Picture perfect nails - “simply the best nail technician in St Helens”

And rightly so as the talented nail technician has just been named St Helens’ Best for Nails 2024 beating off some tough competition for the title.

Nails by Mandy's Amanda Ward

This year’s search for St Helens Star’s best in a whole host of categories started with hair and At Gems was crowned our first winner.

Then we moved onto pies with Burchall’s taking a hattrick of titles.

Next up were picture perfect nails with customers and readers sending their nominations for their favourite nail technician.

Voting for St Helens’ Best for Roast Dinner is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best for Cocktails.

Vote for St Helens’ Best for Roast Dinner 2024

Nominate your favourite for St Helens’ Best for Cocktails 2024

Ten talented nail techs in St Helens made the shortlist for Best for Nails with Nails by Mandy taking the coveted crown.

Amanda’s salon is at her home in Parr and she opened the business in September 2019.

She has worked in two other salons in St Helens before deciding to launch her own nail business.

The 38-year-old is qualified in nails and skin care, lash lifts and brow lamination as well as waxing and tinting.

READ MORE:

St Helens Star’s Best for Hair 2024 – From Saturday girl to award-winning Haydock hair stylist

Amanda, who is originally from Haydock and moved to Parr 12 years ago, said: “I am a self-taught nail technician.

“I started doing my own nails and realised how much I loved it.

“I did online courses for all the treatments I offer and made a Facebook page and it took off from there.

“I am the least artistic person ever but, but during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns I practised doing nail art at home and discovered I was good at it!

“This prompted me to do a few online courses on nail art.”

Amanda loves getting creating with clients' nails

Amanda worked as a retail assistant and care assistant so making the leap into a new career was a daunting prospect.

Amanda said: “This type of work was so different for me and I never thought I’d be as successful as I am.

“I find doing clients’ nails so relaxing.

“I’m always willing to do any type of nail art that my client requests.

“I actually get excited when my clients challenge me with whacky nail art!”

What do customers think of Nails by Mandy?

Why did they want her to win our latest award?

One recommendation said: “I would never go anywhere else as she is simply the best nail technician.”

READ MORE:

St Helens’ Best for Pies 2024 - Meet the maker of St Helens’ triple award-winning pies

Amanda said: “My clients say they love coming to me because I'm friendly and easy to talk to.

“They know they can talk to me about anything and it's nice to know my clients trust me.

“They say it’s comfortable and relaxing when they come to my home.

“The best thing about my job is that I don't dread going to work.

“I always know what type of day it’s going to be and it's always a good day working from home.”

Amanda opened her home salon in Parr in September 2019

Amanda was thrilled to hear that she’d made the list of St Helens’ top ten nail technicians alongside some talented and creative individuals.

She was shocked to find out that she’d won!

Amanda said: “I was completely shocked when I found out I'd won!

“I really wasn't expecting it as I knew I was up against some amazing nail techs.

“I would really like to thank all my clients for their love and support - I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for them.

“So, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”