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British Beauty Council unveils campaign theme for 2024

The British Beauty Council (BBCo) has announced ‘A beauty industry that looks like you’ as its theme for the year. The focus is part of a campaign to find out what beauty means to its workers and consumers, and will be underpinned by the organisation’s biggest research project in its history: the Beauty Census.

This will give more than half a million industry workers the opportunity to have their say, alongside consumers, who will be questioned on how they perceive the industry and the importance of its services. The hope is that this will allow the organisation to respond to workers’ concerns and drive change.

‘A beauty industry that looks like you’ will also see the Council focus on the life-enhancing and mental health-boosting properties of the sector, its impact on the economy and social mobility, and how to persuade young people that the industry offers amazing job opportunities and satisfaction.

Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the BBCo, comments: “We want to hear from everyone, from those working in head office to shop floor assistants, local salons, at-home hairdressers and warehouse workers.

“Beauty really does ‘look like you’ and we need to know what you think so we can address the problems, maximise the opportunities and make the industry better for those who work in it and its customers. It’s time for the industry to unite in confronting its challenges head-on, so we can reveal its true value to all.”

‘A beauty industry that looks like you’ will culminate in British Beauty Week, 23-27 October 2024. The event is designed to engage the entire beauty industry, focusing on talent, growth and ESG (environmental, social and governance). BBCo encourages beauty brands and businesses to get involved by contacting bbw@britishbeautycouncil.com. www.britishbeautycouncil.com

HAIR & BEAUTY CHARITY REPORTS RISE IN PROS REQUESTING HELP

The Hair & Beauty Charity has shared insight from the last five years of its work, revealing that there has been a 1,200% rise in the number of people aged 18-30 asking for help.

Figures also show that there has been a 300% rise in male applicants aged 31-40. The statistics highlight a significant shift in applications prior to 2019, when most applicants were older and requested help as they were unable to work due to illness.

Mental illness cases peaked during the 2020 and 2021 lockdowns, but the data shows a reduction in these cases by 43%. However, there has been a dramatic rise (120% from 2020 to 2023) in the number of applicants requesting financial help after fleeing domestic abuse, or being unable to work due to trauma resulting from a sexual attack.

“The work of the Hair & Beauty Charity is vital in helping friends and colleagues in the industry, and we know we are only scratching the surface,” comments charity manager, Natalie Merola. “As a female-dominated industry, the rise in domestic abuse cases is particularly shocking, as is the number of young people in serious financial difficulty.

“Thankfully for most people, we offer temporary support when they need it most, helping them to get back on their feet into permanent work. For others, we are there to help at their most difficult times – through the loss, both mentally and financially, of a partner, and providing days out for children to make memories before losing a parent.”

The Hair & Beauty Charity is run by volunteers from the sector, who help to provide practical and financial support to hair and beauty professionals who have fallen on hard times.

The charity has launched its supporter campaign and is asking professionals to give a monthly donation of £5 or more to allow it to continue its vital work. www.hairandbeautycharity.org/support

Two techs win Golden Tickets at Nordic Nail Open

The Nordics’ largest competition for nails took place 4-6 April in Gothenburg, Sweden, attracting participants from Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Germany. Nordic Nail Open was hosted by Reni Mobrandt, owner of Nail Systems of Sweden & co-owner of Cosmo Nord. It saw 137 competition seats taken across 15 categories, including Stiletto Nails, Gel Polish and Gel Sculpture.

Six judges, including the UK’s Jacqui O’Sullivan, flew to Sweden to lend their expertise to assessments, and Denmark’s Flemming Nordqvist and Sweden’s Susanna Wahlström each won Golden Tickets to Nailympia London, 13-14 October, meaning their competition fees for this contest will be covered.

Scan here to view the results

NAILKNOWLEDGE RELEASES E-BOOKS TO SUPPORT NAIL SERVICE UNDERSTANDING & SAFETY

Online learning platform, NailKnowledge, has released three e-books to support nail professionals’ understanding of nail and skin science. UV Gel Explained, which is authored by renowned scientist, Doug Schoon, and the team of NailKnowledge experts, provides technical insights into UV gel nail systems and the scientific processes behind them, while dispelling common misconceptions. The content explores polymerisation, the role of UV light in curing and the importance of safe and correct application methods. It seeks to elevate nail technicians’ understanding and the quality and safety of nail services to avoid adverse reactions.

Also released are two e-books by NailKnowledge expert & hand healthcare specialist, Tracy Anne Shelverton, covering the anatomy and physiology of the skin and the nail unit. Introduction To Skin educates professionals on the structure and function of the skin, and the roles it plays in wellbeing. The Nail Unit examines the structures that make up the nail unit and their functions, helping technicians to maintain and enhance their health. The e-books are available in a ‘buy two, get one free’ offer via www.nailknowledge.org/shop

Moyra nail brand introduces three techs to UK education team

International nail brand, Moyra, has welcomed esteemed pros, Amanda Hawtree-Taft, Zsuzsanna Varga and Shaun Wilkins Booth, to its UK education team. The company, which has focused on delivering products, education and customer service for over two decades, boasts over 300 gel polishes and more than 200 acrylic powder shades in its portfolio. In addition, it presents a builder gel in a bottle range, hard gel, acrylgel, a full cover tips system, stamping range, nail art tools and accessories. ´

Specialising in intricate nail art and nail enhancements across a range of systems, Amanda heads up Moyra’s UK education team across the South East and London. Amanda was a finalist in the Scratch Stars Awards 2017 and 2018.

Having used Moyra products for many years in her nail work, Zsuzsanna offers education for the brand across the East Midlands. She was a finalist in the Scratch Stars Awards 2023 in the One Stroke Artist of the Year category.

Shaun has been an avid user of Moyra products since 2016. He began educating for the brand the same year and has engaged in training with international Moyra educators. Shaun is an educator for the South Yorkshire region.

Face-to-face courses include Gel Polish & Flexi Builder in a Bottle Application, Hard Gel (beginner & conversion) and Combined E-file Techniques. Moyra educators also offer face-to-face workshops covering stamping, form fitting and sculpting techniques. www.morethanstamping.co.uk

Phenix Salon Suites launches competition to support UK hair & beauty talent

Phenix Salon Suites, which offers four UK locations and over 300 US sites for pros to rent, has unveiled the Phenix Grant, a competition to discover and support industry talent.

Coinciding with the openings of suites in Liverpool and Nottingham, the competition invites established, entrepreneurial hair and beauty professionals with dreams to own their businesses to participate. Each winner of the Phenix Grant will receive a year of rent-free operation within a Phenix Salon Suites location, personalised business advice from the company’s team and access to a series of business and creative education seminars, with a total value of over £30,000.

John Gillespie, managing director of Phenix Salon Suites UK/Europe, comments: “Our mission is to unearth and nurture the hair and beauty entrepreneurs of tomorrow. We’re inviting passionate professionals to step forward and turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. We’re not looking for people with a bank-ready business plan; it’s about passion, creativity, drive and a chance to be part of a supportive ecosystem that values independence and creativity.” How to enter:

Professionals can submit initial proposals via www.phenixsalonsuitesuk.com/phenix-grant.

These should focus on innovation, sustainability and enhancing the client experience. Successful applicants will then have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of business experts. www.phenixsalonsuitesuk.com

Lincoln beauty pro turns her hand to business coaching

Rebecca Atkin, a beauty business owner with over eight years’ experience, has established The Positive Beauty Business Coach: a programme of courses to support self-employed beauty business owners.

Drawing on her industry knowledge and experiences, Rebecca’s courses cover a range of topics, including advice on setting up a beauty business and managing clients. She comments: “I’m passionate about supporting fellow industry professionals in their endeavours to achieve happiness and financial freedom. I want to help people face the problems I came up against when setting up my company.

“I hope my journey and industry experience can guide beauty business owners through the things I should have done from the start but didn’t, such as having clear policies in place and taking deposits.”

@thepositivebeautybusinesscoach

Pleasure

Nailpad founders face 5 Dragons on BBC’s Dragons’ Den

Entrepreneurial twin sisters & creators of Nailpad, Carrie Salmon and Tori Deely, showcased their portable nail painting station on BBC’s Dragons’ Den TV programme.

The show, which invites business owners to pitch to secure investment and mentorship opportunities, aired with Carrie and Tori’s appearance on 4 April 2024 on BBC One. The working mums faced Touker Suleyman, Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett. They unveiled their creation: Nailpad, which is a patented, portable nail painting surface for manicures and pedicures at home or on the go. Nailpad’s small, flat design seeks to solve the problems of shaky hands and unstable surfaces.

Carrie and Tori comment: “Entering the Den and meeting the Dragons was an incredible experience, and the process was an exciting challenge. We loved every nerve-racking minute. The preparation helped us to focus on what we want to do next and has given us the confidence to do so. We hope the viewers enjoy our experience as much as we have.”

Although no immediate investment was offered in the Den, Carrie and Tori embraced the constructive feedback from all Dragons, to support the next stages of Nailpad’s journey. www.nailpad.co.uk

THE RESULTS

The first iteration of Nailympia Competitions in Vietnam took place 10-11 April 2024, hosted by Damon Ho in Ho Chi Minh City and supported by Nailympia global director, Alex Fox. Held in association with Scratch, Nailympia Vietnam welcomed over 100 participants from Australia, Vietnam, Poland, Japan, India, Romania, Mexico, Korea, Colombia and Malaysia, who competed in three divisions across 13 categories. Scan to view the winners

GLITTERBELS TO HOST DREAMFEST EVENT WITH EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NAIL PROS

Nail brand, Glitterbels, is to host its third in-person event for nail professionals, featuring exciting product launches and networking opportunities. DreamFest will be held on Sunday 23 June 2024 at Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, with three entry times for nail pros to choose from: 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm. Each session will feature educational talks and opportunities to try the Glitterbels product range.

Celebrity guests will be in attendance, and partygoers will be the first to test and try Glitterbels‘ DreamCure Lamp: a pink and gold nail lamp that combines technology and functionality with a magical aesthetic.

The event is hosted in association with Scratch and ABT Insurance. The ABT team will be on hand to detail insurance opportunities and chat with new and existing customers, while Scratch’s Helena Biggs and Rebecca Hitchon will interview guests and members of the Glitterbels team, and present the main stage. Two ticket types – Gold Tier and Pink Tier – are available. For more information, visit www.glitterbels.com

GIVEAWAY!

Glitterbels, Scratch magazine and ABT Insurance have partnered to offer one lucky nail pro a huge prize bundle. It includes:

• 2x VIP tickets to the Glitterbels DreamFest event in Manchester on 23 June.

• An overnight stay at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel on Saturday 22 June.

• £150 worth of Glitterbels products.

• 2x tickets to The Scratch Stars Party on 23 July, seated at the Glitterbels sponsor table.

• 12-month print subscription to Scratch magazine.

• ABT Individual Membership and Insurance policy.

The competition closes 27 May. Scan to enter

Basketball star, Jared McCain, named as Sally Hansen ambassador

Global nail colour and care brand, Sally Hansen, has announced a partnership with US college basketball sensation, Jared McCain.

The brand’s first sports partnership will see the athlete promote inclusivity and self-expression in the sports community and beyond.

After a year playing for the Duke Blue Devils, representing Duke University, North Carolina, McCain is entering the NBA Draft, giving him an opportunity to play for a team in the National Basketball Association.

In March, he posted a TikTok video as he painted his nails using Sally Hansen products. In the video, he says: “I think everybody should do some self-care. For me, that’s nail painting. It helps me not bite my nails. I went into a salon one time and I decided to pick out a colour, and I thought it looked nice. I know a lot of people disagree, a lot of people don’t like it, but I’m just going to be myself.

“One of the reasons why I kept painting my nails is that I had a game after I had painted them, and I ended up playing really well. I’m not superstitious, but I thought it looked nice and helped me play better.”

Kevin Shapiro, senior vice president at Coty US Consumer Beauty, comments: “Jared McCain caught our eye with his striking nail styles, showcasing his vibrant self-expression, while simultaneously shining as a standout player on the court. He’s continued to remain true to himself, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Sally Hansen family.” www.sallyhansen.com

The GelBottle Inc unveils bottle storage solution

Brighton-based nail brand, The GelBottle Inc, has launched the TGB Shelf System for sleek bottle storage and presentation. Display up to 130 20ml bottles in the pink units, which are made from an easy-to-clean, durable acrylic material. Natasha Harden, chief product officer at The GelBottle Inc, comments: “We originally created the TGB Shelf System for use at trade events but, due to high demand from our customers, we have now produced it for retail.

“The shelves are one-of-a-kind and the design is in the process of being patented. The unit not only looks beautiful and shows off your rainbow of colours, but is also a space-efficient way to store your bottles: the perfect addition to any salon aesthetic.”

The TGB Shelf System is available via www.thegelbottle.com

DATES FOR THE DIARY

18 May Cultural Style Week

Cultural Style Week encourages individuals to embrace and wear their heritage with pride, and is hosting its flagship Expo in collaboration with community interest company, Cultural Fashion & Arts. Held at The Mall Wood Green shopping centre, North London, the free event includes fashion shows, cultural performances and panel talks, alongside over 60 fashion and beauty stalls. www.culturalstyleweek.com/expo

1-3 June Premiere Orlando, Nailympia Orlando & The Scratch Social

Beauty trade exhibition, Premiere Orlando, returns to the Orange County Convention Center, serving up inspiring education, exhibiting brands and exciting events – including the first Scratch Social on 2 June: a networking event for nail pros, powered by Scratch. On the show floor, 2-3 June, Nailympia Orlando will return for a fourth year, welcoming competitors from across the globe to work for coveted titles and trophies. www.premiereorlandoshow.biz / www.nailympia.comwww.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchsocial

23 June DreamFest by Glitterbels

Celebrate in style with Glitterbels at a one-day event in Manchester, and be the first to witness the magic of the brand’s DreamCure Lamp. Attendees will receive early access to new product launches and can enjoy demos, educational talks and opportunities to try the Glitterbels product range. In association with Scratch and ABT Insurance, the event will feature fun activations and celebrity guests. www.glitterbels.com

21 July The Scratch Stars Party

The infamous nail industry party returns to stunning venue, The Underglobe in London, where the winners of the Scratch Stars Awards 2024 will be announced. Attendees can enjoy entertainment, cocktails, canapés and a goody bag, and mingle with friends in the UK&I nail sector and beyond. DJ, presenter & former England Rugby Union player, James Haskell, will host.

Scan here to purchase a ticket

Research reveals top 10 nail trends of 2024

Analysis by beauty and wellness marketplace, Fresha, has uncovered the most popular global nail trends of the year so far. The company explored video and view counts on Tiktok, the number of hashtags on Instagram and overall social media engagement, combining these figures to produce a top 10: 

1. Long nails – 11,287,446 combined views and posts across TikTok and Instagram. 

2. French manicure – 9,406,341 

3. Short nails – 6,338,707 

4. Almond nails – 4,182,041 

5. Square nails – 3,118,309 

6. Chrome nails – 2,750,114 

7. Green nails – 1,736,528 

8. Builder gel nails – 1,578,756 

9. Pastel nails – 955,785 

10. 3D nails – 835,654

A spokesperson from Fresha comments: “The research not only unveils the hottest nail trends of the year, but also offers fascinating insights into the ever-changing beauty industry. It’s clear that nail art isn’t just a trend – it’s a vibrant form of self-expression that continues to push boundaries and inspire creativity.

“As we analyse the data, we see how each trend reflects the dynamic tastes and preferences of beauty enthusiasts worldwide. From classic French manicures to daring 3D nail art, the nail industry is a testament to the endless possibilities for showcasing personal style.” www.fresha.com

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