Posts by Rebecca Hitchon
How to master character nail art
If you or your clients are film fans, cosplay crazy, Disney holiday-goers or simply love sentimental or seasonal nail art, bring your favourite characters to life on nails with expert advice… Beginner level “Simple colour palette characters, like Mickey Mouse or Betty Boop, are great for beginners to create,” notes Emma Laverton of Fáilte Fae,…
Read MoreTikTok’s tips to get your beauty business noticed on the social media app
TikTok has unveiled the TikTok Beauty Playbook 2024, containing marketing advice and industry insights for SMEs (small to medium-sized enterprises). It reveals that relative to other platforms, TikTok users spend 25% more time viewing ads on the app, are 1.4x more likely to buy a product they saw on TikTok, and there is 40% better recall…
Read MoreConsidering employing a nail/beauty apprentice? Here’s what you need to know
The UK government’s Spring Budget at the start of March prompted dismay from industry bodies for its silence on support for apprentices. However, positive news came later in the month when the government announced plans to fully fund the cost of apprenticeships for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). So, why are apprenticeships beneficial? “With apprenticeships…
Read MoreNailchemy unveils packaging, pricing & product formulation rebrand
One evening in 2017, Hayley Partridge had a vision, in which she and her husband, Dave, were presenting a nail product at a trade show. Fast forward seven years and the pair has proven that a vision can become a reality, with professional nail brand, Nailchemy, thriving under their operation. Just like the magic that…
Read MoreNail talk: Hollystic Nails, Lancashire, on alternative bridal nail styles
Holly Morris-Last, owner of Hollystic Nails, Rawtenstall, chats to Scratch about offering alternative bridal nail designs… “I offer a bespoke nail design service which enables clients to use their wedding nails as an extension of their personality,” Holly reveals. “My service starts with a consultation, where I understand what the client’s personal style is and…
Read MoreWINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap May 2024
The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge for May has been announced as Gemma Dawson. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs to fit theme, Phoenix Fingernails, inspired by Nailympia Competitions’ phoenix-themed branding, in the bid to win free entry in up to three Nailympia London 2024 online categories. Entries were judged by Scratch senior news & features writer, Rebecca Hitchon, and…
Read MoreThe GelBottle Inc expands All-in-One BIAB™ builder gel nail range
Brighton-based professional nail brand, The GelBottle Inc (TGB), has added three shades to its All-in-One BIAB™ collection. Originally designed for use with The GelBottle Inc DesignEx Pro™ extensions, All-in-One BIAB™ is a soak-off, medium viscosity builder gel acting as a base coat, builder gel and top coat. The formula contains 50% less HEMA than TGB’s…
Read MoreNHBF launches Manifesto 2024 to promote value of hair & beauty industry
The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has unveiled its Manifesto 2024 at a parliamentary event. The Manifesto highlights the vital role the UK hair and beauty sector plays in creating jobs, supporting communities and promoting wellbeing, and sets out recommendations for the next government ahead of a general election. It was unveiled at an…
Read MoreSalon in the Spotlight: Nails With Kails, Andover, Hampshire
Kayleigh Watkins shares the story behind her home salon business, Nails With Kails: a space infused with personality and creativity… While facing redundancy from her full-time job in 2019, Kayleigh undertook some nail courses with Magpie Beauty. “I wanted to find a creative and therapeutic outlet, as well as future-proof an income for myself,” she…
Read MoreCreate ‘Out of This World’ nail looks with Light Elegance’s 12 summer shades
Light Elegance’s summer 2024 collection, Out of This World, has landed, with six cosmic crème colours and six galactic glitters. Taking inspiration from futuristic colours and fashion trends with a summer focus, the collection offers a spectrum of hues and embraces avant-garde elements. “We are excited to introduce the Out of This World collection: a…
Read MoreMet Gala 2024: 20 show-stopping celebrity nail looks from the red carpet
An annual celebration of fashion and style, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Met Gala fundraising event took place in New York last night (Monday 6 May 2024). The event honoured new exhibition, Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion, and welcomed celebrities to represent dress code, The Garden of Time, via their fashion, hair, make-up and nail choices.…
Read MoreTake nail styling to new heights with Gelish & Morgan Taylor’s 6 summer shades
Gelish and Morgan Taylor have unveiled the Up In The Air collection for summer 2024. It features six nail hues inspired by living a life filled with colour that is expressive, carefree and fun, from soft and subtle tones to bold brights. The shades are available in Gelish Soak Off Gel Polish, Morgan Taylor Nail…
Read MoreSalon in the Spotlight: Nail Angel Studley, Warwickshire
Bringing a creative flair to her West Midlands home salon, Anni Watson shares how she’s incorporated her artistic background and love for upcycling into Nail Angel Studley… “While starting a family over 20 years ago, I decided to qualify in nails. I always wanted to use my artistic talents, as I am a creative person…
Read MoreCTPA calls on UK government for dedicated animal-free chemical testing strategy
UK trade association, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), is calling on the UK government to publish a dedicated Non-Animal New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) strategy. Animal testing of cosmetic products and ingredients has been banned in the UK and EU since 2004 and 2009 respectively, and the UK and EU cosmetics industry has invested…
Read MoreOPI celebrates self-expression through nail colour with 12pc summer collection
OPI has launched its summer 2024 colour collection: My Me Era, featuring 12 energising crème nail shades. Inspired by the celebration of self-expression in all forms, the collection balances bold and playful brights with versatile earthy hues. These are available in OPI’s GelColor gel polish formula, boasting up to three weeks of wear and shine,…
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