EXPERT ADVICE

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
Salon card machine

3 steps to increase your beauty treatment prices without guilt

By Guest Writer | 12 April 2025

Beauty business mentor, Stevey Powell, shares how she teaches pros to confidently increase their service prices in three steps… The thought of raising your prices can feel overwhelming and downright scary. You can feel guilty and worried about losing clients. But here’s the secret: it’s all about how you frame…

Read More
Katie barnes chrome guide

Chrome pigments: a nail expert shares a troubleshooting guide

By Katie Barnes | 6 April 2025

Educator & award-winning nail pro, Katie Clark, offers advice for dealing with issues that can arise when using chrome pigments… The chrome nail trend is ever-popular, but are you applying chrome products correctly? Each brand may have slightly different instructions, so always follow these and get in touch with the…

Read More
Feb25 Low Res Cover Scratch For Web

Read the latest issue

Lilly Web Newsfeature Lead 1200x800px 3

Self-employment help for nail techs: interior design, safety & more considerations

By Lilly Delmage | 2 March 2025

As a self-employed tech, you can take control over your nail environment: from interior design and décor to cleaning schedules and product inventories. Here’s everything you need to know about tailoring your business to you… Interior design If working solo from a home salon or rented space, your aesthetic allows…

Read More
Social Media Tips

How to nail your social media game: 10+ tips from internet nail stars

By Rebecca Hitchon | 26 February 2025

Want to boost your engagement and connect with more social media followers? Check out expert tips from social media nail stars… “We all have unique life experiences, tastes and aesthetics, and we process beauty differently, so it’s important to post content that is unique and shows your style.” – San…

Read More
Lilly Web Newsfeature Lead 1200x800px 100

Ingrown nails & greenies: how to manage them as a nail tech

By Lilly Delmage | 23 February 2025

Have clients presented you with conditions like ingrown nails or greenies, but you’ve felt unsure about whether you should continue their appointments? Read on to freshen up your initial training and note the natural nail conditions that require medical intervention. While nail professionals should refrain from making medical diagnoses, it’s…

Read More
Gelish E File Image

Buying an E-file & bits? Nail techs: here’s what to consider

By Rebecca Hitchon | 21 February 2025

Nail experts share what to know before buying an E-file and bits… Choose the company carefully “Purchase from a reputable professional brand that also provides high-quality training for its E-file range, as undertaking this training is the best way to ensure the tools are being used correctly,” says Giorgia Cappella,…

Read More
Empty Nail Salon

No-shows & cancellations: how to prevent & handle them in your beauty business

By Marie-Louise Coster | 20 February 2025

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, shares advice for client no-shows and cancellations… Every beauty business, at some point, has a client that doesn’t turn up for their appointment. You will have blocked out time and potentially turned other clients away, but are left with an empty appointment…

Read More
Nail Biting Picking

How to stop nail biting & picking: experts share treatment plans to break the habit

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 February 2025

Finalists in the Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year category 2024 share tips for nail biting and picking clients… Why do people bite and pick at their nails and skin? “Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, and skin picking and biting, named perionychophagia, are habits associated with stress,…

Read More