperative to implement boundaries with your clients from their first appointment. If you reply to texts from them outside of working hours, this gives the impression that you are answerable at any time. Factor in ‘work’ hours to reply to messages so clients respect your personal time. Imagine if you acknowledge a message while watching TV with your family, and the client persists

with sending images for their next nail set, knowing they have your attention. It means you’re unable to switch off from work and enjoy those precious moments with your loved ones – and it could cause rifts. It may take some discipline, but it’s so important to stick to your working hours for the benefit of your mental health as well as your personal life.

I’m positive that your clients won’t hold it against you for wanting to spend time with your family, but communicating your set hours and sticking to them is key to avoid any confusion. Scheduling time for your family, hobbies and rest is as important as work, so take note and enjoy the benefits of balance.

Annabel x

STAND C02

Safety

Knowledge

Results

Specialists

Be confident - rest assured that every single Willow e-file bit is a safety piece

Cut appointment times and reduce strain on your body while giving your clients the results they deserve and the longevity they need

Gain the knowledge you need to get the results you want: each Willow e-file bit comes with an individual speed and usage guide

Know that you’re investing in the best - we don’t just stock e-file bits, we specialise in them

Do you know which e-file bits you need for the job you want to do? Well here at Willow we don’t just sell E-file bits, we know them inside out and now we want to share that knowledge with you.

Olympia Offer: Vat Free!

That’s why we’ve launched our #WillowConfidence campaign!

Simply visit our website www.willowacademy.com or scan the Q Special offer available at the show and code below and take the quiz to find online out what e-file bit you need

Take the quiz:

now

The first of its kind, the Willow quiz will guide you to the bits that are right for you, based on the systems you use.

TA K E T H E Q U I Z

willowacademy.com

willow_academy

willowacademy_lj

scan me

NAILCOMPETITION

: s e i r Ent d e l a e rev

Check out the 79 entries to this year’s annual photographic nail competition from pros across the globe…

desire to be challenged and work as part of a creative team have resulted in 79 entries to Scratch’s annual photographic nail competition, The Great Scratch Shoot Out. The captivating images have been submitted by pros from across the globe, including the UK, USA, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and South Africa. Nail techs were invited to create an artistic image and collaborate with a team of creative professionals to produce a result to capture the attention of the judging panel. With various concepts explored, the entries present an incredible portfolio that vividly represents the diversity of artistic flair being rendered across the nail world. “The Great Scratch Shoot Out offers nail pros the chance to unleash their creativity and delve into a side of the industry they may not have explored before,” comments Chloe Randall, competition organiser. “This has been my second year organising The Great Scratch Shoot Out and I’m once again astounded by the incredible talent and creative expression the competitors have showcased. There appears to be no limit to what professionals in this sector can engender and it’s been an absolute pleasure to organise this competition for the industry.”

The Winners’ Reveal When: Monday 3 October 2022 at 3:45pm GMT Where: Olympia Beauty, Olympia London & live via Scratch magazine’s Instagram & Facebook platforms.

The judging process After holding the judging virtually last year due to the pandemic, it was so pleasing for the judging panel to meet at Scratch HQ to discuss and deliberate the top three places for this year’s competition. The judging panel consisted of Scratch’s co-founder, Alex Fox; managing editor, Helena Biggs; news & features writers Chloe Randall, Callie Iley and Rebecca Hitchon and art editor, Jess Wilkie. Each entry was scrutinised against the competition criteria and assessed on nail design and finish, as well as the originality of the concept executed. Photographic elements were also deliberated, with the colour saturation and lighting given consideration, alongside the clarity and composition of the shot. While taking all the above elements into account, this year’s top three places were then given deeper thought, discussion and rumination before each place was confirmed. Alongside the top three awards, an additional accolade was awarded; the Voter’s Choice. After entry closed, a poll was held 5-12 September via Scratch’s website where competitors, readers and clients could cast a vote for their favourite entry to honour this specialist prize. Comments and critique are welcome aspects of this annual competition, and can bring a deeper insight into the judge’s deliberations and musings. With this directive in place, every competitor is invited to request a feedback sheet, which features constructive comments from the judging panel, if they would like to hear the judge’s personal appraisals. Enjoy the entries for 2022 and read an interview with our winners in next month’s edition...

www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/shootout 70 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

/scratchmag

@scratchmagazine

NAILCOMPETITION

Barbara Preil-Kovacs Yvette Coetzer

Nicola Sawyer

Brigitta Fajt LeRina Alzahrani

Rebecca Roberts

Marzena Maria Zygmunt

Claire Howard

Jenny Louise Bennett

Clare Kirk

Danny Manchip

>> SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 71

NAILCOMPETITION

Ilona Kricka

Ania Kesiak

Kelly Colley

Fran Humphrey

Manu Daniaud

Lianne Udin

Jessica Mcnamara 72 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Svetlakova Ekaterina Hong Luu

NAILCOMPETITION

Bethan Lewis Anita Chahal

Anita Sinclair

Kara Penny Kerry Snowball

Ivana Prokic

Toni Rodway Jodie Wood

Lucy Houghton

>> SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 73

NAILCOMPETITION

Anita Chahal Johnny Grenda

Leanne Marlow

Nicole Evans

Ania Kesiak

Tanya Jeskins

Natasja Miles 74 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Marie Ibbotson

Melanie Garlick

NAILCOMPETITION

Catherine Burns

Nicole Gutierrez-Lock

Kristy Peacock

Scarlett Abigail

Liza Wilshire

Ioana Cristescu

Susan Strijbosch

Stephanie Mlynek

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 75

SALONSPOTLIGHTS

Through the

Keyhole Take a peek inside salon setups across the UK as Scratch unlocks each door…

The Nailroom / Rachel Lunn Nails & Training

Location: Birtley, Gateshead

Following a move into private training, Rachel Lunn needed a dedicated space for students, and found a location to suit both her salon and training needs in September 2014. “The space had been a charity shop and vet clinic, so had a lot of local history attached to it,” Rachel explains. “I was born along the same road, and my late father had pounded the street as a policeman there, so it felt right as soon as I walked in.” The space boasts a nail room and two beauty rooms, with a training centre on the second floor. “I also offer the training room to other educators who wish to deliver courses, whether in nails or something different,” Rachel continues. The talented pro, who scooped the Scratch Stars Award for Educator of the Year in 2019, offers L&P, gel polish, builder gel, hard gel and acrygel enhancements from her salon premises, alongside luxury manicures and pedicures. “I am the only nail technician at The Nailroom and also offer beauty treatments such as waxing, brows and spray tanning,” she shares. “I’m joined in the salon by Catherine, who has been with me since 2015. She works in one of the beauty rooms offering semi-permanent make-up on a self-employed basis.” The salon boasts dark, gothic décor and Rachel named it ‘The Nailroom’ as she wanted it to be somewhere akin to a living room, where clients feel comfortable and relaxed. “The nail room gets a lot of natural light, so I could choose dark décor,” Rachel reveals. “I am a bit of a rock chick and wanted to incorporate this look into the old building. Pipes are on show to maintain an industrial feel, and my modern colour choices work with a traditional style. The mustard-coloured ceiling is a talking point and my favourite part of the salon. I love the space!” The Nailroom

@rachel.lunn_nails

Do you want to be featured on this page? Scan here to submit your salon or setup

Beauty with Jess Location: Stoke-on-Trent

Originally a storage space for her local pet shop, Jessica Lovatt set to work creating a stunning salon environment at a premises in Bucknall in November 2021. “I’ve been in the industry since 2010, previously renting a small room within a salon, so this space was a lot bigger than what I was used to,” Jessica reveals. The premises features neutral tones to support a calm atmosphere. “I wanted my salon space to feel like a small spa,” she continues. “Clients can enjoy a chat during their treatment or simply relax. I feel the muted tones help facilitate this.” Jessica offers gel and L&P enhancements, builder gel services and gel polish styling. “I also offer a wide range of beauty treatments including massages and facials, and am looking into expanding my treatment range further,” she reveals. “Builder gel and detailed nail art are the most popular treatments and I mainly work with The GelBottle Inc and Magpie Beauty products. I love the colours available and my clients do, too. “I feel happiest when I’m doing a facial, massage, or any other holistic treatment in my little beauty room,” Jessica smiles. “I can’t believe that this is what I call work! I feel very lucky to do what I love and feel so passionate about.” Beauty with Jess 76 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

@beautywithjess21

STAND G18

Tech for NEWCOLUMN

Techs

REBECCA HITCHON gets the scoop on high-tech launches, decodes hot topics & sources tech-savvy tips for your business This month marks several occasions promoting wellness: World Mental Health Day (10 October) and National Work/Life Balance Week (10-14 October). While wellness should be promoted year-round, these events provide the perfect opportunity to reflect on how to better your wellbeing – especially as almost one in seven experience mental health issues in the workplace, according to The Mental Health Foundation. Technology may not seem like an obvious solution, but it can provide ways to reduce mental strain caused by working. Here’s how…

Uplift your senses

Our senses are linked to our mood, with smell most closely connected to the brain region related to emotion. Research shows that sound also has a huge emotional impact, often helping to reduce anxiety. Devices like Ellia’s Adore Diffuser harness the senses, dispersing essential oil-infused mist, playing relaxing and uplifting sounds, and emitting a calming, colour-changing glow – with functions controlled via a remote.

Homedics Ellia Adore Diffuser £47.99 + VAT www.salon-services.com

Tune in

Mental health struggles are often lonely experiences, so hearing the stories of others can be a source of comfort. In the Clawgasmic Nail Tech Talks podcast episode, ‘Never lose your twinkle’ with Zaara from @zaaraking, Clawgasmic’s Chantelle Vermont and beauty therapist & coach, Zaara King, discuss the mental demands of tekking and tips for better wellbeing. Listen here

Take time away

Regular breaks from work are vital to maintain good mental health, but making this happen can be tricky. Focus tools to filter notifications can prove beneficial and are available on both Apple and Android devices. Creating automated Instagram and Facebook messages explaining that you will respond at another time can also help you to relax. Check that your accounts are set up as business profiles, before linking them to Meta Business Suite to enable automated replies in ‘Settings’.

Connect with the community Opening up to someone during challenging times isn’t easy, which is why chatbots and voice assistants are being increasingly used as a form of interaction. (Did you know that Alexa gives wellbeing tips?) However, what this software cannot do is mirror the real-life friendship, common ground and support that pros offer. So why not reach out to a tech you admire on Instagram or join one of Facebook’s many nail-related groups?

Make management simple Image courtesy of Timely

How much time do you spend on admin work? Such responsibilities can add stress to your already busy role, but there are a number of apps to ease the burden, including Timely, Booksy, Treatwell, Storefront and Pocket PA. They offer a booking system for clients and can automatically send confirmations, reminders and invoices, while bringing client records, sales tracking and more together in one place.

78 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

NEWS BYTE

Swedish beauty-tech brand, FOREO, has marked the launch of its LUNA 4 collection with the release of five nonfungible tokens (NFTs), each available in 50 variants. It becomes the first skincare brand to launch NFT versions of products before their physical launch, and is giving all proceeds to mental health and skin charities, Tjejzonen, Hope Givers and National Scleroderma Foundation.

SALONDESIGN

BOUJEE ON A CHLOE RANDALL explores ways to spruce up your nail space for a minimal cost…

budget Second hand shopping

For salon accessories and more, consider the options below for sustainable approaches to redecoration.

1. Facebook Marketplace Is your nail space in need of a refresh? While you may consider redecorating or sprucing up a space to be a costly expense, it’s important to present your beauty business in a clean and beautiful environment to keep clients interested. Whether you wish to update your furniture or add displays to the salon walls, creating an Instagrammable nail space is possible with any budget. Scratch explores ways to renovate your setup without spending to excess...

80 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Facebook Marketplace is a section of the social network where individuals and businesses can advertise their unwanted items. It is an opportunity to buy pre-loved items from local or national sellers and communicate quickly and easily. The search bar tool allows you to search for the item you are looking for in the area you are based. www.facebook.com/marketplace

2. Charity Shops Buying items and furniture from charity shops is a great way to purchase lowcost accessories and donate to a worthy cause.

3. eBay eBay is an online shopping site that is best known for consumer-to-consumer sales. Users can bid online for items or buy straight away. Available in many different countries, it is also extremely popular for online merchants to use as a sales channel. www.ebay.co.uk

4. Gumtree Gumtree is an online classified advertisement and community website. Users can post their ad on the website for the item they are selling and arrange purchase with the buyer. www.gumtree.com

5. Preloved Preloved is a website for users to advertise or buy an item, speak directly to the seller and confirm price and delivery/collection details. Alternatively, if you are looking to sell existing items, it is a free way to generate income. www.preloved.co.uk

6. Etsy Etsy is a great platform to support small businesses and buy personalised pieces. You can communicate with sellers to discuss bespoke creations, and read reviews about who you are buying from. www.etsy.com

SALONDESIGN

Be aware!

Layout

If you are renting a space in a high street or shopping centre, there may be some rules you have to follow. It is imperative that you check these before decorating the salon so you know what you can and can’t do with the space. Scan here to read the UK government’s Commercial Rent Code of Practice

Before redecorating, consider the layout of your space and the client journey. What do they see when they first walk in, and when they’re sitting at the nail desk? Can you make the options in their line of sight more exciting? Planning the layout of your salon is key as it allows you to make the most of the space you have, so you know what type of look you can create. If the space is relatively small, then you want to make choices that will make it feel bigger than it is.

Upcycling

Consider upcycling existing items to save outlay. Ways to upcycle include: • Applying a fresh coat of paint. • Creating a hanging display using old nail polish bottles (after cleaning them and spraying them with a coloured paint). • Repurposing wood to be used as a shelf to display your products or retail offerings.

Make it accessible

Staghouse Salon, New Jersey, uses upcycled wardrobe doors to decorate the reception desk.

Instagram.com/staghouse.themaneloft

Wilko Enamel Spray Paint in Metallic Silver £7 inc VAT www.wilko.com

TECH TALK: Sian Morrissey, Nirvana Nail & Beauty Lounge “I opened my salon in July and as a mother of four children, it needed to be decorated on a budget,” reveals Sian.

Instagram.com/wessonality2.0

Get arty

Featuring art in your salon is a great way to add some colour to the walls and put your own stamp on the space. Creating the art yourself is not only a conversation point with clients, but can be considerably cheaper than purchasing artwork.

Shelving unit

“For my product storage, I bought the Ikea Kallax from Facebook Marketplace and attached legs to give it a more expensive and elevated look. As for the shelving units, I wanted gold shelving units but ones I found were quite expensive, so I purchased black shelves and sprayed them gold instead.

Invest in a canvas and try your hand at Marion Wesson showcases abstract art, or have a framed photo of abstract art on a salon wall. a nail concept you have created, like our entrants in this year’s The Great Scratch Shoot Out photographic competition. Turn to page 70 to be inspired!

Salon No.100 showcases a balloon display for Halloween courtesy of The Little Blue Balloon.

Pampas grass

Instagram.com/thelittleblueballoon

Your salon window is the first impression of your business to new and existing clients, so why not make it memorable? Use this space to promote special offers or your contact details to passers-by, or decorate it beautifully to make it a spot for clients to pose in front of; a great marketing method when shared on social media. You can also make your salon window display seasonal to add an extra element of fun. Consider balloons and timely decorations, which can be purchased at a low cost if you shop around. Visit www.thesignbuilder.co.uk to create vinyl lettering for your window display.

“I love the boucle look and after seeing some boxes in Home Bargains, I bought them to complement the look of the salon and increase my storage space.”

An illuminating Christmas display at Eden Hair & Beauty with stunning red wreaths.

“I was keen to buy a wall display made from pampas grass, however it was out of my budget, so I created my own. It’s now my favourite part of the salon!

Sign Instagram.com/edenhair.haslemere

Window displays

When planning your salon design, don’t try to cram in too many nail desks in the hope that you can service more clients at a time. When measuring up, you may think you have the space to fit everything in, but once your furniture is in place, alongside your products and your team, it could start to look overcrowded. Think about how your team and clients will move around the space and consider those with mobility issues.

“Another bargain was my name sign. I purchased MDF letters from Crafty Pig, which were around £1.30 each and I sprayed them gold. I’m really pleased with how it looks – it is so effective!” /Nirvana Nail & Beauty Lounge @x.nails_by_sian.x

>> SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 81

SALONDESIGN Instagram.com/taylor_atthebeautique

Waiting area Your waiting area is the first part of the salon your clients may see, so make sure it is a comfortable one. Feature magazines and your nail art or colour swatch book on a coffee table, and add some cushions onto a sofa or chair for extra comfort. Homesense Coffee Table

£22.99 inc VAT www.homesense.com

Matalan Linen Look Cushion in Neutral £5 inc VAT www.matalan.co.uk

Taylor At The Boutique’s neutral waiting room is comfortable for clients with soft cushions and reading materials.

Homesense Beige Knitted Cushion £4.99 inc VAT www.homesense.com

Wall quotes

Inspire your clients while they have a nail treatment with images of inspirational quotes on the wall. Purchasing these in a shop can be expensive, so why not make your own and choose the exact quote you want? Using Canva, you can create a design for Lydia Trenfield of @she_naild_it has your quote with your chosen playful nail quotes on her salon walls. font and colour in the correct sizing, print it off and put in a frame of your choice.

COLOUR CODE

Some iconic nail-related quotes are: • “Coffee. Nails. Sleep. Repeat.” • “Never judge a colour by its first coat.” • “I’m over it… but I’m bringing it up to my nail tech.” • “Everything is better when you are wearing new, gorgeous nails.”

Mirror, mirror

Featuring mirrors in the salon will help make your space look larger, according to Mirror City. A few large mirrors, as oppose to many small ones, can create the illusion that your salon is spacious.

Instagram.com/ukiyo.prints

According to Business2Community, using red in your marketing and signage can increase sales, as it is the colour of power and grabs attention. Use red to market your retail offerings and catch the eyes of clients, particularly if you are running a sale.

Smile for the camera!

Polaroid images are showcased by @ukiyo.prints.

If you are looking to fill some empty wall space while on a budget, try the idea of a ‘Polaroid wall’. Hang pictures of the team and your favourite client photos to add a personal touch, and update regularly. All you need is some pegs, fishing wire and a Polaroid camera – or software that adds this frame effect to photos.

82 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

George Black Lozenge Mounted Mirror £12 inc VAT www.george.com

TOP TIP:

Opt for LED bulbs to save money on your energy bills. LED bulbs consume less electricity and have a longer operational lifetime than traditional bulbs, according to Energy.gov.

SALONDESIGN

Storage efficiency

Bespoke Salon Furniture is a brand that can work with you on bespoke projects to create your dream furniture, in a size and shade to suit your space. Offering nail desks, storage units, reception desks, barber stations and storage trolleys, visit www.bespokesalonfurniture.co.uk to find out more.

Instagram.com/opicyprus

If your salon space is quite small, storing products in an aesthetically pleasing manner may prove challenging. Use wall space to showcase nail products in a way that meets the theme of your salon. You could even upcycle a piece of wood to create a shelf and spray paint it a colour of your choice.

Brand spotlight: Bespoke Salon Furniture

@opicyprus proudly presents its OPI product range on grey shelves.

Solid Wooden Wall Shelf with Label Plaques £59 inc VAT www.cuckooland.com

Plants

Adding nature to the salon brings a fresh vibe to the space, but can also add costs. Choose a selection of artificial plants to add some greenery to your space as according to the Royal Horticultural Society, indoor plants improve mood.

Primark Black Ceramic Embellished Faux Plant Pot £4 inc VAT www.primark.com

Affordable flooring

REM Glam Lux Salon Retail Unit with LED Light £940 + VAT www.rem.co.uk

At Discount Flooring Depot, you can buy affordable flooring in the material of your choice and you can request free samples to check you like the look in your salon before making the purchase. Vinyl, linoleum and laminate are known as the cheapest flooring materials.

Wall decals

Wall stickers are a quick, easy and cheap way to update your salon interior design, adding your own personal touch and style. They can be removed at any time and won’t leave a mark on your walls. Check out Etsy for wall decal inspo!

Brooklyn Sticker Shop from £32.45 inc VAT www.etsy.com

Monaco Nail Bar from £790 + VAT www.rem.co.uk

THE LUXE LOOK

Make a statement with the Monaco Nail Bar from REM. Available as a one or two position unit, the contemporary Monaco Nail Bar comes with an LED light bar and acetone-resistant work surface. With two drawers and one cupboard (on each position), there is plenty of storage space and any cables can be hidden with the integral cable management port. This desk is available in any laminate out of the REM range and allows you to pick a colour combination to suit your preference.

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 83

Instagram.com/brooklynstickershop

Investing in high quality furniture with a good amount of storage is paramount in a busy space with plenty of product. For an option that will stand the test of time, invest in an item from REM. The company offers a wife range of salon furniture options to choose from, with the colours and materials tailored to the look of your salon.

SCRATCHCOLUMNIST

STYLE WITH

e i d a S

‘ Creative nail expert & content creator for TGB & Peacci, SADIE JORDAN, shares on-trend nail styles, tips & steps

Spooktacular nailspo

alloween is one of the most enjoyable and creative holidays in the nail art world, affording a wealth of opportunity for design. Whether your client chooses a style to match a costume or simply embrace the season, Halloween nails are so much fun to create, regardless of your nail art skill level.

When it comes to the daunting task of choosing a design, selecting a theme first can help. Some techs choose cute Halloween nails with a spooky twist, and others may opt for hand-painted gore. Each year, I choose a design to match my costume Spooky meets or create a spiritual in this style with a assorted nail cute edge. design by

A colourful corpse bride by @nailz_by_dev.

@had_nails.

Some of my favourite spooky season nail artists include Holli Anna (@had_nails), Alana Lawson (@trickortreatnails), Aimee White (@spellboundxnails) and Devin Streebler (@nailz_by_dev). These artists @spellboundxnails features ghosts, have sought inspiration from spider webs and a nod to Beetlejuice horror films and the spiritual in this black and white mani. realm to produce amazing designs – not just for October but all year round!

STEP-BY-STEP: Spooky spirits For this month’s tutorial, I was inspired by @trickortreatnails, who created these spooky (but very cute!) ghost nails using Blooming Gel. My take on the design uses products from The GelBottle Inc. Step 1 Following prep and an application of your chosen TGB Base Coat or DesignEx Pro Tips, paint two coats of TGB in Jet Black onto the nail and cure. Step 2 Apply a thin layer of Blooming Gel to the entire nail, but do not cure. Step 3 Place small dots of TGB in Daisy onto the wet Blooming Gel. Step 4 Allow the white colour to ‘bloom’ and spread for a few seconds. Step 5 Using a detail brush and Jet Black, paint three small oval shapes onto each white blob to create eyes and a mouth. Cure. Step 6 Apply Extreme Shine Top Coat to finish the look and cure.

NEED INSPO? CUTE THEMES: • Corpse bride • Kawaii pumpkins & bats • Slime drips • Skeletons & bones • Flames • Spider webs • Ghosts 84 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

GORY THEMES: • Chucky • Brain print • Blood spatter • Eyeballs • Stitches • Coffins • Scream

Follow Sadie:

@sadiejnails

The GelBottle Inc products are available via www.thegelbottle.com @the_gelbottle_inc

/thegelbottleinc /TheGelBottleInc

STAND E44

P I E R C I N G YO U C A N T R U S T

OVER FOUR DECADES OF PIERCING EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE Studex are the world’s largest manufacturer of piercing equipment and have an established team who can support your business to successfully launch, grow and sustain your piercing service. Contact us today for information on our competitive Starter Kits, FREE on site training and tailored marketing assets.

STUDEX UK LTD. | studex@studexuk.co.uk | 01733 232350 | www.studexuk.com

FREEPHONE 0800 252172

BUSINESSMATTERS

SPACE

invaders

Are you considering a more flexible working routine? CHLOE RANDALL explores the opportunities to rent a nail space as & when it suits

Working as a freelance nail professional has become a more attractive option since the Covid-19 pandemic, with pros recognising the flexibility it allows alongside a reduction in regular overheads. Responding to this shift, a number of businesses have turned their attention to space renting; offering nail pros the opportunity to hire spaces to use at their leisure. Space renting offers nail and beauty professionals the opportunity to work in an environment free from long-term commitments. It also offers the chance to attract new clients, by working alongside other professionals – and often in a different area. Scratch shines a spotlight on space hiring initiatives and chats to a tech about her experience renting a nail space...

TECH TALK: Danielle Sarah Viney “The benefit of renting a space is the flexibility it affords, as you can work around your lifestyle and use the space only when you have clients booked in,” reveals Danielle, who rents a nail desk at Revive Hair, Beauty & Training Academy in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire. “Another benefit is the chance to gain clients, as they visit the salon for alternative treatments then see that nail services are also available. Danielle Sarah Viney

“Challenges that come with renting a space include quiet spells. I pay a hire fee for the space I rent, but any free appointment slots means I am losing out on making money during that time. “However, there are great opportunities that come with renting a nail desk. It can help you build a foundation on which to then afford your own salon, if that is a goal. “Renting works for me because it is easy and convenient, as I can work as and when I wish. I also have children, so I avoid paying for childcare as I am able to work around them and their needs.” /daniellesarahnails

@daniellesarahnails

“Space renting offers nail and beauty professionals the opportunity to work in an environment free from long-term commitments.”

HOTPATCH

HotPatch is a platform through which space owners (‘hosts’) can offer their ‘Patch’ for professionals to hire on a flexible basis. To advertise a space is simple; a host needs to upload images of the space alongside details about what is included for prospective users, such as nail and beauty pros. To explore Patches, visit the beauty section on the HotPatch website and filter and browse by price and equipment. You can also ask the host questions before making a booking request. If the host has availability, the booking will be accepted and you can get ready to work in your chosen patch on the basis agreed. “HotPatch is great for any nail pro,” comments Katie Lee, Patch development manager. “If you are just starting out, we can help you find somewhere with a more professional setting that you may be ready to move into. Alternatively, you may want to take more control of your work schedule and work on a flexible basis without any inflexible contracts and commitments. You can pick your days, a space that suits you and take it from there. HotPatch is a great way to network and meet new clients, hosts and so much more.” Katie Lee

www.hotpatch.com

86 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

/hotpatchmakesspacework

@hotpatch_

BUSINESSMATTERS URBAN RETREAT COLLECTIVE Founded by esteemed entrepreneur, George Hammer, Urban Retreat Collective is another vine of the Urban Retreat beauty business. It offers beauty, hair and wellness professionals the opportunity to run their own business, independently but as part of a community, from The White House venue in Knightsbridge. The space features beauty suites and therapy rooms of various sizes, alongside nail, make-up and hair stations and a fitness and wellness studio. With no obligation to use a specific brand, members of the Collective can set their own hours, services and rates, working for a minimum commitment of half a day per week. There is the added benefit of a booking system and personal microsite hosted on the Urban Retreat website. Each Collective member can also be included in marketing materials, events and have access to a community of like-minded beauty professionals. What is required? • Three years+ experience. • Accredited qualifications and certifications in all modalities/treatments offered by the therapist. • Professional insurance. • An existing client base. For further information, visit www.urbanretreat.co.uk

HUNTER COLLECTIVE

Hunter Collective is a membership programme for freelance hair and beauty professionals. It offers two spaces, which professionals can rent to work or host an event. Hunter Collective does not take any commission from earnings, instead charging a flat rate for the space used.

THE SPACES: Rosebery Rosebery Loft Space is located in the heart of Clerkenwell, adjacent to Exmouth Market. The property is situated within a short walking distance of Farringdon, Kings Cross, Chancery Lane and Angel underground stations. With a Brooklyn, New York loft vibe, the space has high ceilings, exposed brick, bespoke furniture and plenty of plants. It is situated on the second floor. “Since opening in June 2022, we have had immense support and positive feedback from our growing community of freelance hair and beauty experts, along with demand from brands wanting to utilise the space for press days, hair and beauty education, shoots and product launches,” says Lacey Hunter-Felton, co-founder of Hunter Collective. “Our vision when opening HC Rosebery was to create an evolved, premium workspace to empower our community. We welcome all beauty experts to elevate their independent businesses in our spaces, and to collaborate as a collective. The future is freelance.” www.huntercollective.global

/huntercollective.global

Spitalfields The Spitalfields space is a newly renovated Georgian townhouse, located just a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street Station. The space has two floors, with lots of natural light, large windows, plants and unique salon features. Featuring six styling stations, three premium back wash basins and a colour bar, the space also has trollies to use, a kitchen and a space away from the styling area. @hunter.collective SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 87

BUSINESSMATTERS

What is a

circular economy? Explore how you can reduce consumption & waste in the nail space with advice from JESS RIGG, project manager at Green Salon Collective

ABOUT GREEN SALON COLLECTIVE Green Salon Collective (GSC) was founded in 2020 by environmental experts, campaigners and beauty professionals to help member salons in the UK and Ireland responsibly dispose of their waste. Its recycling, education and accreditation programmes enable salons and other hair and beauty businesses to become true ethical and sustainable businesses. The circle in GSC’s logo represents the circular economy that it is creating within the industry. With each decision it makes, it considers how it will benefit the industry, environment and/or community. GSC contributes to this circular economy by sending nothing to landfill, working with businesses to ensure that waste is converted into something useful, and using any profits to support local charities and tree planting efforts.

raditionally, humans have taken or extracted materials from the natural world, often causing great harm to ecosystems and wildlife. These materials, products and packaging are then used – in many cases, just once. When we feel we no longer want or need things, we simply throw them away. This is the take-makewaste model of a linear economy and is unquestionably outdated. Our current linear economy is causing largescale and sometimes irreparable harm to our planet, and thus to people and animals. Some of the environmental issues arising from this system are resource scarcity, biodiversity loss and mass extinction, plastic pollution, environmental degradation, global warming and climate change. Social issues arising from it include poverty, inequality, job insecurity, poor working conditions, poor access to clean water and sanitation, and lack of access to quality education. One of the most troubling things about the climate crisis is that the people and animals with little or no involvement in causing these issues are often those that are most affected.

What does a circular economy look like? A circular economy is based on reducing consumption, waste and pollution through better design of materials, products and packaging. It also works to ensure the return of those goods back into the system, where they can be reused, repaired or recycled. The five Rs of a circular economy, according to MeetthefiveRs, a platform promoting a circular system, are: Reduce – Reuse – Recycle – Repair – Return At its core, a circular economy involves keeping goods ‘in the loop’ for as long as possible, if not indefinitely. Ideally, beauty and hair businesses and salons can create their own closed loop systems to eliminate the

88 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

need for virgin or non-renewable materials, resources and energy. A circular economy also looks to regenerate natural ecosystems and repair the damage inflicted by the linear economy.

Examples of the five Rs in action: Reduce: Reducing salon towel waste by using one towel per client visit. Reuse: Investing in sturdy and reusable, rather than disposable, tools and equipment. Recycle: Sending plastic packaging waste to local recyclers through Green Salon Collective, so they can transform it into valuable products for the industry. Repair: Investing in equipment made by manufacturers who allow for repair and regular maintenance. Return: Ensuring the return of used materials (waste) to reliable recycling businesses like GSC.

What you can do There is no such thing as ‘waste’ in natural ecosystems. One organism’s waste inevitably becomes food for another. Life on our planet has evolved in this way in near-perfect balance for millions of years, and we should take note. It is Green Salon Collective’s challenge to find ways to transform waste into valuable materials for other processes, and so remove the need for landfill and eradicate pollution. Businesses in particular have a crucial role to play in making the circular economy a reality. This starts with looking at exactly what is going into your business and what goes out. Input can include products, packaging, energy and water. Output can include plastics, food waste, electronics and chemicals. Email hello@greensaloncollective.com to book a free session with a GSC representative to find out about the solutions it offers for your beauty business.

www.greensaloncollective.com /greensaloncollective @greensaloncollective

GIRLPOWER Who – Catriona Leith of The Nail Studio What – Hazel Dixon Nail Artist Academy joint head of education & Akzentz educator Where – Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire Why – a multi-award winning tech with a passion for competing and education

Scratch As she celebrates two r a decade e v o & s in w d ar aw rs Sta ail stylist, in nails, educator & n , shares H IT E L A N IO R T A C inspirations ry st u d in & ry o st er re her ca

P U G N I H CATC

T A C H WIT

What sparked your interest in nails? I started my nail journey at a salon owned by industry pros, Clare Wood and Lyndsay McIntosh. I met Clare at college while doing a beauty therapy course and offered to work at the salon on Saturdays, in addition to my full-time job at a golf club. I was eager for some salon experience, and started to realise how much I loved nails. I went to a trade show to watch Clare and Lyndsay compete in various nail categories, and was in awe of what I saw. I love the creativity that this industry affords and saw Fantasy Nails for the first time – and that’s when I knew nail styling was my calling. As the salon became busier, I enquired about becoming a trainee and Clare and Lyndsay agreed to take me on in the role. I trained in London and spent the six months that followed practicing and building a client base. I was then able to quit my golf club job to focus on nails fulltime, and I’ve not looked back. What do you love about working in the nail industry? The industry is so fast-paced, and I love how quickly it evolves. Nail trends are so versatile and give each client and nail pro the ability to be expressive and experimental. There’s nothing I love more 90 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

than trying something new, or taking an idea and making it my own.

A nail style is so much more than a colour on the nail. It is a person’s identity and personality, and I love that I get to be a part of that process. From an educator perspective, I love seeing my students’ creative juices flow and watching them develop their own styles and identities. Who inspires you in this industry? I’m inspired by so many techs, and I’ve been lucky enough to train and work with some of them. Hazel Dixon is by far my biggest inspiration. Before I started working with Hazel, I had been following her work for years. Hazel competed and won the first year I entered a competition in 2009, and I’ve been in awe of how hard she works ever since. Her eye for precision and detail is second to none. I’m so proud to be able to work with her as she develops her brand. Kayley Cairns is another huge inspiration, as her drive and determination are unrivalled.

I also have huge admiration for Marian Newman, as what she does for the nail industry is like no other and without her voice, I don’t think the nail industry would have the respect it does.

What are the highlights of your career so far? Winning two Scratch Stars Awards earlier this year; One Stroke Artist of the Year and Gel Tech of the Year, and joining the Hazel Dixon Nail Academy education team. A Scratch Stars title is a huge accolade and I set myself the goal of achieving one. I’m so happy to have finally got there, and have no plans of stopping now! After fangirling over Hazel for years, I set my sights on working with her one day, so to be invited to join the HDNA education team in 2018 was a huge personal achievement, and I’m forever grateful to Hazel for giving me the opportunity.

GIRLPOWER

Tell us about your relationship with Hazel Dixon & HD Pro Nails… I love the HD team and am grateful that I get to work with incredible, inspiring nail techs and close friends. Hazel and I have formed such a strong bond over the last few years. We’re more than just work colleagues; she’s one of my best friends. I love working with her and we share the same values and work ethic. I have been appointed as joint head of education at HD Nail Academy alongside Kayley Cairns, and we work so well together. I’m proud of myself for achieving this title, as it means so much to me and really cements Hazel’s trust in us. I’m so excited for the future with HDNA and HD Pro Nails. What are your favourite HD Pro Nails products? The HD Art Gels are so versatile and easy to work with, and I

create all of my nail art with them. The HD Build it! Pro is a game changer; I use it on all my hard gel clients now. I also love the Flex It! range as it lasts so long, even on my heavy-handed clients. The One range is a base, colour and top coat in one; great for express treatments or adding gel to toes quickly at the end of a treatment. How did the pandemic change the way you work? I have adapted my home studio so that there is a space outside for clients and students to wait before appointments and classes. Regarding my working practice, nothing much has changed. I have always worn gloves when using nail products, worn masks when filing and cleaned in between each appointment.

>> SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 91

GIRLPOWER

Why did you enter the Scratch Stars Awards? I’ve competed throughout my whole career, but the Scratch Stars Awards is special because it acknowledges not just the skill, but the passion of the tech. There is a huge array of categories, so something for everyone. Whether you’re a great nail tech or you work behind the scenes at a nail company, it gives you a platform to showcase your skills. The judging is not just about what is presented at the competition day. The initial process whittles down entrants based on every aspect of their nail career, whether at the desk, online, on social media or through CPD.

Winning one stroke nails for the Scratch Stars Awards 2022.

Before this year, I had only competed in the Scratch Stars Awards when it moved online during the pandemic. At the competition day this year, I was so nervous, but as soon as I started chatting with the other finalists, I realised it was such a warm environment with genuine, like-minded nail techs. I felt so at ease with the judges, who were all so welcoming and not at all scary! Those that were at the awards night were open to give feedback too, Cat’s Scratch Star award-winning gel nails. which I appreciate a lot. What did it mean to you to win two Scratch Stars Awards? It meant everything to win, and to win both was sensational. When explaining it to 92 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

“I believe that nothing comes for free; you have to put the hours in, work hard and take advantage of every opportunity offered to you.”

my family, who don’t know much about the nail industry, I described it as ‘the Oscars of the nail world’, and that’s exactly how it felt to win. They are such huge accolades and I am so proud of myself. The moment my name was read out, I was in complete shock, because the other finalists’ work was incredible, any one of us would have been a worthy winner. I was incredibly happy. To have been handed the One Stroke Artist of the Year award by Hazel was really special, as she knew how many hours of practice I’d put in. How has winning at the Scratch Stars Awards changed your working life? It’s been amazing. My clients and students have been so kind, and they love saying that they get their nails done or are trained by an award-winning artist. Regularly competing in competitions such as the Scratch Stars Awards makes

you focus on your skill set, as we are our own biggest critic. I’m lucky to have been offered more opportunities since my wins, so I can see my workload becoming busier, but that’s exciting and I’m going to make the most of every opportunity available to me. What advice do you have for techs wanting to compete? Get as much advice as you can from those in the know. Speak to previous winners and judges, work out what category you really feel passionate about and go for it! Read the rules and score sheets beforehand and if there’s something you’re not completely sure about, then ask the organisers before you start. The score sheets give you all the access you need to how you can win those precious points, for example you may have perfect C-curves and score a perfect 10

GIRLPOWER

but lose easy points if your desk is disorganised. It’s about every aspect of your work. What has been key to your success? Work ethic. I believe that nothing comes for free; you have to put the hours in, work hard and take advantage of every opportunity offered to you. When I first started out in nails, I used all my spare time to practice, whether it was nail art, application or perfecting finishing techniques. I strived to be better, and I continually work hard at that. What are your hopes for your future in nails? After being appointed joint head of education at HD Nail Academy, I am excited to work alongside Hazel, Kayley and the rest of the team to develop and run its courses. I’m also excited to be working with Hazel on product launches, research and development. I can’t wait to be a team leader again at the Nail Safari event at Shepreth Wildlife Park in November, as this year’s educators

are out of this world! I look forward to getting stuck in and meeting all the delegates, as it’s such an incredible week. www.thenailstudiocambridge.co.uk /thenailstudiocb @thenailstudiocb

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 93

£6 Million Professional, Public & Product Liability

Join us at the

ABT Event

Sunday Morning Session: 9.30am – 1.30pm Sunday Afternoon Session: 2pm – 6pm Monday Morning Session: 10am – 1.30pm Monday Afternoon Session: 1.30pm – 5pm

SEE YOU THERE! As a member of ABT you will get early access to the show on Sunday and VIP Fast Track entry across both days of the event via our very own ‘blue carpet’ entrance. Explore the show before anyone else and see the latest trends and product launches within the industry. For those of our members who qualify you will also gain access to the Salon and Spa owners club, hosted by Olympia Beauty with further seminars, talks, and cafe.

Sunday AM: 9.30am - 6pm | Monday AM 10.00am - 5pm

Marketing, Social Media and Mail Chimp Amelia Black, will take you through all the marketing opportunities, brand exposure and various support ABT can offer you and your business as a member, Accredited member or company with exciting products for the industry.

Sunday AM: 12.00pm - 12.30pm | Monday AM 10.30am - 11.00am Sunday PM: 4.00pm - 4.30pm | Monday PM 2.00pm - 2.30pm

Patch testing - you thought it was your nemesis but is it’s actually your best friend? Ruth Sullivan from good to glo is here to tell you the mountain of reasons this one simple process is your businesses best ally with a live demo and Q&A

Sunday AM: 11.00am - 11.30am | Monday AM 11.00am - 11.30am Sunday PM: 3.00pm - 3.30pm | Monday PM 2.30pm - 3.00pm

Insurance - The Basics of Understanding Your Policy Lucy Bruton is Balens Commercial Manager and is responsible for devising and arranging insurance products such as Commercial property and equipment packages, clinics, health and beauty centres. From training schools to business involved in the retail distribution of health and beauty products. Lucy has been supporting ABT on the Beauty Insurance Scheme for many years, and has a great deal of knowledge and understanding of the insurance requirements within the profession so will be making sure you know the basics of your policy.

Sunday AM: 11.30am - 12.00am | Monday AM 11.30am - 12.00am Sunday PM: 3.30pm - 4.00pm | Monday PM 3.00pm - 3.30pm

Stand F01 ABT Event Olympia Room ABT Event free of charge for members. Charged at £50 for non-members

Including Treatment Risk Insurance Provided by Zurich Insurance

Ways to Gain Exposure with ABT Amelia Black, will take you through all the marketing opportunities, brand exposure and various support ABT can offer you and your business as a member, Accredited member or company with exciting products for the industry.

Sunday AM: 12.00pm - 12.30pm | Monday AM 10.30am - 11.00am Sunday PM: 4.00pm - 4.30pm | Monday PM 2.00pm - 2.30pm

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures: Trends and How to Prepare for Regulation In March this year, an Amendment to the Health and Care Bill was proposed, giving the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care the power to introduce a licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures. The push towards regulation has, however, been on the cards for some time now. As such during this talk we will explore the rationale behind the proposed regime and the various ways it may impact the industry moving forward. We will also discuss trends we have seen arising from cases concerning non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and how to ensure that you and your business are prepared for the new regulations.

Monday AM 12.00pm - 12.30pm | Monday PM 3.30pm - 4.00pm

Insurance Claims, Trends and Legalities Liza Lambert is Balens Claims Manage, it is when a client experiences a complaint or potential claim situation that the main benefit of insurance comes to the fore along with Liza and her team. Professionalism, care and experience help support our clients through the claims process from the initial call to the settlement or closure of the incident, which can be very difficult and distressing. Liza will be talking all things claims, trends and legalities to make sure you understand the process and preventative measures you could put in place to help you if a claim were to be made a against you.

Sunday AM: 12.30pm - 1.00pm | Monday AM 11.30am - 12.00am Sunday PM: 4.30pm - 5.00pm | Monday PM 3.00pm - 3.30pm

Organiser Address Ian Archbold, Managing Director of Olympia Beauty Show and Industry leading nail magazine, Scratch, will be addressing our members on their attendance to the show, tips on becoming the exhibitors of the future and providing key ways to gain the most from your time at Olympia Beauty.

Sunday AM: 1.00pm - 1.15pm | Monday AM 1.00pm - 1.15pm

NA I L s g n i p Clip SCRATCHMEDIA

❤

...

The chic and sophisticated half-moon mani offers a nod to 1920s nail trends and never goes out of style. Seek inspiration from our fellow pros and experiment with colour or add a twist on the look with seasonal nail artistry.

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

A delectable design

j essMina

Instagram.com/leighannepinnock

.com/imar

om/Acc

Instagram

Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock opted for a baby boomer nail style for autumn, courtesy of celebrity nail stylist, Stephanie Staunton. The pop star posted a photo of her manicure on her InstaStory, thanking Stephanie for ‘fitting me in last min’.

POPPIN’ PINKY

Twitter.c

Instagra

Singer, Paloma Faith, rocked The GelBottle Inc’s Studio Gel™ Mirror Chrome on nail tips, courtesy of TGB ambassador, @imarninails.

wedit .com/overglo

96 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

CELEB MANI SPOT!

Instagram

m.com/p

olished_y

ogi

ninails

Instagram.co

m/onenailtor

Instagram

ulethemall

.com/hai

leybiebe

Hailey Bieber set the nail world alight with her delicate pink ‘glazed donut’ manicure, and the model has now put an autumnal spin on the nail look. She showed off equally sweet chocolatey shimmer nails on her TikTok and Instagram.

Nicki Minaj made headlines when one of her press-on nails popped off while performing at the VMAs. The coral-coloured and embellished enhancement was found by a fan and auctioned online for $55,000, plus $5 for shipping.

SCRATCHMEDIA

RED CARPET READY

Instagram.co

Instagram

.com/jenn

m/kimkardas

hian

idraperr

Session manicurist, Jenni Draper, tended to the fingers and toes of Julia Roberts ahead of the Ticket to Paradise film premiere, which also stars George Clooney. The actress had her nails prepped with PersoNAILity tools and painted with Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer in Take the Lead.

CELEB MANI SPOT!

Instagram.co

Celebrity manicurist, Tom Bachik, created a stunning baby boomer nail look for Jennifer Lopez’s wedding day, using Mia Secret products. The elegant almondshaped nails featured white flowers, a hummingbird and a smattering of sparkle. JLo and Ben Affleck married for a second time in front of their family and friends and opted for a minimal but meaningful theme.

m/tombachik

NAIL NUPTIALS

Kim Kardashian sported a micro French manicure for the campaign imagery for her Beats by Dre collection, created by @kimkimnails and @nailsbydiem using The GelBottle Inc shades in Marshmallow and Daisy.

Halo VIP, Tina Jane, tended to the nails of TV & West End star, Faye Brookes. She created a nude, classic nail look using Halo Gel Polish in Elise over a clear L&P acrylic overlay.

byjuanalvear

A Cetuem facial prepared a Miss England contestant for entry into the pageant’s ‘Bareface Top Model’ category – requiring her to be make-up free. Melisa Raouf, age 20, beat 28 competitors to scoop the title and said, “Cetuem skincare products gave me the confidence to then enter the Miss England semi-finals make-up free, after winning the Bareface Top Model round.” Raouf was the only make-up free contestant amongst the 40 contenders and made it to the last 16 semi-finalists. “This means a lot to me as I feel many girls wear make-up because they feel pressured to do so,” she continues. “We shouldn’t have to cover up our faces with make-up, and should instead be encouraged to look after our skin to keep it young, healthy and radiant, and cherish our natural beauty.”

Instagram.com/

Instagram

.com/tinaja

ne_nails

CAMERA READY WITH CETUEM

Celebrity nail artist, Juan Alvear, created this luxurious mani for drag queen and artist, Alexis Stone, for New York Fashion Week . Deeming the design ‘the most expensive nails this NYFW’, Alvear used real diamonds, opals, cubic zirconium and lead crystals.

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 97

NAILDESIGNS

@antajahdidthem reverses the shades in this aura-inspired manicure for a striking look across both hands.

New York-based nail artist, @ayumutksw, perfects this pretty and delicate aura style with iridescent flakes.

Embellishments and celestial styling elevate this dark aura design by @nailtechnextdoor on square enhancements.

Fingernails in

Focus

Embrace the effect of aura nails, a magical style that represents the wearer’s energy through colour

This subtle take on the aura trend by @korneliv.nails features airbrushed pops of pink and sparkle.

Nail artist, @mednails_, showcases different energy fields through colour in this striking style with silver details.

Ideal for autumn, these orange aura nails by @studio.arias are accentuated by silver chrome for a standout look.

Katherine at @houseofhuesco effortlessly blends calming shades of teal and green into a shimmery base.

Medium coffin Aprés Nail soft gel extensions provide a base for an airbrushed aura design courtesy of @nailsbysaryna.

Shades of green, blue and violet in this mani by @rebeccapaintsnails channel creativity, authenticity and growth.

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 98 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Autumn Offers

Valid through October and November 2022 only

PoliBuild Trial Kit

Buy 1 and get FREE Halo Prep & Scrub (worth £5.13)

FREE! £29.99

PoliBuild 40g Tubes

Buy any 2 and get FREE Liquid Control (worth £9.99) £19.99

£19.99

FREE!

Halo Elite Hard Gel Trial Kit

Buy 1 and get FREE Halo Gel Brush Size 6 (worth £7.59)

FREE! Halo Elite Hard Gel 15g Buy any 2 and get FREE Halo FlexiBond (worth £8.95)

from £13.27

FREE!

Halo Elite Buffer Files 2 pack 100/180 and 220/280 grit Save 20% - was £5.15, now £4.12

Place your orders via your local Distributor or at purenails.co.uk

HM-16304

STAND E20

THE POWER OF

CLEANER AIR The new standard in salon comfort! The Gelish® VORTEX™ has a smart, space-saving design with unparalleled airborne particle and dust collection, delivering cleaner air for you and your clients without compromising the speed of your e-file service.

SUPERCHARGED 4300 RPM FAN

ELEVATED FLIP STAND

PORTABLE & RECHARGEABLE

CONSISTENT POWER

PORTABLE & RECHARGEABLE NAIL DUST COLLECTOR

ULTRA SLIM & POWERFUL COMFORT DRIVEN • GO-ANYWHERE

AVAILABLE AT

gsgroupuk.com Georgie Smedley Group Phone: 01708 465900 www.gsgroupuk.com | Email: info@gsgroupuk.com

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE STYLES & PRODUCTS!