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…

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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…

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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.…

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Feb25 Low Res Cover Scratch For Web

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Music Playlist

Why music matters in the nail salon experience

By Rebecca Hitchon | 27 January 2024

With 70% of Scratch readers playing music in the nail space, according to a 2023 Instagram poll, it’s important to learn how to cater sound to clients to ensure a comfortable experience. Freddie Moross is CEO of Myndstream, wellbeing-focused salon and spa music provider & an advisory board member for…

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Valentine Salon Desk

How to effectively market beauty treatments in the run-up to Valentine’s Day

By Helena Biggs | 23 January 2024

Love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to upsell beauty services with nail art and encourage clients to try something new. What’s more, you can gain profit from enticing couples into the salon and promoting retail items as gifts. “The lead up to Valentine’s Day usually sees…

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Name

Here’s how to name your beauty salon business & treatments

By Guest Writer | 22 January 2024

Award-winning website & brand designer, Liz Rochester Shaddock of Bit2Flash, shares her top tips for naming your business and treatments to boost your brand… First steps Before naming your business, work on your brand strategy. This includes fully understanding your business’ values, vision, and the demographic and preferences of your…

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Pink Nail Salon

5 ways to attract clients to your nail salon business

By Guest Writer | 19 January 2024

Esteemed beauty business consultant & trainer, Nergish Wadia-Austin, shares five top tips to entice nail clients to your salon…  1. New season, new nail promotion Offer a special seasonal package that includes unique nail designs or exclusive colours. Highlight this promotion through targeted social media campaigns, and work with your…

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I’m a multi award-winning nail tech – and here’s my strategy for business success

By Jo Tompkins | 15 January 2024

After building a successful, award-winning mobile nail business, Joanna Tompkins was awarded the Scratch Stars Nail Business Mentor Of The Year Award in 2023 for her work within the free Nail Tech Tribe community and the Nail Business Success Club (NBSC). She supports sole trader nail techs and beauticians, who…

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Business laptop salon owner

How to beat the January business blues

By Guest Writer | 12 January 2024

Tina Beaumont-Goddard, membership director at the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF), shares areas to assess in your business and how to beat the January business blues… More green, more clients, more profits The new year is traditionally quieter for salons, so sees a good time to make an action…

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