Polka Dots are This Summer’s Biggest Nail Trend

The latest trend to dot your feed? Quite literally, polka dot nails. This playful, vintage-inspired manicure is officially summer’s breakout star, showing up on the fingertips of Hailey Bieber, Dua Lipa, and Sabrina Carpenter. Whether glazed, rhinestoned, or painted in punchy pastels, polka dots are popping up in every possible variation, from minimalist accents to full-blown retro statements. Nail artists are embracing the versatility, mixing black and white classics with cherry red combos or soft blush-on-blush looks. It’s the perfect crossover of fashion and beauty, echoing the season’s obsession with dotted dresses and 60s nostalgia. Call it the mani equivalent of a lemon sorbet: refreshing, sweet, and a little bit cheeky.

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NailsNatalia Kulak
Mastering Global Hair Types

Hairdressers today encounter a diverse clientele and an array of human hair extensions sourced from around the world. Each hair type, Slavic, Mongolian, Brazilian, Indian, and European, has distinct natural characteristics that influence how it should be cared for and treated in a salon setting. In this guide, we break down the key physical traits, common challenges, product considerations, and best practice treatments for each hair type. A clear understanding of these differences will help you tailor services like colouring, conditioning, and smoothing to keep every client’s hair healthy and beautiful. Let’s explore each category and conclude with a comparative overview and takeaways for salon use.

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Natalia Kulak
Barriers in Sunscreen Testing

Dr. Lylah Hill delves into the science behind SPF, exposing the hidden flaws in how sunscreen efficacy is measured and understood. From outdated testing models to biases in skin type representation, this piece challenges the reliability of current SPF standards and urges a more inclusive, evidence-based approach to photoprotection. Essential reading for anyone who thinks sunscreen is a one-size-fits-all solution.

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The Myth of Nail “Breathing”

Many salon professionals have heard clients insist that their natural nails need to “breathe” between manicures. It’s a common refrain: “I’ll skip polish this week to let my nails breathe.” As well-intentioned as this advice sounds, it’s actually a myth. Nails don’t breathe – at least, not in the way people think. Let’s dive into the science of nail physiology, debunk the “nail breathing” misconception, and explain why products like gel polish and nail polish do not inherently damage the nail when used correctly. We’ll also explore how improper techniques, not the products themselves, are usually to blame for nail damage.

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NailsNatalia Kulak
The 12 Best Products for Men’s Hair Loss

Hair loss is one of the most common concerns for men. Whether it’s a slow retreat at the temples or a suspicious patch thinning at the crown, most men will deal with some form of hair loss in their lifetime. And while the instinct might be to ignore it (or panic-Google in the dark), the truth is: there’s a smarter way to fight back.

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HairChiara Zucchelli
The Retinoid Pyramid Explained

In this expert-led guide, Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Clare Kiely demystifies one of skincare’s most powerful yet misunderstood ingredients: retinoids. From the science behind cell turnover to the all-important conversion process, she explains how to navigate the vitamin A family and choose the right retinoid for your skin. Whether you’re a first-time user or looking to level up your routine, this is your go-to breakdown of the retinol pyramid, minus the confusion.

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5 Things Only 25 Years in Aesthetics Can Teach You

With 25 years of industry experience across clinics, global brands, and international markets, Katie Hughes-Dawkins shares the five unshakeable lessons every aesthetic business should live by. From why a viral moment isn’t a strategy to how trust, team culture, and local nuance shape success, this column is a sharp reminder that true growth in aesthetics is built on substance, not speed.

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Khloé Kardashian Reveals Aesthetic Procedures She's Had Done

Khloé Kardashian recently took to social media to clarify what cosmetic treatments and procedures she has had, putting to rest years of speculation. For the beauty industry, this moment of honesty offers a rare opportunity to explore the practical and clinical value of her choices. Her routine highlights the evolution of non-surgical aesthetics and shows how celebrities are embracing gradual, strategic enhancements rather than dramatic overhauls.

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Why is TPO Being Banned in Gel Nails Across Europe and What Does This Mean for the UK

The European Union is preparing to ban the use of trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a common photoinitiator found in UV-cured nail gels, from 1 September 2025. The United Kingdom, which often mirrors EU chemical classifications despite post-Brexit independence, is expected to implement a similar restriction in 2026. Although the ban may seem abrupt to those outside regulatory circles, the reasoning is grounded in toxicological evidence and the precautionary principle embedded within EU Cosmetics Regulation.

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NailsNatalia Kulak
Busting 8 Popular Myths About Waxing

With summer in full swing and swimwear season upon us, many turn to waxing as their go-to hair removal solution. Yet despite its popularity, waxing remains surrounded by myths that often leave people hesitant or confused about the process. Although intimate waxing consistently makes up the majority of service revenue at Strip, the brand sees a noticeable spike in demand as summer approaches, typically increasing by around 13%. Monica Ella Botros, Managing Director at London’s award-winning Strip Hair Removal Experts, is here to set the record straight, busting common misconceptions and sharing essential facts for a smooth and confident summer.

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WaxingNatalia Kulak
The Best of Summer 2025 Make Up Trends

Professional makeup artist Sarah-Jane Froom shares her go-to guide for mastering Summer 2025’s biggest trend: pastels. From lilac eyes to peachy cheeks and balmy lips, discover how to translate runway colour into wearable everyday looks. With expert tips, high-low product picks and ideas for everything from brunch to festivals, this feature shows how to make soft colour seriously chic — without going full Barbie.

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There Are Only 7 Licensed Anti-Wrinkle Injectables in the UK – What Are They?

Despite the growing number of injectable products on the market, only seven botulinum toxin type A formulations are currently licensed by The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for aesthetic use in the UK. Each has undergone rigorous evaluation for safety, quality and efficacy. For practitioners, the real point of interest lies in how these products differ in formulation, clinical behaviour and treatment outcomes.

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Why Adding Sparkling Water Will Upgrade The Effects of Your Facials

Carbonated water has become an unexpected yet scientifically grounded addition to professional facial treatments. What began as a K-beauty trend has gained global interest, not only for its refreshing feel but also for its documented effects on skin cleansing, circulation and oxygen delivery. Behind the bubbles lies a cascade of physiological mechanisms that enhance skin health, particularly when tied to the Bohr effect.

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Best New Professional Beauty Treatments in June 2025

Professional skincare has moved well beyond one-size-fits-all facials and generic body wraps. The new generation of treatments is tailored, sensorial and quietly high-tech, delivering real results with none of the post-treatment fuss. Whether it's a facial built around your dosha type, a cellulite treatment that doesn't rely on suction, or a spa ritual that begins at your feet and ends with mineral SPF, this year’s standout launches are precise, personal and refreshingly low-key.

In this roundup, we spotlight the newest professional beauty treatments that deserve your attention. From biotech facials to device-led contouring, these are the ones already making waves in clinics and treatment rooms across the country.

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Oscar Emil on Bottling First Love at Seventeen

Some stories aren’t written, they’re felt. And Oscar Emil tells his through scent. At just 17 years old, Oscar Hedegaard, known through his eponymous label Oscar Emil, is reshaping the conversation around scent with a voice that is both disarmingly honest and artistically bold. His debut line, The Love Collection, is not a typical launch. It is an emotional archive, a deeply personal expression rendered in perfume.

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Getting Botox in my 20s Was The Best Decision I Made

Getting anti-wrinkle injections in your 20s, I have learnt, is a controversial thing to do, and I have to admit, it's not something I thought I would be doing at the age of 27. With the rise of popularity in aesthetic treatments (and alongside this, of my insecurities) I knew I would be getting anti-wrinkle injections sooner rather than later, but I had envisioned waiting until I hit 30. But what would really change when I entered into my third decade of life? After my consultation with Dr Ash Soni, my mind was settled. There was no point waiting when the frown lines at rest were already appearing, and so I began my Botox journey.

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Why Gourmand and Foodie Fragrances are Big This Season

Food-inspired perfumes, often called foodie fragrances, have become a beloved category in modern perfumery. They capture the aromas of edible treats, from rich vanilla and chocolate to spicy cinnamon and even bakery delights. This report delves into the types of foodie fragrances, the chemistry behind their creation, and the market trends and brands driving their popularity. Insights from fragrance experts, scientific sources, and industry reports are included to provide a thorough and accessible overview.

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Natalia Kulak
The Importance of Skin Preparation for Permanent Make-Up on Brows and Lips

Our columnist Nez Hasan shares her expert guide to skin prep for permanent makeup, from brows to lips. With nearly a decade of experience in enhancing natural beauty, she explains how small steps like exfoliating, hydrating and avoiding harsh products can make a major difference in pigment retention, healing and results. Whether you're new to semi-permanent treatments or a returning client, this is your go-to checklist for flawless, long-lasting results.

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MakeupNez Hasan
Skin Deep? Not Anymore. The Facial That’s Rewiring How We See Ourselves

Esperer, founded by CBT-trained psychologist Dina El Adlani, is blending facial treatments with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The CBT Facial is less about miracle ingredients and more about reconnecting skin with self-worth. It’s catching quiet momentum as one of the boldest ideas in the beauty world. Not because of the products used, but because of what they’re paired with.

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