Posts by Scratch Staff
Cosmetics industry body awarded for commitment to consumer protection
The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) won the Business Hero Award at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Hero Awards, held on 2 December in the House of Lords. The award recognises businesses, individuals and initiatives that show a strong commitment to consumer protection, and go beyond statutory requirements to ensure products are safe…
Read MoreGreat British Beauty Clean Up 2026 drives shift towards reusable product packaging
March will see the return of The Great British Beauty Clean Up (GBBCU): a nationwide collaboration between retailers, brands and professionals created by the British Beauty Council’s Sustainable Beauty Coalition, with the aim of reducing waste. Around 120 billion units of packaging are produced each year, and The GBBU is encouraging the beauty industry to…
Read MoreAutumn Budget 2025: 8 measures that will impact nail & beauty pros
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, presented the Autumn Budget to parliament today (26 November), promising measures for a ‘fairer, stronger, more secure Britain’. It followed Budget analysis by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) being published prior to the Chancellor’s announcement in error. Here is a summary of measures worth noting for employees and…
Read More22 stunning nail designs inspired by Wicked
With the release of Wicked: For Good on 21 November: the second part of one of the most highly anticipated film series of the last few years, Scratch has conjured up a gallery of magical mani masterpieces inspired by the movies and musical. Take a look at these hexquisite hands and click here for a…
Read MoreSweet Squared adds SPARITUAL® nail & body self-care brand to distribution portfolio
Award-winning product and training provider, Sweet Squared, has taken on exclusive distributor rights of the SPARITUAL® brand in the UK and Ireland. Founded by Shel Pink, author of Slow Beauty: Rituals and Recipes to Nourish the Body and Feed the Soul, SPARITUAL® encourages users to slow down, reconnect and create intentional rituals that restore balance…
Read MorePedicure tips: how nail techs can safely support clients with diabetes
According to charity, Diabetes UK, approximately 6% of the UK population suffers from diabetes. Learning about the condition and how to accommodate it is key to making diabetic clients feel safe and able to enjoy their nail appointments. Here, we explore how the condition can affect clients and what you need to consider as a nail…
Read MoreNail tech communities: 4 online groups for networking & growth
Are you seeking support from fellow nail techs? Do you want easy access to creative and business inspiration? Do you have questions but don’t know who to ask? The answer might lie in joining a nail networking group. Here’s four to explore… The Nail Tech Org The Nail Tech Org is ‘home to nail techs…
Read MoreHow menopause affects nails & ways to manage symptoms
Lead imagery courtesy of Lucy Price-Marshall, showing the impacts of menopause on nails. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 44 and 55, and involves a change in hormone levels – which affects various aspects of a woman’s health. But how does it affect natural nails? Science notes “During menopause, the ovaries gradually stop releasing…
Read MoreDiwali: Get inspired by nail art designs for the Festival of Lights
This year, five-day festival, Diwali, sees its main celebration fall on October 20. The Festival of Lights is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists, and is about new beginnings and the triumph of good and light over evil and dark. Different people celebrate the festival differently, but common traditions include decorating homes, setting…
Read MoreHow to create a supportive nail space for employees & clients with ADHD
ADHD is estimated to affect 3 to 4% of adults and is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in the UK. For people with ADHD, everyday tasks can be challenging and overwhelming. Scratch talks to a tech and client about how it affects them in the nail space, and how employers and salons can…
Read More3D Halloween nail art: Prepare to scare with these 13 designs
Spooky season is officially upon us, and with the 3D nail trend booming, why not combine both in nail looks? Get inspired by our roundup of 3D Halloween manicures below – the perfect way to elevate fancy dress costumes and bring spooky styling to life!
Read MoreNailympia San Antonio 2025: THE RESULTS
The third Nailympia San Antonio took place 28 & 29 September 2025 at Premiere San Antonio, Texas, with 58 competitors, eight countries represented and 86 turn-in entries. It featured an esteemed panel of 22 international judges – with Alisha Rimando as head judge, and saw a Nailympia first: the same winner for Winner of Winners…
Read MoreGel polish: No, it’s not bad for you – as long as these 3 rules are followed
Google Trends has noted that a breakout number of people are searching ‘are gel nails bad for me.’ Here’s how to alleviate anxiety: Learn the facts about TPO The growing concern surrounding gel manicures has largely come from the 1 September 2025 ban of an ingredient found in gel nail products used and distributed in…
Read MoreWorking together: The mothers & children building businesses in the nail industry
The nail sector is often described as ‘one big family’, but for many nail brand owners, techs and educators, this is a reality. Scratch has spoken to mother-child duos and trios on how they work together within nail and beauty businesses to build success… Belinda Price and daughters, Lucy Price and Jessica Price Belinda Price…
Read MoreMaster ‘nailfies’ as a nail tech with these expert photography tips
Check out this guide for nail pros who want to capture high-quality nail photos. First impressions matter. Blurry, dark or low-resolution photos can make it difficult for people to properly appreciate your nail creations, which could impact whether they decide to book an appointment. So, it’s crucial that your marketing materials feature clear, well-photographed content.…
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