EXPERT ADVICE

Canva Picking Nails

What is a nail habit-tic & can it be treated?

By Katie Barnes | 12 February 2025

When a client sits at your nail desk and presents you with a nail like the below, you may wonder whether it is a contraindication that you should not treat. This is habit-tic deformity. Most commonly seen on the thumbnails, this nail condition is usually a result of onychotillomania: a…

Read More
Apprenticeships Header Lacie The Beauty Room Brentwood

Nail & beauty apprenticeships: salons share benefits, their experiences & advice

By Rebecca Hitchon | 11 February 2025

In a recent poll on Scratch’s Instagram, almost 80% of respondents shared that they’re considering taking on apprentices. Here, two UK salons share how they’ve reaped the rewards of the apprenticeship process.. Nailspa, West Yorkshire “As a business owner, I believe that when it comes to employees, you cannot beat…

Read More
Lilly Web Newsfeature Lead 1200x800px 87

Self-employment help for nail techs: legal, financial & operational considerations

By Lilly Delmage | 5 February 2025

All the legal, financial and operational factors to consider before making those all-important choices… Deciding to become a self-employed nail tech is just the beginning, and we’re here to help you navigate it all. From choosing whether to work from home or as a mobile tech, to deciding which insurance…

Read More
Feb25 Low Res Cover Scratch For Web

Read the latest issue

Becca Web Newsfeature Lead 1200x800px

How to support beauty clients & staff through the menopause

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 October 2023

October marks World Menopause Month, designed to encourage awareness of the signs and symptoms of the menopause. Awareness has been shown to be particularly crucial, after a study published in journal, BMC Women’s Health, revealed that menopausal women are the fastest growing demographic in the workforce – and you will…

Read More
Community

5 tips for creating a successful nail community

By Rebecca Hitchon | 13 October 2023

Being part of this industry can be lonely – around two-thirds of beauty professionals are self-employed, and while clients provide chit-chat throughout the working day, the focus of these conversations is likely on them. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people in the sector – whether virtually or physically – is paramount…

Read More
Katy Pottle Wsna Training

6 top tips for creating great nail content – from The World’s Star Nail Artist

By Katy Pottle | 12 October 2023

Being a nail technician is more than just creating nail art, with many techs learning to create content for self-promotion. Katy Pottle, winner of the first World’s Star Nail Artist (WSNA) competition, shares her six top tips for creating great nail content… 1. Banish the blur Before taking photos and…

Read More
Katie Barnes E File Bit Clogged

Here’s why your E-file bits get clogged – & what to do about it

By Katie Barnes | 3 October 2023

Often, when E-file bits get clogged, it is likely the product it becomes clogged with is uncured. This could be gel, acrygel, gel polish or even acrylic. When product is fully cured it presents as pure dust which will sit in the teeth of your bit and still needs removing…

Read More
Cost Of Living

Struggling with the cost of living? Check out these 5 tips for beauty businesses

By Guest Writer | 27 September 2023

Financial expert at Money.co.uk Business Insurance, Cam Jaques, provides advice on how beauty business owners impacted by the cost of living crisis can save money… 1. Be creative with marketing You can advertise your business and spread awareness for next to nothing. Word of mouth is still a great way…

Read More
Clare Woodcock Retail

7 retail tips for mobile nail techs

By Guest Writer | 25 September 2023

Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2022 & 2023, Clare Woodcock of The Nail Club, shares her seven top tips for retailing as a nail pro on the move… As mobile techs, we bring the convenience of professional nail treatments directly to clients’ doorsteps. However, providing an excellent service…

Read More