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

Teaching manicure nails

Why you shouldn’t teach without a teaching qualification

By Katie Barnes | 15 June 2021

Teaching without a qualification to do so is unfortunately something we come across in the nail industry and it causes a lot of debate. Teaching without a proper qualification is no different to performing nail services without a qualification – we will always come across it and the lack of…

Read More
Efile nail drill

E-files: Myth vs fact

By Scratch Staff | 10 June 2021

Awarding winning tech & educator, Paulina Zdrada of The Nail Lab, tackles common questions about e-files. E-files are one of the more versatile tools at your disposal in the sense that they can be used in a variety of ways for a range of reasons. Whether it be for prep…

Read More
Tortie feature

How to perfect tortoiseshell nail art using The GelBottle Inc

By Guest Writer | 10 June 2021

The GelBottle Inc’s resident nail technician, Helena Marimon, shares how to create tortoiseshell nail art… I advise using a layering method, first coined by TGB brand ambassador, Amy Rickaby. Start your design off with strong nail prep, ensuring cuticles are removed from the nail to enable perfect polish application. Apply…

Read More
E file stock image katie barnes

Are e-file manicure techniques safe?

By Katie Barnes | 1 June 2021

As nail technicians, there is already a lot of strain and stress put on our hands, wrists and shoulders. It is important that we make the necessary changes and follow safe working techniques to look after our hands while offering our clients the very best service. We all know that…

Read More
Faith tiktok

How to create a TikTok for your nail designs

By Chloe Randall | 31 May 2021

Faith James of @faithjamesnails on TikTok, which boasts over 50,000 followers, shares how to create a TikTok for your nail designs… Step 1- Press the ‘+’ button at the bottom of the screen to get started. Step 2- Select the ‘60’ at the bottom of the screen if you would…

Read More
Profit loss ria jaine

How to keep your business finances on track

By Guest Writer | 27 May 2021

Ria-Jaine Lincoln aka The Beauty Accountant, shares top tips for keeping on top of your beauty business finances… It has been so great to see the industry get excited and ready to re-open and now is the perfect time, at the start of the financial year and in a fresh…

Read More