NAIL BITES

L to R: Semilac UK director Monika Shine, salon account manager Amy Davies and Abernethy

Light relief

Margaret Dabbs London is introducing laser therapy to help treat foot pain and inflammatory conditions Lower Laser Therapy treatments will be carried out by the brand’s podiatrists in 30-45-minute sessions. Conditions that can be treated include tendonitis, bunion inflammation, bone and joint pain, and muscular strains, and clients will be recommended an average of eight sessions to complete full treatment.

FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES

Nail brand Semilac has teamed up with Rebecca Abernethy, PB’s Nail Professional of the Year 2017, to launch its first UK training academy.

Techs and salon owners can choose from Hybrid Manicure, Nail Art, Hardi Extend (Semilac’s extension system), and UV Gel courses.

The daylong sessions begun last month and the current schedule runs until November. Some classes will be held at Abernethy’s salon Matrix Nails & Beauty in Cheadle Hulme, near Manchester, and others at Semilac’s headquarters in Solihull.

Abernethy, who is academy director for Semilac UK, commented: “Semilac is the market leader in Poland and we want to show salon professionals in the UK that it’s a quality product. Our training will provide beauticians and technicians with the expertise they need to give their customers a worldclass manicure at an affordable price, ensuring they return time after time.”

The Polish nail brand introduced its UK brand ambassador in June, Team GB Hockey player Giselle Ansley, who sported a UV hybrid manicure as she collected her MBE at Buckingham Palace.

Giselle Ansley

5minutes with

Cherrie Snow, session tech

I’ve been working in the nail industry for about three years – I did a nail art course for fun five years ago and never looked back. I worked for Wah Nails and Imarni Nails while building a portfolio, doing lots of tests and unpaid editorial shoots.

Shooting my first ever cover for Vogue India is one of my most memorable jobs. Another involved a trip to Thailand with Wah because I had my own apartment with a private pool. I also loved a cover shoot for Harper’s Bazaar and Town & Country with the Royal Ballet, because it was so beautiful to watch.

Stylist: Simon Songhurst

To sign with an agent you need a good portfolio, so try to assist to gain experience and do lots of unpaid test shoots and editorials. Professionalism is also so important; agents want you to be professional at all times – on set and even on social media.

Factice: Eva Haftmann

For a quick, polished look, I swear by Bio Sculpture Executive Base. Add a slick of black and gold glitter to the tip for a high fashion French.

Factice: Eva Haftmann

My hottest nail trends for summer are muted lime green shades, pink and red two-tone designs, and minimal metallic.

SALON SPOTLIGHT

Pouts & Pinups, Kirkaldy, Fife

Opened: December 2014

Nail techs: Two

Product houses: CND Shellac, iZ Gel Effect Polish and Calgel

Salon vibe: “We’re a one-stop pamper palace with a fresh, cutting-edge, ultrafriendly vibe. The whole salon is a complete creative hub and working between make-up, hair and beauty, we see trends rushing through the salon. We’re always talking about the latest fashion week styles and follow all the top nail influencers on social media.”

Booking method: “70% of our bookings come from social media and the rest filter from calls and visits to the salon. Once clients get the Pouts treatment they’re hooked!”

USP: “We offer a design consultation with our clients at the beginning of their service if they’re opting for nail art. We have a try-on bar that holds lots of pre-made nails ready for clients to try on their fingers to showcase our inspirational designs. With all our nail services we offer a bespoke service by tailoring the treatment towards the best products for each client, and always aim to ensure the nails look fresher for longer. Our techs promote nail education and ensure that all of our clients are fully knowledgeable about their nail care.”

Most popular treatments: “Our most popular nail service has to be gel nails. We really try to get across that there are so many different design possibilities clients can opt for when they come into the salon.”

Most popular polish shade: “At the moment it’s Shellac in Mambo Beat – clients are loving the hot coral summer vibes. We top up our product offer every fortnight to make sure we always have the newest colours and something different for our clients.” Trend watch: “For the coming season we think we’ll see lots of short, square mattes and metallics – we can’t wait!”

Stacey Whittaker is owner of Pouts & Pinups

Poutspinups