Through the Keyhole

Take a peek inside salon setups across the UK&I as Scratch unlocks each door

Nails at The Oaks

Location: Great Oakley, Essex

The infamous Beverly Hills Hotel, California, inspired the décor of Paisley Barendrecht’s home nail studio, with the vision brought to life by her parents. “My dad insulated and boarded the space, before laying the flooring and hanging shelves, and my mum painted the salon in pastel pink,” she shares. “The main feature is the palm print wallpaper and neon sign, which reads ‘good vibes only’. It’s a welcoming space in which my clients can relax.”

Paisley’s studio opened in May 2023: two months after she qualified in nails. “After having two children in under two years, I decided to train as a nail professional rather than return to my office job,” she explains. “My husband works in an office in our garden, and inspired me to set up my own space at home. I work around the needs of my family while learning new skills and being creative.”

Glitterbels is Paisley’s brand of choice, and she specialises in gel polish and builder gel enhancements. “I love seeing the results I can achieve with builder gel and that I help clients showcase the nails of their dreams,” she continues. “I also enjoy nail art and am lucky that my clients trust my ideas and deliver their own great suggestions.”

Paisley’s clients can indulge in complimentary drinks in a personalised Nails at The Oaks cup, and choose a silent appointment if desired. The enthusiastic pro was a finalist in the UK Hair & Beauty Awards 2024 in the Best Home Salon and Best Gel Nails categories. She describes finding out the news on the week of her first anniversary as a nail business owner as a ‘pinch me moment’, and comments: “The recognition has given me the drive andd determination to keep learning and creating!”

Nails at The Oaks

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Nails By Nichole

Location: Rochester, Kent

Nichole Reynolds worked from her dining room for 15 years before her husband offered to convert their shed into a nail space. “I was comfortable indoors, but my husband encouraged the move and I’m delighted that I have a pretty, cosy area where I can work,” she explains. “My clients love it too, and refer to it as ‘the nail shed’.”

The pro trained as a beauty therapist at MidKent College in 2007 and went on to work for Nails.INC. She completed further training in gel and L&P acrylic enhancements in 2009, before taking a break to enjoy time with her family. “Three years ago, I re-entered the nail industry by undertaking a beginner’s course with Glitterbels,” Nichole shares. “It was the perfect way to refresh my skills.”

Builder gel is popular with her clients, and the nail tech also offers gel polish and L&P acrylic services using products from Glitterbels, OPI and The Manicure Company. Nails By Nichole’s colour scheme was inspired by her pink and gold Glitterbels manicure desk, and clients are welcomed by a fresh aroma, which is infused into the space by the Lucy Pastorelli Salon Scent System. “The scent is a dupe of my favourite perfume, and is a sensory treat for my clients and I when we walk through the door,” Nichole smiles.