Nail NATION

British Beauty Council welcomes 5 experts to advisory board

The British Beauty Council (BBCo) has introduced a cohort of beauty industry leaders to its advisory board, whose areas of expertise range from virtual beauty to psychiatry. The board offers strategic insight to the BBCo, in order to propel cross-industry campaigns, policy change and awareness.

Joining the board are Dr Alex Box, beauty futurist & founder of V-metics, the world’s first virtual cosmetic software, alongside perfumer, Lyn Harris; BAFTA award-winning hair and make-up designer, Nadia Stacey, and founder of Pall Mall barbers, Richard Marshall. Professor Sandeep Ranote, medical director & consultant child and adolescent physiatrist, has also joined the board to support the British Beauty Council’s work on self-esteem, mental health and representation.

Millie Kendall OBE

Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the BBCo, comments: “We are pleased to welcome a new group of beauty professionals on board as the Council gears up to enter its next roadmap. The leaders are vital to our ongoing engagement with the nuanced areas of our industry, and provide us with unique insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our sector.” The British Beauty Council has also launched its 29-strong media advisory board, bringing together professionals from the print and digital beauty publishing sector. Chaired by Meribeth Parker, chair of the BBCo & senior vice president of platforms and partnerships at News UK, the board’s unique insights and reach will be harnessed to raise awareness of the Council’s ambitions. Members include Sharon Brigden, director at SLB Public Relations Ltd; Sonia Hara, beauty director at The Telegraph, and Camilla Kay, deputy editor at GLAMOUR. www.britishbeautycouncil.com

Hara Professional offers £3K prize in gel polish competition

Hara Professional, a company with a 50-year history in the beauty sector, has launched its first nail contest, in a bid to find three brand ambassadors across the UK and ROI to join its team. The competition celebrates the reformulation of Hara Professional’s gel polish line – launched in 2017 – to Hema-free, and seeks ‘stunning, flawlessly executed gel polish manicures’. “Through this competition, we seek to elevate nail standards and champion excellence,” shares Claire Lebrun, head of Hara Professional. “We want to see impeccable product application, sharp smile lines and neat cuticles. The quality of the photographs submitted is also important, and they should be beautifully shot to capture your handiwork.”

Claire Lebrun

To enter, nail professionals need to grab their Hara product arsenal or purchase a Hara Gel Polish Kit for the discounted price of £15 + VAT, and Hara Pro LED/UV Nail Lamp for £20 + VAT (saving £29.95) via www.haraprofessional.com.

Entry requires:

• Two manicures using Hara Professional products: a red gel polish overlay and a French gel polish finish (one hand, five nails per look).

• Before and after pictures of the nails.

• An Instagram reel-style video showing the application process of each, with Hara products in view.

The winner will receive Hara furniture, equipment or products to the value of £3,000, and be invited to join the Hara Professional team as a brand ambassador.

Second and third place runners-up will receive prizes and brand ambassadorships.

The entry deadline is 31 October.

Visit bit.ly/hara-competition or scan here

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Glitterbels educator & double Scratch Stars Awards winner 2024, Danielle Brindley, joined Scratch’s Rebecca Hitchon live on TikTok to talk about her personal experiences with neurodiversity and share advice for fellow nail pros.

Poole-based nail business plans second studio after securing £25k start up loan

Training academy and beauty supply store, Cassidy’s Beauty Academy, in Poole, Dorset, has secured £25,000 from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, delivered by GC Business Finance (GCBF).

Entrepreneur, Cassidy Jade Darby, has been passionate about nails for over a decade, and sought to launch an academy following negative experiences at training centres.

However, the mum-of-three did not have the initial income to set up the business, so applied to the Start Up Loans programme. GCBF funding was granted, allowing her to secure a nail studio and equipment.

“Without the loan, the business wouldn’t be where it is now,” Cassidy shares. “As a first-time entrepreneur, it made accessing funding easy, and I’ve recommended the programme to friends who are keen to launch their own businesses. At Cassidy’s, we’re helping to train the next generation of nail technicians in a way that suits how they learn, and want to open a second studio within the next five years.”

Cassidy, who has ADHD, has created courses that fit the various learning needs of students. These are split into both online and in-person sessions, so students can gain qualifications in a comfortable manner. The business is also a supplier of equipment, committed to supplying high-quality products from brands loved by industry professionals, as well as supporting smaller brands. Richard Bearman, MD of Small Business Lending at the British Business Bank, comments: “Cassidy’s entrepreneurial spirit and love for nails is apparent via her passion, and it’s amazing to see her business thriving. She is a great example of an entrepreneur spotting a gap in the market and turning it into a full-time business, achieving success as a result.” www.cassidysbeauty.co.uk

Nail lecturers join forces to train pros for first Nailympia China competition

Nailympia COMPETITION CHINA 2025

Three esteemed nail trainers from across the globe are to host an education event 14 to 16 October, to prepare nail pros for the first Nailympia China competition. The multi award-winners, Anna Lee (UK), Catherine Wong (Singapore) and Stephy Pang (Malaysia), will provide in-person guidance and technical assistance via the event, hosted at the China Nail Art Museum in Shanghai. The Nailympia China competition will be held in Pudong, Shanghai, 8 to 10 May 2025. Hosted by Chinese nail brand, Muzer, the pre-competition training is designed to encourage and support nail artists. The schedule will cover the following categories: Gel Polish, UV Gel & L&P competition nails, Stiletto Nails, The Joy of Nails, Mixed Media and Flat Art Boxed, and Muzer will sponsor all competitors who register for Nailympia China with the pre-competition training. Anna Lee, education planning director, comments: “Competitions help you to develop as a nail tech and a person. They elevate professional standards in the nail industry and can open doors internationally, providing valuable opportunities for you to excel in your career.”

To secure your space, contact Anna Lee via Facebook Messenger: www.facebook.com/AnnaLeeCND

L-R: Lee Farmer, Paul Faulkner, Geoff Morris, Nadine Meakins and Matthew Champney

HAIR & BEAUTY WHOLESALER, ELLISONS, ANNOUNCES CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP

One of the UK’s oldest established hair and beauty wholesalers, Ellisons, has undergone a leadership shake-up. The Coventry-based company, which was founded in Birmingham in 1930, has announced a new generation of businesspeople at its helm, to continue Ellisons’ growth.

Managing director, Geoff Morris, has transitioned ownership to existing members of Ellisons’ management team: Matthew Champney, Lee Farmer and Nadine Meakins, who have acquired a significant equity stake in the business. Geoff Morris will remain as a substantial shareholder & advisor to the business.

Joining as chairperson is Paul Falkner, experienced regional business leader & former CEO of Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. He comments: “I am delighted to be joining Ellisons as chairperson. This is a well-established business with a deserved reputation for excellent customer service and innovation. We will continue to benefit from Geoff’s industry knowledge, and I will support the management team with my experience of developing teams and achieving results, while fostering a dynamic culture within the business.” David Tucker from Jasper Equity, who led the transition, also joins the Ellisons board.

Geoff Morris comments: “It gives me pleasure to see a new generation demonstrate their entrepreneurial flair and lead Ellisons into its next 100 years of business. Across the business, colleagues show an unrivalled passion and understanding of professional hair and beauty. I am confident that the experience Paul brings to the existing management team will lead Ellisons towards an exciting new chapter.” www.ellisons.co.uk

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Jim and Linda Nordstrom, founders of Famous Names Products, chatted to Scratch’s Helena Biggs live on Instagram about the latest addition to the brand’s portfolio: ACESO. The nail system, which features four products, delivers targeted relief and support through the nail plate and onto the nail bed. Jim and Linda shared the results that can be achieved and how to market the range to clients.

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35% of Brits spend most of their disposable income on self-care

Self-care and personal wellbeing are focuses for a significant portion of British people, a survey by loan provider, Moneyboat, has revealed. 35% of Brits choose to dedicate the majority of their disposable income to beauty products, exercise and other self-care activities.

The research discovered that 20% of Brits spend most of this income on beauty products, with 15% investing it in exercise. Self-care was found to be an important aspect for London specifically, with 26% of Londoners spending the majority of their discretionary funds on beauty items, and 19% investing in exercise. Other findings include that 50% of millennials prioritise self-care more than any other generation, with 30% of this demographic spending most of their disposable income on beauty products. www.moneyboat.co.uk

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Georgie Smedley, digital education developer at Gelish, took to Scratch’s Instagram to showcase the brand’s Cream Gel Palettes. The LED curable products offer up to 21 days’ wear, and Georgie demonstrated how to create blended and nail art designs using the formula.

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Wicked actress, Cynthia Erivo, named OPI brand ambassador

Cynthia Erivo, star of Universal Pictures’ musical movie, Wicked, has been announced as an OPI global brand ambassador. The award-winning actress & musician plays leading character, Elphaba, in the film, for which OPI is global nail partner.

As a brand ambassador, Erivo’s role is to share creative nail looks and incorporate shades from the OPI x Wicked colour collection. The celebrity is known for showcasing long nail looks adorned with embellishments and intricate nail art.

“Nail art offers a way to express how I’m feeling at any particular moment,” Erivo explains. “It’s an extension of the story I want to tell, and of who I am. With length, colour or design, you can show people a little bit of who you are. There’s also something really fun about being able to catch someone’s eye with nails.

Cynthia Erivo

“Nail art is so expressive,” Erivo continues. “You can keep your nails very simple, or you can make them very extravagant, fun and crazy. You can pierce them, you can put jewels on them – the scope of what you can do with nails has always interested me, and I’m excited to share my inspirations and favourite nail looks with OPI fans around the world.”

Suzi Weiss-Fischmann

“Cynthia is an absolute force, and OPI is so excited to partner with her,” comments OPI co-founder & brand ambassador, Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. “Nail colour and art showcase personalities in ways that are joyful and unique to the wearers. Cynthia embodies this sentiment with show-stopping nail art that gives a snapshot of her creativity, confidence and sense of fun.”

OPI products are available via uk.wella.professionalstore.com

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES

Hair and beauty product provider, Sweet Squared, has added biotech company, Decoded Skin, to its portfolio, becoming its official UK distributor. Decoded Skin has developed a lightweight treatment foundation combining skincare benefits (such as barrier defence, skin firming and moisturisation) with a great complexion. www.sweetsquared.com

The Salon System brand has made the decision to discontinue its GELLUX nail range, and focus on, invest in and grow its lash, brow and wax categories. The GELLUX range will be discontinued in March 2025. www.salonsystem.com

CACI has added Synergy Flex to its range of professional anti-ageing and skincare solutions. The system rejuvenates skin with LED light stimulation, while delivering microcurrent facial toning. It also features a Flex Tec port to power future technology handsets and prevent the system from dating. www.cacibeauty.com

Glitterbels unveils 2 Hema Free Gel Polish collections for autumn

Staffordshire nail brand, Glitterbels, has launched two autumn colour collections: Howdy Pumpkin and Cinnamon Slay. Both feature six Hema Free Gel Polish shades with highly pigmented formulas, promising rich colour in two coats. Helping pros to achieve the cowboycore nail trend, the Howdy Pumpkin collection features the earthy tones of Western styling, with a cactus-inspired green, saddle brown and Wild West-themed reds – plus sparkling pink, Selfie Mode. Cinnamon Slay epitomises the cosiness of the autumn season with its selection of burnt orange, cinnamon browns and vibrant reds, and features two glitter hues: a rich red and glistening gold.

Purchase the collections via www.glitterbels.com

STUDEX OFFERS SLEEK NOIR EARRING COLLECTION FOR AUTUMN

The Noir Blackened Stainless Collection has been launched by piercing training and product provider, Studex, to complement the autumn season. Available for Studex’s System 75 Ear Piercing System, the six styles can be mixed to curate a stylish and impactful ear stack.

Included in the Noir Blackened Stainless Collection are:

• Black Stainless 4mm Cubic Zirconia
• Black Stainless 4mm Cubic Zirconia – Pink
• Black Stainless 4mm Cubic Zirconia – Blue
• Black Stainless 3mm Ball
• Black Stainless 4mm Ball
• Black Stainless 5mm Cubic Zirconia – Black

Are you keen to introduce ear and/or nose piercing to your business? Visit www.studexuk.com or email the Studex team at studex@studexuk.co.uk

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Nail content creator & portrait artist, Kassie Payne of Nailz by Kass, spoke to Scratch’s Lilly Delmage on Instagram about her nail art career and how she has grown her successful brand. Kassie also served up social media tips for fellow pros.

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.

Adelina Walker

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 inspired to create the nail desk accessories after observing the interactions between nail technicians and their clients. “The moments of laughter, shared stories and sense of community highlighted the importance of creating a welcoming and positive atmosphere,” the nail tech continues. “We wanted to capture this spirit and translate it into something tangible that bring smiles to technicians’ faces.”

The mini signs feature playful and motivational messages to inspire and bring joy to nail professionals and their clients, such as ‘Yay!

It’s Nail Day’ and ‘Use Cuticle Oil’, and are available in a variety of colours to suit different workspace aesthetics. The products are produced from biodegradable materials.

Contact Adelina on Instagram via @hellobeautifulnailbar to purchase.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

13-14 October

Nailympia London

Nailympia will commemorate its 20th anniversary at the Salon Beauty exhibition in London. The competition attracts a diverse array of industry experts to serve on its esteemed judging panel, ensuring fairness and integrity in every evaluation. This iteration features nine arena and 10 online categories. www.nailympia.com

13-14 October

Salon Beauty

Dedicated to enabling beauty professionals to ‘discover the latest trends, innovations and live education’, the Salon Beauty exhibition returns to ExCeL London, allowing pros to meet leading brands and network. It takes place alongside Salon International, which presents an opportunity to gain insight into offering hair treatments. https://salonbeauty.showhub.live

23-27 October

British Beauty Week

The British Beauty Council’s British Beauty Week returns for its sixth iteration, with a theme of ‘A Beauty Industry That Looks Like You’. The event will highlight the importance of inclusion and representation in the British beauty sphere, and encourage beauty brands to consider the ongoing work that needs to be done to ensure that all voices are heard and celebrated. www.britishbeautyweek.co.uk