Health
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 how employers and salons can…
Read MoreHow to remove gel polish safely without damaging nails
Gel polish overlays should not cause any damage to nails. As award-winning nail artist, Katie Clark (née Barnes), has previously written for Scratch, natural nail damage can occur as a result of ‘improper application or removal, overly aggressive filing or client abuse such as picking or biting’. If done without care, caution and the proper…
Read MoreWeak, brittle or ridged natural nails? An expert shares treatment tips
Nail industry veteran, Marian Newman BEM, shares top tips for caring for weak, brittle and ridged natural nails… Weak nails A client may have thin and weak nails as a natural characteristic or result of a systemic condition. Weak nails can also be due to external impacts, such as damage from poorly applied or maintained…
Read MoreIs it nail mould? Nail expert explores greenies
Award-winning nail stylist & educator, Katie Barnes, gets to grips with greenies… Lead image courtesy of Instagram.com/nailsavvyy, showing a new client’s nails presenting greenies. A problem that I have come across far too often in the industry is ‘mould’ on client’s nails – more commonly known as ‘greenies’. But what is this? Is it mould?…
Read MoreHow to beat feelings of overwhelm as a beauty business owner
Scratch columnist & beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, shares wellbeing advice… Hey beauty pros! At this point of the year, I wonder: have you had a ‘wobble’? I’m guilty of letting things get on top of me during the summer months because my children are home from school, the business gets busy and events are…
Read MoreNorwich nail tech: finding success with a rare neurological condition
I’m Jade Fox and I have Moebius syndrome: a rare neurological condition that is present from birth and affects facial muscles, speech, eye movement and mobility. I face daily challenges that most people never have to consider, and these obstacles have shaped nearly every part of my life. Unexpectedly, they also led me to something…
Read MoreWhat is the nail matrix?
If you’ve ever heard the term ‘nail matrix’ and pictured Keanu Reeves in black sunglasses and a trench coat, it may be time to brush up your knowledge of this important part of the nail… Have you played on a coin pusher at an arcade? The game where a platform filled with coins pushes them…
Read MoreNail pros, here’s why opening your Christmas diary too early can cost you
Nail business mentor, Hannah Clayton, shares lessons learned from Christmas diary chaos… Every year, as the summer sun is still shining, clients start asking the same thing: ‘When are you opening your Christmas diary?‘ For years, I used to cave at the pressure of releasing appointments, thinking I was clever. In fact, each year I…
Read MoreThe nail hyponychium: what is it & why does it need protecting?
Not all heroes wear capes… but sometimes they deserve a little appreciation. Here are some key facts about the hyponychium – your underappreciated nail protector. Akin to how we fill the cracks in between shower tiles, the crevices of our nails also need sealing to protect the nail bed and matrix from harmful bacteria and…
Read More10 ways to practice self-care as a nail tech
Scratch explores the importance of self-care and looks at 10 ways to ensure you prioritise your wellbeing as a nail pro… 1. Take regular breaks Schedule breaks during your working day to recharge: whether five minutes between clients or a full lunch break to refuel and take a walk, so you can relax mentally and…
Read MoreSPF: what is it & how does it protect the skin?
‘Remember to use SPF!‘ – it’s a commonly used phrase, but what does SPF mean? Here’s everything you need to know… What is SPF? SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and the number that follows suggests how long a suncream or product is likely to protect the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.…
Read More7 tips to enhance wellbeing in the nail space
Your role involves supporting the self-care needs of others, but how often do you consider your own wellbeing? While it may be the last thing on your mind during a busy day at the nail desk, it’s crucial – as Elissa Newton, Lecenté educator for Northern Ireland, notes: “If even one salon team member is…
Read MoreAward-winning nail tech: How I’ve found success despite suffering with fibromyalgia
Kirsty Brown is the owner of Paintbrush Nails, Stirling, Scotland, which is the Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year 2024 & a finalist for 2025. Here, she shares about her experiences with fibromyalgia… Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue and cognitive difficulties. It can be unpredictable, with varying symptoms, and…
Read MoreHow 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 mild. Depending on the type…
Read MoreLeicester nail tech: My maternal mental health struggles led me to the beauty industry
Nail artist & educator, Mika John of Contours by Mika, shares how poor mental health has impacted her life, and the positive impact of tekking… I first realised I was struggling with my mental health about seven years ago while working in hospitality, but I didn’t take action at the time. I felt constantly overwhelmed…
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