Nail NATION

Business

‘Four figure week’ method seeks to help beauty pros boost earnings

Beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, has launched ‘The Four Figure Focus’, a membership programme to help beauty business owners earn four figures a week, while working part-time hours.

Zaara King

“Ideal for professionals with visions of freedom, efficiency and creativity, the programme offers its members tailored support, plus community calls and challenges,” Zaara shares. “My mission since 2020 has been to uplift the beauty industry via my coaching initiatives, podcast, speaking arrangements and articles in industry magazines. I love helping business owners turn the seemingly impossible into their reality. Life should be just as fulfilling as business, which is why I have created a space for members to feel supported and inspired to achieve results.” Via the programme, Zaara – a columnist for Scratch, shares the methodology that she has used to help her clients create beauty businesses that work around their personal lives. Training initiatives are included in the membership and offer ‘specific strategy and energy work for each level of business’. A monthly call with Zaara covers mindset or hot seat coaching, and regular challenges are presented to aid growth and business expansion.

“The Four Figure Focus provides a place to share and Get 50% off your first month’s membership fee with code SCRATCH learn, so you can take control and enjoy long-term growth,” Zara concludes. Monthly membership is £47, and there is no minimum commitment length.

Glitterbels unveils The Nailist Programme for pros to reap rewards

Staffordshire-based nail brand, Glitterbels, has launched The Nailist Programme as part of its mission to ‘help nail technicians elevate their craft, grow their businesses and push industry standards to new heights’. Designed by Glitterbels founders, Annabel and Elliott Maginnis, the programme serves to provide high-quality education, products and ongoing support to dedicated nail pros: from solo techs to salon owners.

Annabel & Elliott Maginnis

At the brand’s educator event on 14 January, Elliott Maginnis shared: “We’ve committed thousands of business hours to this programme, sourcing non-biased advice from nail tech focus groups and asking them about the problems they’ve come up against. Among our team, we believe we’ve come up with a solution.” The programme operates across four tiers: Glitter, Silver, Gold and Diamond, which are based on a pro’s quarterly spend at Glitterbels. Each tier unlocks exclusive rewards designed to meet its members’ needs. Requalification occurs quarterly. From 1 April, free courses focused on business strategy, marketing and social media will become available for each tier. The Silver, Gold and Diamond tiers offer discounts on product purchases and education, and other opportunities include VIP access to community chats, work featured on Glitterbels’ social media and gift rewards.

Sign up to The Nailist Programme via www.glitterbels.com/pages/nailist

WEBSITE WATCH: www.nailtechniciancourses.co.uk

Future in Beauty, a provider of in-person and online nail training courses, has relaunched its website, making it easier for aspiring techs to learn skills to enhance their careers. The site features enhanced navigation and information on flexible, online training options. Improved mobile optimisation means users can explore courses on the go, and a simple and secure online booking system streamlines enrolment.

“Whether you’re looking to change careers or enhance your skills for a hobby or side hustle, the new site makes finding and booking the right course easier than ever,” comments Todd Henderson, founder of Future in Beauty.

The Institute of Podiatrists endorses Footlogix® medi-pedi products

Pediceutical footcare line, Footlogix®, has been endorsed by the Institute of Podiatrists (IOP), an organisation that represents podiatry professionals who are committed to advancing foot health standards. The endorsement follows the successful completion of a rigorous evaluation, conducted by the Institute’s Medicines and Procedures Panel (MaPP). This review involved a team of clinical podiatrists and foot health experts, who assessed Footlogix® products against criteria including quality, compliance, technical materials, evidence-based research and client satisfaction.

Samantha Sweet

“Footlogix® is a game-changer for beauty professionals looking to offer their clients the very best in footcare,” says Samantha Sweet, CCO at Sweet Squared, UK&I distributor of Footlogix®. “This endorsement reinforces what we’ve always known: Footlogix® products deliver outstanding results that beauty pros and their clients can trust.” The mousse-based footcare line uses dermal infusion technology to deliver active ingredients into the layers of the epidermis and reach targeted areas. “Footlogix® products have become a favourite amongst our podiatry patients,” comments Gaynor Wooldridge, chair of the executive committee at the Institute of Podiatrists. “During the IOP’s clinical trial, patients using various Footlogix® products experienced significant improvements, showcasing their effectiveness in addressing diverse foot health concerns.” Footlogix products are available in the UK&I via www.sweetsquared.com

Report reveals the popularity of pedicures over manicures

Salon, spa and fitness booking and management software, Vagaro, has released its 2025 Vantage Report, revealing insights into beauty and wellness trends. It unveils that 21 million nail salon appointments were booked globally between January and September 2024, and 59% of searches on the Vagaro Marketplace were for pedicures. These resulted in half a million bookings via the platform. Manicures amassed 400,000 appointment bookings, with hard gel and acrygel services proving particularly popular. The report data also highlights that popular events present a significant opportunity for beauty businesses, as 64% of concertgoers schedule appointments days before showtime. Other findings include that the entrepreneurial landscape is witnessing a rise in women-led businesses in the beauty and wellness fields, and 84% of professionals in the nail industry are women.

Vagaro’s research revealed shifting perceptions of LGBTQIA+ representation in the beauty and hair industry across generations. Among Gen Z and Boomers, 32% feel the LGBTQIA+ community is ‘somewhat represented’ in mainstream beauty, while Millennials and Gen X indicate stronger support, with 36% believing the community is ‘very represented’.

Additionally, the report details that busy peaks take a toll on industry professionals, as 38% struggle with chaotic holiday schedules, and 27% feel pressure to meet sales goals. The data finds that two out of three pros believe that AI tools would help ‘streamline their business operations’, and 85% report being able to send automated, personalised marketing to clients as crucial. Three out of four note the need for automated appointment reminders: a handy way to reduce no-shows and cancellations.

“Vagaro’s annual Vantage Report provides invaluable insights that empower business owners to remain informed and competitive,” says Charity Hudnall, chief marketing officer at Vagaro. “We aim for this to help them anticipate demand, refine their directions, and ultimately reap rewards from their professional efforts.” Read the full report at www.vagaro.com

RENOWNED NAIL ARTIST LAUNCHES THE NAIL NEXUS ONLINE EDUCATION PLATFORM

Sara Cady

Sara Cady, known among nail enthusiasts as ‘Glamourphile’, has launched The Nail Nexus: an online learning platform for industry enthusiasts who are keen to become nail professionals.

The UK-based nail technician, artist & educator boasts over 10 years’ experience in the sector, and has worked in salons and from a private home studio. Her work has been featured in Scratch, internationally on Good Morning America and Fox News, and by Tyla and Newsweek. The launch of the subscription-based learning platform is a result of Sara’s desire to elevate nail industry standards. “I have a background in business and administration, which has supported the launch of The Nail Nexus education,” Sara shares. “The resource is part of the Glamourphile website and features over 70 video tutorials, showcasing a variety of nail styles and systems.”

Videos are added weekly and are not brand specific, so beginners can benefit from general tips and techniques. Sara continues: “Regular guest videos from well-known industry personalities are included to ensure that subscribers have everything they need to succeed and thrive on their nail journeys. Members of The Nail Nexus are also given exclusive discount codes for nail brands as part of their subscription.” www.glamourphile.com

Pleasure

Museum dedicated to nail art to open in Shanghai, China

The first museum in China dedicated to nail art will open in the Jiading District, Shanghai, in May 2025, and showcase the development of nail art through innovative exhibits. Established by industry veteran, Ms. Kimi Zhang Tao, and powered by nail brand, Muzer, The China Nail Art Museum will not only be a space for showcasing nail art, but a platform for cultural exchange. It will bring together outstanding works from world renowned nail competition champions, bloggers, designers and artists, forming a hub where nail art and culture meet. Visitors can admire cutting edge nail designs and delve into the history of nail art. A museum spokesperson comments: “The creation of the China Nail Art Museum goes beyond collecting and showcasing nail art. It elevates nail art from its traditional role as a decorative aesthetic, to a field rich with cultural significance. Through international collaborations and exchanges, [the museum] will drive the global development of nail art as an art form.”

The China Nail Art Museum will hold its first touring exhibition at Suzhou Center, featuring bold, modern art pieces and traditional techniques by global nail stylists. Works submitted by Chinese nail artists include recreations of traditional paintings, such as ‘Along the River During the Qingming Festival’, displaying the charm of Eastern culture.

International artists will showcase creative designs, ranging from the ‘Twin Headed Dragon Avant Garde Nail’ by the UK’s Mino Vo, and ‘The Adventure of Alice’ artistic creation by fellow UK nail artist, Hazel Dixon.

For more information, email nailmuseum@muzercn.com

THE GELBOTTLE INC RESPONDS TO THE SHEER NAILS TREND WITH 8-PIECE BIAB™ EXTENSION

Owing to the popularity of the sheer Builder In A Bottle TM (BIAB TM ) shade, Demure, The GelBottle Inc has introduced The Sheers & Shimmers Collection. It features five sheer shades and three subtle, super-fine glitter hues in the brand’s six-in-one BIAB™ formula.

Natasha Harden, chief product officer at The GelBottle Inc, comments: “Sheer nails are having a major moment, and this BIAB™ collection reflects our commitment to listening to our customers and delivering what they love: timeless, natural beauty. With five super sheer shades and a trio of shimmers, we’re proud to stay on-trend, while offering versatility and elegance for every style and skin tone.”

The sheer shades are: Zen, Soft, Kiss, Grace and Cloud, and the shimmers trio comprises Whisper, Dewy and Aura.

The Sheers & Shimmers BIAB™ collection is available via www.thegelbottle.com

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES

The British Beauty Council has appointed Georgia May Jagger, model & founder of skincare brand, May Botanicals, as its wellbeing ambassador. A spokesperson shares the hopes that Jagger ‘will bolster the importance of the Council’s work to the creative industries, mental wellbeing and support for brand founders’. www.britishbeautycouncil.com

Burnley College, Lancashire, has launched beauty and nail courses for 16-18 year-old school leavers, as well as education for adults: including VTCT Level 2 and 3 diplomas in Nail Technology and Beauty Therapy. Students can benefit from hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities, including custom-built treatment rooms and classrooms, as part of the college’s £5 million expansion at Fitness Evolution. www.burnley.ac.uk

British heritage brand, Kent Brushes, the oldest brush manufacturer in the world, has been granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment to His Majesty King Charles III as Brush Makers. This marks a historic milestone for the brand, which has served the Royal Household for 10 consecutive reigns, as the only Royal Warrant holder for hair brushes. www.kentbrushes.com

Schedulicity, a scheduling software for beauty and wellness businesses, has been acquired by Vagaro. The move aims to strengthen the software provider’s commitment to ‘equipping beauty, wellness and fitness business owners with simple-to-use technology that empowers them to thrive’. www.vagaro.com

NSI Nails Guyana to host masterclass on eco-friendly nail art practices

Nail brand, NSI Nails Guyana, has launched Sparkle Sustainably, a masterclass for nail techs in the Caribbean to help them integrate eco-friendly nail art practices into their services.

Scheduled for 20-22 March at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel, the three-day masterclass will offer intensive, hands-on training that will focus on creating stunning and environmentally friendly nail designs. Open to budding and experienced nail techs, the event will teach participants techniques using NSI Nails and BellaDarra products.

Lexann McPhoy, managing director of NSI Nails Guyana, shares her excitement: “Through the Sparkle Sustainably masterclass, we aim to empower nail technicians to lead the way in eco-friendly beauty practices. This event is not just about enhancing skills, but inspiring a movement towards more responsible beauty solutions that beautify clients and protect our planet.” www.nsicaricom.com/masterclass

Winner announced in Scratch Snap contest

Alisha Francois of @pressonprofessionail, Kent, won January’s Scratch Snap competition, scooping a prize bundle from The GelBottle Inc (TGB) worth over £400.

The monthly nail art challenge tasks nail pros across the UK with creating a design to a theme within one week, in the bid to win a prize. The theme for January was ‘soft and subtle art accents’, with entrants encouraged to created neutral/pastel manicures with minimalist nail art. The entries were judged by Giorgia Cappella, head of education & spa at The GelBottle Inc, and Rebecca Hitchon, deputy editor at Scratch & organiser of the competition. Alisha wowed the judges with a stylish creation, and won TGB’s Pro Essentials Kit and Valentine’s collection.

Follow Scratch on social media and visit www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchsnap to discover upcoming challenge dates.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

1 February-10 March

Scratch Stars Awards entry open

Does your hard work and nail skill deserve to be recognised? Take a look at the 18 Scratch Stars Awards categories for 2025 and fill in a free entry form. The awards recognise excellence in the UK&I nail sector and are sponsored by leading nail brands, culminating in a spectacular industry party in July. For more information, turn to page 34 or visit www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars

23-24 February

Premiere Anaheim & Nailympia Anaheim

The first Nailympia iteration of 2025, Nailympia Anaheim, will take place in California at Premiere Anaheim: a trade beauty show at the Anaheim Convention Center. There are seven Nailympia arena categories, as well as five turn-in categories: Flat Art, Runway Nails, Reality Nails, Extreme Poster Styling and To Stiletto & Beyond. The deadline for submitting turn-in categories by post or email is 14 February. For more information, visit www.nailympia.com

28-30 March 2025

Nailympia Germany

Nail industry veteran, Stefanie Lo Re, is to host Nailympia Germany at the BEAUTY Düsseldorf trade exhibition, featuring five online and 11 arena categories across three divisions. The closing date for arena categories is 28 February. Register to participate via www.nailympia.com

SALON SOFTWARE COMPANY DIGS DEEP TO SHOW COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

The team at salon software provider, Phorest, headed to Dunsany Nature Reserve in County Meath, Ireland, to ‘expand the Phorest Forest’. The initiative, in partnership with charity, Irish Trees, sees the company plant a tree for each salon that joins the Phorest family. “Every tree we plant is a symbol of growth: not just of our company, but for the planet,” comments Phorest founder, Ronan Perceval. “By partnering with salons worldwide, we’re building a forest, one tree at a time, to nurture our environment and create greener spaces for future generations.” The event celebrated Phorest’s commitment to sustainability, biodiversity and climate action. In addition to planting trees, team members toured the reserve, enjoyed a picnic and participated in a scavenger hunt. The Dunsany event highlighted the power of collective action, fostering team spirit while contributing to a cause bigger than any one individual. www.phorest.com