EXPERT ADVICE

French pedicure

How to nail the French tip pedicure

By Katie Barnes | 20 April 2025

Katie Clark, award-winning nail tech & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education, answers questions about perfecting the French pedi… How big should the French tips be? A French tip should mimic the natural free edge of the nail. Estimate how long the client will wait between appointments, plus…

Read More
Becca web newsfeature lead 1200x800px

Why it’s important to take care of feet & advice for pedicurists

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 April 2025

The importance of footcare can be overlooked, particularly during colder weather when feet and toenails tend to be tucked into thick socks and closed-toe footwear. But footcare services are not just beneficial for pedicure season. Foot and toenail issues can arise at any time, and treating them early can prevent…

Read More
Runner feet

9 common nail & skin problems for runners & how to treat

By Scratch Staff | 13 April 2025

Discover the common nail and skin woes of runners, and how to tackle them for the ultimate foot finish… “Runners can be prone to a lot of foot problems,” explains nail educator & brand adviser, Rachel Gribble. “Hard skin, ingrown toenails and bruised nails are some of the most prevalent.…

Read More
Feb25 Low Res Cover Scratch For Web

Read the latest issue

Shutterstock 742627795 copy 2

How to add another nail service to your treatment menu

By Kat Hill | 9 March 2019

New year, new skill! Are you thinking of adding to your salon menu to meet client nail needs? Liz Richards, national sales and education manager for Cuccio Europe, shares some thing to consider… “It’s important when adding a new system that you choose based on what would be right for your…

Read More
Copy of international (2)

Celebrating International Women’s Day

By Kat Hill | 8 March 2019

March 8 marks International Women’s Day; a day to recognise and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. A day to set both personal and professional goals and look back at your achievement, what are you celebrating today? In the spirit, we’ve rounded up a few inspirational quotes…

Read More
Katie barnes nail brush

How to hold your nail brush correctly for optimum results

By Katie Barnes | 5 March 2019

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, reveals why it’s important to hold your nail brush correctly – and offers up some handy tips… Your nail brush is one of your primary tools. No matter what brush you are using, if you are not holding it right, you won’t achieve…

Read More
Sharon sandhu customer care

Ways to offer exceptional customer care

By Scratch Staff | 4 March 2019

Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, reveals her top tips for showing clients you care and enhancing their treatment experience… With competition in the nail industry so fierce, going the extra mile to care for your customers during their appointment can make a dramatic…

Read More
The gel bottle photoshoot

Behind the scenes with The Gel Bottle Inc

By Scratch Staff | 2 March 2019

Go behind the scenes for The Gel Bottle Inc’s spring collection advert photoshoot with the TGB team… The GelBottle Inc Spring collection 2019 is a celebration of iconic women and female empowerment! Each polish is named after an inspirational woman, all iconic in their own way, from Twiggy – known for…

Read More
Wax justwax salon system

5 awkward waxing questions answered

By Scratch Staff | 28 February 2019

Salon System educator & wax specialist, Lisa Stone, answers the waxing questions you may have felt too awkward to ask… Q: What are the waxing rules for clients with skin tags or moles? Some therapists may choose to put Vaseline on the mole or skin tag and continue the wax…

Read More