Spread Christmas cheer sustainably: 3 ways to recycle festive items
Decorating the Christmas tree, wrapping gifts, and sending out greeting cards are some of the most cherished Christmas traditions, but after the festivities, how do you dispose of the excess? Gabriella Peace, marketing communications manager of UK Greetings, offers her take on how you can give your Christmas items a…
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Nail pros: Here’s how to handle clients ghosting you in the digital age
When someone stops replying to your messages without warning, it can feel like a gut punch – especially in business. You’ve poured time and effort into crafting the perfect message, shared your pricing and then… radio silence. But here’s the thing: ghosting is part and parcel of any business that…
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Christmas nail art: 16 festive winter wonderland manicures
This season, snowy, magical landscapes dominate nail canvases, boasting sparkling snowflakes, white-dusted fir trees and reflective icicles. As for a colour palette, work with whites, silvers, blues, greens and browns to encapsulate a snowy winter walk. Here’s 16 snowy woodland manicures to inspire your nail creations…
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From DIY nails to owning a home salon: how one tech turned her passion into a business
Bedfordshire-based nail tech, Jodie Day of @talonsbyjodie, started her nail journey simply wanting to learn how to do her own nails, however she enjoyed the training so much that she decided to turn it into her career. Jodie began her training in 2021 while pregnant, seeking a creative outlet. She…
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Why lifting can happen when using builder gel in a bottle & how to deal with it
Since the rise in popularity of builder gels in bottles, I have noticed an increase in issues. When gel polish came onto the scene, many techs added this service to their menu, but did not carry out training in this medium; assuming it was the same as previous services. It…
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The Wicked-inspired nail looks being worn by the film’s stars
Wicked content has been circulating social media and, with premieres and press tours well underway, the film’s stars have been sporting their best Oz-themed nail looks. Here’s our roundup… Hitting the silver screen on 22 November, the highly-anticipated Universal movie adaptation of Wicked has inspired the film’s actors’ and actresses’ manicures.…
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Award-winning home salon owner: the 5 essential tips for success
Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year 2024 winner, Kirsty Brown of @paintbrushnails, shares her top tips for building a successful home salon… Having won the prestigious Scratch Stars accolade for her Stirling-based home salon, we asked Kirsty to share her top tips to inform and inspire nail techs…
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South Devon tech: At 30 I decided to train as a nail technician – and I’ve never looked back
Having undergone a career swap at the age of 30, Devon-based nail tech Bonni Higson, the owner of Bonni File’n’Style in Dawlish, shares her story… After having children, Bonni decided to train as a nail technician. She says: “I enrolled at South Devon College and qualified at NVQ level 2…
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The 3 top times of the year for business retail & how to capitalise on them
Public holidays often influence retail sales, but as a small business owner, how can you ensure you’re maximising revenue during these key events? Research reveals how… Business credit card experts from price comparison website, Money.co.uk, have analysed the average weekly sales and key retail transaction days over the past year…
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Return on investment: what it means & how to calculate it
Global business & beauty education expert, Kim Ford, explains what a return on investment means for your nail business, and how to calculate it. You may ask: what is a return on investment, or ROI? As an example, imagine you purchased a pedicure chair costing £1,000. How many clients have…
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I was visited by a Scratch Stars Award-winning mobile nailist. Here’s my experience
Here’s what happened when Stella Angelova, Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2024, paid Scratch’s deputy editor, Rebecca Hitchon, a visit… Stella of Stella A. – Nail Artist is based in Swanley, Kent, and travelled six miles to my home in Orpington. It was a gloomy and wet day,…
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Caregiver to nail creator: how a London mum unexpectedly found belonging in the nail industry
A work accident, supportive family and love for nails transformed Josephine Mensurah’s life from rehabilitation support worker to nail artist & content creator. The Nailympia London arena attracts all types of techs, from all over the globe. First-time competitor, Josephine Mensurah, took the bold move of jumping into the arena in…
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Winter wonders: Must-have nail colour collections for the 2024 festive season
‘Tis the season of celebrations – and time to embrace joy, sparkle and eye-catching nail effects. From shimmering holiday hues to creative, winter-inspired designs, this season is all about embracing texture and decadent colour. Expect the staple hues to return – we’re talking forest-greens, ribbon reds, glittery golds and striking…
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Nail ridges: an expert shares causes & how to treat
Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2019 & CND™ education ambassador, Helen Burton-Ward, explores ridges on natural nails… There are many types of nail ridges, which can occur naturally or be inflicted by mechanical or environmental factors. Understanding how to correctly manage and treat them will help to maintain…
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Insights from a trans nail tech: what I want you to know
Drew Sallows of @t4tnails feels fortunate to have been surrounded by love throughout their nail career: working in accepting salon spaces, while being able to do the job that they adore. “I always knew I wanted an artistic career, and spent a lot of time watching content by Cristine of Simply…
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