Becca web newsfeature lead 1200x800px

How to avoid bridal nail disasters

By Rebecca Hitchon | 6 April 2022

Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful times for a bride, so ensure their nails aren’t an area of worry by putting in place plans to prevent nail mishaps. “There is a lot that could potentially go wrong at a wedding, so you need to explain to…

Read More
Gel polish removal

Here’s what to do if your client wants to remove gel polish at home

By Katie Barnes | 5 April 2022

Any damage to the natural nail is usually the result of improper application or removal, overly aggressive filing, or client abuse such as picking or biting. When both L&P and gel enhancements and coverings are applied, maintained, and removed correctly, no damage should occur. Since the beginning of the pandemic,…

Read More
Stress mental health breathe

How to tackle stressful work situations as a nail tech

By Guest Writer | 5 April 2022

Session nailist, Stephanie Staunton, reveals how to overcome and tackle challenges that face a number of nail pros… We all know that life gets tough sometimes and problems can seem rife, so I want to share some of the most stressful situations I encounter as a session tech – and…

Read More
Katie barnes scratch stars 2

Scratch Stars Awards: Am I good enough?

By Katie Barnes | 22 March 2022

So many techs think they aren’t good enough or ready to compete in industry competitions, such as the Scratch Stars Awards. I have news for you – no one is ever 100% ready. If you wait until you are ready, you’ll never achieve your goals. Having low confidence isn’t necessary…

Read More
Emma web featured image 1200x800px 2022 03 17t144412.510

5 ways to turn bridal clients into nail & beauty regulars

By Guest Writer | 17 March 2022

Beauty business expert and founder of Beauty Boss HQ, Layla Tourh, serves up advice for how you can turn bridal clients into regular clients…  If there’s one industry we can count on to be very busy this year, it would be the wedding industry! Many brides have been waiting a…

Read More
Chloe web newsfeature template 1200x800px (1)

How to support neurodivergent clients in the nail space

By Chloe Randall | 17 March 2022

One in seven people in the UK (more than 15% of the UK population) are neurodivergent, meaning that the brain functions, learns and processes information differently. Neurodiversity includes conditions such as ADHD, autism, epilepsy and mental health illnesses. Scratch explores how to accommodate neurodivergent clients to ensure they enjoy their…

Read More
Emma web featured image 1200x800px 2022 02 22t152954.122

8 reasons why you get dry skin on your feet

By Guest Writer | 10 March 2022

To best avoid rough, dry, tight or cracked heels, Bryony Cocksedge, head of education at Louella Belle, explains the major causes and solutions… Lifestyle and genetics Lifestyle and genetics are both factors that have a major say in your skin’s characteristics and conditions. For many, when they think of summer…

Read More
Emma web featured image 1200x800px 2022 02 22t160932.684

Revealed: 5 steps to make your pedicure go the distance

By Guest Writer | 9 March 2022

Keep dry, hard skin on feet at bay post-pedicure with a helping hand from Bryony Cocksedge, head of education at Louella Belle… 1. Start with a bowl of warm water and add a capful of Footlogix Foot Soak which is a pH balanced, gentle, cleansing foot soak with anti-microbial properties.…

Read More
Manicure man male nail desk

How to attract more men into the salon space

By Guest Writer | 22 February 2022

Do you struggle to target a male client base? Are you offering enough treatments for male need in the beauty space? Here, Patrick Barry, GM of Small Business at salon software company, Zenoti, shares his views & how you can market your wellness service towards men… Why might men be…

Read More
Closed sign

Should nail & beauty salons close on Saturdays?

By Guest Writer | 18 February 2022

Layla Tourh, founder of The Beauty Boss Academy & The Creative Beauty Group, shares her thoughts on salons closing their doors at peak times… Should salons close on Saturdays? This question must seem like the obvious answer is ‘no’, but is it really? In the salon world, it is pretty…

Read More
Emma web featured image 1200x800px 2022 02 09t152128.940

Salon System educator discusses the vital role of education in the nail space

By Emma Hobday | 10 February 2022

Lisa Stone, Salon System educator, chats to Scratch about her favourite Salon System courses to teach, how much you should spend on a quality course, and what she thinks is the must-have course for 2022… How long have you been an educator for Salon System and Training Solutions? I have…

Read More
nail tech ppe

How to grow your nail business with apprentices

By Scratch Staff | 10 February 2022

Multi award-winning salon owner, Liza Smith, reveals why you should consider hiring an apprentice… Do you often find yourself working long hours and turning away clients because your appointment book is full? One way to reduce this stress is to increase your treatment prices considerably. This may cause you to…

Read More
Nail tech mani

Thinking of recruiting an apprentice to your nail salon team?

By Kat Hill | 8 February 2022

Caroline Larissey, director of quality & standards at the NHBF, shares pointers to consider when taking on an apprentice in the salon… For many businesses, taking on an apprentice has understandably taken a back seat during the pandemic. However, taking on an apprentice may provide a much-needed boost for your…

Read More
Katie barnes nails spider

How to turn your nail tech technique flaws into strengths to earn more

By Katie Barnes | 8 February 2022

Whether it’s trying to paint a symmetrical heart or fitting nail forms, there is always a particular technique that every individual struggles with.  Recognising and accepting your weaknesses is the first step. Breaking down each step into individual stages can help achieve success with these struggles. For example, when trying…

Read More
busy schedule canva

Struggling to juggle all your roles in the salon? Here’s some advice…

By Guest Writer | 19 January 2022

Maddie Regan of 81 Rose Garden shares advice on how to effectively manage a busy salon… Working in a busy salon can be challenging at times. There are many roles to juggle and many things that need your attention but you must keep on top of customer service. Without clients, there…

Read More