Posts by Rebecca Hitchon
Submit your tropical nail art for the chance to WIN a £350+ Gelish prize
The June Scratch Snap competition is open! Scratch Snap is a monthly, online nail art challenge that invites nail pros to create a salon-style nail design in line with a theme. Simply snap a pic of the design on yourself, nail tips or a client – and you could be in with a chance of…
Read MoreTimely salon software unveils nail artist, Jessica White, as brand ambassador
Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year finalist 2025, Jessica White, has been announced as Timely UK brand ambassador. Having used the business management software throughout her nail career, Jessica’s role will see her work to inspire and educate beauty business owners, via practical advice, behind-the-scenes and educational content, and events. Jessica started in…
Read MoreSweet Squared acquires salon hygiene & disinfection brand, Mundo Professional
Leeds-based nail, beauty and hair distributor, Sweet Squared, has acquired Mundo Professional. The brand offers a variety of salon-grade hygiene solutions to ensure health & safety in the beauty space, from Sanitizing Skin Wipes to tool disinfectant. “We are both proud and privileged to become the new custodians of the Mundo Professional brand,” comments Samuel…
Read MoreGlitterbels expands product portfolio & reach with nail polish line
Staffordshire-based nail brand, Glitterbels, has launched a nail varnish range, comprising 10 polishes, a base coat and top coat. The nail varnish shades are designed to match best-selling hues from Glitterbels’ professional colour ranges, from soft pastels and nudes to bold red. The formula is quick dry, offers up to 10 days’ wear and boasts…
Read MoreAward-winning Dorset beauty salon on the challenges & benefits of renovating period properties
Recently relocating to the town of Beaminster, The Painted Nail is a salon and academy comprising two period properties. “I felt it was time to relocate the business, as we had outgrown our previous space,” says owner, Toni Rodway. “After searching for a new property for months, I fell in love with a grade 2…
Read MoreTechs paint fairytale nail art for Scratch Snap comp: winner announced
The winner of Scratch’s monthly salon-style nail art contest for May has been announced as Brigitta Fajt. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs inspired by theme, Fairytale Figures, in the bid to win a prize from MSK Nails. Entries were judged by Megan Heppinstall, owner of MSK Nails & Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year finalist…
Read MoreHow to accommodate nail clients with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Nail techs share advice for catering to clients with multiple sclerosis (MS)… What is MS? On its website, the NHS states: “Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord. It’s a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild. Depending on the type…
Read MoreOPI announces updates to its UK brand team
Global nail brand, OPI, has unveiled the three members of its restructured UK brand team. Jess Gregory has been appointed OPI’s associate brand director. In this role, she oversees and leads OPI’s brand strategy, and ensures an exciting product innovation roadmap for UK customers and businesses. She is also responsible for brand campaigns across all…
Read MoreImportant June dates for your nail & beauty business
Get your business prepared for the month of June, with our roundup of dates to note… 1st-30th: Pride Month An event dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ voices, contributions and the progression of rights, Pride is also an opportunity to call for greater equality and acceptance. It’s an apt time to show your business’ support for the…
Read MoreUK beauty industry & MPs announce initiatives to improve UV safety
With new UK melanoma skin cancer cases projected to rise to around 26,500 each year by 2038, the beauty industry is uniting to spearhead positive change. The British Beauty Council (BBCo) has coordinated the UV Safety Initiative to increase knowledge of suncare, SPF and the risks of UV radiation. It is supported by companies including…
Read MoreDevon nail tech & mental health first aider on how to prioritise wellness in the salon
“While holding clients’ hands – quite literally for hours at a time, they can open up, allowing you to celebrate the ups in their lives, but also the downs,” says Emily Harris, owner of North Devon business, Vanity Nails & Tanning. The passionate pro is a qualified mental health first aider with MHFA England, using…
Read MoreSurvey highlights resilience of UK hair & beauty businesses
The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has unveiled its April State of the Industry survey results, which show that businesses are adapting to rising financial and recruitment challenges. The majority of surveyed businesses (68%) remain hopeful about their long-term survival. Gathering responses from over 430 UK businesses, the research found that 40% of hair…
Read MoreHair & beauty pros, determine employment status for tax with this HMRC guidance
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published guidance to help UK hair and beauty professionals determine their employment status for tax purposes. Designed to particularly support workers renting a chair or space within a salon, the guidance compiles easy-to-follow information about common hair and beauty working practices and how they relate to employment status. This…
Read MoreThe dos & don’ts of speaking to a salon employee with mental health considerations
As a business owner, do you know how to speak to an employee who is struggling with their mental health, giving them the support they need? We’ve sourced expert advice to ensure you use mindful language when talking to staff. “When speaking with a colleague with mental health issues, you need to let them…
Read MoreNails inspired by spring trends: see 94 entries & winner of nail art comp
The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art contest for April is Katarzyna Korzeniak of @katessimplynails. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs inspired by theme, Your Favourite Spring Trends, in the bid to win a prize from Andreia Professional. Entries were judged by Sara Pinto, Andreia Professional product director, and Scratch deputy editor, Rebecca Hitchon. The winner, Katarzyna…
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