How your beauty business can reduce its environmental impact
Victoria Brownlie MBE, chief policy & sustainability officer at the British Beauty Council, shares guidance to support eco efforts in the beauty sector… While most people are committed to working more sustainably, I have noticed a real disconnect between where world leaders, governments, NGOs and big business see challenges, compared…
I invited my salon team to create nails for Cannes Film Festival
The Nail & Beauty Lounge owner, Julie McCabe, takes us behind the scenes of her Cannes Film Festival experience, where she and her salon team delivered manicures and pedicures. The team at Poulton-le-Fylde-based salon, The Nail & Beauty Lounge, were called upon by owner, Julie McCabe, to provide the manicures and…
How to accommodate nail clients with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Nail techs share advice for catering to clients with multiple sclerosis (MS)… What is MS? On its website, the NHS states: “Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord. It’s a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be…
Social media nail expert: batch creating content is the best decision I’ve made
Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year finalist 2024 and 2025, Hannah Clayton, shares how batch creating content has changed her life… Social media is a job in itself. As a nail artist, mentor and content creator, I’ve often found myself scrambling in the morning to think of something…
Nail techs, here’s how to diversify your skills to reap rewards
Scratch columnist & beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, shares advice for taking your next career step… Do you want to change your role or take a leap in a new direction? Many beauty professionals have been asking me how they can diversify their careers. I teach people to leverage their…
Having a niche as a nail tech: is it important?
Whether your skills focus is natural nailcare, premium pedis or portrait painting, Scratch investigates the importance of identifying and capitalising on your expertise… What is a niche? ‘Niche’ is a business term used to describe a focused approach to offering goods and services, and tailoring them to a specific consumer…
Sustainability tips: 5 ways to be a water-wise beauty business
Green Salon Collective explains how you can value and protect water in your beauty business… The Collective was founded in 2020 by environmental experts, campaigners and beauty professionals, with an aim to help member salons in the UK and Ireland to responsibly dispose of their waste. Environmental legislation and policies…
Burnt out to booked up: how funding changed my life & can benefit your nail business
Sarah Abel, funded growth strategist & founder of TNB Skills Training, shares how funding helped her find success – and can do the same for you… Fifteen years ago, I was drowning in £50,000 of debt. I had maxed out credit cards, just left a job with a company car…
Beyond The Brush: The nail tech community built on relationships, support & honesty
Gel nail educator & artist, Gemma Siverns, speaks to Scratch about her online community, Beyond The Brush (BTB) – a supportive, educational space she created for nail professionals. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Gemma is a natural mentor. She began her journey in 2000, earning her…
5 ways to support deaf clients in the nail salon
It is estimated that one in three people in the UK have hearing loss, highlighting the importance of making your nail space as comfortable and inclusive as possible for deaf people. Here are some methods to make your business more accommodating to clients who are hard of hearing… 1. PPE…
Multiple ear piercing: the beauty trend for 2025 & how to offer in the salon
Piercing equipment and training provider, Studex, shares information about three multi piercing techniques… “With multiple ear piercings becoming one of the biggest beauty trends of 2025, Studex is offering guidance on new piercing techniques, exclusive to Studex Piercing Partners,” says a spokesperson for the brand. “Not only are multi piercings…
Artificial nails: 7 steps to reduce the risk of allergy
Caroline Rainsford, director of science at the Cosmetics, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA), shares practical ways to reduce allergy in the nail space… Acrylate monomers, which are the starting materials in liquid & powder (L&P) and UV/LED gel nail systems, can sometimes cause allergic reactions if they touch the skin.…
How to build your social media: 5 simple steps from a beauty business expert
Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year finalist for 2024 and 2025 & online columnist, Hannah Beth Clayton, shares her social media tips… Growing your social media doesn’t need to be hard, confusing or a full-time job. I talk to so many beauty pros who feel overwhelmed by the…
9 common nail & skin problems for runners & how to treat
Discover the common nail and skin woes of runners and how to tackle them… “Runners can be prone to a lot of foot problems,” explains nail educator & brand adviser, Rachel Gribble. “A build-up of hard skin, ingrown and bruised toenails are some of the most prevalent. A regular pedicure…
Nail techs, here’s the difference between irritant & allergic contact dermatitis
Award-winning salon owner, educator & industry consultant, Theresa Foddering, aka The Naildresser, explains the difference between irritations and allergies… In the nail world, we see a lot of terms to describe skin reactions: itching, redness, swelling, irritation, but the real question is: do we fully understand what’s causing these issues?…
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