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

Nail tech mani

Thinking of recruiting an apprentice to your nail salon team?

By Kat Hill | 8 February 2022

Caroline Larissey, director of quality & standards at the NHBF, shares pointers to consider when taking on an apprentice in the salon… For many businesses, taking on an apprentice has understandably taken a back seat during the pandemic. However, taking on an apprentice may provide a much-needed boost for your…

Read More
Katie barnes nails spider

How to turn your nail tech technique flaws into strengths to earn more

By Katie Barnes | 8 February 2022

Whether it’s trying to paint a symmetrical heart or fitting nail forms, there is always a particular technique that every individual struggles with.  Recognising and accepting your weaknesses is the first step. Breaking down each step into individual stages can help achieve success with these struggles. For example, when trying…

Read More
busy schedule canva

Struggling to juggle all your roles in the salon? Here’s some advice…

By Guest Writer | 19 January 2022

Maddie Regan of 81 Rose Garden shares advice on how to effectively manage a busy salon… Working in a busy salon can be challenging at times. There are many roles to juggle and many things that need your attention but you must keep on top of customer service. Without clients, there…

Read More
insta

Instagram analytics: what you need to know

By Scratch Staff | 30 December 2021

You’ve got your posting strategy down, your content is getting hits and your following is gaining momentum. But, how do you keep it up and stay on top of the interests of those following and engaging with your account? The next step in any social media marketing strategy is to…

Read More
Salon retail

9 tips for successful salon retailing

By Kat Hill | 26 December 2021

Esteemed salon & spa business consultant, Susan Routledge, serves up advice on how & why you should make the most of retail opportunities… 1 Why is it so important for a nail business to offer retail products? Retailing is such an integral and important part of any nail business. It is…

Read More
Katie barnes nail art

What to charge for your nail art services

By Katie Barnes | 7 December 2021

As well as experimenting with your creative skills, adding nail art to your services is an opportunity to increase your revenue – so make sure you are charging correctly for it. A question I come across at least once a day, is how much should I be charging for my…

Read More