Cost of living

Struggling with the cost of living? Check out these 5 tips for beauty businesses

By Guest Writer | 27 September 2023

Financial expert at Money.co.uk Business Insurance, Cam Jaques, provides advice on how beauty business owners impacted by the cost of living crisis can save money… 1. Be creative with marketing You can advertise your business and spread awareness for next to nothing. Word of mouth is still a great way…

Read More
Clare woodcock retail

7 retail tips for mobile nail techs

By Guest Writer | 25 September 2023

Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2022 & 2023, Clare Woodcock of The Nail Club, shares her seven top tips for retailing as a nail pro on the move… As mobile techs, we bring the convenience of professional nail treatments directly to clients’ doorsteps. However, providing an excellent service…

Read More
Sustainable suppliers

3 steps to choose a sustainable supplier for your beauty business

By Guest Writer | 13 September 2023

Charlotte Scallon, head of sustainability & regulation at waste management company, Biffa, offers a three-step strategy to help businesses understand how to choose a sustainable supplier… Choosing a sustainable supplier that helps you meet your goals can be challenging, but the process should be energising, not daunting. Our three-step strategy…

Read More
Nail tools general pic

Here’s why you shouldn’t let your nail & beauty tools air dry after cleaning

By Katie Barnes | 11 September 2023

Most nail tools and e-file bits are made from steel and iron. Rust occurs on nail tools, E-file bits, and other metal items when water (or moisture including humidity) and oxygen come into contact with iron or steel for a certain amount of time. This is a naturally occurring chemical…

Read More
Chloe web newsfeature template 1200x800px 2023 09 05t161312.324

How nail & beauty pros can use Pinterest to boost their business

By Chloe Randall | 5 September 2023

According to social media management site, Combin, 76% of Pinterest users are women, with females aged 25 to 34 dominating the platform. The Scratch Nail Industry Survey 2022 revealed that this age range makes up the majority of nail clients, so embrace your target audience by understanding the social media…

Read More
Website

Nail techs, here’s why you need a business website

By Marie-Louise Coster | 27 August 2023

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, begins her monthly column for Scratch by sharing the benefits of having a business website – and why social media is not an alternative… A website can be an expensive resource, and once built it requires work. So why do you…

Read More
Manager

4 ways to nail being a first-time manager

By Rebecca Hitchon | 24 August 2023

Experiential learning company, Impact International, shares a guide to being a first-time manager… Managing a team can be an exciting experience but it can also pose challenges, particularly for first-time managers and those transitioning from a team member to a leader. Statistically, managers promoted from within are more likely to…

Read More
Self assessment

HMRC: It’s time to check your Self Assessment registration status

By Guest Writer | 21 August 2023

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) answers common questions to help you understand whether you may need to register or deregister for Self Assessment this tax year, and why this matters… Time is running out for you to check if you need to submit a Self Assessment tax return for the…

Read More
Fashion week

Want your nail work on the runway? Here’s how to boss backstage at Fashion Week

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 August 2023

Get your spring/summer 2024 mindset ready, as September marks the return of Fashion Weeks across the globe. If you’re striving to get involved in the session nail sphere, highly regarded regulars at Fashion Week share everything you need to know… How to get hired At Fashion Week, you’re not likely…

Read More
Liz mckeon salon empowrement

Why it’s important to empower your beauty salon staff & how to do it

By Guest Writer | 13 August 2023

Beauty business expert & founder of the International Salon Business School, Liz McKeon, discusses staff empowerment and its importance for business success. Empowerment is the degree of autonomy and self-determination in people, communities and business. This enables them to represent their interests in a responsible and self-determined way, acting on…

Read More
Shoot out lead

How to organise a nail photoshoot in 10 steps

By Chloe Randall | 8 August 2023

Entering Scratch’s annual photographic nail competition – The Great Scratch Shoot Out? Here we reveal ten top tips for a smooth shoot day and beyond… Choose your concept Unleash your creativity and showcase your originality, style and imagination with your concept. One the most important factors of your shoot, your theme…

Read More
Scoresheets ssas19

Insight: Understanding scoresheets from nail & beauty competitions

By Katie Barnes | 31 July 2023

To not be a finalist or winner in a nail competition or awards can leave you wondering what you did wrong and make you question your skills. As a competitor and judge, I would like to share my experiences… Recognition aside, simply applying for a nail award or being shortlisted…

Read More
Chloe web newsfeature template 1200x800px

What the government’s policy change means for the cosmetics animal testing ban

By Guest Writer | 31 July 2023

The Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA) explores what the government’s policy change means for the cosmetics animal testing ban… You may have seen media reports in May that suggested that animal testing of cosmetic ingredients could restart, following the result of a UK High Court ruling.  Shortly afterwards, the…

Read More
Mariola kożuszek natural nailcare header

15 common nail conditions & how to deal with them

By Callie Iley | 30 July 2023

Do you know what to do when you’re faced with a natural nail concern? Scratch shares expert advice and product recommendations for 15 common nail issues… Addressing the issue The natural nail is the foundation of any great nail enhancement, so knowing how to approach common issues if and when…

Read More
Greenwashing

5 ways to avoid greenwashing as a small beauty business

By Guest Writer | 21 July 2023

UK Greetings details how small businesses can avoid greenwashing, a deceptive marketing technique where brands make misleading claims about their environmental practices… 1. Keep communication clear 77% of UK customers don’t understand what companies are claiming when they talk about sustainability. This can lead to confusion, such as customers believing…

Read More