THE Scratch scoop

The Scratch team offers an insight into its antics & unveils events, treatments & news from the nail realm

Helena Biggs Editorial & partnerships director

Jess Wilkie Art editor

Rebecca Hitchon Deputy editor

Lilly Delmage Multiplatform writer

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LEU 2.0: Light Elegance’s evolved education programme Jojo Wickens, Light Elegance University (LEU) dean of students & head of education at Light Elegance UK, shares the benefits and offerings of the brand’s updated education programme, LEU 2.0.

Welcome to: The Nail Mansion

Kirsty Meakin opened the doors to a grand, Grade II listed mansion in the Peak District to Lilly, who got the inside scoop on a five-day event, described as ‘where nail education meets a hen party’. Joining the jam-packed itinerary on day two, Lilly observed North America Star Nail Artist Top 10 nail pro, Hirsch Hunty, run a salon nail masterclass. Day three welcomed content creator, Zoya Mac, who led a workshop to help attendees craft scroll-stopping content. Both days concluded with a ‘decompression session’ to help nail pros unwind, followed by a delicious feast and splash in the indoor pool.

Judge, Jacqui O’Sullivan, with Helena.

Nail industry celebrations in Shanghai

Helena, in her administrative role for Nailympia Competitions, supported global competition director, Alex Fox, at the first Nailympia China in Shanghai. Hosted by Kimi Chang, CEO of Shanghai Chiyan Abrasives Co & Muzer, 28 judges were flown in from all over the world to lend their expertise to the two-day event, which saw an impressive 115 competitors showcase their skills.

Judges and sponsors were thanked with a welcome dinner before the competition commencement, and the day following the awards saw the first Avant-Garde Nail Art Show, courtesy of the Muzer brand. The stunning nail work of international pros was showcased on 20 models in an exciting runway exhibition, after CND™ co-founder, Jan Arnold, spoke of the company’s history and evolution of nail artistry. Industry veteran, Marian Newman BEM, also took to the stage to speak about her session nail styling career and inspire pros to consider the route for their futures.

Alex, Jan and Marian were honoured for their contributions to the nail sector, and attendees enjoyed an after-party with a dinner, speeches and gifts. Read all about it in next month’s issue!

Jake & David Daniel.

Colour, creativity & community

Leeds called for Rebecca, who attended the Artistic Colour Experience: an interactive insight into Artistic Nail Design, co-hosted by the brand’s UK&I distributor, Sweet Squared. Pros were invited to experiment with products, with support from Artistic UK educators, before Nail Alliance president, David Daniel, and international sales manager, Jake Daniel, offered a sneak peek at Artistic’s summer collection, Electric Nebula. A fun and creative workshop, Sip & Paint, followed, with techs shown how to paint a meadow scene on a canvas while drinking prosecco with peers.

Rebecca with Sweet Squared co-founder, Samantha Sweet.

A special day with Lecenté

Lilly travelled to Rochester in Kent for Lecenté’s first Creator & Educator Day: an exclusive event that welcomed the brand’s educators and content creators to a session of learning, networking and inspiration. Esteemed industry pro, Andreea Simona Ignat, served up demos, while nail brand content creator, Zoya Mac, offered a masterclass in her craft. The day also included a reveal of new products.

Zoya Mac & Lilly.

What we’re wearing...

Jess chose baby blue The GelBottle Inc Gel Polish, Sundae, for her latest nail look, applied by Hazel Martin of Nail Creations by Hazel, Crawley.

In honour of her trip to China, Helena was keen to feature the country’s treasured animal: the panda, on her nails. Nail tech, Rebecca Ellis of @beautyby__beck, Kent, happily obliged, painting pandas, paws, bamboo and flowers on top of a shimmering builder base gel.