What are rings of fire on nails & how can they be avoided?
Red rings or semicircles that appear on the nail – often referred to as ‘rings of fire’ – can strike fear into the hearts of nail techs and clients alike, but what causes them and how can they be avoided? “Rings of fire appear as red rings on the nail…
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Christmas rush tips for nail techs: why pause matters
Nail business mentor, Hannah Clayton, shares why pause is a powerful tool during the festive season… It’s that time of year: I start to panic, like my life will come to a close in December and I have to get everything done! My inboxes are full, I have work to do, but…
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Christmas retail guide for nail salons: products & tips to boost sales
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – not only for tinsel, treats and Christmas cheer, but for ringing tills and sleigh-loads of salon sales. But, let’s be honest, festive retail isn’t all fun and games. If you are scratching your head over what to stock, we’ve got you…
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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…
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Do nails need to breathe?
One of the most common misconceptions in the nail world is the idea that nails need to ‘breathe’. To support understanding, let’s take a look at the science behind the topic… Whether you’re a regular at a salon or someone who enjoys using nail polish to do your own manis,…
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Pedicure 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…
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Black 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.…
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Beauty 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…
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From 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…
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How 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,…
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5 tips to make gel nails last longer
Check out our advice to make gel manicures and pedicures go the distance… 1. Listen to a nail professional This is arguably the most important tip of all. Think of nail techs as personal trainers for long-lasting manis, pedis and nail health, as they know what they are talking about!…
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How to handle client illness & cancellations in your nail business
Nail business mentor, Hannah Clayton, talks colds, coughs and cancellations… It’s that time of the year when clients get the sniffles and cancel their appointments, leaving your diary looking quiet and you panicking. It’s been happening left, right and centre for me this month! Coughs, colds, kids off school and that…
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How 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…
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A 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…
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5 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…
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