London
How a husband & wife joined forces to tackle fumes & dust in the nail & beauty industry
For Paola Taylor-Riddick, building her own brand had always been a pipe dream – but little did she know that a trip to a beauty salon would spark the idea for business success.
While getting her nails done at the salon, Paola noticed its lack of ventilation and poor air quality and due to this, left the appointment feeling nauseated and with a runny nose, itchy eyes and headache.
That same day, she spoke to her husband, Paul Riddick, who worked as a fume and dust extraction specialist, travelling the world to ensure products were safety-compliant. The idea for VODEX and its filtration products was born, and Paola began dedicating her time to researching the harmful and life-threatening effects of fume and dust inhalation, speaking with medical experts, nail technicians and salon owners.
Once Paul was officially involved, the pair got to work making their vision of white, clinical-looking units – different to the industrial styles seen in the industry – a reality. These were designed to be mobile and had extending arms to extract dust and fumes at their source, meaning airborne particles were removed before they could be inhaled.
Over time, the brand has improved its products’ filter efficiency and airflow performance to exceed UK COSHH (control of substances hazardous to health) regulations.
“VODEX has positively impacted the nail and beauty industry by providing advanced dust and fume extraction systems,” says a spokesperson for the brand. “These solutions improve salon air quality by removing harmful particles generated during nail treatments, like filing and acrylic application. This not only enhances the health & safety of technicians and clients, but also helps businesses comply with health & safety regulations, promoting a cleaner, more hygienic environment.”
But it’s not just the nail industry that VODEX serves. Products cater to the dental, podiatry, laser hair and tattoo removal industries, as well as the military and aerospace sectors. The brand has even expanded into museum-based artefact restoration!
With VODEX sponsoring prestigious nail competition, Nailympia London 2024, the spokesperson shares why this is important to the brand: “We hope to demonstrate our commitment to helping nail professionals maintain safe, healthy working environments. Our involvement in Nailympia not only highlights the importance of fume and dust extraction, but reinforces our role as a key supporter of the industry’s growth and health & safety standards.
“The people in the nail sector are dedicated to perfecting their craft, making it a vibrant and inspiring community. We are proud to support these talented individuals, ensuring their workspaces are safe, healthy and conducive to their creative expression.”
The story of Glitterbels: the Staffordshire-born nail brand supporting techs worldwide
Professional nail brand, Glitterbels, has made waves in the industry since being founded seven years ago.
The brainchild of Newcastle-under-Lyme nail artist, Annabel Maginnis, and her husband, Elliott, Glitterbels was established with a focus on providing high-quality, trendy acrylic powders to the UK nail sector. Since then, the brand’s offering has quickly expanded to include gel polishes and paints, builder gels, tools, salon essentials, furniture and apparel, and its number of monthly customers reaches over 10,000.
Online and in-person training is also available via the brand, and its education team scooped Nail Team of the Year at the Scratch Stars Awards 2024.
“Our mission is to ensure high-performance products are accessible to all,” says a spokesperson for Glitterbels.
But it’s not just its products that have expanded – the brand boasts a US HQ, as well as its Staffordshire base in the UK, and is stocked in hundreds of beauty supply stores across the globe, from the Netherlands to Australia. With brand ambassadors worldwide, Glitterbels is dedicated to providing guidance to pros internationally. “Nail technicians who shop and follow Glitterbels feel more like a community, rather than a group of customers,” continues its spokesperson.
“With open support groups and a dedicated customer service team, Glitterbels provides ongoing guidance to nail techs. The team shares tutorials, blogs and live videos, with knowledge on how best to use products. The education team can also be found in the comments of social media posts, offering top tips and advice on any problems customers may be facing.”
Fun fact: One of Glitterbels’ most popular products is Brush On Builder Gel in Dolly.
A passion for community is also clear via events, designed to excite pros and immerse them in the signature pink and magical aesthetic of Glitterbels. In June, the DreamFest event in Manchester welcomed around 400 attendees to shop the brand, network, learn and immerse in fun social media activities, including celebrity fans of Glitterbels.
The brand is sponsoring renowned competition, Nailympia London 2024, as it marks its 20th anniversary at the Salon Beauty trade show (13-14 October) – where Glitterbels is exhibiting. Its dedication to encouraging creativity and supporting global talent perfectly aligns with Nailympia’s values, as the spokesperson concludes: “At the heart of Glitterbels is a passion for creativity. This is something we try and showcase within all aspects of our business, so we love seeing the talent involved in the nail industry and take pride in supporting nail technicians during their journeys.”
Explore the Glitterbels brand via www.glitterbels.com
Seeking a high-quality, innovative & eco-conscious salon furniture brand? Meet REM UK
For over a century, REM UK has been at the forefront of developing salon furniture and equipment, playing a pivotal role in shaping the salon industry’s products and work environments.
From its humble beginnings in 1918 with the pioneering work of Eugene Suter, REM has continuously evolved and transformed to meet the needs of salons, barbershops, beauty, nail, hair and spa spaces across the world. Today, the company is a globally recognised brand, known for its innovation, quality and commitment to sustainability.
REM UK has been a stalwart supporter of Nailympia London for more than 15 years, donating its nail desks year-on-year to the arena, which presents the smart and professional air to the competition that the industry now expects.
The evolution of REM
REM’s journey began in the early 20th century, originally focused on producing electrical hairdryers. Over the years, the company expanded its product range to create a diverse array of salon furniture and equipment. The brand we recognise today was officially established in 1995, based in the heart of the Pennines and has since flourished, employing a skilled workforce of around 90 people.
A key factor in REM’s success has been its continuous investment in state-of-the-art technology. This commitment to innovation has allowed REM to remain competitive in a global marketplace, providing salons with high-quality, British-manufactured products that stand the test of time.
The importance of buying British
REM stands as a reminder of the value of investing in British-made products. While they may come at a higher price than their foreign counterparts, the quality, craftsmanship and longevity of British-made goods often far outweigh the initial cost.
Supporting British manufacturing is not only a way to ensure you receive a superior product, but also helps sustain local industries and jobs. By choosing British, customers reduce their carbon footprint by cutting out the need for long-distance shipping, whether by land, sea or air. REM champions this philosophy, emphasising the importance of preserving the UK’s industrial heritage and nurturing the unique skills that have been passed down through generations.
Urban Rose Beauty, London
Trend-setting salon styling
“Designing your dream salon involves more than just selecting furniture; it’s about curating an environment that reflects your brand’s personality and enhances the overall client experience,” explains a spokesperson on the design team. “At REM, we understand the importance of combining aesthetics with functionality, which is why we offer an extensive range of customisable salon furniture options.
“Whether you’re drawn to calming earthy tones, sleek neutrals, vibrant hues or charming pinks, REM has everything you need to bring your salon vision to life.
“The team at REM works to provide high-quality products that are as durable as they are beautiful,” the spokesperson continues. “There’s an extensive range of fabrics and laminates, presenting the perfect combination of materials to match any salon’s aesthetic. From styling chairs and wash units to reception desks, nail stations, pedicure thrones and mirrors, each piece of furniture can be tailored to suit any chosen colour palette.
Customisation is key to creating a space that truly reflects a brand’s identity and the REM team will assist in developing a cohesive colour scheme to transform ideas into a functional and visually stunning space.”
The REM UK team
Sustainable initiatives at REM Earth
“The world is realising the need for change in how we think, work and live to reduce carbon footprints and achieve net zero,” reveals Trevor Lingard, commercial director at REM. “While global efforts vary, in the UK, we must lead by example. REM recognises the urgency of adapting to climate challenges and is committed to making a meaningful impact, regardless of others’ actions.
“By partnering with the Green Rose Project, REM is expanding its REM Earth project to develop sustainable, net zero targeted products for salons. This initiative aims to reduce our carbon footprint by 25% over the next two years by optimising processes, cutting energy use and improving fuel efficiency.”
Committed to reducing its environmental impact through innovative practices in furniture packaging and waste management, its specialised protective bags have replaced plastic, bubble wrap and pallets, offering eco-friendly furniture delivery that reduces waste and enhances the customer experience.
“We repurpose surplus pallets for internal use and convert damaged ones into firewood,” continues Trevor Lingard. “Waste wood is also given to employees for home heating, reducing waste. Sawdust from our timber manufacturing is reused by local farmers as animal bedding. Fabric waste is repurposed into soft toys for charity, turning waste into a positive force. We also collaborate with suppliers to reuse cardboard in product deliveries, ensuring a sustainable packaging cycle.”
Nail’d It London
Uniting for a greener future
JUST ONE Tree is a non-profit organisation focused on restoring entire ecosystems, working in deforested areas such as Kenya, Madagascar, Indonesia and Nepal. By partnering with Eden reforestation projects, the company is helping to restore forests, improve biodiversity and protect the habitats of endangered species. REM’s involvement in this underscores the company’s commitment to not only producing high-quality salon furniture, but also ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
REM UK’s more than 100-year journey is a testament to the strength of British manufacturing, innovation and craftsmanship. As the company continues to grow and adapt in an increasingly globalised and environmentally-conscious marketplace, it remains committed to producing superior salon furniture that supports local industries and preserves the environment. Through its dedication to sustainability and its focus on quality, REM is ensuring that its legacy will endure for many years to come.
*Lead image shows Nail’d It London
Meet HD Professional Nail Systems: a brand dedicated to raising standards via award-winning education & products
What should pros look for in a nail brand? Products that help to elevate artistry, high-quality education and a passionate team behind-the-scenes are key qualities – and HD Professional Nail Systems ticks every box.
Founder, Hazel Dixon’s career stems 18 years and she has an awe-inspiring collection of over 100 awards to show for it, owing to her passion for nail art, as a way to express creativity and push boundaries, and accessible, continuous learning.
She is in the Scratch Stars Awards Hall of Fame for the competition’s Nail Stylist and Mixed Media Artist categories, due to winning the titles three times, and HD Nail Artist Academy proudly sits alongside as an Ultimate Nail Team. Hazel added the Services to the Nail Industry title to her Scratch Stars portfolio in 2022, and scooped The Nail Business Mentor of the Year Award this year.
Accolades started early in her career, with the nail artist, educator & global competition judge winning her first trophy in 2009. She launched her training academy in 2012, which caters to all skill levels and offers in-depth, online and in-person courses aligned with National Occupational Standards (NOS), focusing on areas such as nail anatomy, chemistry and innovative techniques. Becoming HD Nail Artist Academy Ltd in 2016, educators were introduced across the UK, and Hazel launched nail brand, HD Professional, two years later.
The professional brand was initially known for its acrylic systems and has expanded to offer a range of gel systems and nail art accessories over time. Hazel is also a brand consultant & UK distributor for Akzentz products and via the HD Professional Nail Systems website, the Akzentz Shine-on No Wipe Topcoat is the best-selling product. It’s followed by the HD Pro Shine It! No Wipe Top Coat and Flex It! Clear (Universal Base), then the Akzentz Luxio Base Gel and HD Pro Flex It! Fibre – Cover Cameo.
The brand is sponsoring esteemed industry competition, Nailympia London 2024, recognising the event’s platform for nurturing talent, creativity and professional growth that comes from challenging oneself. The partnership also aligns with HD Professional Nail Systems’ values of promoting artistic and technical excellence, and Hazel’s passion for competing.
Looking to the future, the company is aiming high, with an emphasis on raising industry standards via its ever-evolving products and education. “The long-term vision is to maintain and strengthen our reputation as leaders in the nail industry, both through cutting-edge education and high-quality, professional-grade products,” notes a spokesperson.
Find out more about HD Professional Nail Systems via www.hazeldixonnails.com
Keen to compete at Nailympia London? Global director, Alex Fox answers your questions
Scratch’s Helena Biggs chats to Alex Fox, global director of Nailympia Competitions, about the 2024 London event – which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
She answers questions about the online & arena categories & serves up encouraging words for pros ?
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3WmTdBRY7E
DON’T FORGET:
9 August: Online categories deadline
27 September: Arena categories deadline
? @salonbeauty.uk – London
?️ 13-14 October
Nail Competition Advice for All Competitors
Nail Competition Preparation & Performance Tips
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Research & Choose Your Competition
– Type of Competition: Decide whether you want to compete in-person, online or in a business-related competition.
– Study Standards: Review previous winners to understand the expected standards and styles.
– Rule Familiarity: Print and thoroughly review all competition rules and guidelines to ensure compliance.
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Training & Preparation
– Invest in Training: Seek training from reputable educators with competition experience.
– Consistent Practice: Practice regularly on models or use alternatives such as simulated hands and regular nail tips when models are unavailable.
– Perfect Every Detail: Dedicate time to refining your techniques. Practice sidewalls, smile lines and filing to ensure every detail is precise and sharp.
– Organised Setup: Arrange your tools and products in the same way during both practice and competition to find everything easily under pressure.
– Create a Practice Schedule: Integrate competition practice into your salon routine. Allocate time to focus solely on competition skills and use these sessions to pack and refine your kit.
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Product Familiarity
– Avoid Last-Minute Changes: Stick to one brand or product line at least a month before the competition.
– Environmental Adaptation: Practice with your chosen products in various conditions to understand their behaviour in different temperatures and humidity levels.
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Mental & Physical Preparation
– Stay Calm: Use techniques or natural remedies to manage stress and keep composed during the competition.
– Mental Preparation: On the day of the competition, close your eyes to centre yourself. Visualise your focus on your table, model and the trophy. Hold onto this feeling as the competition starts, directing all your concentration towards winning.
– Checklist Use: Prepare a detailed checklist to ensure you have all necessary items and keep your area organised.
– Adequate Rest & Hydration: Get plenty of sleep before the competition day and stay hydrated to maintain focus and energy.
– Maintain calmness and confidence: You’ve prepared thoroughly so take pride in your participation and remember that every competition is a step towards perfecting your craft.
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On the Day of the Competition
– Early Arrival: Arrive early to get accustomed to the venue and set up your area calmly.
– Tidy Workspace: Keep your area neat, with all products correctly labelled and within easy reach.
– Prepare for the Unexpected: Have your model prepared and comfortable and ensure both of you have eaten and visited the bathroom. Keep your workspace organised, as you won’t be able to retrieve items from your bag during the competition.
– Model Preparation: Ensure your model knows what to expect, including attire, timing and role during the competition.
– Get Nourished: Eat a good breakfast rich in carbohydrates to sustain your energy. Visit the bathroom beforehand and then focus on relaxation and enjoyment. This is your moment to shine.
– Using Music for Focus: Consider wearing headphones with a timed playlist. This method helps you manage your time and blocks out distracting noises, enhancing your concentration.
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Post-Competition
– Seek Feedback: Engage with judges for valuable feedback to improve future performance.
– Utilise feedback: Critique and advice from judges and score sheets helps identify strengths and areas for improvement. This constructive criticism is invaluable for enhancing both your competition and salon work.
– Skill Enhancement: Use competition experiences to enhance your skills and deepen your understanding of industry standards.
Detailed Tips & Insights
Finding the Right Mentor & Model
Attend Classes and Find a Mentor. Even if you are a successful nail professional, competition nails are different from salon nails. Seek out competition classes or a mentor to guide you through the specific requirements and techniques.
Choose the Right Model
Select a model with suitable natural nails and a compatible personality. You’ll spend considerable time together, so it’s essential to have good rapport. Regularly treat their hands and nails to keep them in optimal condition.
Model’s Role During Competition
Your model should assist with time updates and act as an additional pair of eyes. Their support can significantly impact your performance.
Consistency & Practice
Consistency in your work is crucial. Even if the smile lines aren’t exceptionally deep, having all 10 smile lines uniform will score higher than inconsistent, deep smile lines. Achieving this consistency comes with regular practice. Applying your competition techniques in the salon will help build muscle memory and increase your speed.
Table Organisation
Place all tools and products in the same position during both practice and competition. This habit helps you find what you need quickly under pressure. Don’t compare your speed to others; focus on finishing at your pace. Decide early on which brand or products you’ll use and practice consistently with them to build familiarity.
Skill Building
Develop your skills methodically by focusing on one aspect at a time, such as the moon, sidewalls or smile lines. Each practice session should target a specific skill to gradually build your overall ability. Engaging with past winners for insights and advice can also significantly improve your techniques.
Handling Competition Stress
Plan for all possible scenarios to stay calm during the competition. Understand how different temperatures can affect your product’s setting times and adjust your application process accordingly. Prepare for temperature variations by dressing in layers and ensuring your model is comfortable.
Practical Application
Regular practice is key to building speed and confidence. Practicing under different conditions helps you adapt to the competition environment. Maintain a consistent timing routine and be prepared to start over if an application doesn’t go well.
Kit & Equipment Preparation
Your competition kit should be thorough and well-organised. Include all necessary products, tools, extension cords, adapters and multiple lamps. Good lighting is critical and having hand warmers and pillows can enhance comfort and performance.
Read & Understand the Rules
Rules can change, so review them thoroughly before each competition. If anything is unclear, contact the organiser for clarification to avoid penalties or disqualification.
Artwork Advice
Begin your artwork early, ideally 6-9 months before the competition, as creating detailed pieces can take hundreds of hours.
Use as much of your nail products as possible to showcase your skills. Add shadows and highlights to give depth to your design.
For the fantasy competitions remember the costume is a significant part of the score. Ensure it aligns with your chosen theme and complements your nails. Incorporate hair and make-up to enhance the overall presentation.
Do a complete practice run before the competition to manage your time effectively. Number the tips to know their placement and carefully package the nails for transport to prevent damage.
Focus on intricate details and consider a unique twist on your theme. Research previous winners to ensure your design stands out.
Specific Hints for Photo Competitions
Assemble a reliable team, including a hair stylist, make-up artist, model and photographer for trial runs.
Ensure the nails are the main subject in the photos and maintain the theme in all elements without overcomplicating the image.
Keep your concept clear and aligned with the competition’s theme.
General Competition Tips
Research thoroughly, organise your tools and timings and ensure your work is of the highest standard.
Keep up-to-date with the latest in nail competitions through social media and professional magazines.
Approach each competition as a learning experience. Enjoy the process and strive for personal progression.
Final Thoughts
Competitions offer various categories, catering to different strengths. Whether you excel in precision (like pink & white sculpting) or creativity (like Fantasy Nails), there’s a category for you. If you’re versatile, challenge yourself across multiple categories to strive for a ‘Champion of Champions’ title.
Learn from Experience. Each competition is a learning opportunity. Enter with an open mind, ready to absorb knowledge and experience. Winning isn’t the only goal; the journey and the skills you gain are equally valuable.
Competitions push you out of your comfort zone, challenging you to excel. They offer a unique way to gain recognition and experience a different facet of the nail industry.
Engage with the competition community, learn from each event and strive for constant improvement. Whether you win or not, every competition adds to your expertise and understanding of what it takes to create winning nails.
Achieving Consistency in NAILYMPIA Tip & Overlay & Sculpture Competitions
Consistency is key in the French T/O & Sculpture competitions and can significantly impact your score. Ensuring that each nail is identical in length, size, depth of smile line, sidewalls, and free edge thickness demonstrates precision and mastery.
To achieve this, start by meticulously measuring and shaping each nail to match. Use precise tools and techniques to maintain uniformity in length and size, making sure all nails align perfectly when viewed from different angles.
Pay special attention to the depth and curve of the smile lines, ensuring they are consistent across all nails; this requires a steady hand and careful control during application.
The sidewalls should be straight and even, creating a seamless contour that complements the nail’s overall shape. The free edge’s thickness must be uniform, not too thick (be mindful that it wants to be as thin as possible across the 5 nails to showcase your skill), providing a balanced and professional look.
Achieving this level of detail and symmetry reflects your technical skill and can make a significant difference in your competition scores, showcasing your ability to deliver flawless, high-quality nails under pressure that look stunning and aligned.
Thank you to the contributors of this advice: Alex Fox (UK) Reni Mobrandt (Sweden), Tracey Lee (Netherlands), Hazel Dixon (UK), Antony Buckley (UK), Samantha Goddard (Australia), Kelly Melanitou (Greece), Gemma Lambert (UK), Gabriella Kovacs (Hungary)
Nailympia London 2024 Online Categories now open for entry
Get Ready for Nailympia London 2024!
Entries for Nailympia London 2024 is open 
**This Year’s Themes** are here!
Entry is NOW OPEN for Nailympia London 2024!
Join us for the world’s biggest nail competition, celebrating 20 years this year at ExCel London on 13-14 October!
This competition blends a mix of online and arena categories, making it available to EVERYONE!
We have 19 fantastic categories (9 arena and 10 online) and 3 divisions – click here to enter today!
ARENA
Gel Polish
LED Hard Gel Tip & Overlay (traditional French)
L&P Acrylic Sculpture (traditional French)
Perfect Match
Joy of Nails
French Twist 3-Shape Challenge
Salon Nails
Stiletto Nails
Fantasy Complete Look
ONLINE
To Stiletto & Beyond
Extreme Nail Styling Poster
Mixed Media Boxed Art
Flat Art Boxed Art
Art on Nails
Design Nails for Album Cover
Poster Manicure
Poster Pedicure
Reality Nails
Runway Nails
You can see the themes for this years categories here.
Nail Art Themes for Nailympia London 2024 released!
Nailympia London 2024 celebrates our 20th year, and we have both ONLINE categories and LIVE ARENA categories taking place! <
Entry is set to open next month (watch this space) but we like to give you a bit of insight into the art themes for this year.
ONLINE entries are submitted as photographs, video and some with text and they will be open for submission from May 2024.
The submission window for ALL ONLINE categories will close mid-August.
So what are you waiting for – now that you have the themes you can get designing and crafting your competition nails…
We can’t wait to see what you’ve got this year!
THE THEMES FOR ART CATEGORIES AT NAILYMPIA LONDON 2024
To Stiletto & Beyond: Botanical Gardens
Runway Nails: Industrial Revolution
Reality Nails (3 nails – 3 themes): Geometric Chic / Vintage Vibes / Gothic Grandeur
Flat Art Boxed: Sacred Symbols
Design Nails for an Album Cover: Electro Pop
Art On Nails: International Sporting Events
Extreme Nail Styling Poster: Open Theme
Poster Pedicure: Open Theme
Poster Manicure: Open Theme
Mixed Media: Open Theme
Deborah Cocco – Nailympia European Cup 2023
Deborah Cocco is just 26 years old and is the founder of DECO Academy & Nail Aalon as well as Nailearn ®.
“I’ve been in the nail world since the age of 12,” Deborah shares. “I’ve always loved nail art and since I was a little girl I started taking training around Italy while also practicing at every opportunity. I started competing in 2017, at the age of 20, and have not stopped.
“Currently my career as a competitor has afforded more than 60 trophies including: 5 Winner Of Winners Nailympia (London 2017, London 2022, Germany 2023, Orlando 2023, London 2023), 3 Team Trophies and the 2023 Nailymnpia European Cup.
Deborah confesses, “Winning the Nailympia European Cup 2023 was no easy task, given the very high level of competitors I was up against, however, I’m extremely happy that my efforts and hard work have also brought me to this goal!”