Nail Nation

BUSINESS

Caroline (middle) with Rosina (right).

NHBF leaders honoured in Women in Trade Associations Powerlist

Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF), and Rosina Robson, director of policy & public affairs, have been named in the 2025 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist.

This recognition, curated by the Trade Association Forum (TAF), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Confederation of British Industry (CBI), celebrates 100 women who have made significant contributions to trade associations across the UK. The list serves to ‘champion their roles, celebrate their achievements and encourage the next generation of women into the sector.’

With three decades’ experience in the hair and beauty fields, Caroline Larissey drives the Federation’s strategic initiatives. She comments: “This past year has marked a significant transformation for the NHBF, as the team has successfully implemented an ambitious five-year strategy. The launch of the NHBF Manifesto in May 2024 and the establishment of our advisory boards have been particularly rewarding, and these are areas where Rosina’s outstanding work in policy and political engagement has been instrumental. Her expertise has significantly amplified our sector’s voice at the highest levels of government and strengthened our influence across key policy areas.”

Having worked in Westminster and Whitehall, Rosina Robson has been pivotal in securing positive changes to legislation. At the NHBF, she is responsible for presenting the views of members on critical issues such as wages, standards and taxation to politicians across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. www.nhbf.co.uk

Treatwell campaign inspires London commuters to prioritise self-care

Hair and beauty booking platform, Treatwell, has launched the ‘Out Of Home’ campaign, to encourage Londoners to book treatments for their wellbeing needs. Launched on 10 March and running until 6 April, 300 billboards across the London Underground and 300 buses are displaying the campaign’s messages, reminding commuters that self-care is not a luxury, but a way of living. Joanna Christie, Treatwell’s chief marketing officer, comments: “This campaign is all about making beauty and wellness easy, accessible and a natural part of everyone’s routine.”

Since 2008, Treatwell has been connecting its users with salons and professionals to make beauty and wellness treatments easy to book. The Out Of Home campaign positions the platform as ‘an open door to tailored treatments that fit effortlessly into modern lifestyles.’

www.treatwell.com

SWEET SQUARED INTRODUCES SOFGEL NAIL PRODUCTS TO UK MARKET

USA-based professional nail brand, SOFGEL, has partnered with hair and beauty distributor, Sweet Squared, to bring its soft gel products to the UK market. The brand boasts SOFTIPS PRO™: a range of ultra-thin, flexible and durable full-coverage tips in standard and structured styles. The tips are available in eight shapes, five lengths and 15 sizes. The soak-off soft gel system enhances the length and appearance of clients’ natural nails in under 60 minutes, allowing techs to focus on nail artistry. The tips work in conjunction with The SOFGEL PRO™, a HEMA-free bonder, primer and extend gel in one.

Samantha Sweet, Sweet Squared co-founder & chief commercial officer, comments: “We’re thrilled to introduce SOFGEL to the UK – a service designed for professionals and clients who want fast, flawless enhancements, giving them more time to create stunning, individualised artistry.”

Samantha Sweet

UK professionals can purchase SOFGEL products via www.sweetsquared.com

THE GELBOTTLE INC EXPANDS ACADEMY OFFERINGS TO EMPOWER PROS

Nail brand, The GelBottle Inc, has launched in-person courses, workshops and a call service via TGB Academy, to support aspiring and experienced techs.

The company’s most popular online workshops, BIAB™ Master and Perfect prep, are now available as in-person courses at the company’s Centre of Excellence in Brighton. In addition, Schedule A Call has launched: a complimentary service that connects students and alumni to a TGB Academy expert to help them determine the best course for their needs.

TGB’s Centre of Excellence will also host its first three-day business retreat 7-9April, designed to empower beauty professionals with business strategies and tools. Sessions will cover branding, business planning, finance and content creation, and there will be insights from industry experts, including financial advisors and marketing specialists. Additionally, attendees will take part in networking opportunities and photoshoot sessions.

“This year marks a big change for TGB Academy, as its offerings expand to support nail techs at every stage of their journeys,” shares Giorgia Cappella, TGB’s head of education & spa. “This refreshed approach goes beyond nail courses, as in-person workshops and specialist training are introduced alongside education experiences. These are tailored to support all aspects of a successful career.

Giorgia Cappella

“From hands-on skill development to business retreats, content creation and social media workshops, TGB is committed to providing the tools and support needed for growth at every level.”

www.thegelbottle-academy.com

BABTAC introduces T.I.M.E initiative at Scottish Parliament

The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) has unveiled Training – Insurance – Monitoring – Evidence (T.I.M.E) to the Scottish Parliament: a framework to help consumers identify whether beauty professionals hold the correct qualifications, insurance and training to offer services.

The initiative responds to a BABTAC survey conducted in 2020, which found that only 38% of consumers were aware that the beauty industry is not regulated, and over 90% expressed that they would not feel comfortable asking to see their therapist’s qualifications.

Lesley Blair MBE

Dozens of MSPs were in attendance for the launch, which was led by BABTAC CEO, Lesley Blair MBE; Caroline Hirons, founder of Skin Rocks; Myriam Welsh, MD of Guinot, and Jenny Storey, owner of award-winning salon, Urban Retreat and The Academy College. They were supported by Sharon Ashton MSP. Lesley Blair MBE comments: “We’re thrilled to take the T.I.M.E initiative to Scotland. The lack of regulation in our industry has left consumers vulnerable to unsafe practices, leading to a rise in ‘botched’ beauty treatments in recent years. “This regulatory checklist is designed to be a straightforward yet powerful tool, helping consumers make informed choices by selecting evidence-based, professional services that are fit for purpose.” www.babtac.com

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES

Sweet Squared, UK&I distributor of nail, hair and beauty brands, has launched the Sweet Hearts loyalty programme. Customers can collect Sweet Hearts with every purchase, which can be redeemed against everyday essentials, new products and training courses. www.sweetsquared.com

Over 650 attendees gathered at the Royal Convention Centre in Dublin for the Phorest Salon Software 2025 Salon Owner Summit. The two-day programme included talks by industry leaders from the beauty and medspa sectors, who shared invaluable insights and actionable strategies based around the event’s ‘Elevate’ theme.

www.salonownersummit.com

Jessica Diner

Trinny Woodall

Jessica Diner, global beauty & wellness director at British Vogue, and Trinny Woodall, founder & CEO of cosmetics brand, Trinny London, have been named British Beauty Council ambassadors. They will work closely with the Council on its roadmap, applying their expertise in beauty brands, media and entrepreneurship to guide the organisation’s activity and amplify its work. www.britishbeautycouncil.com

Salon mystery shopping company, ClientWave, has hit a business milestone: delivering 45,000 reports to salons, nail bars and manufacturers across the UK. Used within the Scratch Stars Awards judging process, the service is a valuable tool for salons, to help improve client satisfaction and boost business. www.clientwave.co.uk

PLEASURE

Host & live act revealed for Scratch Stars Awards nail industry party

TV presenter & social media personality, Jeff Brazier, is to host The Scratch Stars Party at The Underglobe, London, on Sunday 6 July 2025.

Jeff is a regular features presenter for ITV’s This Morning and presents across Premier League, Champions League, Europa League and National League football for TNT Sport. He has worked as a live presenter for the X Factor finals and as a host of ITV2’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here Now! in Australia. The summer event celebrates excellence in the UK&I nail sector, offering an opportunity for over 300 attendees to network while enjoying canapés and complimentary drinks. Live entertainment will come courtesy of UK garage act, Artful Dodger, the duo behind hit singles: Re-Rewind (featuring Craig David) and Movin’ Too Fast.

During the evening, the winners of the 18 categories in the Scratch Stars Awards will be announced, boosting the profiles of nail professionals, educators and businesses.

Scan to purchase a ticket

Bexy Glow unveils addition to product range at star-studded launch event

Paige Chohan and Becky Willett, founders of nail brand, Bexy Glow, hosted an event in Cheshire to launch Bexy Glow Bexy Build: a builder gel designed to offer strength, flexibility and long-lasting wear.

UK-based nail pros, salon owners, beauty enthusiasts and influencers gathered at The Colony, Wilmslow, on 5 March to learn about the product, which is described as a ‘thicker, self-levelling gel that provides strength, structure and durability to natural nails.’ A variety of shades are available in the Bexy Build range to suit all client skin tones and styles, from timeless nudes and soft pinks to trendy, modern hues. Entrepreneur & Real Housewives of Cheshire star, Paige, hosted a talk alongside Venetia Archer, CEO of Ruuby & British Beauty Council board advisor, where they discussed their experiences as female brand founders. www.bexyglow.com

Paige Chohan (left) with Becky Willett at the launch party.

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES

The fourth annual HBSA & Hair & Beauty Charity Golf Day will take place on 3 June at Championship Cheshire Course,

Carden Park. Attendees can enjoy an 18-hole round with awards, dinner and evening entertainment, and money raised will be donated to the Hair & Beauty Charity, to provide support to members of the industry in need. To secure your place, visit www.hairandbeautycharity.org.

Champneys, the UK’s first health resort, is marking its centenary with the ‘100 Years Young’ campaign – a year-long celebration paying homage to a century of innovation and excellence in holistic health. Offers and experiences are available to customers, including new therapies and exclusive events, and the brand will strengthen its commitment to eco-friendly practices. www.champneys.com

The GelBottle Inc has unveiled TGB SPA™ Minis: the brand’s best-selling products in travel-sized bottles, ideal for retailing. Clients can choose from Vegan Better Balm, a shea butter perfect for dry patches, chapped lips and rough cuticles, and H2O Cream TM , a nutrient-rich hand and body cream. Each retail pack includes 12 products and a cardboard display. www.thegelbottle.com

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has opened its annual Top 100 Influencer Index for entry. Now in its fifth year, it celebrates professionals in two categories: the Top 50 Hair Influencer Index and the Top 50 Beauty Influencer Index, giving recognition to the creators, educators and trendsetters shaping the sector. To nominate a pro, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/JVC2BHV

NAIL TECH OFFERS PERSONALISED CALLS TO BEAUTY PROS SEEKING ADVICE

North Yorkshire nail professional, Maisie Jackson of @maisiejacksonbeauty,has launched Maisie’s Nail Tech Natter: one-to-one, 30-minute Zoom calls for beauty pros. “My aim is to empower others and create a kind, comforting nail tech community,” she shares. “I’m constantly growing and learning, and my goals are to boost confidence and offer support to members of the industry in need.”

Available to techs of all experience levels, the topic of each call is personalised to the individual. She explains: “We can discuss anything desired, from building a clientele to dealing with difficult clients and growing a social media following.

“I’m not a therapist and I’m not an educator. I’m just a nail tech sharing real advice,” Maisie shares.

To book, message Maisie on Instagram : @maisiejacksonbeauty.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

18 April

Scratch Stars Awards finalists announced

Almost 300 entries were received into the Scratch Stars Awards 2025, and five finalists will be revealed in each of the 18 categories. They will then move on to a second judging stage, before winners will be announced at The Scratch Stars Party on Sunday 6 July. www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars

8-10 May

Nailympia China

Nail brand, Muzer, will host the first Nailympia China competition in Pudong, Shanghai. There will be eight arena categories, alongside two poster and four hand-in competitions. Register to compete via www.nailympia.com

1 June

The Scratch Social @ Premiere Orlando

Scratch is to host a three-hour networking event after the Premiere Orlando trade show on Sunday 1 June.

The fun-filled evening will present a DJ, canapés and a complimentary drink, and the winner of the North America’s Star Nail Artist contest - season one, will be announced.

Scan to buy tickets

1-2 June

Nailympia Orlando

The fifth Nailympia Orlando will welcome nail pros to compete across three divisions, in categories including Stiletto Nails, Salon Nails and Flat Art. Arena-based competitions will take place on the Premiere Orlando show floor, and techs from all over the world are invited to participate.

For more information, visit www.nailympia.com

Winners announced in Professional Beauty nail competitions

Trade organisation, Professional Beauty, hosted two nail competitions last month: at its ExCeL London event 2-3March, and at Professional Beauty & Hair Ireland in Dublin, 9-10 March. Sponsored by Andreia Professional and administered by competition directors, Jacqui and Sean O’Sullivan, both events invited nail students and pros to participate.

Arena categories included Salon Nail, UV Gel Polish, Learn A Skill and Structure/Builder In A Bottle. There were also three online contests: InstaNail Student, InstaNail Pro and Mixed Media Boxed Art.

In London, Soraya Mancha-Medina was awarded Nail Champion: PB ExCeL Student and Pro Beauty Student Nail Champion of the Year. Lucy Price-Marshall took the title of Nail Champion: PB ExCeL Professional, and Kirsty McDonough scooped Pro Beauty Professional Nail Champion of the Year.

In Dublin, Vladyslava Hotlieievska was named Nail Champion PBH Dublin – Student, and Vaida Griskeviciute succeeded in the professional category.

Jacqui and Sean comment: “The arenas offered a chance for both budding talents and seasoned professionals to shine and display their skills. It was inspiring to witness so many passionate nail techs immersed in their work, each one championing the brilliance and diversity of our industry.”

To view the full list of winners at each event, visit www.scratchmagazine.co.uk