Business & Education
How to adapt E-files & other tools for left-handed nail technicians
Anna Fechina is a nail professional, educator, author & researcher based in Florida. She specialises in left-handed nail techniques, and advocates for the development of more inclusive teaching methods within the nail industry. In this article, she explains how nail tools, including E-files, can be adapted to work for left-handed nail technicians… Tools are a…
Read MoreCurated for creativity: check out the nail subscription box worth getting your hands on
Do you love nail mail? Wait, that’s a silly question. Of course you love getting a delivery of nail products – but what if it also came with design inspiration, advice and education? Nail brand, The Curated Club, serves up a monthly subscription box for techs, featuring much more than a few colour samples. “Every…
Read MoreHow to nail your social media game: 18 tips from nail influencers
Want to boost your engagement and connect with more people on social media? Check out expert tips from online nail stars… “We all have unique life experiences, tastes and aesthetics, and we process beauty differently, so it’s important to post content that is unique and shows your style.” – San Sung Kim @sansungnails “Post at…
Read MoreCornwall salon owner’s collectible nail art tutorial cards spark creativity
Sometimes, family isn’t only a huge support when launching a business; it can also be the inspiration for it. This was the case for Cornwall-based home salon owner & business coach, Mollie Guifoyle, whose nine-year-old son gave her the idea for collectible nail tutorial cards. “My son inspired Mollie’s Nail Art Collectibles, as he was…
Read MoreThe challenges of being a left-handed nail tech & adaptations for educators
Anna Fechina is a nail professional, educator, author & researcher based in Florida. She specialises in left-handed nail techniques, and advocates for the development of more inclusive teaching methods within the nail industry. In this article, she reveals the issues faced by left-handed nail technicians in a sector largely designed around right-handed techniques… In professional…
Read MoreScotland nail pro offers Recalibration Sessions to help qualified nail techs strengthen skills
For most nail techs, training doesn’t stop once you’ve gained your first qualification. As trends, techniques and products develop, it’s important to embrace opportunities to upskill, re-educate and widen your skillset. Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year 2026, Dannika Majewski, is hoping her latest venture will help pros do just that… Based in…
Read MoreFeeling alone in your beauty business? Here’s why community matters for nail techs
Nail business mentor & Scratch online columnist, Hannah Clayton, discusses the importance of community – including tips for finding your people as a nail tech… There’s one question I ask a lot of the techs I mentor, and it often catches them off guard: Who do you actually talk to about work? I don’t mean…
Read MoreBeauty business expert shares 5 ways to fill your appointment diary
Stephanie Barnard is the founder of Beauty Business Marketing Co. and creator of The BKD Method, a marketing framework for independent beauty and aesthetic businesses. She shares five top tips for filling your diary when things slow down… When your diary goes quiet, it’s only natural to reach for the same fix every time: posting…
Read More4 E-file mistakes that can damage nails & how to avoid them
Nail experts share the common E-filing issues they’ve noticed, why they can be harmful and advice to ensure safe E-file services… 1. Choosing the wrong E-file bit “If you choose the incorrect E-file bit for the task you carrying out, the treatment time will take a lot longer and the bit will wear out more…
Read MoreThe Nail Art Academy achieves City & Guilds Assured status for Professional Nail Technician Master Course
One of the courses offered by nail education provider, The Nail Art Academy, has achieved City & Guilds Assured status. Scratch spoke to academy founder & Nailympia judge, Dinupa Jayasooriya, to find out more… Established in Sri Lanka in 2016, The Nail Art Academy introduced UK-based training in 2023. Since the academy’s launch, more than…
Read MoreWhy valuing your beauty business is key to success & loyal clients
Session nail stylist & salon owner, Marie-Louise Coster, shares what a haggling beauty client can teach about business success… I was on a professional forum recently and came across a post from a beauty therapist, who was complaining about the behaviour of a new client and seeking advice. She shared screenshots of the conversation between them, which…
Read MoreCat eye & velvet nails: what’s the difference & how are they created?
2026 has seen textured nails such as cat eye and velvet finishes dominating salon styles. But what is the difference between the two seemingly similar nail designs, and how can they be created? (Lead images courtesy of Instagram.com/glossytipped & Instagram.com/sterlingsets) Cat eye and velvet nails boast a lot of similarities, including products used and general…
Read MoreBeauty business mentor reveals the realities of underpricing & how to charge your worth
Nail business mentor & Scratch online columnist, Hannah Clayton, discusses the importance of charging your worth… This month, I want to talk about pricing. I know money can be an awkward subject to broach, but it’s an important one. If you’re fully booked and busy, but left wondering where your money has gone at the end…
Read MoreFrom salon owner to nail product founder: brand sees demand from 1,000+ businesses
Melissa Wright has experienced almost every facet of the nail industry. She’s worked as a mobile nail tech, educator and home-based pro, opened and run multiple salons and managed two training academies – arming her with the knowledge to help fellow nail technicians succeed in the sector. It was after noticing clients experiencing reactions to…
Read MoreIs your nail salon safe? Check it against these 5 points
A popular ITV morning show has received backlash from the nail community for suggesting that reputability and safety are based on the size of a nail salon. Whether a business is run by one nail tech or has a large team, safety is determined by five key areas, which we detail below… 1. Accredited qualifications…
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