Nail NATION

British Beauty Council reveals key findings of DEI report

The British Beauty Council’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee has released the first instalment of data from its census, A Beauty Industry That Looks Like You. As part of its commitment to uncover the deeper makeup of the beauty workforce, the Council surveyed 4,000 people who either work within the beauty industry, or use beauty products and services. Respondents were questioned to uncover whether they feel represented, seen and heard, and whether they believe there is a clear pathway for progression. The anecdotal evidence highlights that the beauty industry nurtures a widespread sense of belonging for workers, and a positive reputation for enabling social mobility.

The initial results focused on career progression, neurodiversity and disability. It revealed:

• 55% of women feel they are given the same opportunities as colleagues with different characteristics.

• 69% of LGBTQ+ people feel they are able to be their true selves at work.

• 80% of neurodivergent people feel their company provides an environment where their career can thrive.

• 19% of respondents identified as neurodivergent. Those with neurodiversity are more likely to earn a below average wage, with only 43% earning within the national average band or higher.

• The beauty industry provides a more positive environment for individuals with physical or hidden disabilities, who have entrepreneurial aspirations.

• Transgender and non-binary individuals remain significantly under-represented at senior levels of business.

Hannah Cook, the British Beauty Council’s DEI committee co-chair, comments: “While progress has been made and it’s important for us to recognise what we have achieved, with brands now celebrating a wider range of skin tones, body types and gender identities, there’s still much more to do. True inclusion means ensuring all voices are heard, thus bringing creativity and innovation to the table.

“A truly inclusive beauty industry offers a sense of belonging to everyone, encouraging individuality and self-expression. Beauty – in all its forms – can enhance wellbeing, boost self-esteem and nurture mental health. By empowering individuals to express themselves, we foster confidence and community and break down barriers that have long excluded many.”

www.britishbeautycouncil.com

Beauty industry could face £400 million increase in staff costs post-Budget

A report produced by Pragmatix Advisory, commissioned by the British Beauty Council, highlights the impact of proposed tax increases on the beauty industry.

Key findings include:

• Budget measures, including the National Minimum Wage increase and changes to the National Insurance thresholds and rates, mean the beauty industry will face an annual increase in staff costs of over £400 million (4.5%), which is the equivalent of almost 20,000 jobs.

• Reduction in employers’ National Insurance threshold (from £9,100 to £5,000), coupled with the increase in rates of contributions, will cost the industry £260 million.

• Hairdressing and beauty services will see the highest increase in staff costs, followed by beauty retail. These costs will increase by £190m and £160m respectively.

The British Beauty Council comments: “These measures show a clear failure to recognise that the vast majority of businesses in the UK are SMEs. Placing the burden on businesses to shoulder the majority of tax increases, particularly those with an almost 90% female workforce, is unlikely to lead to the benefits the Treasury thinks.

“Instead, it will most likely prevent wage increases and deter people from hiring more staff, therefore stifling growth. The beauty industry already has a growing movement towards self-employment, a fundamental issue with recruitment and a marked decrease in apprenticeships of over 70%. These challenges will only be exacerbated.”

The Council is calling for a review of business rates, tax reform (including a reassessment of VAT policy) and evaluation of employment freezes and forced self-employment.

www.britishbeautycouncil.com

Sarah Harbon with Mark Flannery, CEO of Look Good Feel Better.

LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER WELCOMES ADDITION TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Cancer support charity, Look Good Feel Better, has appointed Sarah Harbon, general manager of Benefit Cosmetics UK & Ireland, to its board of trustees.

Sarah has been a passionate supporter of Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) for over a decade, championing the charity both personally and through Benefit Cosmetics’ philanthropic initiatives. This appointment reflects her contributions to the organisation’s mission and commitment in supporting internal teams. The charity focuses on helping people to manage the cosmetic and physical impacts of cancer treatment via virtual and face-to-face workshops, including nailcare offerings. Each workshop is led by an industry-trained specialist.

Sarah comments: “Having worked closely with LGFB for several years through Benefit’s philanthropy programme, Bold Is Beautiful, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact the charity has in supporting women and men through some of their most challenging times. By offering comfort, confidence and a sense of light during dark moments, LGFB has been a lifeline to so many of our friends, families and customers. I am deeply committed to furthering their mission and look forward to continuing to contribute to their vital work.”

Sarah’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Look Good Feel Better, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Benefit Cosmetic’s 10-year anniversary is also upcoming.

www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk

Pinterest predicts top beauty trends for 2025

Pinboard platform, Pinterest, has released Pinterest Predicts 2025: its ‘not-yet-trending’ report that features anticipated trends for the year ahead, based on searched content. The report highlights the following for beauty:

• Gen Z and Milliennials will seek ‘cherry coded’ hues in beauty, infusing rich reds into their looks.

• ‘Moody mermaid’ manicures will be popular, with a ‘seawitchery’ trend proving prominent. Sea-inspired nails have seen a 65% increase in searches over the last two years.

• ‘Goddess nails’ have experienced a 760% increase in searches, with Boomers and Gen X embracing their ‘feminine power’ like never before. The report shares: “Everything will be a muse moment, from gold facials and goddess braids to sublime nail designs.”

• Matching manicures amongst friends are set to be popular, with a 35% increase in the ‘friends matching nails’ search term amongst Gen Z and Boomers.

www.pinterest.com

Scratch Stars Awards returns for 13th year to recognise nail industry excellence

The Scratch Stars Awards, which recognises and rewards talent in the UK&I nail sector, opens for entry on 1 February. Eighteen categories covering all facets of the nail sector are available for entry, by pros and businesses who have been a member of the industry for over 12 months. Categories include Home Salon of the Year, Gel Polish Stylist of the Year and Nail Team of the Year. There are two new categories for 2025: Pedicurist of the Year and Online Educator of the Year. When entry closes on 10 March, submissions will be evaluated, and five finalists revealed in each category. These finalists will then undergo a judging stage: either a mystery shop, portfolio submission or live, practical nail contest and interview. The winner of each category will be unveiled at The Scratch Stars Party on Sunday 6 July at The Underglobe, London.

For more information, visit www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars

Margaret Dabbs OBE

Margaret Dabbs London opens 15th clinic worldwide

Beauty and wellness brand, Margaret Dabbs London, which specialises in foot, hand, nail and leg care services, is to open its eighth clinic in London. The venue at 4 Halkin Street, Belgravia, boasts four private treatment rooms, with treatments performed by qualified podiatrists. These include the brand’s signature Medical Pedicures, with gait analysis and 3D foot scanning. Alongside podiatrists are professional, expertly trained beauty therapists performing anti-ageing manicures and beauty pedicures. The site also boasts a large, open-plan retail space and spa area on the ground floor, showcasing the full range of Margaret Dabbs London award-winning products. Margaret Dabbs OBE, founder & CEO of Margaret Dabbs London, comments: “Our mission is to provide our clients with exceptional treatments that fuse medical excellence and the best beauty formulae to promote overall wellbeing. Belgravia embodies a unique blend of elegance, style and sophistication, making it the perfect location to introduce our premium services.”

www.margaretdabbs.co.uk

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES

The biggest days of the year for retail are Super Sunday, Easter Monday and

Black Friday, according to analysis by Money.co.uk business credit card experts. The research found that ‘buy X, get one free’ offers are the most attractive to customers. www.money.co.uk

Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa in the Lake District hosted the UK Spa Association (UKSA) Winter Networking Event, which brought together over 100 spa professionals from across the UK. Topics centred around body positivity and inclusivity in the spa industry and commercial strategies. www.armathwaite-hall.com & www.spa-uk.org

The GelBottle Inc has added four products to its extension range to aid the creation of speedy, slick nail enhancements. ProTips offer pre-welled and etched full cover tips, the ProCut Tip Clipper trims them with precision, and QuickShape forms support the creation of enhancement shapes using acrygel. Completing the line-up are QuickShape Clips to assist with application. www.thegelbottle.com

Pediceutical footcare line, Footlogix, is offering free product knowledge with the purchase of a kit. This provides essential insights into using Footlogix products and integrating them seamlessly into existing footcare services. Kit prices start at £79.95 + VAT and are available via www.sweetsquared.com.

Buff Browz has unveiled the Brow Care Collection: four products – Brow Polish, Detox, Purify and Restore Masque – to restore and repair brow hairs and the skin of professionals and clients. The brand has featured its technicians and customers in the accompanying campaign. www.buffbrowz.co.uk

Nimue Skin Technology has launched Skinbiotic Moisture Mist: a treatment mist that intensely hydrates, restores and protects the skin’s natural microbiome. An ideal retail item, the mist offers protection against urban pollutants, indoor heating and cooling systems. It is £22.95 + VAT/RRP £55 and available via www.sweetsquared.com.

Nail pros recognised in NHBF’s Top 100 Influencers Index 2024

Kamila Borowiec at The Scratch Stars Party 2024

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) unveiled hair and beauty influencers in its fourth annual Top 100 Influencers Index. Offering ‘an opportunity to recognise those in the industry who use social media to influence, educate and innovate our sector,’ seven nail pros made the list, which was unveiled towards the end of last year. Shropshire-based hair stylist, Cal Newsome (@cal_newsome), took the top spot for 2024. The nail pros featured are: 36th place: Kamila Borowiec (@glamliciousnails) 41st place: Hazel Dixon (@hazeldixon) 43rd place: Jaz Moger (@paintbyjaz) 58th place: Theresa Foddering (@thenaildresser) 71st place: Paige Taylor Dargan (@taylordbypaige) 76th place: Jodie Whitehead-Booth (@jodie_whitehead_) 95th place: Rhiannon Lamb (@naileditbyrhi) Droitwich-based Kamila Borowiec, who scooped the Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year 2024 title, comments: “I feel very honoured to be recognised in the Top 100 Influencers Index. Being amongst the best in the beauty industry and recognised for my hard work is a massive achievement. Doing what I love and feeling seen is the best award any artist could hope for. Initiatives like this motivate us to continue working hard and push us to work even harder.”

www.nhbf.co.uk

120 NAIL TECHS RAISE £1,300 FOR CHARITIES AT LEEDS EVENT

Maisie Jackson

Revolution nightclub in Leeds hosted the first Maisie’s Nail Tech Soirée: a pre-Christmas networking event for nail professionals. Organised by Maisie Jackson, a 22-year-old nail artist from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, the soirée was designed to dispel any loneliness experienced by self-employed nail pros, and bring them together for a night of fun and celebration.

Maisie comments: “It’s common to feel lonely as a nail tech, especially when you work for yourself. I wanted to invite fellow techs to a pre-Christmas party before the busy month of December.” The event welcomed 120 nail techs – some of whom travelled for eight hours to attend. “The support has been overwhelming and heartwarming,” Maisie continues. “When I first thought about hosting an event, I aimed for around 50 nail techs, but after selling 25 tickets in the first couple of days, I realised that I could aim much higher. The nail tech community is wonderful, with so many lovely people. I know that a lot of attendees found their own nail tribe at the soirée.”

A raffle raised £1,300 for the Cancer Research and St Michael’s Hospice charities, with products donated by companies including HONA, Nail Order, OPI, Sirens, The Fierce Company, Delilah Make-up, Cuticleco, Katie Barnes Tool Range, Nibovi and more. Each attendee received a goody bag worth over £50, including a copy of Scratch. Follow Maisie on Instagram: @maisiejacksonbeauty