Posts by Rebecca Hitchon
WINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap October 2024
The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge for October has been announced as Katarzyna Korzeniak. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs to fit theme, Wicked film, in the bid to win a prize from OPI. Entries were judged by head of education for OPI UK&I education & capability manager, Belinda Price, and Scratch deputy editor, Rebecca Hitchon. The…
Read MoreHow a husband & wife joined forces to tackle fumes & dust in the nail & beauty industry
For Poala Taylor-Riddick, building her own brand had always been a pipe dream – but little did she know that a trip to a beauty salon would spark the idea for business success. While getting her nails done at the salon, Poala noticed its lack of ventilation and poor air quality and due to this,…
Read MoreThe story of Glitterbels: the Staffordshire-born nail brand supporting techs worldwide
Professional nail brand, Glitterbels, has made waves in the industry since being founded seven years ago. The brainchild of Newcastle-under-Lyme nail artist, Annabel Maginnis, and her husband, Elliott, Glitterbels was established with a focus on providing high-quality, trendy acrylic powders to the UK nail sector. Since then, the brand’s offering has quickly expanded to include…
Read MoreOPI collaborates with Wicked movie on bewitching nail colour collection
Nail enthusiasts can choose from 21 spellbinding nail colours in the OPI x Wicked collection, released for the holiday season. Inspired by the Universal Pictures’ musical movie, Wicked – in cinemas 22 November, the collection features 12 colour-matched shades in OPI Nail Lacquer and the reformulated GelColor formula, featuring Intelli-Gel Technology™, and nine Infinite Shine…
Read MorePro Beauty North Nail Competitions 2024: THE RESULTS
The Professional Beauty North (PB North) exhibition took place in Manchester Central, 29-30 September, and hosted a variety of nail competitions for professionals and students. The judging board was chaired by Marian Newman BEM, with Jacqui O’Sullivan head judge and her and Sean O’Sullivan competition directors. Also judging were Kirsty Meakin, Hazel Dixon, Scarlett Senter,…
Read MoreMeet HD Professional Nail Systems: a brand dedicated to raising standards via award-winning education & products
What should pros look for in a nail brand? Products that help to elevate artistry, high-quality education and a passionate team behind-the-scenes are key qualities – and HD Professional Nail Systems ticks every box. Founder, Hazel Dixon’s career stems 18 years and she has an awe-inspiring collection of over 100 awards to show for it,…
Read MoreIntroducing TGB Spa: the luxury Brighton beauty space from the founder of The GelBottle Inc
Daisy Kalnina, founder of The GelBottle Inc (TGB) nail brand and travel and interiors business, by DKollection, has merged her two passions to create TGB Spa. The ‘minimalist meets modern chic’ spa is based in the centre of Brighton, with the location inspiring Daisy to launch the luxurious space. “I love Brighton for its unique…
Read MoreStruggling with work-life balance as a beauty pro & mum? This Facebook group can help
Are you a busy mother running a nail/beauty business, who wants to achieve a healthy work-life balance and earn an amazing income? Home salon owner, Kate Joyner, established Facebook group, The Balanced Beauty Bosses, for you. “I wanted to create a safe space for women to connect with like-minded business owners and feel less alone,”…
Read MoreNail tech launches mini 3D slogan signs to brighten nail desks
Adelina Walker, owner of Stoke-on-Trent home salon, Hello Beautiful Nail Bar, has created mini nail desk signs for fellow pros. The Magpie Beauty brand ambassador manufactures the 3D printed products with her husband and notes: “Our mission is simple: to create beautiful, high-quality signs that reflect the unique spirit of nail technicians everywhere.” Adelina was…
Read More5 nail trends spotted at London Fashion Week SS25
London Fashion Week (LFW) marked its 40th anniversary this month, with a digital-physical hybrid schedule of designers. As well as showcasing clothing styles set to dominate the spring/summer 2025 season, five key nail trends caught our eyes… 1. Sparkling embellishments According to LFW, we’ll be dazzling our way through the spring and summer months, adorning…
Read MoreWINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap September 2024
The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge for September has been announced as Alisha Francois. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs to fit theme, Swatch & Style (show your fabric inspiration next to the matching nail look), in the bid to win a prize from The Manicure Company. Entries were judged by head…
Read MoreWant to elevate your nail art? Award-winning pro unveils memberships for all skill levels
The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, has announced the Sparkle Squad: a membership programme to empower nail artists. “Having worked as a nail tech for over 22 years, I know firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with mastering nail art, says Katy Pottle. “After winning The World’s Star Nail Artist competition last…
Read MoreCelebrity manicurist shares how to create Quinta Brunson’s glam Emmys nail look
Los Angeles played host to the 76th Emmy Awards on Sunday (15 September), which recognised excellence in the 2023-2024 television season. American actress, comedian, writer, producer & Emmys nominee, Quinta Brunson – who is known for comedy series, Abbott Elementary, turned heads with an eye-catching manicure, created by Temeka Jackson of @customtnails1. Described by Jackson…
Read MoreCelebrity nail art stole the show at the MTV VMAs 2024
The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), hosted in New York this week, didn’t just celebrate the biggest names in music: it proved that celebrities are embracing expression through nail art. American singer & songwriter, Chappell Roan, made an impact with an extreme length, chrome sword-inspired set. This matched her medieval red carpet outfit, which included…
Read MoreHow to accommodate neurodivergent needs in the nail space
Do you know what neurodiversity is? Half of beauty pros identify as neurodivergent and 27% work with a neurodivergent team member, so it’s likely you do. The Brain Charity states: ‘some people’s brains simply work in a different way. For at least 20% of the UK’s adult population, these differences mean they are not seen…
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