EXPERT ADVICE

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
aftercare cuticle oil

Cuticle oil: what is its purpose & how often should it be applied?

By Lilly Delmage | 3 April 2025

‘Remember to oil your cuticles’ is a phrase we’ve all heard countless times. But what is cuticle oil and what are its benefits? We’ve rounded up everything you need to know… Cuticle oil is a moisturising product designed to improve the health and appearance of nails and the surrounding skin.…

Read More
Lilly web newsfeature lead 1200x800px 144

Master ‘nailfies’ as a nail tech with these expert photography tips

By Lilly Delmage | 2 April 2025

The ultimate guide to everything you need to know as a nail tech who wants to capture high-quality nail photos… First impressions matter. Blurry, dark or low-resolution photos can make it difficult for social media users to properly appreciate your nail creations, which could impact whether they decide to book…

Read More
Feb25 Low Res Cover Scratch For Web

Read the latest issue

Alex web news feature template 1200x800px (2)

The Massive Nail Tips of Moscow by Maltseva

By Alex Fox | 23 December 2020

Leading Russian nail artist, educator & international judge, Elena Maltseva, shares with Scratch her quirky nail art canvasses There are certain nail cultures that we can depend upon to come up with amazing, unique and bizarre ways to deliver exciting nail art ideas and on this occasion Russia has scooped…

Read More
Katie barnes great nail photos

5 steps to improve your nail photos

By Katie Barnes | 22 December 2020

Taking professional, clean looking nail photos is what can set you apart from your competitors and build your brand and portfolio. A great image will stop someone scrolling on social media and help them pay attention to your brand. The following aspects should all be considered when you are looking…

Read More
Alex web news feature template 1200x800px (2)

Power Up & Face Cyber Bullies

By Alex Fox | 22 December 2020

Marie Quigley & Jeanine Bailey address the issues surrounding cyber bullying, as social media platforms become home to a flow of negative comments & private messaging  Cyber bullying is taking place right across the globe. It’s not pleasant; it’s hostile and unkind, and can create so much emotional impact such…

Read More
Sophie dale

Why you should stop comparing your nail skills to others

By Guest Writer | 22 December 2020

Scratch magazine 2020 columnist, Sophie Dale of Nancy Loves Nails & Nancy Girl Apparel, shares why it’s time to stop comparing yourself to others… ‘Comparison is the thief of joy’. I constantly compare myself to others and it has really affected me. It’s poisonous, and no matter how experienced or whatever…

Read More
Canva nail gel polish 1200

Marian Newman BEM on… changes to nail product regulations for 2021

By Guest Writer | 16 December 2020

Marian Newman BEM, nail industry veteran and chair of The FNP, reveals the changes to cosmetic products that will be evident in 2021… Originally posted at www.the-fnp.com “We will be seeing a lot of changes in 2021 with regards to cosmetic products including nail products. This has some connection to…

Read More
Broken nail stock

How to deal with client complaints

By Kat Hill | 11 December 2020

Award-winning business owner & deputy chair & director of information at The Federation of Nail Professionals (The FNP), Sue Davies, shares her advice for dealing with client complaints… As professionals, we have a duty of care to our clients and they deserve the best service we can provide. When we have a service…

Read More