Why confidence is key to your beauty business’ success & how to build it
Nail educator & business mentor, Hannah Clayton, shares the importance of confidence as a beauty pro… When beauty professionals come to me struggling with content, visibility or lack of bookings, it nearly always boils down to one thing: confidence. Confidence is the foundation for organic growth. It’s what allows you…
Nail expert: the importance of parallel sidewalls for a beautiful nail finish
Award-winning nail technician & Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education founder, Katie Clark, offers insight… Parallel sidewalls start at the cuticle zone and end at the free edge. They mirror each other and help to give a nail enhancement a slim and slender appearance. The term, ‘parallel sidewalls’, is frequently…
SPF: 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…
6 feet poses to nail pedi photos
Footlogix & Artistic Nail Design brand ambassador for Sweet Squared, Lily Lou Moore, explains how to master her six go-to feet poses for pedi photos… 1. One foot in front of the other With the client stood, ask them to put one foot in front of the other. I try…
TGB Academy launches online learning platform for nail techs
TGB Academy from The GelBottle Inc has launched an online learning platform for nail professionals seeking education that is ‘flexible, accessible and comprehensive’. The education hub enables nail professionals at all stages of their careers to learn and refine their skills on their own schedules and terms. It offers a…
What are brush-on builder gel & BIAB™ nails?
Brush-on builder gel is an ever-popular request at the nail desk – but what is it, and when should it be used? Brush-on builder gel is a more convenient variation of traditional builder gels, which are housed in pots. Packaged in a bottle with an integrated brush, the product allows…
How to grow clients’ average spend & boost your beauty business
Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, offers tips for encouraging clients to spend more money… I am at a time in my life where I simply don’t want to work myself into the ground. My years of being everything, for everyone, are long gone. It is costing more…
7 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…
Crowland log cabin nail salon: “My clients love being surrounded by nature”
As’ka Baran, owner of Crowland-based nail salon, Holistic Health & Beauty, opens the doors to her unique space – a log cabin nestled in the corner of her garden. “Working from a log cabin brings a sense of connection with the earth and nature,” shares As’ka. “Clients often comment that…
5 TikTok nail trend names debunked: princess nails, sorbet nails & more
Every day there seems to be a new name for a nail style, whether that be ‘princess nails’, ‘sorbet nails’ or even ‘glazed doughnut’ nails – so let’s break down what five key trend names mean… Do you often hear requests at the nail desk and find yourself wondering, ‘What…
A guide to the gel system: when & how to use & troubleshooting tips
Nail pros share insight on the gel system… When to use the gel system Theresa Foddering, Lecenté business development manager & Scratch Stars Shooting Star Award finalist 2025, adds: “If a client has weak or brittle nails that require extra support and strength, hard gel is a great option for enhancements.…
Nail industry expert: here’s the problem with AI-generated nail designs
Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year finalist 2024 & 2025, Hannah Clayton, shares her thoughts on artificial intelligence nail imagery…. We’ve all seen them: every nail shaped like it was designed in a factory with no cuts, dry skin or missing bits of sidewalls. We’re seeing a wave of…
How to achieve a work-life balance as a beauty professional in summer
Scratch columnist & beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, shares advice for achieving a work-life balance this summer… Summer is upon us and I am so excited for the coming months. Seeing seasonal nail designs puts me in the best mood and makes me want to have fun in…
Discover the Wales nail salon inside the Brecon Beacons National Park
Owner of Nails by Sam, Sam Devereux, opens the doors to her nail salon, located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons. “My salon is based in my back garden, which is away from roads and completely private. We’re very lucky to live in the middle of the Brecon Beacons…
Beau’s lines on nails: what they are & how to treat them
Have you heard of Beau’s lines on nails – but aren’t quite sure what they are? Here’s everything you need to know about the natural nail condition. What are they? Beau’s lines are horizontal ridges or dents on the nail plate, caused by a slowdown in the production of new…
