EXPERT ADVICE

E-file rings of fire prevention

What are rings of fire on nails & how can they be avoided?

By Jess Watts | 7 December 2025

Red rings or semicircles that appear on the nail – often referred to as ‘rings of fire’ – can strike fear into the hearts of nail techs and clients alike, but what causes them and how can they be avoided? “Rings of fire appear as red rings on the nail…

Read More
Power of pause

Christmas rush tips for nail techs: why pause matters

By Hannah Beth Clayton | 30 November 2025

Nail business mentor, Hannah Clayton, shares why pause is a powerful tool during the festive season… It’s that time of year: I start to panic, like my life will come to a close in December and I have to get everything done! My inboxes are full, I have work to do, but…

Read More
Christmas retail guide for nail salons

Christmas retail guide for nail salons: products & tips to boost sales

By Jess Watts | 27 November 2025

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – not only for tinsel, treats and Christmas cheer, but for ringing tills and sleigh-loads of salon sales. But, let’s be honest, festive retail isn’t all fun and games. If you are scratching your head over what to stock, we’ve got you…

Read More
Dec 2025 low res scratch cover

Read the latest issue

Rawpixel 974582 unsplash

How to add hair removal services to your treatment menu

By Sophie Nutt | 8 November 2018

With winter weather comes tights, knee-high boots and fluffy socks. But with Christmas comes festive manicures and pedicures ready for the party season – and what good is a fresh pedi when legs riddled with stubble accompany them? Not only that, but clients seek armpit and facial hair removal all…

Read More
Hands copy

National Stress Awareness Day: A Tech’s Perspective

By Kat Hill | 7 November 2018

November 7 sees National Stress Awareness Day. “We all know what it’s like to feel stressed – being under pressure is a normal part of life. But becoming overwhelmed by stress can lead to mental health problems or make existing problems worse,” states Mind, the registered mental health charity. “National Stress Awareness…

Read More
Gel Polish Application

How to perfect nail product application by the cuticle

By Katie Barnes | 6 November 2018

Mastering cuticle application can be a tech’s nemesis, but it needn’t be. Of course, it takes practice but follow my top tips for perfecting your cuticle application with L&P and gel polish. Perfecting L&P cuticle application When working with L&P, ensuring the mix ratio is correct – especially around the…

Read More
Vegan beauty eco

Vegan beauty: Defined by experts

By Helena Biggs | 1 November 2018

With 2018 seeing an increasingly conscious approach across all industries, Scratch quizzes experts about veganism – and the properties upheld by the increasing numbers of vegan nail and beauty products. To be considered vegan, a product or service must be free of any animal-derived ingredients. “This includes ingredients such as…

Read More
Nails coffee (1)

What to do during a slow spell at work

By Scratch Staff | 24 October 2018

Naomi Mogg, educator for ASP, reveals how to make the most of any business downtime… If your business is suffering from a dip in clients in the lead-up to the Christmas rush, there are a number of ways you can increase your turnover and keep thriving. Consider giving your VIP…

Read More
Pregnant woman nails

What to consider when pedicuring a pregnant client

By Helena Biggs | 15 October 2018

Pregnant pampering can be a welcome treat for a tired mum-to-be as a luxurious pedicure can soothe sore feet and encourage circulation. The small but significant treatment can help boost beauty confidence during a pregnancy or simply help maintain overall foot care when the client can no longer reach their…

Read More