Through the Keyhole

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

The Nail Shed

Location: Hull, East Yorkshire

In 2021, Lucy Allman was made redundant and welcomed a second child. It was this change in lifestyle and need for flexibility that inspired her to carve a career in the nail sector. She explains: “I trained with a local nail technician, and after choosing Magpie Beauty as the brand for my core nail products, I completed its conversion course.”

An advocate for mental health, Lucy was adamant that she wanted to create a nail environment in which clients could relax. “It’s vital for clients to take time for themselves,” she shares. “An appointment isn’t just about creating nice nails, but offering a form of therapy.” This ethos inspired the ‘chilled, maximalist and cosy’ décor choices at The Nail Shed. “The walls are adorned with prints and mirrors, art by local artists and inspirational quotes,” Lucy continues. “I wanted my salon to reflect my personality and allow clients to disconnect from their worlds and step into mine. It’s a safe space where they can talk freely and without judgment.”

Lucy’s aptly named nail business is within a shed in her garden, but getting the venue ready to welcome clients wasn’t without challenges. “The night before it was due to be plastered, there was heavy rainfall,” she recalls. “Water came into the shed, so a soakaway needed to be installed around it with watertight sealant.”

Gel manicures are most popular with Lucy’s clients, and the pro also creates bespoke press-on nails, so that nail enthusiasts across the UK can wear her designs. On the goals for her business, she reveals: “I want The Nail Shed to be more widely recognised within the nail and beauty industry. I encourage my children to dream big, and because of them I strive to be the best I can be. This is ultimately why I decided, in the uncertainty of lockdown, to teach myself a new skill and master the nail craft.”

@the.nailshedhull

Leia Sarah Nail Technician

Location: Murrow, Cambridgeshire

After attaining her first nail qualification in 2016, Leia Sarah rented a chair in a salon on a self-employed basis, building a steady client base. Seeking greater independence, she opened a beauty room within her home in the remote village of Murrow. “My regular clients followed me here, but the relocation has also meant that people who do not like to travel into the main town can enjoy the tranquillity of getting their nails done in my home space,” she shares.

Leia chose a white, gold and navy colour scheme for her nail venue: a combination she believes oozes class and sophistication. “My favourite part of the salon is a gold wall sign featuring the business name. I’ve had so many compliments on it,” she shares. “I also love that my nail desk matches my pedicure chair. Protecting the health of myself and my clients is important to me, so I have invested in a VODEX dust and fume collector, which has transformed the air quality within the space.”

The nail technician strives to create a spa-like ambience for clients. “I want visitors to feel welcome and comfortable at their appointments,” Leia continues. “The room is private and cosy, but benefits from a bright, clean and airy feel. I use a diffuser with a lemongrass scent, to enhance the spa-like atmosphere.”

While Leia offers Artistic Colour Gloss manicures, The GelBottle BIAB™ pedicures and milk bath pedicures, it’s L&P acrylic enhancements that are most popular with her clients. “I use NSI Attraction acrylic products and make sure I keep up with the latest nail trends by reading Scratch magazine,” she reveals. “I also love putting my own stamp on everything, from décor to my cleaning routine.”