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

Fashion Week

Want your nail work on the runway? Here’s how to boss backstage at Fashion Week

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 August 2023

Get your spring/summer 2024 mindset ready, as September marks the return of Fashion Weeks across the globe. If you’re striving to get involved in the session nail sphere, highly regarded regulars at Fashion Week share everything you need to know… How to get hired At Fashion Week, you’re not likely…

Read More
Liz Mckeon Salon Empowrement

Why it’s important to empower your beauty salon staff & how to do it

By Guest Writer | 13 August 2023

Beauty business expert & founder of the International Salon Business School, Liz McKeon, discusses staff empowerment and its importance for business success. Empowerment is the degree of autonomy and self-determination in people, communities and business. This enables them to represent their interests in a responsible and self-determined way, acting on…

Read More
Shoot Out Lead

How to organise a nail photoshoot in 10 steps

By Chloe Randall | 8 August 2023

Entering Scratch’s annual photographic nail competition – The Great Scratch Shoot Out? Here we reveal ten top tips for a smooth shoot day and beyond… Choose your concept Unleash your creativity and showcase your originality, style and imagination with your concept. One the most important factors of your shoot, your theme…

Read More
Scoresheets Ssas19

Insight: Understanding scoresheets from nail & beauty competitions

By Katie Barnes | 31 July 2023

To not be a finalist or winner in a nail competition or awards can leave you wondering what you did wrong and make you question your skills. As a competitor and judge, I would like to share my experiences… Recognition aside, simply applying for a nail award or being shortlisted…

Read More
Chloe Web Newsfeature Template 1200x800px

What the government’s policy change means for the cosmetics animal testing ban

By Guest Writer | 31 July 2023

The Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA) explores what the government’s policy change means for the cosmetics animal testing ban… You may have seen media reports in May that suggested that animal testing of cosmetic ingredients could restart, following the result of a UK High Court ruling.  Shortly afterwards, the…

Read More
Mariola Kożuszek Natural Nailcare Header

15 common nail conditions & how to deal with them

By Callie Iley | 30 July 2023

Do you know what to do when you’re faced with a natural nail concern? Scratch shares expert advice and product recommendations for 15 common nail issues… Addressing the issue The natural nail is the foundation of any great nail enhancement, so knowing how to approach common issues if and when…

Read More