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

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
Sustainable suppliers

3 steps to choose a sustainable supplier for your beauty business

By Guest Writer | 13 September 2023

Charlotte Scallon, head of sustainability & regulation at waste management company, Biffa, offers a three-step strategy to help businesses understand how to choose a sustainable supplier… Choosing a sustainable supplier that helps you meet your goals can be challenging, but the process should be energising, not daunting. Our three-step strategy…

Read More