NAIL BITES

Think pink

Gellux has launched a new, high viscosity gel base that strengthens nails while concealing damaged, ridged or discoloured natural nail beds. The smooth base has a natural pink finish so can be worn under colour or with Gellux Top Coat for a sophisticated nude look.

MARIAN NEWMAN X SWAROVSKI

Nail techs will soon have the chance to become certified in Swarovski nail art under a new programme developed by industry doyenne Marian Newman with the Swarovski Crystal Beauty Academy.

More details will be released soon, with a pilot scheme of workshops set to launch in the UK to give nail techs the skill set needed to apply Swarovski crystals to manicure and pedicure services.

Newman has also published an illustrated coffee table book called Nailed It, which launched in April. It celebrates her 30-year career and reveals the stories behind some of her most iconic nails created for fashion shows and magazines, as well as the secrets and techniques needed to recreate the looks. Newman told Professional Beauty, “I was honoured to be asked to write the book by the commissioning editor, who I knew from my 10 years working on Dior campaigns with Nick Knight and John Galliano.

“It has been over two years in the making and I really am telling my story. It is full of images and each one has an anecdote of behind the scenes.”

Several events are planned around the launch, including an evening event with Nick Knight at the V&A in London on May 10, where Newman will be interviewed on stage.

5 minutes with

Freelance session manicurist Hannah Missen

I’ve always loved painting my own nails and creating different designs, so six years ago, I decided to bite the bullet. I completed my nail training and started my business.

Assisting at London Fashion Week would definitely take the top spot in my career highlights to date. I also love collaborating with other professionals in the industry and getting creative on shoots.

My all-time favourite nail art look is leopard print. It’s so simple, yet versatile, and can be incorporated into any design.

I really admire Cherrie Snow. I love her clean, delicate fashion-inspired creations, and also Pria Bhamra, who goes by @BhamBnails. Her freehand work is at another level. I often check out her page for inspiration when clients ask for quirky nail art.

This year, I want to focus on entering some competitions. I really want to push myself further and try out some new techniques.

SALON SPOTLIGHT

Niche Nails & Beauty, Oxfordshire

Opened: May 2015

Techs employed: Five

Interior design vibe: “The salon has a fresh, modern feel with grey and pink interior and accents of copper. Although the décor is modern, the building is a little older, meaning we have a beautiful, original fireplace, bay window and quirky arches in the walls. We complement this subtle vintage vibe with our choice of modern white furniture, interesting lighting and dusky pink shades.”

USP: “Niche is a family. We see our clients as part of that, so they feel at home in the salon while receiving first-class service within a fun and friendly atmosphere. We strive to create a bespoke service for our clients, finding the perfect combination of products to suit their needs, and our huge selection of colours, glitters and other nail art items, allow us to create a unique experience.”

Booking: “Clients can download our app, book via our website or Facebook page, call the salon or, of course, pop in and see us.”

Typical client: “We have such an array of clients, from young to old, professionals to retirees. However, I would say our most typical clients are women aged 30 to 50 who see their visit to the salon as a priority, not a luxury.”

Most popular service: “Gel or liquid-andpowder enhancements finished with CND Shellac and lashings of glitter.”

Most popular colour: “CND’s Unlocked is a great nude that suits every skin tone and the bright red Wildfire is a classic that never goes out of fashion.”

Future plans: “We plan to expand to larger premises in the near future, allowing us to offer more beauty services alongside our nail treatments and current, more limited, beauty offerings. We are very education-focused, so there will be more skill-building courses to come, helping the team work towards their CND Master qualifications and beyond.”

Natasha Barker is owner of Niche Nails & Beauty, which won Nail Salon of the Year at the Professional Beauty Awards 2019