Through the Keyhole

KHAOS Nail Bar

Location: Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

A silver sequinned sign and bold, punchy shades make KHAOS Nail Bar an eye-catching addition to the centre of market town, Ross-on-Wye. Formerly a bank, the site was split into two premises and snapped up in summer 2023 by nail tech trio: Georgie Hughes, Niamh Compton and Jess White. They met while working in a smaller salon before deciding to launch their own business, and opened KHAOS in September 2023.

They comment: “Georgie conceived the name, then we decided to encompass our chaotic personalities into the salon décor. We have used bright shades on the walls, painted the window frames in pink and added fun pictures and neon signs to the space. It’s bold, fun and completely different to other salons in the town.”

Standing out amongst pubs, restaurants and independent shops, KHAOS attracts a varied clientele, who enjoy builder gel services with HW Nail Systems products, nail art, L&P acrylic enhancements with CJP and Elim pedicures. The trio has a combined 27 years’ experience in the nail industry and has extended the team with nail technician, Megan.

“We have created a fun yet professional vibe that reflects our personalities,” continue Georgie, Niamh and Jess. “We love having the freedom of our own salon and that we determined the ambience and décor. Our favourite feature is our sequin sign: we all cried when it was affixed!”

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Nini’s Nail Space

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Location: Portrush, Northern Ireland

On a visit to her wife’s native town of Portrush in Easter 2022, an empty premises by the sea caught the eyes of nail artist, Naoise McGeer-Letson. Formerly a hairdressers, the premises had closed during the pandemic and remained empty, until Naoise and her wife relocated to the area and transformed it into Nini’s Nail Space.

‘Forward thinking, inclusive nail experiences for all’ is the ethos of the salon, in which Naoise works alongside two other nail pros. “I feel so proud to be representing the LGBT community in the small seaside town of Portrush,” Naoise smiles. “The salon is a space in which people from different backgrounds can feel comfortable asking for any service they require. I’d love to foster an environment that invites discussion, curiosity, creativity and excitement for all.”

Decorating Nini’s Nail Space was an easy task for Naoise, who secured much of the furniture from her family collection. With mid-century accents accompanied by bold and quirky details, Naoise leaned into her creativity and artistry when designing the interior. “I studied fine art for four years, so wanted the salon to feel similar to an artist’s studio,” she shares. “It’s decorated similarly to my home, and I’d say it looks more like the inside of my brain than a traditional salon.”

Nini’s is open six days per week, offering gel polish and builder gel enhancements, natural nail services, hard gel extensions and nail art designs. “We specialise in nail art and thrive on a challenge, so encourage clients to bring us inspiration – or give us free rein on their nails,” Naoise explains. “Whatever the client dreams of, we aim to make a reality.”