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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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Greenwashing

5 ways to avoid greenwashing as a small beauty business

By Guest Writer | 21 July 2023

UK Greetings details how small businesses can avoid greenwashing, a deceptive marketing technique where brands make misleading claims about their environmental practices… 1. Keep communication clear 77% of UK customers don’t understand what companies are claiming when they talk about sustainability. This can lead to confusion, such as customers believing…

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