EXPERT ADVICE

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
Feb25 Low Res Cover Scratch For Web

Read the latest issue

Pure Nails Acrylic 1200

How-to: L&P acrylic with Halo

By Guest Writer | 19 February 2021

Tina Bell, head of education for Pure Nails & owner of Totally Polished Academy, shares how to create an L&P nail using Halo’s L&P acrylic system… L&P acrylic enhancements maintain their popularity with clients due to the length L&P can achieve, its strength and its durability. However, without the correct training and guidance,…

Read More
The Massage Company Charlie Thompson Sme National Business Awards

The Massage Company founder scoops award for Lockdown Leadership

By Scratch Staff | 19 February 2021

Charlie Thompson, founder & managing director of the nationwide network of franchise massage studios, The Massage Company (TMC), during 2020, has been awarded the Lockdown Leader accolade for the support and guidance he provided to his team, franchisees and customers during the pandemic. The SME National Business Awards recognised that…

Read More
Social Media Detox Lead

Do you need a social media detox?

By Kat Hill | 18 February 2021

The pressures of social media can impact our wellbeing – some times more than we even realise. So, is it time to disconnect? Amy Martin, owner of AMB STUDIO & Georgie Smedley Group brand ambassador, based in the Scottish Borders, shares her thoughts… ‘Having goals & ambition is great –…

Read More
Nail Brushes

How to prepare new nail brushes for use

By Katie Barnes | 16 February 2021

You may notice that when you purchase a new brush for nail services, the bristles are stiff and contain a white residue. This residue is Arabic gum, a starch film. All manufacturers make brushes with this gum to protect and keep your brush in shape in transit and before use.…

Read More
Ctpa Banner

Artificial Nails: How to Reduce the Risk of Allergy?

By Alex Fox | 15 February 2021

Take note as The Cosmetics, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA) shares practical ways to reduce allergy impacts in the nail space by Caroline Rainsford, head of scientific & environmental services at the CTPA  We know that acrylate monomers, which are the starting materials in liquid & powder (L&P) and UV/LED…

Read More
Metta Francis Canva

5 ways to use Canva to support your beauty business marketing

By Metta Francis | 11 February 2021

Award-winning nail professional, Metta Francis, shares her top tips for graphic creation tool, Canva… I’m a big fan of Canva as it allows you to create free (or very low cost) professional-looking branded graphics for social media and printed marketing assets, such as business cards, price lists and even logos.…

Read More