Posts by Guest Writer
How to make your social media videos more watchable – a guide for nail artists
Nail content creator, Zoya Mac, shares what makes a social media video watchable, and how you can elevate your posts… Creating engaging video content is about more than producing aesthetically pleasing clips. You need to keep people watching. Picture this: your nail desk is set up, the nails are prepped and you’re ready to film…
Read MoreBlack Friday 2025 strategies for beauty salons: tips to engage clients
Sam Kendall, CEO at salon software company, SalonIQ, shares how beauty businesses can reap rewards this Black Friday… Black Friday has become a fixture in the calendars of shoppers across the globe, and it’s not just big business for retailers – the hair and beauty world is getting involved too. According to market intelligence specialist,…
Read MoreBeauty business guide: reflecting on 2025 & setting goals for 2026
Scratch columnist & beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, offers tips for success as we reach the end of the year… Don’t burn yourself out just because you’ve seen social media posts asking ‘what do you have to show for 2025?’. Although the intention to recognise your highlights from the past 12 months is good, it…
Read MoreFrom struggle to success: how a Brighton nail pro thrives with cystic fibrosis
Giorgia Cappella, head of education & spa at The GelBottle Inc (TGB), shares her experiences living and thriving with cystic fibrosis. What is cystic fibrosis? According to the NHS website, cystic fibrosis is ‘a rare, inherited genetic condition that causes breathing and digestive problems. There is currently no cure, but there are medicines and supportive…
Read MoreA social media brand collaboration guide for nail professionals
Nail content creator & Scratch columnist, Zoya Mac, shares social media advice… Social media is rife with individuals working with brands to promote products and services. From PR packages to reposts, it all looks very exciting – and for the right person, it can be. If your goal is to partner with a brand you…
Read More5 ways nail techs can prioritise their mental health when clients offload
Health psychologist, Dr Ravi Gill, explores how nail technicians can create a safe space for clients to offload, while prioritising their own mental health. Nail appointments offer an opportunity for a person to sit still for an hour without the distraction of their phones: an act of self-care and perhaps a therapy session. Nail technicians…
Read MoreHow to remove hard gel from nails without an E-file
Justyna Pryke, Scratch Stars Gel Tech of the Year 2015 & 2025, serves up a step-by-step guide to removing hard gel enhancements safely and effectively. Removing hard gel manually (without an E-file) can be done safely, but it requires patience and care to avoid damaging the natural nails. Here’s a step-by-step guide along with grit…
Read MoreWeak, brittle or ridged natural nails? An expert shares treatment tips
Nail industry veteran, Marian Newman BEM, shares top tips for caring for weak, brittle and ridged natural nails… Weak nails A client may have thin and weak nails as a natural characteristic or result of a systemic condition. Weak nails can also be due to external impacts, such as damage from poorly applied or maintained…
Read MoreNail ridges: an expert shares causes & how to treat
Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2019 & CND™ education ambassador, Helen Burton-Ward, explores ridges on natural nails… There are many types of nail ridges, which can occur naturally or be inflicted by mechanical or environmental factors. Understanding how to correctly manage and treat them will help to maintain the health of the nail…
Read MoreHow to beat feelings of overwhelm as a beauty business owner
Scratch columnist & beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, shares wellbeing advice… Hey beauty pros! At this point of the year, I wonder: have you had a ‘wobble’? I’m guilty of letting things get on top of me during the summer months because my children are home from school, the business gets busy and events are…
Read MoreNorwich nail tech: finding success with a rare neurological condition
I’m Jade Fox and I have Moebius syndrome: a rare neurological condition that is present from birth and affects facial muscles, speech, eye movement and mobility. I face daily challenges that most people never have to consider, and these obstacles have shaped nearly every part of my life. Unexpectedly, they also led me to something…
Read More6 feet poses to nail pedi photos
Footlogix & Artistic Nail Design brand ambassador for Sweet Squared, Lily Lou Moore, explains how to master her six go-to feet poses for pedi photos… 1. One foot in front of the other With the client stood, ask them to put one foot in front of the other. I try to put the camera as…
Read MoreHow to achieve a work-life balance as a beauty professional in summer
Scratch columnist & beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, shares advice for achieving a work-life balance this summer… Summer is upon us and I am so excited for the coming months. Seeing seasonal nail designs puts me in the best mood and makes me want to have fun in the sun. I used to…
Read MoreHow to elevate & promote pedicure services
Enhance your pedicure confidence and elevate your promotion of the service with top tips from footcare specialist, Denise Spragg, owner of The Sangha House. Feet, right? ‘Ugh, I hate my feet, and I couldn’t bear anyone touching them’ is something I hear so often as a pedicurist. In this article, I want to explain the benefits…
Read MoreAward-winning nail tech: How I’ve found success despite suffering with fibromyalgia
Kirsty Brown is the owner of Paintbrush Nails, Stirling, Scotland, which is the Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year 2024 & a finalist for 2025. Here, she shares about her experiences with fibromyalgia… Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue and cognitive difficulties. It can be unpredictable, with varying symptoms, and…
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