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

Education nail training stock hannah garbett

The big mistake nail students make on a training course

By Scratch Staff | 11 February 2020

Are you about to take the leap into the nail industry, or are you signing up to learn a new service? Hannah Garbett, educator at Staffordshire Nail Academy and distributor of Astonishing Nails products, warns of the key mistake students make on their journey… Signing up for your first nail…

Read More
Olympus digital camera

Ensure optimum hygiene in the salon with these tips

By Scratch Staff | 5 February 2020

Jenn Linton and Jaye Macdonald, co-directors of Aberdeen-based salon Linton & Mac, share their tips for ensuring a spick and span salon for clients and a safe place to work for you… “Maintaining a safe, secure and hygienic salon is super important, not only for your staff, but for any visitors or clients, too.…

Read More
Katie barnes online education advice

Face-to-face vs. online nail education

By Katie Barnes | 4 February 2020

In the last decade, online learning in the nail industry has become increasingly popular. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of both learning methods. It doesn’t have to be online learning vs face to face learning; a case of one or the other. Instead, these can work hand in hand…

Read More
Kara kotsonis nail squad

How to develop your own creative ideas & make your business stand out

By Scratch Staff | 3 February 2020

Kara Kotsonis, Squad Leader at NailSquad Nail Bar in Deal, Kent, shares her valuable business advice… It can’t possibly get any better than Scratch’s managing editor, Helena Biggs, saying she’d noticed our salon’s Instagram page and asking to pop down for a visit. OMG! It really was the stuff of…

Read More
Katie barnes scratch stars 2

How to write a winning competition entry

By Katie Barnes | 1 February 2020

With the Scratch Stars Awards 2020 open for entry from 1-28 February, multi-winner, Katie Barnes, reveals her tips for a winning entry… Preparation is one of the key elements to success. Are you looking at entering the Scratch Star Awards this year? In this blog, I share my top tips…

Read More
Nails

How to correctly store gel nail products

By Kat Hill | 1 February 2020

To keep your kit working at an optimum level, it is vital your gel-based products are stored correctly. Read on to refresh your knowledge… “The manufacturer’s advice and guidance should be adhered to,” explains Tina Bell of Pure Nails. “Follow its advice looking after your products as this will ensure…

Read More