Scratch Magazine December 2022 by scratchmagazine

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Nineteen years of... ®

Issue 236 Managing editor Helena Biggs helena.biggs@scratchmagazine.co.uk Publisher Scott Derbyshire scott.derbyshire@scratchmagazine.co.uk News & features writer Chloe Randall chloe.randall@scratchmagazine.co.uk News & features writer Rebecca Hitchon rebecca.hitchon@scratchmagazine.co.uk Copywriter Callie Iley callie.iley@scratchmagazine.co.uk Art editor Jessica Wilkie jess.wilkie@scratchmagazine.co.uk Group sales manager Ian Archbold ian.archbold@scratchmagazine.co.uk Accounts Lisa Ebbens lisa.ebbens@scratchmagazine.co.uk Co-founder Alex Fox Editorial/Advertising office 1 The Courtyard, Market Square, Westerham, Kent TN16 1AZ

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Contents DECEMBER 2022

FEATURES 18 26 30 32 36 40 44 58 74 80 82 86 92

Nail Tales From 2022

Scratch reflects on key nail events, industry achievements & news from the past 12 months

A-List Ambassador

Celebrity nail stylist, Harriet Westmoreland, reveals what her new role as OPI brand ambassador entails

Tax Returns: Your Questions Answered

Financial experts share advice for self-employed nail pros seeking to complete their tax return by 31 January

Tonal Talons

Check out top tips for choosing the right cover shade to suit your client’s skin tone

Profitable Partnerships

Explore how nail businesses have raised their profile & profits through partnerships

The Power Of 3

Internationally renowned nail artist, Celina Rydén, shares three products to ignite creativity & promote self-care

32 52

Merry Manicures

Fill clients with festive cheer as Scratch puts the focus on Christmas nail art styles & seasonal product picks

Trainers On Tour

Follow Footlogix educator, Metta Francis, as she journeys to Belgium for a training event with the brand

Spread The Word

Educators share the methods they use to successfully market their nail & beauty courses

Time’s Ticking

Struggling to keep your appointments to time? Techs offer time management pointers & share how to appease waiting clients

Power In Beauty

An award-winning nail pro unveils a powerful photo shoot that aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse

Planet Positive Packaging

Embrace eco solutions & discover how to incorporate planet-friendly packaging solutions into your nail business

Future Forecasts

Take a look at the nail & beauty trends set to dominate in the New Year

REGULARS

10 20 22 28 38 52 54 62 64 66 68 70 72 78 84 90 96 98

Nail Nation The Scratch Scoop The Hot List Calendar Girl Business Matters Course Bites Tech For Techs Readers Gallery The Force Of The Feds Through The Keyhole Company Spotlight Industry Initiative Tech Talk Just Add Glitter Style With Sadie Pro DIY Nail Clippings Fingernails In Focus

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WIN £1000 £500 or £250 CASH! How to Enter: 1. Download the NSI Nails App. 2. Log in or Create An Account. 3. Order our FREE product guide. It’s that easy! You’ll automatically be entered into the draw to win one of 3 cash prizes PLUS you’ll get a 10% oﬀ discount code! Entry closes on the 16th December and is limited to one entry per customer. Winners will be announced on the 19th December 2022. Full terms and conditions available on the app.

Already have an online account with NSI? Log straight into the app with your existing details. Find full terms and conditions of NSI rewards and the prize draw competition on the app.

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Nail NATION

business

news & views

Sales of nail units grow while make-up declines

AUTUMN STATEMENT: How it impacts beauty businesses Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, addressed the House of Commons with the Autumn Statement; unveiling fiscal measures designed to mend the nation’s finances. Key points for beauty businesses to note are: • Business rates From April 2023, a number of businesses will be facing new business rates to reflect current market conditions. The rates multiplier will be frozen for another year to protect businesses from inflation, and the government has increased its business rates relief scheme from 50% to 75%. This extension also means that more properties are eligible for discounts from local councils. • Wages The minimum wage for people aged 23 and over will increase from £9.50 to £10.42 per hour from April. State pension payments, as well as meanstested and disability benefits, will increase by 10.1%, in line with inflation. • Energy support The government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme has been extended, so domestic properties will continue to receive support on energy bills until March 2024. However, from April 2023, support will be capped so that a typical household pays £3,000 (up from £2,500) for the next 12 months. The Chancellor will be making an announcement about energy support for commercial properties before the end of 2022. • Tax Various tax thresholds will be frozen until April 2028, including income tax and national insurance. The freeze also means that as more peoples’ wages rise over the coming years, they will sit in higher tax bands. Victoria Brownlie, chief policy officer at the British Beauty Council, comments: “The Statement doesn’t go far enough to support vulnerable small businesses. Many beauty businesses are on a cliff edge due to escalating costs. Since Covid-19, there has been an increased demand for these services, proving they contribute more to society than just the £6bn they generate for Victoria Brownlie the UK economy. “This demand has not been met with further support for energy bills, which will tip many businesses over the edge, forcing them to close. Data shows that energy costs have increased by an average of 148%, with some exceeding 200%. “While the increase in business rates relief is welcome, the freezing of VAT and NI thresholds will be a blow to many small businesses.”

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Market research company, The NPD Group, has reported an 18% increase in sales of nail units, compared to pre-pandemic levels. Its research also shows that unit sales of prestige make-up products declined 20% from January to the end of August 2022, compared to the same period in 2019. In addition, the market for prestige make-up products in the UK was valued at £334M, a decline of 25% in comparison with the same period in 2019. “There is an evident decline in sales of primers across all make-up segments including face, eye and lip, suggesting that consumers are skipping the ‘Prep’ make-up step and seeking alternative methods through skincare products,” explains Emma Fishwick, account manager at NPD UK Beauty. The NPD Group attributes the increase in nail unit sales to customers maintaining their nails at home. Its report suggests that make-up sales have been particularly impacted by the shift to remote and hybrid working, a decline in tourism and an increase in reliance on products that multitask, such as lip and cheek tints and foundations with skincare benefits. www.npd.com

Buttercups Uniforms unveils recyclable salon workwear Uniform manufacturer, Buttercups Uniforms, has expanded its range of workwear with items made from 100% recycled and recyclable fabric. Each kilogram of the 2Life fabric is produced from 27 water bottles and uses 60% less energy than traditional fabric to manufacture. The items offer a sustainable and practical alternative to traditional fabric, while maintaining softness, breathability and durability. The 2Life fabric is hard-wearing and can be washed in a washing machine up to temperatures of 60 degrees. Items available in the fabric are the Eco Faux Wrap Tunic, Eco V Neck Tunic with zipped pockets and Eco Slim Leg Trousers. www.buttercupsuniforms.com

The Creative Beauty Group

Tel: 01202 876734

55b Cobham Road

www.thecreativebeautygroup.co.uk

Ferndown Industrial Estate Dorset

thecreativebeautygroup

SCAN HERE to learn about NEW and exciting products!

business

Nail NATION Award-winning tech launches portable e-file Katie Barnes, multi award-winning nail pro, judge, educator & brand owner, has added a portable e-file to her burgeoning portfolio of nail products. The KB Portable E-file has been designed to suit both left and right-handed techs and is USB-powered, meaning it can be plugged into USB mains plugs, power banks, laptops and car chargers for easy, on-the-go charging. It can also be used as a power bank, providing a charging point for your devices, and those of clients. Powerful yet offering minimal vibration and noise, the KB Portable E-file features a stop/pause memory function and comes with a desk stand and bit tidy, for easy access to the range of KB Bits. Launching with the e-file are eight KB E-file Bits and an E-filing Masterclass. This online training is available for free to those who purchase the KB Portable E-file and provides attendees with an accredited qualification. Topics covered include e-filing techniques for all mediums and aspects of a treatment, which bits to use, and correct angles and pressure. The KB Portable E-file is available via www.katiebarnesacademy.com Watch our Q&A with Katie about the e-file launch by scanning here

SALON SYSTEM EXPERTS DISCUSS BEAUTY TRENDS AT BRUNCH EVENT Salon System, provider of professional lash, brow, wax and nail products and training, hosted a brunch for its brand experts, at which topics were discussed including 2023 trends, education and social media. From the rise in freelancer beauty to the threat of rising business costs, conversations moved to positive discussions; including how customers can be encouraged to book repeat treatments, and how therapists are getting to spend more time with clients. Strong consultations and communication techniques were also highlighted. The attendees were confident that trends such as glazed donut nails and natural-looking lash extensions will be prevalent in 2023, following on from the popularity of low maintenance beauty treatments. “This expert group brunch was the ideal opportunity to chat openly about key areas within our beauty craft,” explains Kathy Holroyd, Salon System’s marketing director. “It was helpful to hear from our experts about how they’re working, what is happening in their business, and where they feel the industry is progressing.” www.salonsystem.com

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79% of consumers question beauty brand transparency Four in five consumers (79%) surveyed by sustainability company, Provenance, have difficulty trusting the sustainability and social claims made by companies in the beauty and wellness industry. The firm revealed its findings in its Skin Deep Beauty report, which quizzed 1,500 beauty shoppers, as well as leaders from Cult Beauty, Elemis, Douglas, Noble Panacea and B Corp Beauty Coalition. The report also found that 93% of beauty shoppers believe that nature and animal welfare are important considerations, and 71% of shoppers aren’t sure what is meant by ‘environmentally friendly’ – with 62% saying the same about ‘green’ claims. “There’s just so much murkiness out there – as one brand makes unsubstantiated claims, so does another, and it becomes self-perpetuating,” comments Sarah Brown, founder of Pai Skincare & report interviewee. “The term ‘organic’ is frequently used by brands that are not registered as organic, and they often put stars next to ingredients to make it appear that they are properly accredited. The Provenance service is useful for explaining certification clearly and consistently, and making sure the shopper doesn’t have to do all the vetting themselves.” To view the rest of the report, visit info.provenance.org

Look Good Feel Better charity reaches out to men affected by cancer Cancer support charity, Look Good Feel Better, has launched a campaign to raise awareness of its services for men undergoing treatment for cancer. In addition to its confidencebuilding workshops for women and young adults, the charity offers wellbeing sessions for men that are held online and at cancer care centres and hospitals across the UK. Topics include how to look after skin during treatment, safe shaving, suncare and advice on scarring, and the workshops also offer a relaxing environment for men to talk to others facing similar issues. The charity has designed new information leaflets and a poster which are being distributed to 3,000 GP surgeries across the UK. Bob R., who has attended a workshop, comments: “It’s not easy for us guys to talk about skincare issues or to adopt a routine. Advice is scarce and, as with all things cancer, it doesn’t always meet the need. It is great to see that support for men living with cancer is available in this way.” It is hoped that the campaign will provide greater awareness of a much-needed support programme for men undergoing treatment for cancer. www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk

pleasure

Nail NATION Townhouse expands nail salon portfolio to seven UK locations

62% of Gen Z use social media to suss out beauty trends The UNiDAYS Beauty Report 2022, which surveyed 4,845 students, revealed that 62% of UK students use social media to uncover the latest beauty trends, with Instagram the most popular platform for such needs. The report also revealed that three in four students watch tutorials to find beauty recommendations, with YouTube, Instagram and TikTok used most frequently. Nearly half of those surveyed (47%) prefer a mix of in-store and online shopping experiences, with 40% of UK students planning on buying beauty products as festive gifts. Students are willing to spend 10-20% more for ethically sourced and vegan beauty products and 43% of Gen Z never buy beauty products tested on animals. In addition, influencers play a crucial role for Gen Z when it comes to beauty purchasing decisions. A third of UK students (34%) use influencers to keep up with the latest in the world of beauty, with 63% of these respondents more likely to purchase a beauty product that uses influencers in its advertising. “Brands should take the report’s findings into account when considering their business practices and product ingredients,” comments Alex Gallagher, chief strategy officer at UNiDAYS. “Moreover, it’s beneficial for brands to clearly communicate their cruelty-free and environmentally friendly practices in their brand messaging. These efforts are key to earning the trust and loyalty of this hyper-aware, hyper-connected demographic.” www.myunidays.com

Scratch Stars award-winning salon brand, Townhouse, has opened premises in London’s Notting Hill and Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, taking its total number of salons across the UK to seven. The brand’s mission is to elevate nail services, and it boasts locations in Fitzrovia, Knightsbridge, Kensington, Liverpool Street and Milton Keynes. Each location features a signature Townhouse nail art menu, alongside easy self-book kiosks and digital colour libraries. The Notting Hill premises is named ‘Petit Townhouse’, offering the brand’s renowned services from a smaller location. Founder & creative director, Juanita Huber-Millet, comments: “Each element has been thoughtfully designed to meet our clients’ needs, whether they need a quick lunchtime polish, some relaxing me-time, or an evening catch-up over a glass of bubbles with a friend.” www.townhouse.co.uk

TECHS TRIUMPH AT DUBLIN NAIL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022 The Federation of Nail Professionals administered the Dublin Nail Championships at the Professional Beauty & Hair expo in Dublin, 6-7 November. Nail pros battled it out across categories including UV Gel Polish Professional and Instagram Photographic, with acclaimed judges scoring on a variety of criteria. The first place winners are: UV Gel Polish Professional: Ivita Voiceha – 173 points Learn A Skill Professional: Jana Arendas – 80 points Competition Nail Professional: Giang Nguyen – 143.5 points Instagram Photographic: Kamila Boroweic – 53.5 points Voter’s Choice: Jasmine Hyland – 251 votes Learn A Skill Student: Anelise Benato – 83 points Gel Polish Student: Anelise Benato – 160.5 points

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES Vicki-Anne Hoskin, owner of The Grove Studio in Cornwall, has been crowned winner of E4’s The Big Blow Out. She was one of 11 hair stylists who battled it out over eight weeks, in a series of tasks to test creativity and technical ability. Follow Vicki on Instagram: @vikiscissorhands. 14 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Majestic Towels has added a memory foam make-up, eyelash and neck support pillow to its wipe-clean range. Available in white and steel grey, the pillow is lightweight; ideal for both mobile and salon/spa therapists. Purchase for £47.95 + VAT via www.majestictowels.co.uk

The CACI International website has had a makeover, and now incorporates the CACI brand story, treatments and technology menu, blog, clinic finder and shop. Salon businesses can access the professional portal, which includes marketing materials and training videos. www.cacibeauty.com.

Titanic Spa in Linthwaite, Huddersfield, won the Luxury Eco Spa title in the World Luxury Spa Awards 2022. It was the only UK spa to win an award in this year’s competition. The title recognises the spa’s commitment to service excellence and sustainable practices. www.titanicspa.com.

DATES FOR THE DIARY 3-4 ER MB DECE

Y EAUT THE B ESTIVAL F BEAT

Whitney Houston film inspires winter nail collections The winter 2022 ‘I Wanna Dance’ nail colour collections from Gelish and Morgan Taylor have been unveiled, in collaboration with the cinema release of I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Showing in UK cinemas from 30 December, the film is based on the life and career of singing sensation, Whitney Houston. The six shades, available in both the Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer and Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish formulas, are inspired by the beauty, charisma and life of Houston, who is portrayed by Naomi Ackie in the film. “Partnering with Sony Pictures and creating a collection to represent this film has been an amazing experience,” comments Danny Haile, CEO & founder of Gelish & Morgan Taylor. “We are thrilled to bring to life a collection that embodies the magical aspects of Whitney Houston’s life and career.” The shades are: • Record Breaker – black with silver glitter • Blazing Up The Charts – hot red crème • Belt It Out – violet holographic glitter • Signature Sound – soft beige crème • Certified Platinum – platinum shimmer • Command The Stage – antique bronze shimmer Morgan Taylor is available via www.louellabelle.co.uk and Gelish via www.gsgroupuk.com / www.salon-services.com

HAIR & BEAUTY CHARITY CALLS ON INDUSTRY TO SUPPORT JUMPERS FOR DINNERS The Hair & Beauty Charity, which is dedicated to helping and financially supporting industry pros, is seeking support on National Christmas Jumper Day, 8 December. The charity is encouraging salons and pros to wear Christmas jumpers, post a picture on social media tagging @hbcharity, and donate to the charity in its ‘Jumpers for Dinners’ campaign. A spokesperson for the charity comments: “Rising costs mean many people in our industry won’t be able to afford a decent Christmas this year, so we are asking for support on Thursday 8 December to raise much-needed funds for those most in need. “£95 will buy a family a Christmas dinner with some cash left spare for small presents. Get your team to wear their favourite Christmas jumper to work in return for a donation to us, your industry charity. These much-needed funds will go straight to providing the industry’s families and children – the people we look after – with vouchers that will allow them to enjoy a Christmas dinner.” There will also be prizes for the Best Dressed Salon and Best Individual Jumper, as voted for by the charity’s fundraising committee, and for the salon or group that raises the most money. Find out more about the Hair & Beauty Charity on page 70 & 71. www.hairandbeautycharity.org @hbcharity

beauty needs of women event dedicated to the The Beauty Beat is an ation in the beauty on increasing represent of colour, with a focus tish Beauty Council, Bri the and Instagram industry. Supported by el talks, led and unity to attend four pan visitors have the opport Council’s advisory uty Bea tish Bri ers of the contributed to by memb enna Oyoke. Uch h, Dija Ayodele and Dr board; Charlotte Mensa .co.uk www.thebeautybeat International salon business expert, Liz McKeon, is hosting her ESS BUSIN RS acclaimed Business OWNE 2023 Owners Retreat at the EAT five-star Princesa Yaiza RETR in Lanzarote. ‘Your ort Res intensive, intimate Owners Retreat’ is an the Best Year Yet, Business ‘coaching experience that aims to change and hands-on group rate their businesses. way salon owners ope m .co on www.lizmcke

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Two nail artists make top 10 in the NHBF’s Top 100 Influencer Index The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) announced the top 20 hair and beauty influencers in its Top 100 Influencer Index at Electric Space, London on 13 November. The index, sponsored by Pirkx, City & Guilds and the Hair & Beauty Charity, recognises those in the industry that use social media to influence the sector. The top 100-21 influencers were announced in the days leading up to the final event via NHBF’s social media channels. Freelance beauty editor, Keeks Reid, hosted the event, which was attended by finalists and members of the industry, and announced that two nail pros featured in the top 10. OPI brand ambassador & celebrity nail artist, Harriet Westmoreland, took eighth place, and TGB Harriet Westmoreland brand ambassador & nail stylist, Jess Maynard, took sixth. Make-up artist & beauty influencer, Jamie Genevieve, scooped the top spot. NHBF chief executive, Richard Lambert, comments: “It’s been fascinating to see the ups, downs and new entries across the rest of the Index. The Top 100 Influencer Index isn’t Jess Maynard just about numbers and reach, but influence and engagement. Ours is one of the UK’s most social media aware industries and we wanted to pay homage to those who use their channels to share their knowledge and opinions, and those who promote our industry in such a positive way.” Nominations for pros in the hairdressing, barbering, beauty, wellbeing and aesthetics industries opened in July 2022, and these were analysed based on followers, engagement and reach to produce the top 100. www.nhbf.co.uk

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 15

Gelish® and Morgan Taylor® are thrilled to introduce the I Wanna Dance Collection in collaboration with the much-anticipated theatrical release, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”. The collection features a range of six gorgeous shades inspired by the beauty, charisma, and life of the iconic superstar.

RECORD BREAKER

BELT IT OUT

BLAZING UP THE CHARTS

SIGNATURE SOUND

CERTIFIED PLATINUM

AVAILABLE AT

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

VISIT

www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk FOR MORE INFORMATION

COMMAND THE STAGE

A Color for Every Star

HM-15018

INDUSTRYREFLECTION

NAIL TALES FROM

2 2 0 2

Scratch Stars Awards celebrated its 10-year anniversary July saw the culmination of the 10th Scratch Stars Awards, where 18 UK-based nail pros, salons and initiatives were honoured with top titles during a party at London’s Steel Yard venue. Hosted by BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills and Scratch’s managing editor, Helena Biggs, the event attracted over 300 guests who joined in celebrating the UK nail sector and watched a live performance from rapper, Tinchy Stryder. www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars

CALLIE ILEY reflects on key events & nail industry news from the past 12 months

Lesley Blair awarded MBE for services to the beauty industry

Lesley Blair, CEO of the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) and the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (CIBTAC), was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s 2022 Birthday Honours List. She was honoured as an outstanding ambassador for the sector, having led the call for industry regulation and fit for purpose qualifications. She also helped secure necessary funding for close contact businesses throughout the pandemic. www.babtac.com / www.cibtac.om

Scratch on TV!

Olympia Beauty returned for its 18th year

Autumn’s biggest beauty event, Olympia Beauty, took place 2–3 October at Olympia, London. It hosted over 220 nail and beauty brands, alongside speaker sessions and live demonstrations. The trade exhibition welcomed competitors for Nailympia London and The National Massage Championship, and saw the announcement of the winner of The Great Scratch Shoot Out. www.olympiabeauty.co.uk

TV show, Teen Mum Academy, created by Dragonfly Film & TV for E4, contacted Scratch to support the career of young mum, Antonia, who wanted to make her mark on the nail world. Antonia and the TV crew visited the Scratch office and managing editor, Helena, set her a task: to create an animal print nail design with a twist, then produce an Instagram Reel to be posted on the Scratch account. Antonia also visited West London salon, Nuka Nails, for some hands-on nail experience courtesy of founders, Anouska and Kadimah.

Green Salon Collective received two accolades for sustainability efforts

After scoring in the top 5% of B Corps of a similar size internationally, Green Salon Collective was awarded B Lab UK’s ‘Best For The World’ B Corp Status for 2022. Furthermore, Marie Claire’s Sustainability Awards recognised Green Salon Collective in its Best Progress Towards Circularity category, in honour of the organisation’s dedication to finding circular solutions to salon waste, to create a more ethical and sustainable beauty industry. www.greensaloncollective.com

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INDUSTRYREFLECTION

The Great Scratch Shoot Out 2022 winner: revealed!

Scratch’s annual photographic nail competition, The Great Scratch Shoot Ania Kesiak Out, welcomed 79 entries for 2022 from all over the globe. With no set theme, the entries were diverse and inspiring, and following thorough deliberation by the team at Scratch HQ, the winners were revealed on The Nail Stage at Olympia Beauty, London on 3 October. Ania Kesiak from Glasgow scooped the top spot with a striking portrayal of Darth Maul from Star Wars, featuring innovative lightsaber-inspired nails. Follow Ania: @aniakesiaknails

NSI UK marked 30 years in industry

Alex Fox, Nailympia Competitions director

Manchester-based company, NSI UK, celebrated 30 years as a distributor of award-winning products and provider of exceptional training for nail enthusiasts. It was in the 1980s when NSI UK directors, Marie Littlewood former owner of four salons, Jason Shaw, sought & Jason Shaw to improve the quality of products being used on clients, and headed to the USA. He met with Fred Slack and his son, Rick Slack, founders of Nail Systems International (NSI), and impressed by the portfolio of products, agreed to distribute them in the UK. In 1992, NSI UK Ltd was born. www.nsinails.co.uk

Nails by Alessandra Pizzari

Nailympia London returned after two-year hiatus Nail technicians from across the globe battled it out in the prestigious Nailympia London competition, held at Olympia Beauty. This edition of the internationally renowned nail contest returned following a two-year break due to the pandemic. It was held in a hybrid format, with five categories eligible to be entered online, and eight live categories across three divisions. Olena Öezman scooped the 4th Global Cup accolade. www.nailympia.com

Nail pros got on board with Nail Safari

Nail Safari returned for five days of nail education at Shepreth Wildlife Park, Cambridge, hosted by Marian Newman BEM, Jennie Nippard and Alex Fox. Nail educators including Olena Öezman, Hazel Dixon, Andreea Simona Ignat, Mino Vo, Rebecca Isaac and Kirsty Meakin attended to showcase nail techniques, while ‘nail rangers’ were offered zoo experiences alongside challenges and networking opportunities. www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk

New Year Honours List recognised British Beauty Council’s CEO & COO

Millie Kendall OBE with daughter, Lucia

Nail Bar Boys TV series nominated for award BBC Three documentary, Nail Bar Boys, which follows the lives of six nail techs in Liverpool, was nominated for ‘Best Factual Series’ at the Royal Television Society awards. The three-part series from Liverpool production company, LA Productions, gives an insight into the lives of British Vietnamese nail techs, Astro, Kenny, Brandon, Bruno, Dragon and Tony. Together, they run Liverpool nail salon, L1 Nails. Scan here to watch our interview with the Nail Bar Boys

British Beauty Council’s CEO, Millie Kendall, was awarded with an OBE, and the organisation’s COO, Helena Grzesk MBE Helena Grzesk, with an MBE, in the New Year Honours List, following the duo’s championing of the beauty industry during and after the lockdowns. Kendall and Grzesk have been instrumental in helping the industry receive support to overcome the challenges faced throughout the pandemic.

www.britishbeautycouncil.com

Next Top Nail Artist competition awarded first UK winner Founded by NAILS magazine and sponsored by CND™ and KUPA Inc., the Next Top Nail Artist 2022 competition invited contestants Nicola Sawyer from across the globe to showcase their talent and artistic ability. With hundreds of entrants narrowed down to 18 for the pre-challenge, 12 finalists went on to compete in a series of challenges across 10 weeks, with a finalist eliminated every Friday. Lincoln-based nail professional, Nicola Sawyer, achieved first place across five of the weekly challenges, securing a position in the top three. She was flown to Orlando for a final challenge, and was announced as the winner of the ninth season of Next Top Nail Artist. Scratch rewarded Nicola by featuring her work and image on the front cover of the July edition. Follow Nicola Sawyer: /nailcouturelincoln @nailcouturelincoln

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 19

p o o c s

SCRATCHSOCIAL

THE SCRATCH

Top (L-R): Helena Biggs, Jess Wilkie Bottom (L-R): Chloe Randall, Rebecca Hitchon, Callie Iley

The Scratch team offers an insight into its antics & unveils events & products from the nail & beauty realms

out Out and ab

In the

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

Internationally renowned nail artist, Celina Rydén, sent us her innovative new products, designed to promote self-care and encourage creativity. Turn to page 40 to read all about My Nail Planner, My Nail Designs and the Nail Cards, which are available in the UK via www.homeofnailart.com

Two +serumology serums landed in our post box; a Foot Serum, containing exfoliating pumpkin AHAs and enzymes to leave skin cleansed, soft and refreshed, and Hand Serum infused with watermelon, kiwi and pomegranate to keep hands hydrated. Use within a mani or pedi service and consider retailing to clients for their homecare needs. +serumology products are available from wholesalers nationwide.

Sweet Squared shared the 14 shades from the CND™ Colorworld collection in the Vinylux formula with team Scratch. Launched to inspire colourful artistry, the shades are also available in Shellac™. Get your hands on the collection via www.sweetsquared.com.

NAF! PRO sent its limited edition winter cuticle oil collection, which is inspired by the scents of the season. Wild Berries has a rich berry aroma with woody musk and vanilla bean undertones, and Winter Spice exudes cinnamon, ginger and citrus with a honey and vanilla base. The collection also sees NAF! PRO branch into home fragrance, with Spiced Apple scented candles and reed diffusers. The cuticle oils are available as dropper bottles and retail-friendly pens. All products are available via www.nafprofessionals.com.

20 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Managing editor, He lena, visited Electric Space, London, to dis cover who scooped the final 20 spots in the NHBF’s Top 100 Influencer Index. The index was created based on nominatio ns of hair and beauty pros who are influentia l on social media. Two nail pros reached the top 10; Harriet Westmoreland (@ha rrietwestmoreland) in eighth place, an d Jess Maynard (@jessmaynard_na ils) in sixth place. Scottish make-up art ist, Jamie Genevieve, took the top spot.

ard airman, Rich ed NHBF ch et e Sw g Helena join in clud nd guests in Sweet, ha Lambert, a nt a m -founder, Sa ron Squared co irector, Sha anaging d m R nt, ve e e th and SLBP te lps promo he ho w n, e Brigd rs and lating winne ustry. in congratu s of the ind er b em m ith w g tin celebra

What we’re wearing...

News & features writer, Chloe, visited Truly Beauty in Tonbridge for a Glitterbels mani courtesy of nail pro, Aimee. She squared the nails before applying builder gel and a nude hue.

Helena headed to Dartford-based tech, Rebecca Ellis of Beauty By Beck, and opted for a seasonal burgundy shade and tapered square nail shape.

Art editor, Jess, paid a visit to her local nail tech, Hazel Martin of @nailcreationsbyhazel, choosing a chocolate brown gel polish hue.

NEWPRODUCTS

Preciosa Crystal Mix in Snowflake Shimmer £3.33 + VAT www.crystalparade.co.uk This wintry mix features 90 flatback Preciosa crystals in Clear, Light Sapphire Opal, Labrador and Mesmera, in sizes from ss5 to ss16. Also included are five Zodiac Clear and five Zodiac AB crystal snowflakes to add an eye-catching seasonal touch to nail designs.

HD Pro Nails Diamond Flakes £4.99 + VAT each www.hazeldixonnails.com These six colour-shifting flakes offer a stunning and variable nail finish, depending on the base colour. Ideal for the Christmas and party season, the 5g pots of Diamond Flakes are available in Gold, Silver, Copper, Amethyst, Blue and Emerald.

List THE HOT

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

Lecenté Nail Art Flakes £14.99 + VAT each www.lecente.com www.sweetsquared.com www.ellisons.co.uk Add a mesmerising finish to nail designs with the Mirror Silver Metallic and Rainbow Iridescent Flakes from Lecenté. Simply apply to the tacky layer of cured gel polish or Lecenté Layer It! using your chosen nail art brush, then complete with a layer of Lecenté Top Coat and cure.

22 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

iZ Beauty Of London Belle Of The Ball Gift Set £8 + VAT/RRP £28 www.izabellehammon.com A pretty present at any time of the year, this gift set includes three satin matte effect nail polish shades (Ball Gown, Mirror Ball and Pink Fizz), plus a Gel Effect Top Coat. Each of the partyfriendly shades are 6ml.

Salon System Gellux Builder Gels £11.95 + VAT each. Available from wholesalers nationwide. Salon System has doubled its builder gel range with the addition of a Clear formula and three neutral shades: Bare Natural, Diamond Pink and Warm Pink. Use the brush-on product to add strength and length to natural nails or build enhancements with tips or nail forms. Longlasting, Gellux Builder Gels offer a minimum of 21 days’ wear.

NEWPRODUCTS NAF! PRO Cuticle Oil Collection £12 + VAT/RRP £15 each www.nafprofessionals.com Top off your mani/pedi services with the seasonal scent of Golden Maple, Spiced Apple or French Vanilla. The limited edition cuticle oils are enriched with grapeseed, avocado and coconut oils to hydrate nails and cuticles. Each is available in a nail desk-friendly 30ml dropper bottle and 3.75ml retail pen. The retail pens are available in packs of five for £27.50 + VAT/RRP £8 per pen.

CND™ Merry Manicure Bauble £9.95 + VAT/RRP £17.90 www.sweetsquared.com Offer a treat for fingers and toes with this Merry Manicure Bauble; an ideal stocking filler. It contains CND Vinylux™ Top Coat, a festive Vinylux™ colour (Wildfire is pictured), SolarOil™ Pinkie and a Mini File.

The GelBottle Inc Studio Gel™ from £9.50 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com The 30 shades in the TGB Studio Gel™ range are creamy, non-drip art gels, designed to ‘make next-level nail art easier and quicker, whether you’re a beginner or pro’. The shades are available individually, in bundles or as a complete collection.

Glitterbels Advent Calendar in 12 Days Of Gel (£94.99 + VAT) & 12 Days Of Acrylic (£105 + VAT) www.glitterbels.com Countdown to Christmas and grow your Glitterbels collection of products with these two pretty calendars. 12 Days Of Gel features new Glitterbels Hema-Free Gels in highly pigmented, party-friendly shades, while 12 Days Of Acrylic comprises 12 sparkly acrylic shades – five of which are new to the range.

INK London iLac Equinox Collection £80 + VAT www.inknails.com The nine hues in INK London’s Equinox collection cater to a variety of nail colour desires, from bold brights to calming neutrals. The rainbow shades include punchy purple Eclipse i-237, pillarbox red Pinnacle i-236 and gorgeous grey Constellation i-242. The brush-on formula lasts up to three weeks and can be soaked off in eight minutes. Nourish London Nourished Hands Trio £POA/RRP £30 www.nourishskinrange.com This limited edition organic and vegan hand cream trio includes Lavender Hand Cream, Kale Anti-Ageing Hand Cream and Damask Rose Hand Cream. Rich and intensely moisturising, each is available in a handbag-friendly 50ml size.

Light Elegance A Party To Remember Winter Buttercream Collection £76.45 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com Light Elegance’s Buttercreams offer one-coat gel overlays that last up to four weeks, and the winter collection, A Party To Remember, welcomes six shades inspired by festive nights. Hues include the fuchsia-meets-red Sexy Soirée, which has a shimmery satin finish, and the creamy pink winter berry, Fashionably Late. The shades are available individually for £15.45 + VAT.

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 23

A-List ambassador

TECHTALK

Get to know OPI’s global brand ambassador, HARRIET WESTMORELAND, as she shares her ‘pinch me’ moment & advice for achieving pictureperfect nail looks

arriet Westmoreland is a name you’re probably familiar with via Instagram. Boasting over 270,000 followers on the platform, she’s called upon regularly by celebrities and the press to deliver meticulous manicures and chic minimal nail art – and she does so with professionalism, care and a keen eye. It’s these qualities that struck a chord with nail brand, OPI, which has appointed Harriet as its global brand ambassador. “Harriet’s focus on perfect nail preparation to deliver legendary manicures, from a flawless French to modern nudes, marries up seamlessly with what we stand for as a brand,” comments Georgina Emsley, OPI UK&I director. Within her role, Harriet will be working with the media to provide insights and trend predictions, while inspiring her network of consumers and industry professionals with nail preparation and artistry. “I love that Harriet focuses on the three-step regime: prep, colour and care, with a modern and meticulous finish,” continues Georgina. “With her expertise and insight, OPI will continue to bring products to market that answer the needs of its valued and loved professionals and consumers.” Harriet will also be working with the OPI UK Pro teams at events to deliver beautiful manicures with OPI products, and supporting the global team with product

26 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

TECHTALK

MY FAVOURITE OPI SHADES

Baby Take a Vow, Love is in the Bare, Bubble Bath, Coca-Cola Red and Lady in Black.

HARRIET’S 3 TOP TIPS for party perfect nail prep 1

To perfect a manicure, prep and skincare is vital. Always use an exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin and take care of the cuticles, ensuring they are trimmed, pushed back and hydrated with a good quality oil.

The nail plate should be gently buffed and any excess natural oil should be wiped away with a cleanser.

apply two coats of OPI Nail Strengthener as a base coat, and use OPI’s Brilliant Top Coat for an ultra-glossy finish. If using loose glitter for the party season, apply two coats of top coat for a longer-lasting result.

She continues: “OPI formulas are so easy to work with. The brand has a 40-year history and its heritage is built on high quality nail products, unforgettable shades and an iconic bottle shape. I’m so excited to start working with the the team on its upcoming projects.”

MY OPI ESSENTIALS

The non-negotiables in my nail kit are OPI’s GelColor Stay Strong Base Coat and Stay Shiny Top Coat, alongside shades Baby Take a Vow and Bubble Bath, and a generous amount of buffers.

Harriet also holds the role of nail artist in residence at Claridges, London, and has hosted pop-ups across the globe in partnership with Soho House. She is called upon by numerous celebrities, and counts TV personality, Rochelle Humes, as a regular client. “Every day in my working life is different and I love this variety,” she enthuses. “I get to meet so many people and travel to amazing destinations.” She considers her OPI ambassadorship as her career highlight – alongside tending to the nails of model, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, for the first time. “That was a ‘pinch me’ moment!” she smiles. “I am so lucky to meet inspiring people on a daily basis, from celebrities to PR executives, clients to talented nail pros. I am grateful for every day in my role.” “Harriet is a very important source of inspiration for professionals and her network,” adds Georgina. “She will continue to ignite the craftmanship and magic of the nail industry through care and colour directly with consumers.”

MY FUTURE GOAL

MY SIGNATURE NAIL STYLE

I would love to set up my own nail academy one day to share my passion with other nailists.

Natural, minimal and chic.

Images courtesy of Instagram.com/harrietwestmoreland

development and innovation. “I’m thrilled and proud to be appointed global ambassador for OPI,” she remarks. “I have always loved the brand, which has an amazing range of shades; nudes and pinks in particular. There’s something for everyone and every skin tone.”

3 For optimum longevity of a lacquer manicure,

Follow Harriet: @harrietwestmoreland @harriet_westmoreland www.opiuk.com /OPINailsUK @opinailsuk @opiuki_pro

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 27

DIARYDATES

CALENDAR

GIRL

CALLIE ILEY commemorates this month’s notable dates with timely & themed products for nails, hands & feet

DECEMBER

Nailscopes Those born in December fall under the Sagittarius or Capricorn star signs. This month brings plenty of fun opportunities to socialise, so embrace them while wearing a topical nail design.

National Cookie Day 5 Whether you prefer chocolate chip or raisin, National Cookie Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in your favourite biscuit. Consider offering clients a cookie before their nail service – or showcase your love for the snack on nails.

In need of birthday nail inspo? These bold blue Sagittarius enhancements have been crafted by @polishedbyneena.

Reindeer-inspired Christmas jumper nails courtesy of @beige_thesalon.

Since 2012, Christmas Jumper Day has been celebrated in support of Save The Children’s fundraising efforts. Mark the occasion and get clients in the festive spirit by wearing a Christmas jumper to work, and consider donating to the cause.

@nicolarose_beauty takes inspiration from cookies to create this sweet design.

10 11

Green Monday

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Similar to Cyber Monday, Green Monday is a popular day for online shopping, with retailers often marking the date with discounts. Don’t forget to check out the websites of your favourite brands for deals on products, and go green on nails with an emerald hue.

25 31

26 27 28 29 30

28 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Dalek Remembrance Day

Light Elegance Buttercream in Martini, Up £15.45 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com

22 23 24

Christmas Jumper Day

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas! In need of festive nail inspo for the occasion? Turn to page 44.

Dalek Remembrance Day is celebrated by fans of BBC’s Doctor Who, in recognition of the first time the Daleks appeared on the series in 1963. Share Doctor Who-inspired nail designs to mark the occasion.

Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer in Command The Stage £4.95 + VAT/RRP £9.95 www.louellabelle.co.uk

New Year’s Eve

Grab your glittery and shimmery nail shades as New Year’s Eve affords time to sparkle and celebrate in style!

This Doctor Who design by @kats_clawz_ features a Dalek alongside other key characters from the show.

NEW!

GELLUX MINI’S 8ml Available at your wholesaler now.

#Gellux

www.salonsystem.com

@salonsystem

TRE COLO ND LED, UR P SHAD OPPING ES perf ect f – or PART Y SEA the SON

BUSINESSMATTERS

TAX RETURNS:

your questions answered Confused by the tax return process? CHLOE RANDALL chats to financial experts, who share advice & key points to note For self-employed nail and beauty professionals, 31 January marks the deadline to submit and pay your tax return to HMRC. Amongst the festivities, the process can get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list, so ensure that when you do prepare to submit, your documents are in order and you’re clued up on what to do – and how to do it.

What is a tax return?

A tax return records the income for the financial year (6 April to 5 April), for self-employed individuals. It calculates the amount of tax and national insurance you need to pay HMRC, taking in to account all eligible expenses.

How can self-employed nail & beauty pros prepare to submit their tax return?

Theresa Cientanni

IMPORTANT WARNING!

HMRC can issue fines up to £3,000 for not keeping correct accounting records. Penalties also apply for late or incorrect tax return submissions. 30 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

TAX RETURN DEADLINE: 31 January 2023

“In order to be able to complete a tax return, the selfemployed individual will need to have kept accurate records of their income and expenses, including proof of purchase,” shares Theresa Cientanni, business development director at accounting company, Soldi Partners Ltd. “Currently, this can be achieved using a spreadsheet or a simple handwritten ledger.”

“Having a separate business bank account means that you can easily view and evaluate all business transactions,” adds Vicki Boddice, founder of Boddice Accounting. “Keeping receipts and a record of cash payments received is also essential. From April 2024, HMRC will require all self-assessments to be submitted using ‘approved Vicki Boddice software’, so it may be worth looking into setting this up as soon as possible.”

BUSINESSMATTERS

What needs to be done prior to submitting a tax return? “All self-employed individuals need to register with HMRC within three months of trading,” says Theresa. “The registration process is completed using the Government Gateway and during the process, the individual will be issued with a Unique Tax Reference (UTR). “If the individual wishes to prepare and submit their own tax return, this can be done via the Government Gateway. The programme will ask the individual a number of questions to determine which pages of the return are required. When completing the self-employed pages, the individual will need details of income and expenses.”

TOP TIP

You have a personal allowance each year, and this is the amount of income that you can earn tax free. The personal allowance for the current tax year is £12,570.

Making changes HMRC’s initiative, Making Tax Digital, is changing to include partnerships, self-employed individuals and landlords from 6 April 2024. From this time, individuals will need to maintain their accounting records in a digital format and submit quarterly returns to HMRC of their selfemployed income and expenses. To read more about the initiative, scan here

What can self-employed nail & beauty pros claim as expenses? Businesses run by self-employed individuals have various running costs, and some of these costs can be deducted to work out the taxable income. Costs that can be claimed include: • Products: both those bought to use in your services and products bought to retail. • If you rent a chair or space in a salon, the cost of this can be expensed. • If you are a mobile pro, you can claim for fuel costs from travelling to clients. Unfortunately, if you are based from one fixed or regular location you can’t claim for the cost to travel there. • Utility bills. If you are home-based, you may need to work out the percentage used out of the total household bills. You can use the standard working from home allowance from HMRC, and the amount varies depending on how many hours you work each week (including admin). • If you use a mobile phone for work, you can claim either the full amount of the bill if you have a contract solely for work, or a percentage if you use your personal phone. • Any equipment bought for the business is allowable, but if there is personal use of this, you will need to work out what percentage that is and deduct that from what you claim. • Clothing costs (uniform). • Training costs. • Staff costs. • Insurance costs. • Business premises costs. • Bank charges and card payment provider charges.

First-time taxers

“If your first tax bill is over £1,000, you will also have to pay what is called a ‘payment on account’ that will be due at the same time as the tax Ria-Jaine Lincoln return,” comments Ria-Jaine Lincoln, director at The Beauty Accountant. “The ‘payment on account’ is calculated as 50% of the tax bill and is paid in advance towards the next tax year. There are two payments on account; one in January after the tax year and then one in the following July.”

TOP TIP

How do you submit a tax return?

You can submit your tax return on the Government Gateway portal directly, or if using an accountant, they will have their own software to do the submissions. Payment can be done online or over the phone directly through the HMRC website. Scan here to get started

“If an individual wishes to submit their own tax return, they should still seek professional advice to ensure that they disclose all taxable income and claim all possible expenses and allowances,” suggests Theresa Cientanni. RESOURCES For advice or assistance with your accounting needs, consider: Soldi Partners Ltd – www.soldipartners.co.uk Boddice Accounting – www.boddiceaccounting.co.uk The Beauty Accountant – www.riajaineaccounts.co.uk

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 31

TECHTALK

TONAL

talons

Discover how to find the right cover shade to suit your client’s skin tone, with a helping hand from fellow pros The beauty of our industry is that every client has a different request, and all requests produce varied outcomes. When it comes to natural-looking nail services, each client has a different skin tone – so it’s important to stock a variety of nude and pink cover shades, allowing you to create an overlay to complement.

Humail Javed

“It is important to consider skin tones and undertones, as choosing the ‘wrong’ shade can easily dull the skin’s complexion, or make it look ashy and grey,” explains Humail Javed of AtHamyles, a beauty space in London. “The right shade should complement the skin tone, giving the impression of an elongated nail bed.” “The wrong shade can make hands look dirty or cuticles appear sore,” adds Nailchemy ambassador & educator, Carla Mitchell. “The perfect tone will make the client’s nails look classy, clean and perfectly manicured.”

The GelBottle Inc’s BIABTM iin #18 is used by @micalouisenails on a client with a light skin tone. Available for £16.99 + VAT via www.thegelbottle.com

Matching skin tones “A quick way to match a nude to a client’s skin tone is to use colour swatch sticks against the client’s skin,” recommends Natalie Farrow. “From there, I whittle the shades down to a few options, as you can tell by sight which ones will not be suitable.”

LIGHT SKIN TONES

Light skin with blue or purple undertones suits soft pink hues, while those with blue-green undertones should choose a slightly warmer pink or a peachy shade. Clients with olive undertones suit warmer nudes. @athamyles_uses Halo EasiBuild in Dare2Bare Peach for this client with light skin and warm undertones.

Halo EasiBuild in Dare2Bare Peach from £8.75 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk

Carla Mitchell

Natalie Farrow

“You must get the shade selection right as you don’t want a nude that is going to stand out – it should be a shade that matches the tone of the skin,” says Natalie Farrow, owner of Golden Triangle Nails, Norwich. “Choosing the correct shade for the client adds depth to the nail, either through the use of warm or cool undertones.”

Identifying undertones Every skin tone has its own undertone – with the three traditional undertones being warm, cool and neutral. Warm skin tones suit peachy shades and cool skin tones suit pink hues. Neutral undertones suit both, depending on the look you want to achieve. “To identify a client’s undertones, check the underside of the wrist and look at the veins,” Carla Mitchell suggests. “If they’re blue or purple, they’re cool toned; if they’re green to olive, they’re warm toned; and if they’re in between blue and green, they’re neutral.”

32 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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

@georgiarosenails_ opts for a flattering pink shade to suit this client.

TECHTALK

MEDIUM SKIN TONES

Pinky-beige hues will flatter clients with medium skin tones. Choose warmer shades for those with blue-green undertones or an opaque crème for warmer toned skin.

Light Elegance Lexy Line in Cashmere from £33.45 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com

This soft crème shade looks delicate against a medium skin tone, on an almond-shaped nail. By @nail_techniq.

iZ Pro Colour Gel in Natural Beige HD Professional Nail @micalouisenails using The GelBottle’s 18 BIAB on a client with a Nude from £16.98 + VAT Systems Shape It! In light skin tone. Available for £16.99 + VAT via www.thegelbottle. www.izabellehammon.com Peach Tan £17.99 + VATcom www.hazeldixonnails.com

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

@micalouisenails chooses an opaque crème hue to craft a flattering French.

This model with a medium skin tone wears CND™ Plexigel in Soft Blush, £19.95 + VAT. Available via www.sweetsquared.com.

Nails by Angelica Cordeiro, Louella Belle brand ambassador.

“I use a pink-toned nude for light skin with cool undertones, such as Gellux Builder Gel in Warm Pink,” shares Natalie Farrow. Salon System Gellux Builder Gel in Warm Pink £11.95 + VAT. Available from wholesalers nationwide.

Mii Strengthen + Shield in Pink £16.95 + VAT www.gerrardinternational.com

DARK SKIN TONES

Shades of rosy pink or plum-based hues suit deeper toned skin with cool blue-purple undertones, while those with blue-green undertones should opt for bright, pinky nudes. Darker skin tones suit a variety of nude-toned shades; consider deep chestnut nudes for clients with olive undertones. @polishedbylolo uses The GelBottle BIABTM in Dreamer for this delicate French. Available for £16.99 + VAT via www.thegelbottle.com

This French mani is crafted by @selah_rest, who uses a pink cover shade to suit the skin tone.

NSI Balance LED/UV Body Builder in Cover Pink Warm £18.95 + VAT www.nsinails.co.uk Artistic Correction Gel in Pink Concealer £17.95 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk

Nails feature Gelish Structure Gel in Cover Pink £23.99 + VAT www.gsgroupuk.com www.salon-services.com

Glitterbels Cashmere Cover Core Acrylic Powder £11.88 + VAT www.glitterbels.com

Gel Excellence in Wild Chestnut £10.99 inc VAT www.nailandbeautyexcellence.com

CND™ Plexigel in Milky Mauve £19.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 33

NEW

T R U LY

BIAB

N O T H I N G B E AT S T H E R E A L T H I N G . . . There’s only one official BIAB™! Loved by nail techs and customers around the world with ONE BOTTLE SOLD EVERY MINUTE. This is the MUST HAVE viral nail treatment your salon needs for stronger, naturally long healthy nails.

#trulyBIAB The GelBottle has launched new inclusive shades in our iconic, original BIAB™ range inspired by best-selling Nu Nude shades. PLUS, nude All In One shades. With no need for a base coat under your Frenchies, it’s the perfect addition to save crucial appointment time this season when using DesignEx Pro™... ...AND with 50% less HEMA there’s NO heat spikes!

S CA N T O S H O P

THEGELBOTTLE.COM

@ THE_GELBOTTLE_INC

BUSINESSMATTERS

PROFITABLE

partnerships The beauty industry is bursting with various skillsets and specialisms. So, when a salon or academy seeks to introduce a treatment or training option outside of its expertise, it can make sense to partner with others. The same applies to retailing, as other businesses can raise your profile and support promotion of your premises as a one-stop shop for self-care needs. Not only do these collaborations benefit clients, but they also offer a chance to increase profit for all parties involved. Scratch chats to nail techs about how they’ve set up successful business partnerships to expand their treatment menus, education offerings and retail opportunities.

Discover how joining forces with a local brand can boost your nail business & explore ways to capitalise on collaborations REBECCA HITCHON REPORTS

Teaming up for treatments & training

Sophie Williams

“It’s important to support other businesses in the industry, as competition can be overwhelming – especially for those just starting out,” comments Sophie Williams, founder of Sweetcheeks salons and academies in Telford and Shrewsbury. “I’ve felt this way in the past; I haven’t known how to compete with brands offering treatments that I don’t offer. However, by partnering with others, I’ve added value to my business and shown that it has a great team that works well together.”

The salon and academy teams work closely with other beauty professionals, such as external educators and a local salon called She Lash. “Every brand has its niche, therefore supporting another business allows you to utilise each other’s established services, 4 considerations for course collaborations client base and social media followings,” Sophie continues. Sweetcheeks & She Lash ran a Halloween fancy dress “Partnerships aren’t suited to every business, but if all competition this year to excite clients & boost team parties can come to an agreement on how and why they morale, with the best dressed salon decided by a vote. want to join forces to offer a service, it can work,” details Sophie Williams, who shares four points to consider for a “For example, aesthetic practitioner, successful training collaboration. Kara Rosser of The Aesthetic Lounge, 1. Price: how will you calculate costings? For example, comes into Sweetcheeks to run will the educator/s sign a rent-a-space agreement and will accredited aesthetic courses, as we earnings be commission-based? mainly offer nail and lash training. As 2. Time: when will the training take place, and will this work well as adding another string to our bow, for both parties? this helps Kara to find more students for 3. Location: is this easily accessible for potential students, her business,” Sophie explains. and will it be cost-effective? Sweetcheeks’ marketing of an 4. Amenities: will training kits/manuals be provided and aesthetics training course by Kara will one of the businesses arrange food/drink? Rosser in its Shrewsbury space.

36 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

BUSINESSMATTERS

With a background in business development and sales, Emma Merrifield of Merrifield Beauty, Preston, understood the benefits of retailing and brand partnerships when she joined the nail industry. So, she decided to capitalise on the two concepts. “Retailing offerings from local Emma Merrifield brands generates additional revenue, and promotion in return increases exposure to potential clients. Running a small, independent business can also be lonely, so it’s great to make connections in order to discuss ideas and offer mutual support,” she tells Scratch. Emma promotes and sells items from floristry company, Dotty Blooms, and luxury home fragrance brand, Lily Coco. “For Dotty Blooms, I fill the salon with its seasonal flowers and share pictures on social media. I also tell clients about the business’ products and events, and have flowers delivered to the salon for those who are closer to this address,” she says. “Dotty Blooms shares information about my services – for example, owner, Katy, will share Instagram Reels and photos of her having a nail treatment.

Lily Coco products available to buy at Merrifield Beauty.

Dotty Blooms flowers in the Merrifield Beauty salon.

“For Lily Coco, I felt the quality and branding of the products complemented my business, so reached out to buy wholesale stock. We calculated a price so that I could make money back on each sale,” continues Emma. “It’s great to offer clients the chance to pick up a present or treat for themselves while they visit, especially as many people are time-poor these days.”

A unique union

Milli Cooke

Many pros build their nail businesses on a parttime basis alongside other work: a trend that could be on the rise, as nearly half of Brits are looking to take on a side hustle due to the cost of living crisis, according to Herbalife Nutrition. Sometimes, these working roles complement one another and offer mutual benefits, as Milli Cooke of Shrewsbury company, Mim’s Mixed Bunch, explains.

Mim’s Mixed Bunch is Milli’s three brands: for nails, floristry and fragrance retailing, ‘bunched’ into one. “I found having three social media business pages difficult to manage; I was missing messages as clients were contacting the wrong pages about their orders,” Milli details about her reasoning for merging the brands. “I found it helpful to transform the social media profile with the most engagement into my combined page,” she continues, adding that she kept her old pages temporarily active until all clients were aware of the rebrand. Despite her professions being connected in this way, Milli places importance on promoting each aspect of her business to increase awareness of all her offerings. “Where I can, I use the surroundings of the salon in which I am based as a nail tech, Cowlick Hair & Beauty, to showcase my other work and encourage business. If a client expresses an interest in my flowers or perfume, I message them about product offers after their appointment.” Instagram.com/cowlick_hair_beauty

Rallying together for retail

Cowlick Hair & Beauty promotes Mim’s Mixed Bunch by adding the business watermark to nail photos.

Emma stresses the importance of doing your research and making a plan prior to a retail collaboration. Before partnering with a brand, she suggests you ask yourself: Will this business complement my offering? Will my clients be interested? How much effort is required and will this generate enough return in terms of profit? “For example, Lily Coco’s candles and wax melts are a perfect impulse sale, but when I sold skincare products in the past, the profit I made wasn’t enough to warrant the consultation time needed to make the sale,” she explains.

Milli’s perfume setup in the salon, also featuring dried flowers from her floristry business, Mim’s Flowers By Milli.

“Running a small, independent business can be lonely, so it’s great to make connections in order to discuss ideas and offer mutual support.” Emma Merrifield

Giveaway guidance TOP TIP: If launching a competition with one other brand on Instagram, create a joint post to share likes and comments, for easy navigation of entrants. When posting the giveaway promotion, press ‘Tag people’ and ‘Invite collaborator’, before selecting the username of the business. Once posted, the brand will receive a request, which it must accept via its tagged posts tab for the promotion to appear on its profile.

Instagram.com/gems.nail.systems

Another way to benefit from other business’ clientele and followings is to launch a joint competition, with the winner receiving a free or discounted offering from the brands. Create an eye-catching graphic to promote the giveaway on social media and in the caption, use bullet points to explain what is required to enter. Gems Nail Systems & Scarlett Senter Pro Artist launched a giveaway of £100 worth of their brands’ products. Entrants were required to like an Instagram post, share it to their Story, follow both brand’s TikTok, Instagram & Facebook accounts & tag five other techs in the comments.

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 37

BUSINESSMATTERS

TREATMENT Is your treatment menu clear enough for clients? CHLOE RANDALL serves up advice to ensure they know what to expect from a service

s p i t menu Creating a treatment menu for nail services is not an easy task. From enhancement offerings with L&P to overlays and sculpts with gel, polish finishes and more, new clients – and existing – can often feel overwhelmed and confused about what they want or need to book. It’s important to review your service menu to ensure that it’s clear, meaning your client books a suitable treatment and their expectations are met. Scratch explores the secrets to success…

Avoid using nail ‘jargon’

Put yourself in your client’s shoes: an individual who isn’t trained in nail services or likely to be familiar with the products you use. Avoid abbreviations and offer a clear explanation of what each service involves, including what is used and the nail type the treatment is suited to.

Elissa Newton

Jaz Moger

Pricing

To ensure there is no discrepancy on how much the client will pay, use a booking system which details how much the service will cost based on what they have booked, including any add-ons.

K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple & Smart)

Offering clients a variety of nail services with a number of nail systems can cause confusion. They may book the wrong service, which can cause disappointment when you can’t complete what they are expecting you to due to lack of time.

“If you wish to use certain terms, ensure you state in brackets what they mean,” explains Elissa Newton, Lecenté educator. “For example: Enhancements (do you require added nail length?) Rebalance/infill (maintence of enhancements).” “Language should be easy to understand, and terminology should be kept straightforward. Everything that is included should be mentioned below the treatment title, with add-ons stated,” adds Jaz Moger, Salon System nail expert.

Bryony Howell

“I like to break my treatment menu down into three categories for nail art; Classic Gel Manicure, Gel Manicure with Medium Art and a Gel Manicure with Full Art,” explains Bryony Howell, brand ambassador at The GelBottle Inc. “I feature a description and examples beneath each category on my online booking system.”

Additional services

Stating exactly what is included in each treatments offers clarity. Feature an add-ons section on your treatment list to state upgrades, removal prices and nail art options, alongside their costs, to avoid confusion.

Magpie Beauty educator, Ruth Munro, showcases her treatment menu.

Timings

Knowing how much time a service will take can be a factor in determining whether the client books an appointment. Detailing timings is also a good way to manage your own time and ensure that you don’t run over into your next appointment, allowing you to take an all-important break.

38 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

An example of a clear treatment menu, courtesy of Hari Hatfield, Halo VIP.

Font

Making your treatment menu easy-to-read is imperative, so choose a font that is bold and legible. Consider font size; don’t make the font small to squeeze more information onto your treatment menu. Instead, reword or even remove some less popular items from the list to make more room.

POPPY BAUBLES IN

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PRODUCTSPOTLIGHT

The

Power of Internationally renowned nail artist & educator, CELINA RYDÉN, unveils three products to ignite creativity in nail pros & promote self-care

elina Rydén has been making waves in the nail industry since 2005 with her enviable nail artistry and engaging content. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, she boasts over 350,000 followers across social media, has been sharing her talents across the globe as an educator for seven years, and scooped Scratch’s most-loved cover award in 2018. Her creativity and passion for the craft knows no bounds – and the talented pro launched online education platform, My Nail Academy, and nail product webshop, Moonflair, in 2021. Under the Moonflair brand, Celina presents three exciting products for nail pros that are elegant in appearance and excellent in purpose. Designed by Celina with support from her mother, Ingela, a designer, the products: a nail planner, nail designs book and nail cards, ‘help nail

techs and enthusiasts spark their creativity and focus on self-care.’ “The two most common problems that my community appears to face are how to find inspiration, and how to handle the stress of working as a nail tech,” Celina reveals. “Being in the nail industry for over 17 years, these are two issues that I have faced many times. If you’ve ever had a client asking you to do ‘whatever you want’ and giving you an anticipating look, you know how stressful it is to be innovative and creative on the spot.” Celina began drawing up ideas for her products before the pandemic hit. The lockdowns that ensued highlighted the necessity of such products for nail pros, to ensure they had a focus not just on creativity, but on self-care. “Being a creative person can be a rollercoaster ride, and my community’s call for help motivated production,” she continues. “This project means so much to me for several different reasons. As the granddaughter of a school principal, teaching and helping others has always been a huge part of my life. “I have a desire to help people succeed. It’s a very important life purpose for me. Creating these items with my mother has made the launch extra special. The entire project vibrates with good energy! I hope that the products will inspire fellow pros to visualise their dreams and make them a reality.”

40 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

PRODUCTSPOTLIGHT

MEET THE PRODUCTS My Nail Planner This handy nail planner with a decadent finish is designed to help nail pros find a balance between work and self-care; supporting with business tips alongside wellbeing pointers. Celina comments: “I wanted to create a planner that supports you in being a boss and encouragess self-care. As well as business tips, I share morning rituals, yoga poses and stretches, and tools to help you schedule breaks.. “This planner is designed to be your best friend in the nail space; one that is focused on wellbeing and helps you realise that it’s okay to take breaks and concentrate on yourself.” Weekly timetables are featured, as well as pages to write down reflections and areas to note energy levels, your mood, and how much water you have drunk during the day. Also included with My Nail Planner is a website link and password that offers access to exclusive material, including morning yoga videos, morning ritual videos and breathing exercises.

My Nail Designs

Nail Cards

This book is packed with ways to help you explore your creativity. It allows you to gather your nail designs in one place, and offers advice on creating and pricing nail art.

Fight creativity blocks, grow as an artist, and add a fun element to your nail services with this handy card deck. It’s divided into five sections; 20 colour cards, 20 word cards, 20 element cards, four nail shape cards and three accent colour cards which, together, will help you create something unique for every client.

Before Celina created this book, she would scribble design ideas for clients into a notebook. “It was messy, and I struggled to find a specific design when needed, or pinpoint the products and techniques used. In the My Nail Designs book, there are ideas to help you find inspiration, details about tools and what to charge for nail art, plus pointers to help you spark your creativity and find your personal style. “The rest of the book is filled with shapes of nails and spaces to fill in the date, client’s name, products used and inspiration. This way, when a client walks in with a nail image you have created previously, you can easily find it in your book and recreate it,” reveals Celina.

All photos courtesy of @epicphotos.se

“Use it on your own to prepare designs for clients to choose from, or create with your client at the start of their appointment. This book can also be kept in the waiting area of your salon for clients to flick through.”

“This deck has been designed and handdrawn by me and includes my signature style, inspired by bohemian elements,” Celina reveals. Allow your client to pick a few cards from the pack; perhaps a colour palette card, element card and accent colour card, which will showcase everything needed to create a bespoke nail design. Celina has also launched two stylish and easy-to-clean wooden card holders, allowing you to display the cards on your nail desk for reference while you work. “With this deck you’ll be challenged to try out new, exciting ways to spark your creativity, and the combinations are endless,” Celina continues. “Consider promoting a daily design to clients; choose a different card combination each day, display on the card holder at your reception area or on your nail desk, and price it as the ‘daily nail art special’. “I am familiar with oracle and tarot cards and was inspired by their purpose. The Nail Cards allow you to work with your intuition; whenever you need a creative helping hand, pull out the deck and magically feel the inspiration returning. Use the cards with your client or on your own, together with the design book, to prepare sets for the week or if you have a creative block.” Check out Scratch’s Instagram interview with Celina about the products by scanning here My Nail Planner, My Nail Designs & the Nail Cards are available in the UK via www.homeofnailart.com www.celinaryden.com / www.moonflair.shop /celinarydenofficial & /moonflairnails @celinaryden & @moonflairnails /celinaryden & /moonflairnails @celinaryden & @moonflairnails SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 41

SEASONALNAILINSPO

MERRY

Image courtesy of OPI, www.trade.opiuk.com

manicures

Techs – it’s time to sleigh your Christmas & New Year nail styles & spruce up your artistic offerings! CHLOE RANDALL rounds up festive nail inspo & product picks for party-perfect fingertips Embrace your inner ‘Buddy the Elf’ and sprinkle some festive cheer this month, with a variety of magical manicure offerings and nail art looks. After two years of uncertainty, this year will see clients prepping for social events and Christmas parties, meaning calendars will be busy as they seek nail styles to suit the season.

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Tartan talk

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Scratch serves up nail art trends for the festive holiday, design inspiration and handy product picks…

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Cosy knits and plaid prints combine in this nail design by @lauren__opal.

Salon System Gellux in Black Onyx £11.95 + VAT. Available via wholesalers nationwide.

Halo VIP, Jade Miller, used Halo Easibuild with shades Harmony, Courage, Blood Red, Apple Red and French White to perfect this tartan look. Price charged: £40

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

TREND NOTE “This Christmas, tartan will be a strong player for seasonal nail art, as well as tweed,” comments Leila Monroy, Light Elegance educator. 44 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

The GelBottle Inc ambassador, Learnah Starbuck, creates a fun, mix and match design across hands using TGB products. The nail art took an extra 45 minutes on top of a regular gel polish manicure, and Learnah charged an additional £15 on this cost.

These wintry nail tips by Hayley McBride (@nailzbyhailz) feature plaid prints with hand-painted snowflakes and sparkly additions.

Artistic Nail Design Striping Brush £12.95 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk

Check this out! Salon System nail expert, Julie-Anne Larivière, uses Gellux products to create this sophisticated design.

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

SEASONALNAILINSPO

A Santa hat makes for a perfect twist on the French manicure, as shown in this sweet style by Amanda Sudoll.

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Magpie Nail Glitter in Scarlett £3.95 + VAT www.magpiebeauty.co.uk

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Ravishing in red Festive French iZ Pro Colour in Knightsbridge £16.98 + VAT www.izabellehammon.com

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Nailchemy 10mm Liner Professional Brush £12.99 + VAT www.nailchemy.co.uk

A red hue is a great base for seasonal nail art such as white snowflakes, as shown by @magdula.es.

Turn to page 90 for a step-by-step guide to creating this candy cane twist on the French mani, by Salon System nail expert, Jaz Moger.

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CND Vinylux™ in Tartan Punk £4.95 + VAT/RRP £11.95 www.sweetsquared.com

Add glitter to red overlays for a look that dazzles under the Christmas tree. Nails by Magpie Beauty educator, Ruth Munro.

TREND NOTE

“The French manicure is a timeless look, so I believe we will see lots of fun and festive French designs this Christmas,” says Leila Monroy. .c

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Mii Colour Confidence Nail Polish in Ruby Shine from £6.75 + VAT/RRP £13.50 www.gerrardinternational.com

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Nail artist, @glitz_glambynicole, crafts festive tartan and Christmas gonks on a bright red base.

Switching the classic white smile line for some green sparkle is a subtle nod to Christmas, as shown by @neondrip_x.

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TGB Studio GelTM in Candy £9.50 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

Lecenté Create in Carnaby £11.99 + VAT www.lecente.com www.sweetsquared.com www.ellisons.co.uk

@napaznokciach adds an icy blue hue to this nail style, which features a candy cane twist.

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

Lecenté educator, Kimberly Johnstone, created this nail style using the foil sandwich technique. She used Lecenté Create in Carnaby, Beach Ball Jelly Gel and Rainbow Shimmer Foil.

Glossify ambassador, Leanne Haycock, adds festive foliage details to white French tips.

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TOP TIP

“The best way to prepare for the Christmas rush is to make sure you are stocked up on festive nail favourites, such as red, white, green, gold and silver glitter gels,” advises TGB ambassador, Joanne Thomas.

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Artistic Colour Gloss in Berry Fond of You £12.95 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk

TOP TIP

“Get organised in time for Christmas chaos by completing a stock take to ensure you have enough products for all your nail art needs,” advises Sarah Hartley, founder of Blossom Tree Social. “Allow enough time for each treatment, and ensure that clients’ expectations are managed within the timeframe.” >>

Light Elegance Glitter Gel in Make It A Double £18.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com OPI GelColor in Snow Holding Back £18.70 + VAT www.trade.opiuk.com

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 45

SEASONALNAILINSPO

The accent nail

Cable knit

Swirl nails remain a popular trend, so consider mixing up your client’s Christmas nail look with festive swirls on an accent nail. Shown is a design by Nailchemy brand ambassador & educator, Helen Clayton.

Nailchemy Metallic Old Gold Embossing Gel £6.99 + VAT www.nailchemy.co.uk

Glitterbels Berry Blitz Acrylic Powder £9.95 + VAT www.glitterbels.com Kayley Cairns of HD Pro Nails uses both cable knit and sparkle designs in this pretty nail style.

Glitterbels brand ambassador, @pexnails, creates a cute cable knit look for Christmas using Glitterbels products.

Gelish Soak Off Gel Polish in I Speak Chic £16.99 + VAT www.gsgroupuk.com www.salon-services.com

NSI Simplicité Polydip in White £11.25 + VAT www.nsinails.co.uk

A cable knit design is created as a feature nail in this look by Glitterbels brand ambassador, @nailsbyblg.

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Calgel in Star Attraction £16.98 + VAT www.izabellehammon.com

“I start a social media ‘nail advent’ at the end of November, to share festive design ideas with my clients that they may want for their nails. I always save the most intricate designs for later in the advent calendar, so I’m not bombarded with time-consuming nail designs for most of December.”

TAKE A BREAK

“Make sure you take breaks during the Christmas rush, and leave 10 minutes between clients to clean, stretch and breathe,” advises Leila Monroy.

Cuccio Veneer 3D Design Power £13.99 + VAT www.cuccio.co.uk

Georgie Smedley Group ambassador, Bekki Woolnough, is behind this festive design using Gelish shades, featuring a Christmas wreath on the ring finger.

Entity Dip Or Brush Acrylic Dip Powder in Carpe Diem Baby £14.95 + VAT www.thecreativebeautygroup.co.uk

“Prepare a few simple but effective designs to provide clients with inspiration, if they arrive at their appointment without a firm idea of what they want,” advises Kayley Cairns, Scratch Stars award-winning tech & co-head of education at HD Pro Nails.

Instagram.

TOP TIP

Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer in Belt It Out £4.95 + VAT/RRP £9.95 www.louellebelle.co.uk

HD Design It! Spider Gel in Silver £12.49 + VAT www.hazeldixonnails.com

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PRICE POINTER

“When pricing nail art, I charge in time allocations. For example, a set fee for every 15 minutes’ work,” says Kimberley Johnstone, Lecenté educator. “This way, I am paid for the extra time a design takes. If clients aren’t sure about what appointment time to book, I ask them to send their inspiration in advance so I can advise.” 46 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Instagram.

@splashnails_lindsay spreads joy amongst mistletoe, with a hand-painted word on the middle fingernail.

TREND NOTE “‘Subtle’ will be the key word to remember this year,” comments JulieAnne Larivière, Salon System nail expert. “Minimal, delicate nail art took over in 2022 and I believe it will be much the same for the party season.”

Do you have a client who is a fan of gonks? Add Christmas cheer with an accent nail, as in this design by @gelsbyleilah.

CND Vinylux™ in Get That Gold £4.95 + VAT/ RRP £11.95 www.sweetsquared.com

SEASONALNAILINSPO

Fancy & festive

STEP-BY-STEP

Glitterbels ambassador, Hannah Corrigan, reveals how to create this festive gingerbread and candy cane look…

Gelish Soak Off Gel Polish in Blazing Up The Charts £16.99 + VAT www.gsgroupuk.com www.salon-services.com

For clients with a sweet tooth, opt for a gingerbread man-themed design, with candy cane colours to help them feel Christmassy. Design by Georgina Duffy using Gelish.

Artistic Colour Gloss in Be My Holidate £12.95 + VAT www.louellabelle.co.uk

Crystal Parade Preciosa Crystal Mix (100pk) £3.99 + VAT www.crystalparade.co.uk

CND Shellac™ in Maple Leaves £13.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com

Step 4 Add cuffs to the hands and feet and create a mouth using the Fine Liner Detail Brush and Hot Hunni shade. Cure. Step 5 Using Hema-Free Gel Polish in Black, paint over the eye shapes to make them stand out.

Is your client feeling adventurous? Experiment with a different festive design on each nail, as demonstrated by Georgie Smedley Group ambassador, Bekki Woolnough, using Gelish.

Step 2 Paint the rest of the gingerbread body using the Glitterbels Fine Liner Detail Brush and cure. Step 3 Using the Dotting Tool, add the eyes and buttons with Glitterbels Hema-Free Gel Polishes in White and Hot Hunni. Cure.

Mii Colour Confidence Nail Polish in Diamond Chip from £6.75 + VAT/RRP £13.50 www.gerrardinternational.com

Step 1 Paint a circle onto the nail using the Glitterbels Dotting Tool and Hema-Free Gel Polish in Gingerbread Latte.

Step 6 Outline the body using the Fine Liner Detail Brush and Unbelievabel Gel in Whiteand cure. To create thin lines, coat the brush fully in the gel and then drag off the nail. Step 7 Using the Dotting Tool and Hot Hunni, add dots in the shape of candy canes, leaving small gaps in between each dot. Cure.

Step 8 Add white dots in between each of the red dots using the Hema-Free Gel Polish in White and Dotting Tool. This creates a simple candy cane design. Cure, then apply top coat. Cure and apply cuticle oil to finish.

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Glitterbels Unbelievabel Gel in White £9.95 + VAT www.glitterbels.com

Glitterbels HemaFree Gel Polish in Gingerbread Latte & Hot Hunni £7.99 + VAT each www.glitterbels.com Georgie Smedley Group ambassador, Sophie Donaldson, treats a client to a mix and match design for Christmas, combining a penguin, polar bear and Father Christmas.

PRICE POINTER

Add length to nails at Christmas to enhance your client’s seasonal designs; the longer the nail, the greater the design opportunity! This festive design was created by @msbrittenynails.

Jessica Custom Nail Colour in Swanky Silver £5.50 + VAT/RRP £11 www.gerrardinternational.com

“I always make it clear that anything other than a plain colour is an extra charge, and this information is also detailed on my booking app,” comments TGB ambassador, Joanne Thomas. “Nail art designs are split into tiers, depending on how long or how much they cost me to create.” SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 47

SEASONALNAILINSPO

Al that sparkles

Seeing stars

Loose glitter, flakes and stars have been encapsulated in a layer of The GelBottle Inc’s Clear BIAB™ with art gel, in this dazzling design by TGB ambassador, Learnah Starbuck.

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@charsgelnails creates a star-studded design using tones of red, gold and black to get in the party mood.

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Christmas Mixed Shapes £2.25 + VAT www.nsinails.co.uk

Lecenté Sleigh Bells Ultra Fine Nail Glitter £3.99 + VAT www.lecente.com www.sweetsquared.com www.ellisons.co.uk

Entity Color Couture in Meet Me At The Trevi Fountain £10.95 + VAT www.thecreativebeautygroup.co.uk

Mixed Shapes in Starstruck £2.25 + VAT www.nsinails.co.uk

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Halo VIP, Megan Thompson, uses Halo products to create a starry night festive look.

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The GelBottle Inc in Blinding Lights £16.50 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

The glazed nail trend meets a festive green ombré and stylish stars in this striking design by @zay.ramirez_nails.

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

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Offer clients a subtle way to ring in the New Year with a starry design over a nude shade, as shown by overlay by @nails_of_nv. Align the stars for the new year for your client, as TGB ambassador, Learnah Starbuck, has in this stunning design with an emerald base.

TREND NOTE

@jen.the.nail.lady shows off a colourful star design that’s perfect for party season.

MARKETING MAGIC

“Create a portfolio of your best Christmas work and showcase this on your social media, website, emails and in the salon if possible,” reveals Sarah Hartley. “The sooner you spread the word, the easier it is for clients to formulate an idea for their Christmas appointment.” 48 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

“Reflective glitters will continue to be hugely popular as they were in Christmas 2021, along with chrome accents and the cat-eye and velvet finishes,” reveals TGB ambassador, Megan Kelly.

HD Pro Diamond Flakes in Amethyst £4.99 + VAT www.hazeldixonnails.com

INK London Holo Shard Collection £16 + VAT www.inknails.com

OPI Infinite Shine in I’m A Gem £7 +`VAT/RRP £15.95 www.trade.opiuk.com

Scarlett Senter Nail Art Glitter £3.50 + P&P www.scarlettsenter.co.uk

SEASONALNAILINSPO

3..2..1.. Happy New Year!

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OPI GelColor in Pop the Baubles £18.70 + VAT www.trade.opiuk.com

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Gelish Soak Off Gel Polish in Record Breaker £16.99 + VAT www.gsgroupuk.com www.salon-services.com

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Black & gold

Gold leaves on a black overlay provides an effective way to get in the party spirit, as @nailsthecloset shows with this dazzling look.

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Holographic elements, as used by @zeeceebeauty, will catch the eyes after midnight.

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Dazzle with glimmers of gold foil or flakes, as in this design by @thenailbankuk.

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Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer in Command The Stage £4.95 + VAT/RRP £9.95 www.louellebelle.co.uk

Salon System Gellux in Glitz £11.95 + VAT. Available from wholesalers nationwide.

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“Time yourself doing some Christmas and New Year designs on nail tips,” advises Carla Mitchell, Nailchemy ambassador & educator. “This serves two purposes: you can pop the tips into a frame or display case for clients to choose from, and you know how long each design takes to create. Work out your hourly rate so you can price designs accordingly. You could even create different frames with different prices.”

What symbolises New Year more than fireworks and a midnight countdown? @fairynails_by_leanne showcases these themes across nails.

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TIME IS MONEY

Light Elegance Glitter Gel in Bling Bling £18.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com

Gelish Mini Gel Striper Brush £13.99 + VAT www.gsgroupuk.com

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Instagr Consider gold accent nails for a chic finish, as in this style by @nailsby_ves.

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

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IZ Beauty Of London Gold Mirror Nail Flakes 70p + VAT www.izabellehammon.com

West Yorkshire nail stylist, Nicky Haus, paints confetti-style dots on nails for a celebratory look. The design is Nicky’s take on manis by @beautyworksbyamy and @thedailynailofficial.

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 49

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ButterCreams • 4+ week wear • Highly opaque & extremely pigmented colour hard gel • Perfect for both nail art and creating a thin overlay LE Color Gels • 4+ week wear • Highly pigmented hard gel • Perfect for adding colour and strength on the nail LE Glitter Gels • 4+ week wear • Hard gel packed with glitter • Perfect for adding glitter and strength on the nail P+ Glitter Gel Polish • 21+ day wear • Soft gel packed with glitter • Perfect for providing a full-coverage glittery manicure on the natural nail ButterBlings • 4+ week wear • Highly opaque & extremely pigmented, metallic-like hard gel • Perfect for both nail art and creating a thin overlay Gel Paints • 4+ week wear • Highly pigmented hard gel • Perfect for art designs, line arts, ombres and full-cover applications All Light Elegance products are responsibly researched, developed and manufactured in Redmond, Oregon, USA.

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TRAININGSPOTLIGHT

COURSE

Bites my

e d a c A w o ll i W Are you keen to get to grips with an e-file? Explore the esteemed education offerings from Willow Academy to build confidence & speed up your nail services

CHLOE RANDALL REPORTS THE STORY SO FAR… Nail pro, Lucy James, switched to using an e-file when repetitive strain injury made hand filing too painful and difficult. She found the training to be lacklustre, with many gaps in information, so founded Willow Academy to offer thorough education alongside quality products to support nail pros on their e-file journey. “My goal was to show other nail techs how an e-file can transform their business,” Lucy reveals. “The more you know about a product, the more confident you feel in using it, so I have written my nail courses to cover all that pros, at various stages of their career, need to know about e-files. “Education is so important to the team at Willow Academy. We aim to break any stigma surrounding e-files and negativity about their use through detailed, accredited courses and continued support.”

EXCLUSIVE OFFER! Book a Willow Academy course by 31 December and use code SCRATCH10 at checkout to get 10% off! *Courses must be booked by 31 December to receive the offer, but can be taken at a later date. 52 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

THE COURSES: 1. The E-file Course – Level 1 This course is for nail pros seeking to use an e-file for the first time. Educators teach health & safety, how to care for an e-file and how a Willow e-file works. Practical training includes the removal of gel polish from the natural nail, infills and rebalancing, and how to use an e-file for nail prep. Cost: £160 Duration: 3-4 hours

2. Perfect Prep Course – Level 2 Techs attending this course must already have a recognised, accredited e-file qualification, as this training will cover how to carry out perfect prep with e-file bits. Attendees will learn how to identify which bit to use, how to separate dead protein from the nail plate safely, and so much more. An e-file machine (non-brand specific) with a high torque is needed to take part in this course. Cost: £110 Duration: 3 hours

3. E-Pedi Course – Level 2 Ideal for nail pros seeking to enhance their pedi treatments, this course concentrates on waterless pedis using e-file bits. It teaches exfoliation by e-filing rather than blades and peels, which is suitable for feet in good condition as well as feet with cracks and fissures. Attendees must hold an existing, accredited e-file qualification. Areas covered include the stages of consultation, area setup and all steps of the pedicure procedure. A combination of e-file and traditional methods for prep, as well as solely e-file, feature. Cost: £200 Duration: 5-6 hours

4. Gel Polish Removal & Perfect Prep – Level 1 *NEW* Are you a natural nail tech and want to use an e-file to remove gel polish? This course teaches how to safely remove gel polish with an e-file safely; whether the product is a traditional gel polish base coat, rubber base, strengthener or builder product. Training will cover the stages of natural nail prep using an e-file and how to use Willow cuticle bits. Cost: £160 Duration: 3-4 hours For the full course programme and to choose a training date and location, visit www.willowacademy.com

TRAININGSPOTLIGHT MEET THE EDUCATORS

Willow Academy has eight educators based across the UK offering in-person courses. The team will expand to offer courses in additional areas.

LUCY JAMES Cambridgeshire

GEMMA LAMBERT Doncaster

ANNABEL IFILL London

JEMMA BALL Stoke-on-Trent

KIRSTY PARKER Plymouth

RACHEL OGBORNE Northern Ireland

REQUIREMENTS: For Level 1 courses, students must hold a qualification in either gel polish, hard gel or acrylic enhancements (but not all are required). For Level 2 courses, students must already hold an e-file qualification from a reputable, accredited provider.

WHAT DO YOU NEED? “Depending on the course, students are required to bring specific kits and equipment, which are listed in the course details on Willow Academy’s website, as well as in the ‘Pre-Course Pack’ that they receive upon booking,” comments Lucy James. “Attendees are required to bring the relevant ‘Course Kit Bundle’, which will feature all the appropriate e-file bits needed to complete the course. They need an e-file machine of their choice and everyday nail kit essentials.”

Q & A: Lucy James, founder & CEO of Willow Academy How are the courses structured? “Each course is evenly split into theory and practical modules, with a small amount of pre-reading sent to students electronically upon booking, which will also be covered throughout the session. Students also receive their ‘Willow Bible’ in the form of a printed manual, to refer to when needed.” How are the courses assessed? “Each course is assessed throughout the session, via observations by the educator of each practical unit. If a student requires further tuition to confidently pass, educators may request additional case studies. If the student does not appear

BETH JAMES Swindon

LAUREN HOLMES Middlesbrough

confident, and the educator feels they require further tuition to be able to complete, they will be invited back to repeat the session free of charge.” What qualification will be received on successful completion? “Students receive a recognised qualification in the specific course taken, which is accredited by ABT. Willow Academy alumni also have acceptance into the Willow Hub for further support and information, and receive a Willow ‘qualified e-file professional’ window decal to display in their salon.” What support is available to students who train with Willow Academy? “Every student has their educators’ social media details to be able to seek further tutorials and ask any questions, as well as access to the private Willow Hub, available to all those qualified with Willow.”

For questions regarding Willow Academy’s courses, email education co-ordinator, Sally: sally@willowacademy.com www.willowacademy.com Willow Academy - Efile Bit & File Brand @willowacademy_lj SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 53

Tech for TECH-NOLOGY

Techs

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

TikTok & your nail business It’s the most downloaded app in the world and boasts over one billion users: TikTok is no longer just a platform for viral dances – it’s a powerful tool for promoting your business. However, knowing how to benefit from the app, in order to reach its huge community of nail techs and potential clients, can be overwhelming. Read on for top tips for using TikTok to the advantage of your nail business…

Be authentic

Authenticity is encouraged, with vlog-style videos featuring a voiceover proving popular. This allows followers to get to know you and your work environment. Another way to offer familiarity with your brand is to go live on TikTok. This might seem intimidating, but showing your business and passion for it in such a genuine way is a great opportunity to gain the trust of followers. You need at least 1,000 followers to go live.

To trend or not to trend?

BRYONY HOWELL @gelsbybry 100K+ followers 2M+ likes

Tiktok.com/@nailsbymh

Screenshots from a day in the life video

Similar to lives, by Bryony Howell, who gives an insight into tending to the nails of singer, Ella Mai. but without the pressure of talking in one take, the green screen effect records you on-screen while other images or videos appear in the background. This offers the chance to tell stories or explain topics with visual aids, and is another way to show users who they’ll meet at the nail desk. TikTok’s Duet feature is a similar concept, allowing you to record your own video alongside another, so you can offer a reaction or explanation. Celebrity manicurist, Michelle Humphrey, uses the green screen effect to react to a video of nail product removal. Followers are not only educated on poor removal practice, but are familiarised with Michelle.

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TikTok has received criticism for its adoption of features similar to other social media platforms – from stories that stay visible for 24 hours, like Instagram Stories, to TikTok Now, which mirrors the increasingly popular BeReal by encouraging daily video or photo posts at the same time as friends. However, no platform is currently competing with TikTok‘s ability to set culture-defining trends – and by taking advantage of these in the right way, your business’ engagement could skyrocket.

Tiktok.com/@gelsbybry

“My top tip for using TikTok as a nail tech is to post insights into your role – whether that’s a day in the life video, clips of the nail preparation or application process, or exclusive behind-the-scenes content, such as the unboxing of new products,” says Bryony Howell, ambassador for The GelBottle Inc & Booksy. She adds that videos on TikTok, don’t need to be as polished as they do on platforms like Instagram; in fact, this step away from picture-perfect posting in aid of creative fun is what makes the app so popular.

The key is to understand trends; whether they align with your brand and if they could spark long-lasting, positive conversations. Don’t get involved with a trend just because it’s popular – TikTok values creativity, so putting your own spin on it is crucial, while linking this to your business values, offerings and client base. Similarly, don’t try a trend when it has peaked or is dying out, as you won’t benefit from its previously high levels of engagement.

Tips to stay on-trend: • Check out what’s trending in the world of nails to inspire your original content. Search for keywords relevant to your work in the search bar, before clicking the filter icon to sort these videos by ‘Most Liked’. • According to 88% of TikTok users, sound is essential to their experience on the app. Important for catching users’ attention and boosting engagement, trending sounds can be found via the ‘Add Sound’ button and ‘TikTok Viral’ tab in the video editor. Remember to choose audio that complements your brand image.

TECH-NOLOGY

Remember to... Use hashtags Just like Instagram, using hashtags in your captions gives posts a better chance of being seen by potential clients. While generic hashtags like ‘#nails’ put your content in front of large user groups, their popularity makes it harder to be seen by your target audience. More niche hashtags can get through to clients who are interested in the specialisms you offer or want to find a tech in your location.

Add subtitles For your content to be seen by a high number of people, it needs to be accessible to all. That includes adding subtitles to videos containing speech for those who are hearing impaired or can’t turn their sound on. There are options to do this automatically or manually via the app’s video editor.

Engage with the community Being a small beauty business on TikTok has its benefits for audience engagement, as it allows you to easily monitor and reply to comments and messages, answering any questions. This also familiarises viewers with you and showcases that you are personable.

Videos to try in 2023

“Consistency is key for TikTok engagement, so even if your video isn’t reaching many people, remember – it only takes one post at the right time to go viral. Don’t give up,” advises Jess Swinburn, Glitterbels ambassador. Posting JESS SWINBURN more than once @beautybyjesssxx each day, if only short clips, increases 200K+ followers the chance of 6M+ likes higher engagement. Doing so will also help you figure out what type of content is most popular with your audience.

An e-filing ASMR video by Karen Brown. Other forms forms of ASMR include nail clipping and tapping.

While YouTube provided a platform for nail demos long before TikTok, this newer app offers a refreshing change with its quick, on-the-go format – providing techs with simple steps behind a design in a short amount of time. Posting tutorial content is another way to keep users coming back to your brand, without deterring them with sales-focused content, and it establishes you as an expert in the TikTok nail community.

This video by Jess Swinburn, showing how she achieved this nail style from prep to finish, went viral – with 1.8M likes and 9.2M views at the time of writing.

“While YouTube provided a platform for nail demos long before TikTok , this newer app offers a refreshing change with its quick, on-the-go format – providing techs with simple steps behind a design in a short amount of time.”

Tiktok.com/@nailswithmelissa

Tiktok.com/@beautybyjesssxx

Don’t give up

Mystery manicure Nail artist, Devin Strebler, machines are showcases a Lady and the found in many nail Tramp-inspired nail tutorial. salons nowadays, but if you have one, are you using it to its full potential? The machines lend themselves perfectly to TikTok videos, offering an insight into visiting your salon and your work process from start to finish, with intrigue added by the spontaneous element of the design. Melissa of @nailswithmelissa films her mystery manicure process from start to finish for her TikTok account.

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Tiktok.com/@thenailaddict

What is the ultimate purpose of using TikTok? To raise brand awareness and drive people to book an appointment with you: something that is only possible if they know how to access your website or booking system. Include the link for this in your bio, then ensure your audience is made aware that they must click on it by using phrasing such as ‘Head to the link in bio to find out more and book!’

Tiktok.com/@karenthenailtech

Link to your business

“ASMR content (recordings of sounds that give some people pleasant, often tingling, sensory responses) is a massive trend on TikTok, which doesn’t appear to be going anywhere,” reveals Karen Brown, Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year KAREN BROWN 2022 finalist. @karenthenailtech “My followers 200K+ followers particularly enjoy 1M+ likes my e-filing videos because the noise creates this sensation. It’s also satisfying to watch product being removed so quickly, easily and seamlessly.”

TECHTALK

TRAINERS

on tour Multi award-winning nail pro & educator, METTA FRANCIS, share tales from a two-day ‘Train The Trainer’ event in Belgium with Footlogix

have taken a break from full-time nail work over the last 16 months or so due to maternity leave and, admittingly, a slight loss in my mojo. However, when Louella Belle announced that I had been invited, alongside fellow educators, to attend Footlogix’s Train The Trainer event in Belgium, I jumped at the chance to reignite my passion. I came across Footlogix at the Olympia Beauty trade show in London, several years ago. I had been checking out a variety of brands with one goal in mind: to elevate my pedicure offering. I visited the Footlogix stand and chatted to Bryony Cocksedge, an industry friend I have known for years, who is head of education at Louella Belle, distributor of Footlogix. She gave me an insight into the brand and its training, showed me the products and performed a demo. I was sold! The results were amazing. My foot felt and looked so soft and hydrated, so I purchased the Footlogix Backbar Kit (starter kit) and booked onto a training course.

Metta Francis

At the Eurostar terminal with the Louella Belle team: Suzanne Clayton, Clare Hooson, Sharon Baker & Claire Harris.

Belgium calling

Footlogix was founded in 2007 by Dr. Katharin von Gavel, who hosted the event in Ghent, Belgium alongside Footlogix partners. I had woken up very early to make a 6am call time to assist Adam Slee with nail looks for the Burberry spring/summer 2023 showcase at London Fashion Week. As soon as we finished, I rushed to St. Pancras International to meet my fellow Louella Belle educators, and we boarded the Eurostar.

“The biggest highlight of the training was meeting fellow Footlogix fans and Today, Footlogix bonding with the pedicures are one of the most popular Louella Belle treatments I offer. The team.” brand has transformed my pedi services, increased overall revenue and retail sales, and my clients book in for pedis regularly, even during the winter months.

We arrived at a slightly rainy Brussels and made the hour-long journey to our hotel in Ghent. After checking in, we met

“With 50 attendees from 24 distributors in 19 countries represented, the 2022 Footlogix Train The Trainer event was the brand’s biggest to date. Those in attendance represented excellence in the footcare industry and it was a powerful experience for everyone to network, share experiences and grow together. I really felt a sense of community and am so proud to work with a company that has partners with such vision, leadership and integrity. We were all so inspired!” Nikki Fraser, director of education & business development at Footlogix

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On arrival in the city of Ghent.

the Footlogix team for dinner and I sat next to educator, Yaelia Millan, who has been working with Footlogix to make its training more accessible. Yaelia carries out training in Spanish to connect and support Spanish speaking nail professionals and markets. Seated opposite me was Nikki Fraser, Footlogix’s director of education & business development. I recognised her immediately as she hosts free online training sessions each month for Footlogix professionals, on everything from dry skin versus rough skin to how to use Footlogix tools correctly. It was lovely to meet Nikki in person and get to know her. After dinner, we retreated to our bedrooms for an early night.

With Claire Harris and Clare Hoosen (left) and Yaelia Millan.

TECHTALK

Day 1 The first training day opened with an introduction to the core Footlogix team by Dr. Katharin von Gavel, before product training commenced. We reviewed the history, core Class in session. values, vision and goals of Footlogix and focused on the brand’s unique selling points. Spoiler: it procedure demonstration, which was is the world’s first pediceutical footcare great for refreshing knowledge. I learned line, has a dermal infusion technology, is some really useful tips about how to work non-occlusive and the products are nonmore efficiently. greasy and fast absorbing. It also has other benefits, including its suitability for use on We then practiced pedi procedures and diabetic clients. I worked with Ira Kamburova, who had travelled from Bulgaria for the training event. We used a special device to measure the amount of moisture within the feet prior to the Footlogix pedicure and after. This tool was brilliant for showing how effective the pedicure is, and all feet showed an increase in moisture and hydration following treatment. I enjoyed working with another Footlogix professional as I usually work on a mobile basis, which can be lonely! Two products that were fairly new to me were Foot Fresh and Shoe Fresh. I loved using them We learned about the different product Using a device to measure during the training (even formulations, how and why they are so moisture levels in the foot. on myself) and made it effective and efficient, and how lives my aim to tell my clients and times have changed, resulting in a about them on my return. greater need for footcare. With a variety of products available, the Footlogix range can We ended the day with a knowledge recap sometimes seem overwhelming to those that and Q&A with Dr. Katharin von Gavel, before are new to the brand. However, each product seeing Ghent by boat ride and having serves a distinct purpose and allows us, as dinner. The evening was Footlogix professionals, to be able to tailor our service and recommendations to clients. lovely and gave us chance to explore There’s no ‘one size (or product) fits all’ with Ghent and learn Footlogix and that is the beauty of the brand! a lot from our knowledgeable Brenda Ribble, Footlogix’s North American skipper. distributor, gave a full product and

With my Footlogix training partner, Ira Kamburova, founder of Ira Beauty Studio in Bulgaria.

Getting familiar with Shoe Fresh.

On board the boat for a sightseeing trip with the Footlogix family.

“There’s no ‘one size (or product) fits all’ with Footlogix and that is the beauty of the brand.”

The training team in front of St Bavo’s Cathetral in Ghent.

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TECHTALK

Reflection

Day 2

I was so pleased and grateful to have been able to attend the Footlogix Train The Trainer education event. The biggest highlight of the training was meeting fellow Footlogix fans and bonding with the Louella Belle team. It was great to chat to educators, distributors and the international Footlogix team, especially post-pandemic.

The focus points for the second day of training were sales and marketing. We identified client needs, discussed bespoke product recommendations, and benefitted from sales training and educational support. Afterwards, we learned ways to introduce and provide Footlogix support to salons, spas and nail professionals; from ongoing contact to VIP education links and more. The training was so insightful. The Louella Belle team with Brenda Ribble I learned various sales following the treatment mousse showcase. techniques that I feel comfortable with, as ‘selling’ can sometimes be initimidating, and I feel confident to represent Footlogix. One particularly memorable part of the session was when Brenda Ribble sprayed 125ml of a Footlogix treatment mousse into an large glass vase, and squeezed 125ml of a traditional foot cream into a much smaller glass. Comparing the volume in this way made it clear why the Footlogix treatment mousse is beneficial, as you only have to use one walnut-sized pump of mousse per application, meaning it is great value for money. The mousse/bottle application also ensures that no air can get inside the can and contaminate the product. I now share this with my clients to support retailing of the treatment mousses. Nikki Fraser demonstrated the ‘One Foot Challenge’, and I knew how impactful this would be as Bryony did it on me when I first discovered the brand. The challenge allows clients to see how transformative a Footlogix treatment is, and Nikki talked through the process and demonstrated how it can be used as an effective sales and marketing tool. We then carried out the challenge on each other and I was amazed by the amount of dead skin removed. We continued with product knowledge training and a condensed pictorial-focused presentation that we can easily present to nail pros. The two-day training event then closed with a Q&A and presentation of certificates by Dr. Katharin von Gavel. 60 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

During lockdown, I interviewed Dr. Katharin von Gavel in the Louella Belle Professionals Facebook group and it was a great success. Everyone got to know the face behind the brand and Katharin shared some top tips. I loved meeting her in person, alongside Jennifer from the marketing team who helped to arrange the event. Similarly, Nikki Fraser was just as friendly and approachable in real life, and I didn’t hesitate to bombard her with questions throughout the training, which she did a great job of answering! I’m feeling much more motivated and confident in educating and introducing more Footlogix professionals to London. I will cherish the in-person training and memories; connecting with like-minded professionals, chatting about education with the Louella Belle team, and running around on the last day trying to buy souvenirs and Belgian chocolate for my family!

“I will cherish the in-person training and memories; connecting with like-minded professionals.”

The Louella Belle team with Dr. Katharin von Gavel, Nikki Fraser and Yaelia Millan.

Nikki Fraser demonstrating the ‘One Foot Challenge’. Footlogix trainers and distributors at the end of the training event.

To discover more about Footlogix products and training, visit www.louellabelle.co.uk and use discount code METTANEW. Contact Metta: E: metta@nailsbymets.com /nailsbymets @nailsbymets

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TECHSPOTLIGHT

READERS GALLERY

Marlow-based nail stylist, CORISSA RODGERS, showcases her favourite creations & shares her future ambitions

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TECHSPOTLIGHT

Name – Corissa Rodgers

Favourite nail design – I love to create smoky marble styles, which look great no matter what colours are used.

Age – 32 Business name – Rissa Sophia Beauty Location – Marlow, Buckinghamshire Years in nails – I started my industry journey 10 years ago, after the birth of my second son. I was seeking a career that allowed me to work around the needs of my children, and nails was a perfect fit!

Career ambition & vision – I believe that you can never stop learning, so my goal is to become an educator, as I would love to share my knowledge and experience with others. Nails started as a side hustle for me, but in 2019 I decided to take the leap and turn it into a full-time career – and it’s the best thing I have ever done. I work from a space in my home and am grateful to each and every one of my wonderful clients as I’m kept very busy. I can’t wait to see what 2023 holds.

Trained with – Nail Harmony UK Favourite products – The GelBottle Inc gel polishes are so highly pigmented and easy to apply. Favourite nail technique – I enjoy using TGB’s BIAB™ as when it is applied seamlessly, it can transform the look of the nail. A number of my clients are seeking to grow their natural nails and I am using BIAB™ to offer strength to support this growth.

Who do you admire in the industry? Alex (@thehotblend) inspires me with her beautiful creations, consistency and work ethic. If I ever reach out to her, she always replies. Also, Chantelle (@clawgasmic) is ‘one of the OGs’; her designs are always flawless and sleek and I am so glad she is getting the recognition she deserves. If I need nail design inspiration, I visit her Instagram page. @rissasophiabeauty

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SCRATCHCOLUMNIST

Deputy chair – Liza Smith

Chair – Marian Newman BEM

Director of finance & legal affairs – Denise Spragg

Director of communications – Clare Woodcock

THE FORCE

OF THE FEDS Get to know the FNP’s virtual assistant, NATALIE BOYES-KORKIS, & discover how she is supporting the work of the organisation

y name is Natalie, and I am a virtual assistant. I have been self-employed for three years and decided to start my own business when I relocated, and couldn’t find a job to suit my needs, as a single mum of two young children.

Before I had my children, I worked in a variety of roles; from a customer service supervisor to NVQ assessor, bar supervisor and wedding planner. I started growing my virtual assistant business in late 2019 while working part-time in a local pub. Working all day, then supporting my clients every evening was hard work, but very rewarding.

My ability to support online businesses with their administration needs comes from over 20 years’ experience in the corporate world, however I can now also add social media scheduling, content writing, diary management and inbox clearance to my tasks list. I love watching my clients grow their businesses with my help, as it gives me a true sense of achievement. I have only been with the FNP for a short time, but already feel like one of the family. I love speaking to the organisation’s members on the FNP’s social media pages and seeing the nail art designs they tag us in. Board meetings are a lot of fun, and I am ready for the upcoming events the FNP has planned.

“I love being able to watch my clients I am really excited to be attending the trade shows in 2023 to meet existing grow their businesses London members and encourage new sign-ups. I’m also looking forward to meeting people with my help, as it from across the nail sector and listening gives me a true to Marian serve up her pearls of wisdom. Although I work virtually from my home office, sense of I still enjoy meeting people and making new achievement.” connections, so trade shows will be a nice break

In lockdown, I was fortunate to be put on the furlough scheme, which gave me more time to market my virtual assistant (VA) business. When I was made redundant in September 2020, I decided to take the leap into full-time self-employment as a VA.

from my normal routine.

The FNP is growing at an amazing rate, and I am honoured to be a part of its future. I cannot wait to see what 2023 has in store for us all!

“I am really excited to be attending the London trade shows in 2023 to meet existing members and encourage new sign-ups. I’m also looking forward to meeting people from across the nail sector and listening to Marian serve up her pearls of wisdom.” 64 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

SCRATCHCOLUMNIST

MEET THE FEDERATION ADVISORS

Scratch shines a spotlight on some of the FNP advisors, who support the organisation’s work and goals.

FA SPOTLIGHT: LOUISE SEARLES EXPERT AREA: Professional standards

Louise started her career as a hairdresser and beauty therapist in 1996, working in salons and spas before setting up her own business at the age of 22. When she became fully booked, she sought a new challenge and accepted an offer to mentor students within a college. Louise found a love for teaching, and after three years of training, she took on the role of full-time lecturer within further and higher education and became an examiner for City & Guilds. She went on to achieve the title of regional lead verifier for hair and beauty within City & Guilds, and through this, met a number of inspiring and motivational people. She was encouraged to create her own beauty therapy training provision in 2001. “The aim of my organisation is to find a need and fill it,” Louise comments. “I truly believe there is a need within our industry to help people find Route to Regulated qualifications and I am delighted that our network will be able to help many well educated and experienced nail technicians achieve reputable qualifications.”

FA SPOTLIGHT: VICTORIA BROWNLIE

FA SPOTLIGHT: JOHN RIBCHESTER

EXPERT AREA: Policy & government relations

Victoria is chief policy officer at the British Beauty Council. She has over 15 years’ experience influencing government policy and lobbying on issues from animal welfare to local government, the construction sector and business. During the pandemic, Victoria was instrumental in securing vital financial support and relief for the personal care sector, working with governments in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure that salons and brands had businesses to return to as the pandemic eased. Within her remit at the British Beauty Council, Victoria is a champion of the sector for the role it has in the race to net zero, STEM, careers, and the future of the UK’s position in the world as a positive trading partner. She continues to highlight the beauty industry within the political consciousness as the driven, entrepreneurial, world-leading and dynamic sector it is, and those within it whose careers are dedicated to making people feel like the best versions of themselves. She is looking forward to providing insight into ongoing governmental or policy-related activity, and overseeing any political engagement.

FA SPOTLIGHT: SAMMY MACDONALD

EXPERT AREA: Employment, rules & regulations surrounding Scottish salons

Sammy is the owner of multiple salons, an international award-winning nail technician and seasoned educator with more than 15 years’ teaching experience. She joined the nail industry over 20 years ago and is often called upon to judge industry competitions. “I am looking forward to sharing all that I have learned throughout my career,” Sammy comments. “If I can support even one person through a difficult time, then I am happy. However, I do aim to help as many as I possibly can.” www.the-fnp.com

/TheFNPUK

EXPERT AREA: Advising & guiding on face masks & general PPE

John has a 30-year career as a qualified textile and polymer engineer, and as a consultant for fabric and PPE innovation. His core focus is to protect people and keep them safe. Almost 16 years ago, he developed a high performance face mask for travelling, which is sold globally. With the onset of Covid-19, his company created a face mask specifically to provide protection against the virus. “I am looking forward to delivering the correct and current information to members of the FNP, their customers and families,” he comments. “I have heard of too many cases of young people becoming so sick they cannot work, resulting in life changing situations. ‘We’ need greater controls, chemically and with dust awareness.”

FA SPOTLIGHT: ALEX FOX

EXPERT AREA: Nail competitions, publishing & media After a small stint working in Brooklyn, New York, Alex began her career in journalism in 1993, writing for photographic titles. In 1998, she embraced a role on the first UK trade nail magazine, Nails Plus, heading a team of 10 as editorial director and hosting The Nail Championships in Earls Court, London. In 2003, Alex co-founded Scratch magazine, and helped conceive the Scratch Stars Awards in 2012, devised to recognise outstanding talent in the UK nail industry. She then spearheaded the first consumer nail title, Gloss, and originated Scratch Middle East magazine in 2014, while living abroad for 10 years in Qatar. Alex returned to the UK as Scratch’s editor-in-chief before moving her focus to Nailympia Competitions as its global director. She joined forces with industry professionals and co-founders of the FNP, Marian Newman and Jennie Nippard, to offer a unique annual five-day education event, Nail Safari, located at her family zoo. Alex is passionate about raising standards while celebrating global nail artists through GlossaryLive.com. @the_fnp_

@the_fnp_

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 65

SALONSPOTLIGHTS

Through the

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

Scratch Nail & Beauty Salon Location: Stourbridge, West Midlands For 18 years, Scratch Nail & Beauty Salon has been a popular destination for nail services, offering luxury manis and pedis alongside L&P acrylic and gel enhancements. Owner, Chantal Chambers, has expanded her team and treatment menu over time, so the salon offers lash treatments, waxing, facials, massage, holistic therapies, aesthetics and more – all of which can be enjoyed with a glass of Champagne from its Moët & Chandon Bar. “I love Champagne and thought, ‘who wouldn’t want to sit and enjoy a glass while having a mani or pedi?’” Chantal explains. “Getting the drinks licence was not an easy process, but it has been worth it, as it enhances the mood within the salon and is a big hit with wedding parties.” The space is serene and stylish, with a calming white interior, soft cream furnishings and elegant touches of gold and chrome. The most popular treatment is a gel manicure, using Calgel or Bio Sculpture Gel, while CND™ is the brand of choice for L&P acrylic, Lycon for waxing and Neal’s Yard for luxury facials. Chantal works alongside three fellow nail pros; Cassie, Elise and Eve, two beauty therapists; Jen and Lucy, and her sister and nurse practitioner, Natalie. She credits their friendly dispositions and great customer care as reasons why clients travel many miles to visit the salon. “Every single customer that steps through the door is made to feel welcome and like a VIP,” says Chantal. “Nothing is too much trouble for the team.” www.scratchnailandbeautysalon.co.uk

/scratchnailsalon

@scratchnailandbeautysalon

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

LivLoBeauty

Location: County Antrim, Northern Ireland

On qualifying as a beauty therapist, Olivia Hicklin worked in a salon, but found herself in a tricky situation when the pandemic hit. “I ended up with no job and no income,” she reveals. “I contacted numerous salons to enquire about work postpandemic, but uncertainty amongst businesses meant I was unable to find a role. “I started to feel despondent about my future in the industry and turned to my partner for advice, who encouraged me to keep trying to find work. The next morning, I applied for a job as a community care assistant – and ordered paint and materials to create a home-based nail space,” Olivia recalls. “I used any spare time alongside my work as a carer to take pictures of my nails, make-up and tan results and post them on social media. I was finally able to welcome my first home salon client in the summer of 2020, when restrictions eased, and resigned from being a carer in December that same year.” Since then, Olivia has expanded her treatment menu, contributed to charities, fundraisers and raffles, taken part in photo shoots and collaborated with other self-employed businesses to boost trade. “I expanded LivLoBeauty in January 2022, converting a cabin into my dream treatment space,” she explains. “I chose neutral colours for the cabin and pink for my wax room. The shades are calming, and candles and plants add a homely touch.” “I love that each client can use their time at LivLoBeauty to unwind in their own way, whether they enjoy some music, seek a lively chat or prefer light conversation alongside their treatment. I also cater to groups such as bridal parties, as the cabin is the perfect space for a pre-wedding get-together.” 66 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

@livlobeauty

COMPANYSPOTLIGHT

ART WITH

Heart

Discover DALÍ ARTISTIC: the professional nail brand with a focus on care, craftmanship & eco-conscious offerings to enhance your creativity

oes the name Dalí sound familiar? You may recall the work of the late Spanish artist, Salvador Dalí, who was renowned for his technical skill, precise craftmanship and striking creations. Keen to create nail products that unleashed these same traits in techs, three Liverpool-based directors thought it fitting to name their brand in his honour. “Dalí once said, ‘a true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others’, and this is synonymous with the ambition we have for the brand and our users,” reveals Scott Tynan, director & head of product development at Dalí Artistic.

Emily Ferguson

amazing products, but cares about the customer. We want to make a positive impact on the industry.” Dalí Artistic launched with a limited product range in April, before it unveiled 100 shades in a hema-free gel polish formula in September. Joining gel polishes in the brand’s portfolio are gel paints, an acrylic system with a rainbow of powder hues, tools, nail tips and the GRO Gel range of builder gels. “We offer most of the products a nail tech needs to get creative The Dalí Artistic and offer superior nail services, salon, Liverpool. and our aim is to become a onestop-shop for nail products,” says Scott. “All products are hema-free, and our gel polishes are manufactured in the UK, with the GRO Gel range to follow suit in the new year. We are constantly expanding our product portfolio and heading into different areas of the market. We have two very exciting launches this month; an E-Prep Nail File and UV Lamp.”

“Our company ethos is to provide high quality, safe It has only been 14 months products to the since its inception, yet the company has made nail industry, while a powerful impression on the industry with its reducing the overall stylised bottles, artistic impact on the branding and ecoconscious ethos. Scott is joined eye-catching Dalí Artistic product bottle environment.” wasThe at top level by Emily Ferguson, director designed with a nod to cubism, in homage to

& head of marketing, and Ed Humphrey, director & head of purchasing.

Salvador Dalí. The brand’s signature shade is pale yellow, and a pastel colour palette has been chosen for product packaging.

Emily has been in the nail industry for over 12 years, working and educating in popular salons in northwest England before opening her own salon and training academy in Liverpool. “In the initial stages of development, it was Emily’s social media following that was our avenue to market,” Scott continues. “Her Instagram account, @nailsbyemily_xx, has over 56,000 followers, and we have been able to showcase the brand to this captive audience.”

The company’s creativity extends to a team of eight additional industry experts, who offer insight into the brand’s direction and help it reach a wider audience. “We expect to add to the Dalí Artistic team as the brand grows, and we want to be a business that customers rely on,” continues Scott.

Emily supports Scott in creating and testing innovative products to excite the nail sector, and Ed maintains the supply chain. “When we launched Dalí Artistic, we knew we had created something special,” Scott reveals. “Our aim was to launch a brand that not only sells 68 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

“The trust that nail techs and salons have shown in Dalí already has been phenomenal, and our customer base is expanding every day. Having witnessed the volatility of the world economy, we are proud to have a supply chain on our doorstep. We can’t wait to turn more salon shelves yellow: the brand with the eye-catching bottle is excited to see what the future holds!”

COMPANYSPOTLIGHT

TRAINING

All Dalí Artistic training courses are currently delivered by director, Emily, from the Dalí Salon & Academy in Liverpool. Held on a monthly basis, students are provided with a kit of required Dalí products and a training manual with each course booking. The courses are: • Gel polish beginner/advanced • Acrylic beginner/advanced • Builder gel beginner • Dalí Extend Gel system

MEET SAL

TECH TALK

Nail artist, Rebecca Bramhall, of Just Gelled, Oldbury, shares what she loves about the Dalí Artistic brand… “After experiencing nail separation with another brand, I became increasingly conscious about where my gel polish products were made and tested, as well as the properties of the formula. I had followed Emily on Instagram and knew of her experience and expertise, and saw she was using a yellow, shapely bottle. I discovered it was her own brand, Dalí Artistic, and saw it had a great following – so purchased my first Dalí products. “I have tested a number of builder gels and find Dalí Artistic’s GRO Gel to provide all the qualities I need. The hema-free gel polish range offers stunning colours, from glitters to sheer nudes, and the line is made and tested in the UK – which supports our economy. I have been using Dalí Artistic products since July, and the brand’s customer service is outstanding.” /justgelled

@justgelled

‘Sal’, named after Salvador Dalí, is the Dalí Artistic mascot, who can often be spotted with a paint tin full of lollipops and goodies.

PERFECTLY PACKAGED

“Dalí Artistic products are posted to clients in reusable paint cans with custom-made foam inserts,” shares Scott. “We do not include bubble wrap in any of our orders and we also run an ‘Eco-Bottle Scheme’, where nail techs can send their empty gel polish bottles back to us – whether they are Dalí bottles or from another brand. We then ensure they are recycled. If techs do this, they receive credit to spend on the Dalí Artistic website. Customers can also send back the tins from their orders for us to reuse. Alternatively, some love to use them to store stock or for potting plants, which look great in the salon space.” www.daliartistic.co.uk /daliartistic @dali.artistic SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 69

INDUSTRYINITIATIVE

A helping

hand

The Hair & Beauty Charity reflects on its 2022 achievements, shares plans for the coming year & details how you can support & benefit from its work REBECCA HITCHON REPORTS

hile countless aspects of the hair and beauty industry have changed over the past 150 years, one constant has been the Hair & Beauty Charity. It supports the needs of British professionals in the hair and beauty sectors, providing a helping hand during challenging times. Most recently, its work during the pandemic supported businesses in their battle for survival, and helped more domestic abuse survivors than ever before. The charity is currently experiencing a huge number of requests for help, as a consequence of the cost of living crisis. “Our work, and support from the wider industry, is more crucial than ever before,” reveals Hellen Ward, vice president of the Hair & Beauty Charity. “As the beauty sector is female dominated, many professionals are also juggling Hellen Ward family responsibilities, such as looking after children or relatives. They have the added worry of whether they’ll be able to put dinner on the table or buy winter coats for their children.” As a need-led organisation, the Hair & Beauty Charity provides both practical and financial assistance to families and individuals who have fallen on hard times. Beneficiaries must have worked within the industry for a minimum of three years or if not directly in the sector, they must have previously worked in it for at least five years.

The Hair & Beauty Charity team fundraising at Salon International.

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“Much of what we provide includes the basics needed for a decent life; carpets, fridges, washing machines, school uniforms, clothing and shoes

for children,” Hellen explains. “We also support people while they undergo treatment for illness or are trying to get back to work. As well as financial assistance, we work with our partners in the industry to provide training, equipment and advice.”

2022: A year in review “The past year has been incredible for the Hair & Beauty Charity,” Hellen enthuses. “We have seen our industry come together to support those in need in a way that is incomparable to any other year. Our sponsors have donated huge amounts and we are immensely grateful to those who have held fundraising events in their salons or with friends and family, raising money that is desperately needed to help industry colleagues.”

Hair stylists, Mark Woolley & Mark Hayes, with the Legends of British Hairdressing print.

Some of these events included the launch of Legends of British Hairdressing, a screen print created by renowned hair The charity’s Golf Day 2022. stylist, Mark Woolley. It features over 150 of the most influential people in the hair industry – including the Hair & Beauty Charity. The event saw other artwork sold and a raffle hosted in aid of the charity. After a two-year hiatus, the Hair & Beauty Charity’s annual Golf Day returned for 2022, with industry figures playing to raise funds. The charity also attended trade events including Professional Beauty North and Salon International, where a tombola and sales of items, including the

INDUSTRYINITIATIVE organisation’s 2023 calendar, raised record-breaking totals. “We launched our Supporter Campaign, too, allowing salons and individuals to donate a set amount of money per month with minimum effort,” adds Hellen. “There are over 38,000 salons in our industry; if half of those gave £10 per month, that’s £190,000 per month, every month. If self-employed professionals then gave £5 per month, imagine the amount of people we could help now and in the future.”

Big rewards, big cause

Representatives from the charity attended the Professional Beauty London trade event.

You have until 8 December to enter the Hair & Beauty Charity’s 2022 raffle, with prizes including £1,000 cash, £500 Selfridges vouchers, a day at the Richard Ward Metrospa, a pair of tickets worth up to £250 from See Tickets, a Michael Kors handbag, and product goody bags and hampers. The winners will be announced via the charity’s social media channels on 9 December.

British Hairdressing Business Awards host, Anton du Beke, with his raffle ticket.

Plans for 2023

Tickets are £1 and can be bought here

“Our main priority for the coming months is to help people through a difficult winter, which is why we will continue to ask for the industry’s involvement in our Supporter Campaign,” comments Hellen. The Hair & Beauty Charity has a number of exciting fundraising events planned for 2023, including its annual charity Bike Ride and a night of fun at a club in King’s Cross, London. Information will be released via the charity’s social media accounts.

Head to page 15 to find out about another fundraising initiative, Jumpers For Dinners, to take part in this month.

How to apply for help Anyone who needs help can call the Hair & Beauty Charity on 01234 831888 or visit www.hairandbeautycharity.org/apply-for-help to fill out an application form. “If you meet the required criteria, your application will be put forward to the charity’s trustee panel for careful consideration. We understand that each applicant’s situation is different, therefore our beneficiaries are considered on a three, six or 12-month basis,” explains Hellen.

SUBSCRIBE TO SCRATCH Did you know? If you subscribe to Scratch via www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/store, you will be given the option to donate £1 to the Hair & Beauty Charity.

The charity’s 2022 Bike Ride.

How to support

“We would love for everyone in the industry to become an official charity supporter, whether as a salon or individual,” says Hellen. “How much you wish to donate per month is up to you, but we recommend £20, which is £5 per week, so less than the price of two coffees. It’s simple and quick; fill out the form and your monthly donation will go directly towards helping industry friends and colleagues. You will receive a Supporter Pack with stickers, posters and information to share with clients, and we’ll update you on the cases you are helping.” Scan here to complete the form

Visit the Hair & Beauty Charity’s online shop (www.hairandbeautycharity.org/shop) for other ways to support. Available to buy are the charity’s 2023 calendar, a bespoke Denman Tangle Tamer Brush and a mug – both featuring the charity’s logo. Or, why not set up your own fundraising initiative?

A touching tribute

“One of the most poignant thank yous of 2022 was from a single father – a barber, who got through a tough time and back into work with our help. He was grateful that for the first time in two years, he could treat his son at McDonald’s.” Hellen Ward

www.hairandbeautycharity.org

/hbcharityuk

@hbcharityuk

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TECHTALK

GOING

green

LUCY ALLEN, owner of SuperNatural Nails in Sheffield, shares the benefits of being a Green Salon Collective member salon 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 dispose of their waste responsibly. Its recycling, education and accreditation programmes enable salons and other hair and beauty businesses to become truly ethical and sustainable.

I joined Green Salon Collective in September 2021 after reading an article about it in Scratch. I have always been focused on reducing waste in my studio, and recycling items such as nitrile gloves and empty glass polish bottles has been challenging in the past, as these items are considered ‘contaminated waste’. GSC aims to create a circular economy within the hair and beauty industries in the UK and Ireland by reducing the use of non-recyclable items that would usually end up in landfill, and reusing, recycling or repurposing everything else. It’s a unique scheme and the ethos really appealed to me.

What does being a member entail? Signing up to become a Green Salon Collective member was really easy – it only took a few minutes to register online and buy the starter kit. The education GSC provides is great and the team is constantly looking for ways to improve the scheme. In fact, it’s changed since I first joined and I no longer need to separate non-recyclable waste into different bins. The non-recyclable waste we generate in the salon now just goes into one bin, including contaminated items such as PPE and food (if you do not compost this). Green Salon Collective has a great customer service team, plus a helpful member group on Facebook for any queries. SuperNatural Nails is listed on the GSC website as a member salon and there are downloadable resources in the member’s area of the website, including images to use on social media to promote being a member and graphics that explain the scheme in a straightforward manner.

What are the key benefits of being involved? SuperNatural Nails can proudly say that it’s a zero-to-landfill salon, which appeals to our target clientele and strongly aligns with our brand ethos. GSC keeps a record of how much waste we’ve returned, which we display on a poster in the studio so that clients can view the impact of the scheme. It’s definitely eye-opening!

How can fellow pros become members? Visit the Green Salon Collective website for information or get in touch with the GSC team. You can also purchase a General Waste to Energy Starter Kit, which includes a bin (or you can use your own), bin bags, marketing materials and a year of weekly waste collections.

Why would you encourage other businesses to sign up? The climate crisis is an issue that affects every single one of us and we should all be doing our bit, personally and professionally, to reduce waste and our carbon footprint, which is how much carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas we produce. As an industry, we produce tonnes of waste that can’t be recycled via council recycling services and it ends up in landfill unnecessarily. By joining Green Salon Collective, you’re keeping waste out of landfill, helping to create clean energy, and committing to being a more ethical, sustainable business. Your waste is collected and sent to specialist energy recovery facilities, where it is burned to ash and the emissions released into the air are filtered to levels equal to or below that of standard fossil-fuelled power stations. This creates heat, which is used to heat properties nearby to the facility, and electricity, which is sold back to the national grid – both of which vastly decrease the amount of fossil fuels used and carbon emissions generated. The Collective also offers a carbonoffsetting scheme to go that extra step towards balancing out production of carbon dioxide and through this, SuperNatural Nails became a carbon neutral company in 2021.

How does being a member work financially? To cover the cost of membership and the collections, we have added a ‘green fee’ of £1 to the price of treatments and explained this to clients via an email and in person. Clients have been so supportive and are happy to pay a small amount to support our sustainability mission. We promote that the salon is a GSC member on our website, Instagram and Facebook accounts, and new clients have commented that being a member is one of the reasons they choose to visit us. It’s a win-win situation for both the business and environment. 72 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Follow Lucy: www.supernaturalnails.co.uk /supernaturalnails @supernaturalnails To find out more about Green Salon Collective & how to become a member salon, visit www.greensaloncollective.com E: hello@greensaloncollective.com /greensaloncollective @greensaloncollective

Instagram.com/supernaturalnails

Why did you become a Green Salon Collective member?

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MARKETINGMATTERS

SPREAD THE

word

Esteemed nail & beauty educators tell REBECCA HITCHON how they use marketing to create demand for course offerings

For many nail pros, becoming an educator is often the next stage of their career. The patience and experience born from client work help to produce talented teachers, but what about the skillset required to promote nail and beauty courses? While marketing is a huge aspect of a nail tech’s job role, the strategies required to advertise educational service differ. There is also additional pressure to market effectively, to entice spend on training. In this article, educators share their top marketing tactics to increase the demand for courses.

Finding your niche “Educators must figure out what their USP (unique selling point) is, so they can focus on and reap the rewards from marketing this Michelle Brookes quality. What is your key strength? What does your local area need?” asks Michelle Brookes, Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2022. Nina Nicholson, lead educator at Lecenté, admits that this quality can be tricky to pinpoint. “You need to consider what you are passionate about, your strengths and what you feel you can pass onto others that will help them, before focusing on how you can elevate and build on these points,” she advises. If you are struggling to identify Nina Nicholson your specialities, why not ask others, such as colleagues or previous students, to detail the areas in which you excel?

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Marketing materials Most educators are adept at using social media platforms to promote their offerings, however with algorithms sometimes disrupting how widely posts are Ruth Munro seen, more direct forms of marketing also play an important role. Magpie Beauty educator, Ruth Munro, sends regular emails about her classes, which include information about course content and images of students’ work. “I also ask my database which nail skills they would like to improve upon next, meaning I can target my training offerings to them and maintain interest,” she tells Scratch. With training such an integral part of ensuring piercing services are safe An email sent out by and comfortable for Ruth Munro, encouraging clients, the team at bookings of one of her classes. Studex places a huge Amirah Ibrahim focus on communicating its education offerings across a variety of platforms. “By showcasing our knowledge, experience and tips, we’ve built a community where partners feel reassured that they have our full support – and this raises interest in our training,” explains Amirah Ibrahim, sales & marketing executive at Studex.

“Use a prospectus to list your courses, including their outcomes and content in simple bullet points.”

MARKETINGMATTERS

In-person promotion En Vogue educator, Mary Ellon Balance, strongly believes in the power of building teacher/student relationships through in-person interaction, in order to add value to her Mary Ellon Balance education offerings. “Faceto-face communication with nail techs is a priority for me, because it builds confidence,” she explains. “From this, those techs will come to you to learn about anything, because they trust that you will give them helpful information.

Marketing materials used by Mary Ellon Balance to promote a pop-up nail event she hosted.

“I participate in and host trade shows and retreats to build those relationships, and reach out to colleges in my local area. I invite students to classes at a discounted rate to get them interested in furthering their education, both during school and after they graduate,” she adds. “After this, word of mouth becomes important and provides others with the confidence that the money they are spending on training will add value to the services they offer to clients.”

Kirsty Parker, Scratch Stars Educator of the Year finalist 2022 & Willow Academy educator, agrees that contacting local colleges is beneficial to educators. “Ask if students would like to attend a one-day skill-building Kirsty Parker workshop that follows the course they are studying. For example, it could cover an additional technique they may wish to learn,” she advises. “I also recommend contacting your local trade supplier, to see if they are happy for you to leave leaflets or posters advertising your training.” “Attending in-person events such as trade shows helps to raise interest and has boosted our profile,” adds Studex’s Amirah Ibrahim. “Exhibiting encourages bookings as our training team can talk beauty pros through the programme and what they will gain from it, as well as promote that it The Studex team at this year’s is free with purchase Olympia Beauty trade event. of our Starter Kits.”

Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2019, Rachel Lunn, uses a prospectus to showcase her offerings, featuring the same branding as her other marketing materials. “Use a prospectus to list your courses, including their Rachel Lunn outcomes and content in simple bullet points, as well as your experience in the industry and qualifications. Include the accreditation logo, and logos of any awards you have won,” she shares.

Hari Hatfield

“It can be tempting to try and fit a lot of information on marketing materials, however this can lead to them looking busy and the information appearing overwhelming.”

While it is important to promote your work in as many destinations as possible, Course offerings shown in remaining on-brand is key throughout. “I have created Rachel Lunn’s prospectus. a brand kit on the Canva app so that all of my marketing materials include matching stylistic elements, such as fonts and colours,” reveals Halo VIP, Hari Hatfield of Sweetcheeks Training Academy, Telford & Shrewsbury. She adds that this has helped her business to appear professional and recognisable to potential students.

‘What should I include in my marketing materials?’

Nina Nicholson keeps the design of her marketing materials simple.

“You want your students to feel that they know what to expect, so show images of the training facilities and examples of your work and students’ work,” says Hari Hatfield. Rachel Lunn agrees, adding that the confidence of potential students is boosted when they see the progression of past learners. Be simple and concise with information, advises Nina Nicholson. “It can be tempting to try and fit a lot of information on marketing materials, however this can lead to them looking busy and the information appearing overwhelming,” she explains. “The ins and outs of your training can be explained to students once initial contact has been made.”

>> Marketing literature by Hari Hatfield.

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 75

MARKETINGMATTERS

Social media tips “Instagram and Facebook have been key to building up my student following, because I have found that potential students are more likely to book courses with you if they have already interacted with you,” reveals Nina Nicholson. Of the two platforms, Michelle Brookes and Rachel Lunn prefer Facebook for their educational marketing needs. “Facebook is most successful for encouraging interest in and bookings for my courses, and I regularly create sponsored adverts, which help to showcase my training to new students who are joining the industry,” says Michelle. “I also use Facebook groups to advertise my courses and generally get a lot of enquiries from this.” “Facebook advertising allows you to specifically target people’s location and interests, as well as choose your budget,” adds Rachel. “It is great value for money but needs to be consistent and frequent to be effective. While Instagram is an eye-catching way to showcase work, it does not always allow enough information to attract a potential student’s attention. So, keep wording in bullet point format to encourage a conversation via message or email, where you can send a prospectus.”

Instagram.com/kirsty_parker_nail_artist

Ruth Munro admits that Instagram Stories have been handy for her to showcase demand and encourage bookings. “I regularly update my Story with training information, crossing out spaces as soon as classes become full to encourage students to not miss out,” she explains. “As a nail tech, I already have a great target market through my following and hashtags allow new users to find me, too.”

Targeted times While the analytics available to you on your social media accounts show the peak times of engagement for your audience, there are some general rules for when marketing can make the most impact. When Scratch asked its Instagram followers at what time of the year they seek training courses, the overwhelming response was early in the year and springtime, once they have recovered from the hectic festive period. This also allows businesses to be fully prepared for the summer rush. In terms of specific days and times, consider when nail techs won’t be working; lunchtimes, evenings and weekends. Rachel Lunn finds Sundays to be a particularly crucial time. “The Sunday blues start to kick in and your audience will be on the lookout for change, so this day is perfect for attracting beginners,” she reveals. Also think about when payday lands, as this will be the incentive for many to organise their finances for the coming month and open their wallets to expenditure for their business.

“Sometimes, you have to give a little free content to appeal to students and show them how they will be taught.”

Instagram marketing used by Kirsty Parker, with course content in bullet point format. Michelle Brookes uses TikTok to give potential students a glimpse of her teaching style and training days.

Tiktok.com/@michellebrookes_training

4 TIPS FOR USING INSTAGRAM REELS TO MARKET EDUCATION By Victoria Trafford, Sweet Squared educator & Scratch Stars Educator of the Year finalist 2022

TikTok is being increasingly used to promote nail education options, with walkthroughs of training days, showcases of students’ work and progression, plus video tours of training facilities proving popular. Head to page 54 to learn more TikTok tips for your nail business!

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1. Show the environment, as students like to see where they are training and its setup. For those who are nervous, this reassures them of a relaxed setting. 2. If a branded curse, include images/videos of the products on their own and in use. 3. Demonstrate students learning, so potential attendees can envisage themselves on the course. 4. Tag students, as they love to be featured and it grows their business by showing continued professional development.

#ShowScratch “Working with publications like Scratch has allowed us to promote our training offerings and make them more viable and attractive to potential partners,” reveals Studex’s Amirah Ibrahim. Why not share your education offerings with us via email (editorial@scratchmagazine.co.uk) and social media using #showscratch? Plus, entry opens on 1 February for the Scratch Stars Awards 2023, where you can enter the Educator of the Year category. Keep your eyes peeled for further information!

MARKETINGMATTERS

Deal or no deal?

Support groups Many techs make industry friends while partaking in courses, but Glitterbels believes this doesn’t just have to happen during a training day. “We have a Facebook group, moderated by our educators, that allows nail techs who use our products to support one another,” explains Glitterbels marketing executive, Ellie Moston. “It also allows the Glitterbels education team to keep members updated with course details, dates Ellie Moston and availability – and even offer early access to training. “We also pinpoint customers who may need a starter or refresher course and accommodate them to make their training journey as smooth as possible. If a tech isn’t sure about booking onto a course with us, they can simply join the group to find out more and hear about the training from students.” Kirsty Parker hosts a similar concept: a private online group for her students, in which she communicates industry changes and offers advice. By building these strong relationships with her students, she promotes her education abilities beyond each course and encourages the group to seek further training with her.

“Offers are a great way to establish yourself and are suited to boosting business during quieter times or among students,” comments Kirsty Parker. “At the beginning of my career as an educator, I also offered free nail art workshops live on social media, which helped me to attract interest and allow students to become familiar with me and my teaching style.” Nicolette Manesh, Magpie Beauty educator, agrees. “Sometimes, you have to give a little free content to appeal to students and show them how they will be taught. If you constantly just want to sell and not give anything back, it can put off not just potential students, but also clients.” Similarly, she uses freebies in her courses, preferring these to discounts as an Nicolette Manesh incentive to book. “Offering deals can be tricky if some attendees get a discount and some don’t, so if I was to offer a discount, I would keep its users separate to full paying students,” she explains. For Studex, free training with purchase of its System 75 and Medisept Starter Kits is an important marketing tactic. “It provides potential partners, who may be slightly unsure about going ahead with the service, with reassurance and makes the programme accessible to everyone, meaning that those working with us are confident and competent in every step of the piercing process,” explains Amirah Ibrahim. “While course deals can successfully stir up Training by Studex. interest, I very rarely use them as I never want students to have to wait to book education. Instead, I feel that it is better to price competitively,” adds Michelle Brookes.

After class “Once a course is finished, give the students certificates, making sure they are well designed, good quality and reflect your branding, and take a group photo for your marketing platforms,” advises Rachel Lunn. “This will present your business, even if a small, independent academy, in a professional manner to potential students. For previous students, I follow up on their progress by contacting them individually, which increases the likelihood of them booking further training.”

The social media collage Ruth Munro creates after a class.

Students of Rachel Lunn with certificates after course completion.

“After a class, I ask every student for a review and create a collage, which includes their testimonial and pictures from the course,” reveals Ruth Munro. “I post this to my social media accounts and include details of my next training event in the caption to encourage people to book.” Kirsty Parker adds that encouraging students to directly share their training experience on social media is also effective, and entices their nail tech followers to benefit from the course in the same way.

“Once a course is finished, give the students certificates, making sure they are well designed, good quality and reflect your branding, and take a group photo for your marketing platforms.” SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 77

SCRATCHCOLUMNIST

JUST ADD

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.

“Reaching goals is easier when you’re doing something you love and enjoy.” Annabel Maginnis

“Don’t be scared to make sacrifices.” Elliott Maginnis

www.glitterbels.com /Nailsbyannabelm & /GlitterbelsbyAnnabel @nails_by_annabel_m & @glitterbels /Nailsbyannabelm & /Glitterbels 78 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

A look back at achievements in 2022

his year has been a whirlwind for the Glitterbels team, and I couldn’t think of a better way to mark its end – and the end of my column series for Scratch – than with a reflection on our achievements and focus on our goals for 2023. TikTok.com/vickypattison87

2022 WINNER

The year kicked off with a sprinkle of glamour, when Glitterbels products were spotted in a TikTok video posted by ex-Geordie Shore star and TV personality, Vicky Pattison.

We also announced that the Glitterbels product ranges were available via a number of beauty supply stores across the UK. We partnered with Capital Hair & Beauty and held a fun and informative training event for its team at my salon, Nails By Annabel, in Newcastle. In addition to getting Glitterbels products into beauty wholesalers, the team travelled to various locations to showcase the brand at trade shows. We visited Scotland and Dublin for the first time and enjoyed connecting with regular and new customers.

One of our biggest achievements of 2022 was winning the Scratch Stars Nail Team of the Year award, which was presented to the Glitterbels education team at the Scratch Stars Party in London on 24 July. It is such a huge achievement and we are so proud of our wonderful educators. The Glitterbels social media accounts also hit some major milestones this year. The Nails by Annabel Facebook page amassed 200,000 followers and the Glitterbels support group reached 25,000 members. It amazes me how far we have come over the past few years, and witnessing the love and support from our fabulous customers pushes the Glitterbels team to smash its goals.

Goals for 2023 We are excited to expand the Glitterbels Builder Gel range further and our aim is to release this in early 2023. Shifting the focus away from our ever-growing range of products, we are also going to be offering more courses via the Glitterbels Training Academy. The biggest goal of ours is to take a trip stateside and open an American HQ. We can’t wait to share the details with you all!

Annabel x

BUSINESSMATTERS

TIME’S

ticking Scratch asks nail techs how they manage appointments that run over time, to ensure all clients leave feeling content Abbie Elliott of Able Nails, Cardiff Nail Order brand ambassador @ablenails “I say upon booking that I do not remove work applied by another tech. If a client decides at their appointment that they would like an intricate nail art design, I’m honest and say that there isn’t time within the booked appointment slot. I suggest an achievable alternative and offer to book them in for the more complex design at their next appointment. I’ve never had an issue with being honest. Emphasise how you like to take your time on art to make sure the client is satisfied, and that next time you will be more than happy to complete the look.

Brooklyn Rushworth of Avant Garde Academy, British Columbia (Canada) En Vogue educator @academyavantgarde

“I ensure that I leave a 15-minute gap after each appointment, as this is a safety net if I do run over. If I complete my work to time, I spend these 15 minutes getting ready for the next appointment, rehydrating, taking a break or answering messages. I always find something to do!

“When an appointment is not fitting to time, the best customer service you can offer is getting in touch with the next client as soon as possible, to tell them that the current appointment may run over. As we all lead busy lives, that 15-minute heads-up may be the time someone needs to run one more errand or start dinner for their kids. They will appreciate the prior warning.

“Sometimes, running over time is unavoidable, and if you are polite and apologetic, clients usually understand and appreciate your honesty.”

“Preparation and prevention are key. Have a set of questions for clients when booking or confirming appointments, so you understand exactly what is on their nails and their desired result. This will allow you to book out an appropriate amount of time and be prepared for your day.”

Lucy Mold of NBL Nails by Lucy, Northamptonshire Halo VIP @nblnailsbylucy “If a client shows up to their appointment requiring nail product to be removed, or if they want nail art that will take longer than the time that is booked, I will always offer an alternative. If they require removal, I complete the request and offer a product that is quick and easy to apply, such as Halo’s EasiBuild. “If, for any reason, my clients are left waiting for their appointment for more than five minutes, I will apologise and offer a 10% discount. However, I very rarely run behind as I always leave more time when booking appointments.”

Halo EasiBuild £8.75 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk

BUSINESSMATTERS Megan Kelly of Gel By Megan, Warwickshire The GelBottle Inc brand ambassador @gel.bymegan “I visit clients in their homes, where there are often distractions that can cause delays, such as dogs barking, parcel deliveries and working from home. Sometimes, the delay is my own doing –I can focus for too long on the prep stage of the nail service. “If I start to run late, I try to refocus what I am doing. I will continue to chat, but I’m conscious not to continually look up to my client, which causes even more of a delay. Talk to the hands!”

Caroline Roberts of The Nail Fairy, Shifnal Salon System nail expert @xnailfairyx “When my clients book an appointment, I encourage them to tell me the specifics of the service they will be requiring. If when I start the service, the client asks for extras or nail art and I don’t have time for this, I will always offer an alternative. “I spend a lot of time managing my diary to make sure nobody has to wait for their appointment, but if this happens, I offer a discount. I’m very lucky that my clients appreciate how busy I am, so should an appointment run over, which isn’t often, they are very understanding and don’t mind waiting.”

Ruth Munro of Little Blank Spaces, Inverness Magpie Beauty educator @littleblankspaces “If I realise an appointment is going to run over, I voice this concern to my current client and discuss reducing any nail art. Then, I contact my next client and let them know that I’m running late. When the next client arrives, I will give them my colour and nail art swatches while they wait, to minimise their appointment time.” Ruth’s top tips to speed up appointment times: 1. Start nail prep straight away – don’t get distracted with conversation. 2. Prepare nail art in advance – ask clients to send you designs before their appointment. 3. Use an e-file where appropriate to reduce timings for nail prep, removal or infills. 4. Use express products such as full cover tips or stickers. 5. Complete the consultation before the appointment via email or an online form.

Natalie Ryan of Nails by Natalie Ryan, Leicestershire Halo VIP /nailsbynatalieryan @nailsbynatalieryan “If a client comes in with product on their nails that wasn’t booked in for removal, I advise them that I can still carry out their treatment, however, there won’t be any time for extras like nail art. Similarly, if they request additional nail art that I haven’t allowed time for, I compromise with them and do a similar but simpler design. “If my clients end up waiting for their appointment, they’re normally happy to sit and wait with a drink. Sometimes it’s that extra time they need to settle on a design if they haven’t already. There’s a good atmosphere in the salon and most of the time, they end up chatting away with other clients or staff for that short wait.”

Laura Peat of Simply Koko, Derby Lecenté educator @simplykokoderby “It’s really important to apologise and acknowledge your error to clients who are kept waiting, and most clients are understanding. I wouldn’t ever bad mouth or moan about the previous client, even if it was their fault that I ran behind, as this would not be professional. I would try and recuperate some time if I could, without it being obvious to the client. If I knew it was time I couldn’t make up, then I would message my next clients to let them know I was running behind.”

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TECHTALK

Power in

Nail artist, CATHERINE BURNS, bravely shares how a personal experience led her to produce a series of powerful images surrounding domestic abuse WHAT IS DOMESTIC ABUSE?

According to Behind The Mask, an initiative helping hair and beauty pros to recognise signs of domestic abuse, such abuse may be psychological, emotional, physical, sexual, harassing, coercive or controlling behaviour. It may be one or many incidents. The domestic aspect refers to the abuse being caused by a partner, ex-partner or relative. The term ‘domestic violence’ is less used, as this implies that the harm is physical alone.

Nail technician: Catherine Burns /queencatherinenailartist @queencatherine_nailartist

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Y T U BEA C atherine Burns has always had an infatuation with nails. A former nail biter, she would visit salons to prettify her fingertips and loved the experience so much that she decided to forge a career in the industry, undertaking training at college before working in various beauty premises to gain experience and build a clientele. Over the last few years, she’s scooped numerous accolades, become a brand ambassador, reached the finals of the Scratch Stars Awards, and had her work featured on websites across the globe.

But there’s something else that gives her gratification within her role: communicating with her clients. “One in four people will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, so it is important to raise awareness of this,” says Catherine. “Based on this statistic, at least five of our clients could be in an abusive relationship, and their nail or beauty appointment may be their only escape from a difficult home situation. “We are in a valuable position, where clients often feel that they can open up to us. If they do, we need to know how we can support them.”

MEET THE TEAM

Photographer: Jasmine Powney @jasminepowney_photography www.jasminepowneyphotography.com

Model: Cheyenne Rose @cheyennerose.b

TECHTALK

THE PHOTO SHOOT

When Catherine left an abusive marriage earlier this year, she decided to create a series of powerful images to encourage discussions about domestic abuse. “My aim was to break the taboo surrounding the conversation, and be featured in Scratch to highlight the issue and help make a difference within the industry. It’s hard for some people to talk about what they are going through.” Domestic abuse awareness is associated with the colour purple; a symbol of peace, courage and survival. Catherine chose this shade for the photo shoot styling, and model, Cheyenne Rose, wore lilac-coloured lingerie as ‘a symbol of being free and confident, representing strength’. “The photo series is a storyline; images feature hurtful words scrawled onto the body in purple lipstick, before smiling snaps signify the end of the abuse and the new mentality that ‘it’s my body, and my life’,” explains Catherine. Jasmine Powney, who has worked with Catherine on several occasions, captured the essence of the campaign. “As she took the photos, Cheyenne changed her pose and position to highlight the various sides of domestic abuse,” Catherine reveals. “The day ran smoothly and was incredibly emotional and empowering. If these images encourage other nail technicians to talk to their clients about domestic abuse, I feel we have accomplished our goal.”

THE NAILS

“For the nail design, I opted for a light base, so used The GelBottle Inc’s BIAB™ #19. I created hearts to represent self-love, using Mission Control Art Gel in Over Drive from Young Nails. I added Magpie Beauty’s purple chrome powder in Vixen to the painted hearts, and used The GelBottle Inc’s Extreme Shine Top Coat to finish.” says Catherine.

RESOURCES Women’s Aid www.womensaid.org.uk Women’s Aid provides life-saving services to build a future where domestic abuse is not tolerated. CPD and certificated training courses are available via the organisation’s website, and can be completed remotely to enable you to spot the signs of domestic abuse and safely engage with survivors. Behind The Mask www.behindthemask.online Behind the Mask offers free online training and resources to hair and beauty professionals to help identify signs that someone is experiencing domestic abuse, and guide on how to respond in the best way. Refuge www.refuge.org.uk Refuge is the largest specialist domestic abuse organisation in the UK. Its services support thousands of survivors, helping them to overcome the physical, emotional, financial and logistical impacts of abuse and rebuild their lives – free from fear. GOV.UK www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help The government website lists a number of helplines and initiatives, including safe spaces, to support victims of domestic abuse. It also details resources for employers to support both employees and clients. Hair & Beauty Charity www.hairandbeautycharity.org This charity provides financial assistance to those in the hair and beauty industry who have fallen on hard times – from mental or physical illness to victims of domestic abuse. Find out more on page 70.

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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

Festive nail trends & traditions

he festive season is one of the busiest times of the year for nail technicians. It is likely you will be booked back-to-back and clients may request adventurous nail designs to commemorate Christmas.

Traditionally, red, gold and green nail shades with lashings of sparkle are popular at this time of year, as are snowflake and cable knit designs. Precision is key when it comes to handpainting snowflakes and with the addition of The GelBottle Inc’s Studio Gel™ to my kit, the look can be achieved with ease. I recommend using Studio Gel™ in Daisy with the TGB Detail Brush to create the perfect snowflake. Personally, I like to wear a variety of hand-painted festive designs across my nails for a playful look, but this can appear busy if too many colours are used. I opt for a limited range of shades – often a cool palette of icy blues, whites and silvers – to ensure that the varied designs work harmoniously across the nails. These shades also match the Christmas decorations in my house, which makes for fun photo opportunities. I create a unique design for each nail and like to include a range of textures such as foil, glitter and chrome. This year, I am excited to incorporate TGB’s Mirror Chrome Studio Gel into my Christmas nail art designs.

Design tip:

Add hearts, circles or hexagons to the centre or edges of snowflakes to give them a unique look and add interest to the classic design.

Here’s a throwback to one of my favourite festive ‘mix and match’ nail looks, which I created in 2017.

STEP-BY-STEP: The Grinch... but make him pink! This festive season, and in true Sadie J Nails fashion, I thought it would be fitting to paint a character from one of my all-time favourite Christmas films; The Grinch! I decided to switch the red from his Santa outfit and eyes to pink as a cute twist on the original colourway, and because I prefer not to wear red on my nails. Step 1 Following nail prep and application of your chosen TGB base coat, apply two coats of TGB in Breeze, curing between each coat for 60 seconds. Step 2 Using Jet Black Studio Gel™ and the TGB Detail Brush, paint a rough outline of the Grinch. Step 3 Apply colour using your chosen shades from the Studio Gel™ range. I custom mixed the green hue using Bottega, Serena and Papaya. Step 4 Add detail using Studio Gel™ in Jet Black and the Detail Brush. Step 5 Add shading using Glass Black Gel to create depth and dimension. Cure. Step 6 Complete the design with an application of TGB Extreme Shine Top Coat and cure.

Top tip:

When custom mixing Studio Gel™, use a generous amount of product so that it doesn’t dry before you finish painting.

I like to look back at past nail creations to see how my skills have developed. Pictured is the Grinch, painted in 2018. Follow Sadie:

TGB Studio Gel in Bottega & Papaya £9.50 + VAT each

The GelBottle Inc in Breeze £14.50 + VAT

@sadiejnails

The GelBottle Inc products are available via www.thegelbottle.com /thegelbottleinc 84 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

@the_gelbottle_inc

/TheGelBottleInc

I’ve

escaped my

partner

SUPPORTING HAIR AND BEAUTY PROFESSIONALS AND THEIR CHILDREN

Together we can help make a difference supporting terminal illness, domestic abuse, homelessness, poverty, mental health, and financial hardship SPONSORS GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE CAMPAIGNS

Hairandbeautycharity.org | Registered Charity in England & Wales No: 1166298

MEDIA

EXHIBITIONS

ENVIRONMENTALMATTERS

Planet Positive Packaging REBECCA HITCHON explores how to utilise sustainable packaging solutions throughout your nail business

“With last month’s COP27 climate conference at the forefront of peoples’ minds, the world is becoming increasingly aware of the substantial focus that eco-conscious practices receive,” says Clara Challoner Walker, owner of Cosy Cottage Soap, skincare company & supplier to Navy Professional. “In response to this, business owners have an opportunity to be selective about their product packaging choices. The brands that will survive and thrive in the future will be those that listen to customers and lead the way in terms of sustainable packaging.” Deborah Carrington, national trainer for +maskology & +serumology, agrees. “Sustainability will only become more important to consumers over time, so it’s a good idea to get ahead of the curve by looking into how your business can become more planet positive. Clients want to enjoy a treatment and know that any waste is being disposed of in a responsible way,” she explains. Deborah Carrington

Fry Taylor

But beyond client demand for environmentally friendly business practice, the positive impact that sustainable packaging has on our planet cannot be forgotten. “Traditional packaging exhausts natural resources, with over 99% of plastic made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels,” reveals Fry Taylor, co-founder of Green Salon Collective, authority on salon sustainability in the UK & Ireland. Similarly, reusing, reducing or recycling existing packaging, instead of creating new materials, reduces carbon emissions and protects ecosystems. “The ability to make a difference for the benefit of the world we live in is a privilege,” adds Rheah Francis, founder of Genesis Professional Tools. “As business owners, we are leaders – and when you lead from the front, people will follow, especially for a cause greater than themselves.”

Sustainable packaging provides a win-win situation for your business and the environment, but do you know how to find brands that prioritise this, or measures to improve the packaging of your products? With insight from brands, environmental experts and beauty professionals, we’ve rounded up what you need to know to boost your eco packaging credentials.

How to spot eco-conscious packaging “Sustainable packaging is frequently overcomplicated in scientific and pseudoscientific language, often to blindside us. However in reality, it’s simple,” reveals Clara Challoner Walker. Her advice is to buy from brands whose packaging incorporates materials you know can be recycled via household recycling – for example, glass, recyclable plastics, paper and cardboard. “In household recycling, all traces of contamination must be removed before recycling plastic and cardboard. If they cannot be removed, the materials cannot be recycled and the same is true for cosmetic packaging,” she continues. “It’s important to know product labels, as they don’t always mean what you think they do,” adds Fry Taylor. “For example, take the Mobius Loop and The Green Dot symbols; at first glance, you might think you’re buying a truly sustainable item, but this is not true.”

Rheah Francis

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Mobius Loop & The Green Dot symbols.

ENVIRONMENTALMATTERS

The wonders of waterless

When water content is removed from a product, its environmental impact is significantly reduced. Not only is packaging reduced, but the product becomes lighter for transportation, contributing to a lower carbon footprint, and has an extended use-by-date, which decreases waste production. Plus, when two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages by 2025, according to the World Wildlife Fund, we must be considerate of our water usage and lower it in areas where its use is not necessary. Available in a range of formats, from bars to balms and sticks to sheet masks, waterless beauty is easier to bring to the nail desk than you’d think. Check out our salon-friendly picks…

“Traditional packaging exhausts natural resources, with over 99% of plastic made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels.” Fry Taylor

The Mobius Loop signifies that an item can be recycled, but won’t necessarily be accepted by waste collection schemes or be produced from recycled materials. The Green Dot indicates that the item’s producer has paid a fee to fund the recovery and recycling of the packaging. To find out which packaging symbols show that a product can be recycled, scan here “My company, and many others, present their activities regarding environmental impact and sustainability improvements in annual reports,” says Essi Arola, head of research & development, Essi Arola packaging & sustainability at Nordic beauty brand, LUMENE. “This transparent communication is important for consumers as it encourages trust and reminds that sustainability is a journey.” She recommends avoiding multi-material, heavy packaging with shiny decorations, as it will not be easily recyclable and will typically have a larger carbon footprint.

Did you know? 72% of consumers are influenced by packaging when making a purchasing decision, and 81% when buying a gift, according to market research firm, Ipsos.

Treat skin at the end of services with a wonderful waterless touch, using the iZ Body Lock It In Hydrating Balm (£7 + VAT) & Cuti-Butter range (£5 + VAT each), available via www.izabellehammon.com

Spread the message about waterless beauty through retailing, with the Navy Professional Cuticle Balm & Retail Stand (£73.99 inc VAT), available via www.navyprofessional.com

The refill revolution According to research company, The NPD Group, UK sales of refillable prestige beauty products increased by 47% from January to July, with the market valuing at £34m. As demand and solutions for refillable beauty grow, more options are becoming available for incorporating this sustainable packaging system into businesses. Scratch Stars Nail Salon of the Year 2022, Townhouse, offers cuticle oil refill stations in its Kensington, Notting Hill and Liverpool Street salons, to maintain clients’ nail health and manicures in between appointments. Refills of its 10ml oil are complimentary and as well as reducing negative environmental impact, they offer an incentive for clients to revisit the venue. Townhouse Cuticle Oil £7 inc VAT www.shop.mytownhouse.co.uk

An example of a Townhouse salon cuticle oil refill station.

LUMENE is another company that offers refillable products: both for cosmetics and skincare. LUMENE Nordic Hydra Intense Hydration “Committed to a circular economy, 24H Moisturizer & Refill £POA we are constantly looking at how we www.lumene.com / www.sephora.co.uk can use innovative ecological materials. Our refill products allow a high material saving, for example with LUMENE creams, the refills are produced using 72% less plastic than the original jar,” reveals Essi Arola.

RecycLeBelle is a scheme launched by beauty product distributor, Louella Belle, that receives and recycles empty product bottles from any brand, including gel, nail polish and nail treatment bottles. Through RecycLeBelle, Louella Belle customers can return any four empty bottles, with a small amount of residue being acceptable, in a prepaid envelope. They will then receive 15% off their next Louella Belle order. For more information, visit www.louellabelle.co.uk/sustainability

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ENVIRONMENTALMATTERS

‘Tis the season of sustainability French beauty brand, L’OCCITANE, has released its Christmas gift collection, with eco-conscious packaging at the centre of the launch. Switching plastic to paper sachets, the company has saved 31.3 tonnes of plastic as well as 56 tonnes of metal, in comparison to its 2021 collection. Even its festive ribbon is made from a biodegradable wood pulp-derived fibre. Refillable products are a large focus of the collection, from aluminium product bottles designed to last forever to a cotton advent calendar, ready to fill each year with the brand’s 24 festive offerings. L’OCCITANE Refillable Verbena Hand Soap & Lotion Duo £30 inc VAT www.uk.loccitane.com

L’OCCITANE Reusable Advent Calendar £165 inc VAT www.uk.loccitane.com

The rise of recycling

The Design4Circularity concept.

While the beginning of modern-day recycling in the UK can be traced back to the 1970s, the practice is far from perfected. Packaging for many items is still produced in a way that is highly difficult, if not impossible, to recycle. Wishcycling or aspirational recycling, which describes an item being put in a recycling bin in the hope that it will be recycled, is also commonplace. In recent years, we have seen innovations designed to tackle these issues. The British Beauty Council has launched an interactive recycling map to help consumers dispose of their empty beauty packaging in an environmentally friendly way. Unveiled off the back of its Courage to Change report, which found that 56% of Brits do not recycle bathroom waste because they find it inconvenient to do so, the map requires users to input their location to be shown their nearest recycling points. These include over 2,000 high-street locations, such as Holland & Barrett, The Estée Lauder Companies, The Body Shop, Superdrug and L’OCCITANE. The British Beauty Council also welcomes additional UK beauty businesses, including those that offer recycling-by-post-options, to get involved by emailing their store name, address and phone number to sbc@britishbeautycouncil.com with the subject: INTERACTIVE RECYCLING MAP. Scan here to view the map

Another innovative packaging concept is the Design4Circularity initiative, conceptualised by personal care brands, Clariant, Beiersdorf, Borealis and Siegwerk. Together, the companies have created a circular packaging design, which won the Sustainable Packaging Award at the Sustainable Beauty Awards 2022, organised by Ecovia Intelligence. The design features a colourless polyolefin bottle made from 100% post-consumer recycled material, with a de-inkable sleeve. The packaging can be recovered and recycled for use in the same application.

“The ability to make a difference for the benefit of the world we live in is a privilege. As business owners, we are leaders – and when you lead from the front, people will follow.” Rheah Francis

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Runner-up of the Sustainable Packaging Award 2022 was LUMENE’s compact powders, which utilise recyclable, refillable packaging that is also partly made of recycled plastic. Easily deconstructed, the product’s mirror can even be repurposed for on-the-go. “This follows LUMENE’s packaging development guidance of the 5 Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle, replace and renew. We make it clear to customers how to do these by including information about materials and how to recycle them in product packs and on packaging,” explains Essi Arola. LUMENE Powders & Refills £POA www.lumene.com

ENVIRONMENTALMATTERS

4 PRODUCT PICKS

“At Glitterbels, we opt for sturdy paper in our parcels, meaning we don’t fill empty space with nonrecyclable, plastic packing peanuts but still ensure products reach customers Ebony Shepherd safely,” reveals the brand’s social media manager, Ebony Shepherd. “The products themselves are housed in recycled materials: Glitterbels gel bottles are made from recycled glass and can be recycled again once empty, and our monomer bottles Glitterbels Hema-Free are produced using recycled aluminium.” Monomer from £21 + VAT

www.glitterbels.com

With a joint passion for sustainability, Navy Professional’s partnership with supplier, Cosy Cottage Soap, has seen the brands create a range of products housed in recyclable packaging. With aluminium tins for smaller balms and glass containers for larger balms and candles, the companies have created a new packaging solution for their latest product, a body scrub, swapping glass for recyclable PET plastic. “Glass was proving to be too heavy as a packaging material for higher volume products,” explains Clara Challoner Walker. “We’ve also made sure the containers have a simple shape, enabling them to be easily washed out for reuse or to recycle in local waste collection schemes.”

Navy Professional Body Scrub £24.95 inc VAT www.navyprofessional.com

When Rheah Francis launched Genesis Professional Tools, she made sustainable packaging one of the brand’s main priorities. With a vision of how she wanted it to look, she initially struggled to achieve her aesthetic goal with 100% recyclable, compostable or biodegradable packaging. “But it wasn’t impossible and not as rare as you may think,” she tells Scratch. “We reached our goal; every single packaging item, including the postal bags, is recyclable and bought from small businesses. The plastic we use is made in the UK with compostable PLA, created by renewable, organic sources.”

Genesis Professional Tools’ sustainable packaging.

The cuticle oils Audrey Krako retails in Manikur Brighton.

Dalí Artistic products are posted to clients in reusable paint cans with custom-made foam inserts. No bubble wrap is included in the packaging and the company offers an Eco-Bottle Scheme, where nail techs can send their empty gel polish bottles (regardless of brand) to the company for recycling. If techs do so, they are rewarded with credit to spend on the Dalí Artistic website. Find out more about Dalí Artistic on page 68 and via www.daliartistic.co.uk

Selling solutions “Eco-conscious packaging solutions are widely available for nail businesses who retail, for example swapping plastic carrier bags for paper ones, reusing cardboard boxes, ensuring loose fill is biodegradable, or getting rid of packaging altogether to avoid unnecessary waste,” says Audrey Krako, owner of salon, Manikur Brighton. She retails her own cuticle oils, housing the product in glass bottles with plastic caps, which can be recycled or refilled. The bottles’ labels are printed just a Audrey Krako few minutes from where Audrey is based, to reduce her carbon footprint. “It’s also a good idea to remind clients, verbally or online, how they can reuse and recycle their products once they have finished them,” she adds. Clara Challoner Walker agrees, telling Scratch: “It’s helpful if the origin of packaging and method by which it can be recycled is clear. This also showcases a business’ commitment to sustainability.” Clarifications are important, she explains, such as if packaging needs to be cleaned prior to recycling, if inserts are recyclable, or how someone can dispose of compostable packaging if they don’t have access to compost facilities. “If we can’t encourage clients to take that final step to recycle, reuse or compost packaging when they’ve finished a product, sustainability claims are worth nothing,” she details. While there is pressure for packaging to be environmentally flawless when retailing your own products, Fry Taylor reminds that any planet-friendly alterations are positive. “Be open about changes you make; consumers aren’t looking for perfection and they respect even the smallest of businesses who make the tiniest of changes for the better,” he says. An ideal retail item, the +serumology Nourishing Foot Serum is housed in a glass bottle and Forest Stewardship Council-certified card box printed with vegetable ink, £5.95 + VAT www.maskology.co.uk

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PRODIY

Christmas Pros share step-by-steps to help you create fun & festive nail looks

O CHRISTMAS TREE

By Kimberly Johnstone, Lecenté educator Step 1 Following prep and an application of Lecenté Base Coat, apply two coats of Lecenté Create in Notting Hill. Cure between each coat.

s t a e r t CUTIES 1 CANDY CANE By Jaz Moger, Salon System nail expert

Step 1 Prep the nails and cleanse using Gellux Prep + Wipe. Apply Gellux Fast Bond, followed by a coat of Gellux Light Pink Builder Gel or your chosen base coat and cure.

Step 2 Using a fine liner brush, apply three shades of green in alternate lines to form a tree shape. I have used Lecenté Create in Pine, Hygge Hugs and Fashionista. Do not cure. Step 3 Use a striping brush to drag the colours from the bottom of the uncured tree to the top. Repeat across the entire Christmas tree and cure.

Step 4 Apply Lecenté Top Coat. Before curing, apply a star from Lecenté’s Multi Glitz Glitter in Bombshell, and some loose elements from the Sand Multi Glitz Glitter. Cure when you are happy with the placement. Step 5 Paint the stump of the Christmas tree using Lecenté Create in Taupe. Cure, then apply Lecenté Top Coat and cure to finish.

Step 2 Using Gellux Gel Polish in Purely White and a fine liner brush, paint a French tip. Cure for 30 seconds. Step 3 Paint a line down the side of the nail using Gellux Purely White and cure for 30 seconds.

Step 4 Enhance the candy cane shape around the nails and round off the edges with another coat of Gellux Purely White. Cure. Step 5 Use Gellux Meteorite and a fine liner brush to paint red stripes over the white shape, creating a candy cane look. Cure. Step 6 Apply two coats of Gellux Super Shiny Top Coat, curing between each layer. Wipe nails with Gellux Prep + Wipe and apply cuticle oil to finish.

4 4

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Lecenté products are available via www.lecente.com, www.sweetsquared.com & www.ellisons.co.uk

90 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Salon System products are available via wholesalers nationwide.

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TRENDS&INSIGHT

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Forecasts

Take a peek at the nail & beauty trends set to capture attention in 2023… CHLOE RANDALL REPORTS

Nail Shape According to trend authority, WGSN, there will be a greater focus on short nails in 2023. Its Forecast 2023: The Future of Hand, Foot & Nail Care report states: “Longer nails can harbour germs and bacteria underneath the fingertips. This will result in a decline in nail extensions or longer shapes. As nail health and hygiene becomes more important, tools to keep fingertips clean will be products to invest in.”

Nail Slugging

Multi-coloured jelly nails by @deuzenity.

Jelly Nails

Nail Art Ins

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According to the Beauty Forecast 2023 Report by data insight company, Trendalytics, jelly nails will continue their dominance in the year ahead.

Glazed nails

Model, Hailey Bieber, led a boom in popularity for glazed and chrome-finish nails, which will be in demand in 2023.

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‘Glazed donut’ effect nails offer a subtle yet chic nail finish. This look comes courtesy of @karolina.probeauty.

Nail ‘slugging’ involves the application of product in excess to hydrate and moisturise dry or brittle nails. The idea is to ‘slug’ your nails morning and night and, while pros know the importance of regular hand cream and cuticle oil application, ‘slugging’ has gone viral on TikTok. “Nail slugging has been a great way to encourage natural nailcare and I think this will be a key theme for 2023. This trend emerged on TikTok and I’m here for it,” reveals Iram Shelton, OPI nail expert. “It’s Iram Shelton important to hydrate and nourish skin and nails daily and if you find it difficult to keep up with during the day, you can slug at night!”

3D Nails

“3D nail art is going to be big in 2023, whether it’s sculpting art with gel or adding rhinestones or accents to nails,” adds Iram. “I also think that nail jewellery will be popular, with clients seeking to add chains or piercings to nails.”

Harriet Westmoreland

3D embellishments adorn this nail creation by @aaz_nails.

“Chrome is still going to be huge, particularly over opaque and sheer bases,” shares Harriet Westmoreland, OPI’s global brand ambassador.

Retail Roundup Product discovery platform, RangeMe, has revealed in its Retail Roundup Report that self-care keywords have seen growth in recent months. ‘Fragrance’ was trending among consumers around the globe, along with ‘deodorant’, ‘bath salts’, ‘shower steamers’ and ‘candles’. Some of these keywords could provide suggestions for popular retail items. WGSN’s Forecast 2023 report adds that products that boost hydration for dry hands remain important, as hand washing habits become embedded into people’s lives since the pandemic. Hand creams and serums may prove to be popular retail items. 92 SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Future

TRENDS&INSIGHT

4 KEY TRENDS

According to Trendalytics’ Beauty Forecast 2023 Report, there are four key trends that will influence the likes of hair, make-up and packaging colours in the year ahead. Within each trend, there are also ‘emerging’ trends which are set to grow in 2023 and ‘safe bet’ trends which have been growing, and will continue to do so.

“There are four key trends that will influence the likes of hair, make-up and packaging colours in the year ahead.”

2 Nocturne 3 Futura

According to Trendalytics, this direction focuses on ‘beauty entering the metaverse unhindered by physical constraints’ with holographic finishes, graphic liner and advanced application methods. Emerging: • Coloured eyebrows • Holographic highlighter • Jelly nails Safe bets: • Silver eyeshadow • Metallic eyeliner • Eyeliner stickers Turquoise, silver and virtual purple comprise the colour palette.

Nocturne focuses on the darker side of beauty, with deeper looks and colours used heavily in this trend. Emerging: • Glitter eyeliner • Glitter gel for nails • Crimped hair Safe bets: • Octopus haircut • Fishtail eyeliner • Thin brows This colour palette consists of lime green, onyx and burgundy.

1 New Natural

This trend centres around clean and slick hair and make-up looks, as well as hydration, which extends to nail and cuticle care. Emerging: • Adaptive beauty • Cooling globes • Glossy lip Safe Bets: • Under Eye patches • Hydrating lipstick • Serum foundation The colour palette for this trend is icy blue, taupe and peach.

4 Verano

Verano is about reconnecting with nature and natural ingredients. “For Gen Z, addressing the climate crisis is a priority and their buying decisions reflect that,” states the Beauty Forecast 2023 Report. Emerging: • Eco-Friendly packaging Turn to page • Conscious beauty 86 to learn about • Mermaid waves sustainable Safe bets: packaging • Refillable lipstick options. • Aquatic perfume • Sunscreen stick This colour palette displays a tropical scheme, with shades of terracotta, marigold and sage green. The NY Post also reported in a trends prediction feature for 2023 that earthy hues including olive green and terracotta will be popular choices for nails.

SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK 93

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NA I L s g n i p Clip SCRATCHMEDIA

kimnails

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CHLOE RANDALL uncovers the hottest nail topics & tales across the ‘net, TV & social media & gets the scoop on celebrity beauty must-haves CELEB MANI A nail look for Kim SPOT! Kardashian, created by

Instagram

The 1960’s pop art style has made its way into the nail arena, with techs experimenting with designs and posting them on social media. Check out some hot picks…

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celebrity nail artist, Kim Truong (@kimkimnails), attracted a lot of attention on Instagram – with Kim’s sister, Khloé, calling the nail look ‘fire’. Truong created the style using The GelBottle Inc’s Long Stiletto DesignEx Pro tips topped with TGB gel polishes in Marshmallow and Daisy.

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Nail stylist, Michelle Humphrey, created a cool chrome look for singer, Rita Ora. She prepped nails using PersoNAILity tools, before adding colour and chrome details with Bio Sculpture Gel and Magpie Beauty products. PersoNAILity Loving Flat Pusher from £21.60 + VAT www.personaility.co.uk

Tiktok.com/@dontstopmeowing

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The GelBottle Inc in Marshmallow & Daisy £14.50 + VAT each www.thegelbottle.com

SPAW DAY! A video on TikTok, which shows a cat named Chase enjoying a head massage, facial, mani-pedi and steam session, has caused a buzz online. The video, featuring Chase’s owner, Fifi, has clocked up over 60 million views and over eight million likes on the platform.

SCRATCHMEDIA TIKTOK THEORY

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Christina’s powerful manicure Actress, Christina Applegate, stuck her fingers up to her multiple sclerosis diagnosis by wearing ‘FU MS’ nail art as she commemorated her star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. The Sweetest Thing and Samantha Who? star publicly announced her diagnosis, which has impacted her mobility, in August 2021. Nail stylist, Vanessa Sanchez McCullough (@nailzbyvee), created the nail look for Applegate’s red carpet appearance using Manucurist Green Flash in Hollyhock. Alongside a photo posted on Instagram was the caption: “Christina, thank you for letting me be a part of this very special day. You are a fighter and a really strong woman who I am proud to call my friend. And YEA 100% F.U. MS!” Applegate sported a matching pedicure, which was seen as she went barefoot to pose with her coveted star, awarded for her services to acting. Explaining the reasons for the no-shoes look in a Twitter post, she revealed alongside a pic: “Barefoot. For some with MS the feeling of shoes may hurt or make us feel off balance. So today I was me. Barefoot.”

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Twitter.com/1capplegate

Tools, available via www.lpnails.com

Twitte

Lindsay Lohan paid homage to her husband by sporting his initial, B for Bader, alongside hers on her ring fingernail for the film premiere of Falling for Christmas. The chic and subtle nail look was created by Elle Gerstein (@enamelle), who used a Mia Secret gel shade.

Session manicurist, Michelle Class, created an alternative French style for actress, Chloë Moretz, for the London premiere of The Peripheral. She used Lucy Pastorelli Tools and Bio Sculpture Gel products. Lucy Pastorelli

Ahead of the Welcome to Chippendales TV premiere, manicurist, Tom Bachik, created a sleek nude look for Nicola PeltzBeckham.

Instagram.com/

melle

LINDSAY’S SWEET TRIBUTE

Instagram

British Airways has changed its appearance guidelines for staff, and for the first time, male pilots and cabin crew are permitted to wear make-up and have piercings. The move also means that regardless of gender, employees are allowed to wear subtle shades of nail polish, as well as false eyelashes and earrings. In a statement to Insider, a spokesperson for British Airways said: “We are proud of all our colleagues at British Airways and are committed to an inclusive working environment. “We have worked with our people to create updated guidelines for grooming, beauty and accessories, allowing our colleagues to bring the best, most authentic version of themselves to work every day.”

.com/ena

FLYING HIGH

Instagram

Hollywood star, Dove Cameron, was spotted on Instagram wearing The GelBottle Inc shade, Boutique, from its autumn 2022 collection. The lilac hue was applied by TGB BA, @imarninails.

In an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Khloé Kardashian confessed the importance of a regular nail routine. “If I’m in a coma, I’m still getting my nails done once a week,” she revealed. The GelBottle Inc in “And that’s in my will Boutique £14.50 + VAT because people are www.thegelbottle.com going to visit me.”

Instagra

KHLOÉ’S WILL WISH

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ameron

Looking to meet the one? The ‘red nail theory’ has gone viral on TikTok, and suggests that if you sport red nails, it is easier to attract a partner. According to Color Matters, a website that explores the meaning of colours, red is a shade for love and passion. Videos tagged with the phrase ‘red nail theory’ have been viewed over 75 million times, with some people believing that the reason they met their match is because they wore red nails.

NAILDESIGNS

To mark the Beijing Winter Olympics, @nailsbykyliegillingham got creative for the @a_lena_petrova used 3D techniques in this 50th Glastonbury Festival, which returned after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. design featuring panda mascot, Bing Dwen Dwen.

Daniel Craig made his final appearance as James Bond this year, and the series turned 60. @thebrontenailroom references Bond in this look.

Fingernails in

Focus

Relive key moments of 2022 through nails, as REBECCA HITCHON rounds up commemorative designs...

England won the UEFA Women’s Euros, and @nails_by_kymmi celebrated through nail art. Fingers crossed for the World Cup!

@nailsbyvictoriab used NSI products in this design, which celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and honoured her life.

This style by @keeleys_nails_mk commemorated the 66th Eurovision Song Contest in Italy, which was won by Ukraine.

Happy 100th birthday to the BBC! @thatnail.girl depicts Only Fools and Horses, voted the most loved BBC TV series.

Techs including @ks_ivanovna_nails_ created designs to show support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Wolverhampton tech, @gelsbyyas, painted sport-themed motifs across nails to mark the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

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

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