Nail 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.…
Embrace your wild side with 20 animal print nail designs
Animal print has long been a classic nail design, but today, we see all sorts of colourful and textured iterations that are making nail techs and clients go wild! Here are 20 animal print designs to go feral for…
Step right up! 35 carnival-themed nail designs that will steal the show
Check out entries to the 30 July 2025 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: Carnival. Each nail style was submitted via Instagram or Facebook using #ShowScratch #CreativeChallenge. Follow Scratch on Instagram and Facebook for future Creative Challenges – launching every other Wednesday.
Raise a glass to these 22 cocktail nail design ideas
Fancy a French 75? Manifesting a Manhattan? Partial to a Pimm’s? These nail designs have it all. Whether you are a cocktail, mocktail or straight-up shot person, here’s some nail inspo to make happy hour even more jolly…
Left-handed nail tech? Here’s how to adapt your tool kit
It is assumed that when working left-handed, you just work the opposite way. But if you are leftie, you will know this is a myth. The majority of the population is right-handed, and so the majority of nail products and techniques are tailored to right-handed techs. Having to adapt to…
The UK heatwave: Is it affecting your nail products?
Educator & award-winning nail pro, Katie Clark, reveals why hot weather may impact your nail products and services… Most techs will have noticed a difference in their L&P acrylic and gel systems during different temperatures and seasons, with changes being particularly noticeable during periods of very warm weather. Temperature and…
Inside the child-friendly countryside nail salon that caters to comfort
Meet Kay Kirsop, the owner of Kay Cooper Nails, a child-friendly salon that prides itself on comfort and safety. Kay Kirsop has always loved nails. “From Tipp-Exing the tips of my nails in primary school, to being suspended at the age of 14 for refusing to take off acrylic enhancements,…
Women’s Euro 2025: the nail tech behind England Lionesses’ winning manicures
Following the Women’s Euro 2025, Dzastina Jovaisaite – the pro behind nail looks for members of the triumphant England squad – shares about the ‘career highlight’ with Scratch… “I felt so privileged and couldn’t believe it when I received a message from Chloe Kelly about creating nail looks for some…
Inside the nailcare oasis in the centre of Huddersfield
Meet Rebecca, ‘toe wizard’ & owner of Cutiecles – a salon sanctuary that prides itself on comfort, care and calm. Recently refurbed, Cutiecles Nail Salon is a passion project for the nail technician, who boasts 10 years’ experience in the industry. After returning to work from maternity leave, Rebecca (and…
Do AI chatbots like ChatGPT have a place in the nail industry?
Disclaimer: this article is not written by a robot. But it does explore how language processing tools driven by artificial intelligence (AI) technology, or ‘chatbots’, are influencing the nail and beauty sector. As this technology integrates into our lives, many are wary of its place in society – and its…
How to elevate your beauty business by seeing it through clients’ eyes
Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, discusses the importance of understanding clients’ perspective… When was the last time you walked through your business as if you were an existing or new client? We all need to walk through our businesses, whether physically or virtually, on a regular basis…
This Victorian-style Doncaster beauty salon is designed to feel like home
Salon owner, Khristie Lawton, shares how she crafted a home-away-from-home oasis just outside the hustle and bustle of Doncaster city centre. Relaxing, welcoming, and safe are three words that inspired the design of Khristie Lawton’s Victorian-style salon. Defining her parents’ living room as the muse for the space, Khristie explains…
Inside the Leeds nail salon known for its Y2K decor & viral nail art
Meet Freya-Poppy Bowden, the Y2K-obsessed nail tech whose Leeds-based salon is every millennial’s dream! Growing up in a family of artists, it is no surprise that Freya-Poppy’s creativity flourished early. At the age of 11, she began experimenting with nail art and quickly fell in love with the medium. She…
The 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…
10 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…
