Nail NATION news & views

Industry campaign urges beauty pros to tackle waste

Launching during Waste Week (3-9March), The Great British Beauty Clean Up is a campaign to bring together beauty brands and retailers, in a combined mission to significantly reduce sector waste. It is the creation of The Sustainable Beauty Coalition, a group formed by the British Beauty Council (BBCo) in 2021 to promote climate-positive industry initiatives.

The BBCo website states that The Great British Beauty Clean Up is ‘designed to encourage an increase in beauty recycling rates and educate consumers on reduce, reuse and refill methods, as well as correct use of household recycling for beauty.’ There is also a focus on the Council’s online, interactive recycling map, which highlights recycling schemes across the UK. The British Beauty Council’s The Courage To Change report shared that the beauty industry produces over 120 billion units of packaging globally – much of which ends up in landfill. Research also shows that the sector makes up a third of all landfill waste, and 70% of beauty waste fails to be recycled.

Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council, comments: “The beauty industry provides so much joy and self-confidence, and is a source of expression for so many people, but this should not come at the cost of the planet.

“The Sustainable Beauty Coalition has long spearheaded moves by the industry to reduce its impact on the planet, and The Great British Beauty Clean Up is designed to reduce the amount of beauty empties that end up in landfill. Any UK beauty business can get involved by highlighting their takeback scheme on our map, educating shoppers or supporting the movement on social media.” www.britishbeautycouncil.com

CUCCIO EUROPE ANNOUNCES HEAD OF EDUCATION FOR UK & IRELAND

Northern Ireland native, Jo Thompson, has been appointed head of education for Cuccio Europe: a provider of professional nail and beauty products. Her focus is on training pros in the UK and Ireland.

Jo boasts over 25 years’ experience in the nail and beauty industry, and opened her first salon in 2002. She went on to develop skills as a trainer and mentor, and joined Cuccio 13 years ago as an educator. In this role, Jo travelled across the UK and Ireland to deliver nail courses, share her knowledge and inspire others. This motivated her to combine her love for beauty and education, and in 2017, she opened a salon and training academy.

“I’m looking forward to shaping the future of nail education within my new role at Cuccio Europe,” Jo comments. When she’s not working, the pro enjoys swimming and travelling to new places. She finds that these moments keep her grounded and inspired, helping to bring fresh energy and perspective to everything she does.

Are you keen to join the Cuccio education team?

Visit www.cuccio.co.uk/become-a-cuccio-educator

Shock diagnosis ignites fundraising efforts from nail brand founder

Michelle Porter, who has been immersed in the beauty, hairdressing and nail sectors for almost 30 years, is raising funds for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association. £1 from the sale of every pot of Acrygel UV Gel (the product she conceived to create durable, lightweight enhancements), will be donated to the charity, which she holds close to her heart. Michelle was diagnosed with MND: (ALS) bulbar palsy in March 2023, a terminal illness that presents weakness in the muscles of the face, throat and tongue. This can cause difficulty speaking, swallowing and breathing.

“My diagnosis was a huge shock to me and my family, given that I had no prior health issues and was fit and well,” Michelle shares. “I was given two to four years to live, so raising awareness and funds for MND Association is helping me to stay positive. The charity offers amazing support, not only to people living with the disease, but to their families and carers.”

As the founder of a distribution company and training academy, Michelle moved into product development in 2005 with Acrygel: a UV gel and acrylic strengthening powder system.

To purchase Acrygel and support Michelle’s fundraising efforts, visit www.acrygel.co.uk

NHBF UNVEILS SURVIVE & THRIVE INITIATIVE AT STAKEHOLDER EVENT

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has launched Survive & Thrive: a transformational programme designed to help sector professionals navigate challenges and opportunities.

The programme, unveiled at an event in London on 27 January, provides businesses with essential tools, including budget impact calculators, pricing strategy guides, employment support resources and political advocacy efforts. Survive & Thrivehas three core focuses:

1. To support business sustainability by navigating budget impacts, maintaining profitability and compliance, protecting service quality and unlocking growth opportunities.

2. To champion professional excellence by celebrating sector value, promoting best practices, showcasing success stories and supporting innovation and professional development.

3. To protect member interests through strong political representation, industry advocacy, recognition of economic impact and influence of policy decisions.

Caroline Larissey, NHBF chief executive, comments: “Our sector’s strength lies in its people: their resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Throughout history, we haven’t just survived challenges – we’ve transformed them into opportunities growth and innovation. “By working together, we can navigate challenges, share experiences and best practice, support sustainable growth and champion professional excellence.”

For further information about the support offered to NHBF members, visit www.nhbf.co.uk/advice-and-resources or scan here

Business platform launches to drive sector growth

Samantha Cusick, a business growth coach & owner of multiple salons, has launched The Beauty Business Platform: a resource to empower beauty professionals and support the growth of their businesses.

The programme combines actionable strategies, proven tools and Samantha’s insights into what it takes to thrive in the competitive beauty sector. To celebrate the launch, participants will gain access to free downloads with tips, strategies and tools that Samantha has used to achieve success. These resources will provide valuable insights into marketing, client retention, financial growth and brand identity.

“The Beauty Business Platform is my way of sharing the knowledge I’ve gained since launching my business eight years ago,” Samantha details. “It’s designed to empower professionals to elevate their businesses and achieve their goals with confidence. They can learn from my experiences, whether they’re at the start of their journeys, looking to build their brands, streamline daily operations, protect their personal spaces or expand their marketing efforts.

“Bringing together like-minded creatives and helping our industry to grow is deeply personal to me,” she continues.

“I want to share my journey and insights to make the path easier for others, and foster a supportive and successful hair and beauty community.”

For more information, follow @thebeautybusinessplatformon Instagram or visit stan.store/thebeautybusinessplatform

CND™ appoints Team Eurasia to support nail techs across the region

Nail brand, CND™, has introduced Team Eurasia: a group of four dynamic education ambassadors and nail professionals, who will support fellow techs and CND™ distributor partners across the region. Danielle Olive (UK), Gina Sab-it (Qatar), Paw Pederson (Denmark) and Ivett Ivan (Hungary) were chosen following a rigorous selection process, involving written and nail skills assessments, as well as interviews to evaluate passion and communication strengths.

To support the brand’s aim to foster career growth for its education ambassadors, CND™’s Team Eurasia will facilitate events, represent the brand at trade shows and host CND™ certification classes. The four pros will create and provide tailored content and drive product sales, while encouraging skill development among educators and techs. “We are incredibly excited to launch Team CND™ Eurasia,” comments Svetlana Korobeynikova, commercial director at CND™ EMEA and Asia. “This initiative strengthens our commitment to education and innovation, and ensures our talented educators have the support and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we will elevate the standards of the nail industry and inspire nail professionals across the region.”

CND™ products are available in the UK&I via www.sweetsquared.com

MARCH AWARENESS DAYS

Take note of celebrations, awareness days and March themes to inspire nail designs and social media posts this month:

1st – St. David’s Day

4th – Pancake Day

3rd-9th – Waste Week

8th – International Women’s Day. The theme is: For all women and girls: Rights.

Equality. Empowerment.

17th – St. Patrick’s Day

17th-23rd – Neurodiversity Celebration Week

18th – Global Recycling Day

Instagram.com/badgalsabz

Instagram.com/the.tipsy.nail.bar

SMART laser hair removal device can help pros earn £200 per hour

As clients prepare to bare legs and arms for the summer months, consider investing in SMARTDiode Compact: a portable laser hair removal device.

Ideal for all skin types, the SMARTDiode Compact delivers virtually pain-free treatments and comes in a customised travel case for portable use.

Promote hair removal courses to clients, which can focus on arms and armpits, the face, bikini area, legs and more. Quick to use, earning opportunities are around £200 per hour from just £19 per treatment.

For more information, scan here

Watch back: webinar dives into Nailympia Competitions

Are you keen to learn more about Nailympia Competitions? Buddy Sims, learning experience (LX) specialist for hair & beauty education platform, Pivot Point

International, hosted a webinar with Alex Fox, global director of Nailympia Competitions, which is available to watch back. It explored Nailympia’s beginnings: as the Nail Olympics, founded in Las Vegas in 2000, to its present-day success, as a globally recognised competition platform, powered by Scratch magazine.

Within the webinar, Alex Fox details:

• Competition categories and judging standards.

• Thematic differences across Nailympia locations.

• Eligibility, based on the three division tier system of competing.

• Preparation and training tips.

• Materials and tools.

• Support for competitors.

• Common mistakes and expert advice from judges.

• The feedback process post-competition.

• Where to source a coach/mentor. The webinar concludes with a guided tour of the Nailympia website, highlighting sections including the free downloadable competition guidelines, event itineraries, rules, costs and picture galleries.

Scan to watch the webinar, using code LB6*#7dJ to access Find out more about Nailympia Competitions via www.nailympia.com

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES

UK brow brand, Buff Browz, has launched Sunday Service: a bi-monthly training series, hosted on Instagram, that serves to educate and elevate the skills of brow professionals and enthusiasts. Global experts share insights on brow techniques and how pros can grow their businesses.

Follow on Instagram: @buffbrowz

Hand, foot and nailcare brand, Famous Names, has moved its product manufacture in-house, reducing costs while maintaining product quality. These savings are being passed onto beauty professionals through the Releaf pricing initiative, with discounts of up to 55% across the Releaf cosmetic pedicure range. Shop via www.sweetsquared.com

Victoria Hargrave, founder & CEO of The Tanning Room Group and the Beau Bronzage self-tan brand, won the Entrepreneurial Businesswoman: Consumer & Retail Award at The Great British Businesswoman Awards 2025. The event celebrates the outstanding achievements of women in business, and Victoria was recognised for her contributions to beauty and tanning. www.thetanningroom.co.uk

Globally renowned nail pro, Kirsty Meakin, has added Sculptify Builder Gel to her professional range of nail products. Available in eight delicate shades for £14.99 + VAT each, the formula can be used to aid strength and build natural-looking nail structures. The complete collection is £95.99 + VAT. www.kirstymeakin.com

The UK website for professional nail brand, Moyra, has relaunched, featuring product additions, a blog and education platform. Training resources include a free stamping workshop that demonstrates how to apply chrome, pigments and foil onto stamped designs, as well as how to paint on the stamper. www.moyra.uk

Cultural Style Week invites individuals & organisations to contribute to global movement via events

Cultural Style Week, an annual celebration of cultural heritage and creativity through fashion and beauty, has launched an event submission portal to help individuals and businesses contribute to the movement. This year, the initiative is taking taking place 21-27 May, and organisers are inviting community groups, schools and businesses to submit an event for approval, whether a fashion show, workshop, talk or pop-up market. The aims are to champion inclusion and aid connection to a wider audience. Candy-Ellie Graham, founder of Cultural Style Week, comments: “Through our online content and events, we have been able to engage with many people across the globe. The movement is growing, and I want

Candy-Ellie Graham to provide further opportunity for people to get involved in their own way and connect with each other, celebrating the richness of our diverse cultural heritages.” Once an event or offer is submitted via the Cultural Style Week portal, it will be reviewed. On approval, it will be added to the Cultural Style Week event calendar.

Submit your event via www.culturalstyleweek.com/submit

ADD TO PLAYLIST: NAIL ON SUNDAY PODCAST

The founders of professional nail brand, Nail Order, have launched Nail On Sunday: a podcast dedicated to discussing important topics for nail techs. A new episode goes live every Sunday, and topics discussed so far include:

• How to maximise your earnings.

• How to use social media to build your business.

• The price is right: or is it? How to price as a nail tech.

• Why Nail Order has ditched the term: ‘hypoallergenic’. Hosts & Nail Order founders, Chris and Bekka Costello, comment: “The beauty of the Nail On Sunday podcast is that it’s an opportunity for us to discuss our opinions and debate hot topics – not only as brand owners, but as former salon owners.”

The duo launched Nail Order in July 2020, while their salon was closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. The brand’s portfolio includes gel polish, builder gel, hard gel, Xtensions (full cover tips), retail items and merch, with products used by around 7,000 nail techs worldwide.

The podcast, which aired its first episode in October 2024, was launched to support Nail Order users and the wider industry with business advice. It also includes Bekka and Chris’s views on industry trends they’ve noticed on social media.

Listen to Nail On Sunday episodes via a variety of platforms, including Spotify.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

10 March Scratch Stars Awards entry closes

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be recognised for your nail skills, passion and commitment to client care: fill in a free entry form for the Scratch Stars Awards 2025. The awards recognise exceptional talent in the UK and Republic of Ireland across 18 categories, including Nail Salon of the Year, L&P Tech of the Year and Online Educator of the Year.

Enter via www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars

28-30 March Nailympia Germany

Nail industry veteran, Stefanie Lo Re, is to host Nailympia Germany at the BEAUTY Düsseldorf trade exhibition. Nail professionals will compete for medals and trophies across five online and 11 arena categories, in three divisions. For more information, visit www.nailympia.com

18 April Scratch Stars Awards finalists announced

Following a vetting of entries, five finalists in each of the 18 Scratch Stars Awards categories for 2025 will be announced across Scratch’s website and social media platforms. They will then be required to participate in a second and final round of assessment, in order to determine a winner in each category. www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars

8-10 May Nailympia China

The first Nailympia competition in China is to take place over three days in Pudong, Shanghai. Hosted by nail brand, Muzer, and powered by Scratch, the event will feature two poster and four hand-in competitions, alongside eight arena categories. Register to participate via www.nailympia.com