L&P acrylic vs dip powder nails: what’s the difference?
The L&P acrylic and dip powder systems are both artificial nail offerings, and popular choices for a long-lasting, durable nail finish. However, they have distinct differences. Understanding the terminology and chemistry behind the products is essential for meeting your clients’ needs. Here’s what you need to know about each system……
Kent nail artist: How I navigate nail competitions with autism & ADHD
Jade Barber, founder of Nail & Beauty Excellence & Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year 2022, shares her experiences of neurodiversity in the nail arena… I began competing early in my nail career, as my educator entered me into a student category at a Professional Beauty nail competition. Without…
Nail piercings: the trending way to upgrade your manicure
Nail piercings are everywhere – offering a simple, pain-free solution to nail enthusiasts wanting to add some edge to their looks, without having to commit to a body piercing. The autumn/winter 2025 Fashion Weeks could be to thank for this rise in nail jewellery, with pierced nails seen on the…
Break the glass ceiling: how to attract premium beauty clients & grow your business
Beauty business mentor & award-winning entrepreneur, Stevey Powell, shares advice for if you’re experiencing the ‘glass ceiling’ effect… We start our beauty businesses with a passion for what we do and over time, build a loyal client base and keep our calendars booked. But for some of us, there comes…
Gel vs gel polish nails: What’s the difference?
The gel and gel polish nail systems have notable differences, and serve distinct purposes at the nail desk. Understanding their uses and benefits is essential, in order to choose the right product for each client’s nail goals. The science behind gel products In the book: Nail Therapist – A Professional…
Meet Corrine Jackson: the nail tech behind Molly-Mae Hague’s manicures
Nail tech & educator, Corrine Jackson, who has tended to the nails of influencer, Molly-Mae Hague, for over five years, shares her experiences of and advice for working with high-profile clients. Working with celebrity clients “I started doing Molly-Mae’s nails after the first lockdown, when my husband, who’s a builder,…
Self-employment help for nail techs: interior design, safety & more considerations
As a self-employed tech, you can take control over your nail environment: from interior design and décor to cleaning schedules and product inventories. Here’s everything you need to know about tailoring your business to you… Interior design If working solo from a home salon or rented space, your aesthetic allows…
Ingrown nails & greenies: how to manage them as a nail tech
Have clients presented you with conditions like ingrown nails or greenies, but you’ve felt unsure about whether you should continue their appointments? Read on to freshen up your initial training and note the natural nail conditions that require medical intervention. While nail professionals should refrain from making medical diagnoses, it’s…
Buying an E-file & bits? Nail techs: here’s what to consider
Nail experts share what to know before buying an E-file and bits… Choose the company carefully “Purchase from a reputable professional brand that also provides high-quality training for its E-file range, as undertaking this training is the best way to ensure the tools are being used correctly,” says Giorgia Cappella,…
No-shows & cancellations: how to prevent & handle them in your beauty business
Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, shares advice for client no-shows and cancellations… Every beauty business, at some point, has a client that doesn’t turn up for their appointment. You will have blocked out time and potentially turned other clients away, but are left with an empty appointment…
Nail & beauty apprenticeships: salons share benefits, their experiences & advice
In a February 2025 poll on Scratch’s Instagram, almost 80% of respondents shared that they’re considering taking on apprentices. Here, two UK salons share how they’ve reaped the rewards of the apprenticeship process… Nailspa, West Yorkshire “As a business owner, I believe that when it comes to employees, you cannot…
Nail techs: This is why thorough client consultations are so important
Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year finalist 2024, Tanya Jeskins, shares why thorough client consultations are the key to effective and safe nail services that keep clients returning. So, what exactly is a client consultation? Tanya explains: “It’s a professional conversation that takes place before every appointment, to…
3 must-have digital tools for beauty pros, according to a business & marketing expert
Beauty business and marketing mentor, Stephanie Barnard, aka Beauty Business Bestie, shares her digital tool recommendations… Whether you’re a solo worker or managing a team, staying organised can feel like a full-time job. Running a beauty business can get messy, and without systems in place, you might find yourself forgetting…
Shifting your mindset for success: 4 tips from a beauty business coach
Scratch columnist & beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, shares advice for transforming your mental outlook… When I ask beauty business owners what changed for them when they found new levels of success, they say their mindset – and the same is true for me. You may be working…
What is a nail habit-tic & can it be treated?
When a client sits at your nail desk and presents you with a nail like the below, you may wonder whether it is a contraindication that you should not treat. This is habit-tic deformity. Most commonly seen on the thumbnails, this nail condition is usually a result of onychotillomania: a…
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