15 stiletto manicures to inspire bold & beautiful nail looks
The sharp stiletto nail shape holds its rightful place as one of the classics, with its tapered ends giving a claw-like finish. Boasting sophistication and oozing class, the long shape offers nail techs a larger area for intricate nail art, allowing them to unleash their creativity and giving clients more…
How a Northamptonshire nail tech perfected her work-life balance by opening a garden salon
Nail tech, Kim Hearn, behind byKIMI Nails, shares how opening her garden salon helped her create more definitive work-life boundaries. The nail pro previously worked from a console table in her living room, and found that this not only left her three children without a space to play, but hindered…
Imposter syndrome for nail techs: What it is & how to overcome it
Nail pros share their experiences with imposter syndrome and offer tips to help overcome it… Have you ever felt undeserving or that success is beyond your means? Perhaps you’ve felt like your career journey has been down to luck, or you’re worried that clients won’t return. These are all common…
Meet HD Professional Nail Systems: a brand dedicated to raising standards via award-winning education & products
What should pros look for in a nail brand? Products that help to elevate artistry, high-quality education and a passionate team behind-the-scenes are key qualities – and HD Professional Nail Systems ticks every box. Founder, Hazel Dixon’s career stems 18 years and she has an awe-inspiring collection of over 100…
Junk nails: What is the maximalist manicure trend seen at Fashion Week?
Junk nails have dominated Fashion Week runways, replacing the clean girl aesthetic with nails covered in mix ‘n’ match, 3D embellishments. Junk nails are essentially anything you would find in that ‘junk drawer’ everyone has, stuck onto a manicure. From Hello Kitty charms, jewels and beads down to paper clips,…
Introducing TGB Spa: the luxury Brighton beauty space from the founder of The GelBottle Inc
Daisy Kalnina, founder of The GelBottle Inc (TGB) nail brand and travel and interiors business, by DKollection, has merged her two passions to create TGB Spa. The ‘minimalist meets modern chic’ spa is based in the centre of Brighton, with the location inspiring Daisy to launch the luxurious space. “I…
Nail pros: Do you compare yourself to other techs? Here’s how to combat it
As nail techs and beauty professionals, we often catch ‘comparisonitis’, where we constantly measure our success against others. We see the flawless work and fully booked schedules of other nail techs on social media, and suddenly, we feel like we’re not doing enough. In the Nail Business Success Club, a…
The Manchester tech who created her ‘dream nail salon’ in 4 days
Olivia Riley is the Bolton-based tech behind Olivia May Studio, a space she transformed into the salon of her dreams in just four days. The manicurist got the keys to her salon just two weeks before opening day, she reveals, “We completed the work in a total of four days…
How beauty businesses should deal with client complaints, according to an expert
Global business & beauty education expert, Kim Ford, shares her expert advice on how to deal with client complaints… I am sure many of you have experienced a customer complaint at some time, and it can be a difficult situation to resolve. Let’s explore how dealing with complaints can be…
WINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap September 2024
The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge for September has been announced as Alisha Francois. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs to fit theme, Swatch & Style (show your fabric inspiration next to the matching nail look), in the bid to win a prize from The Manicure Company.…
Want to elevate your nail art? Award-winning pro unveils memberships for all skill levels
The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, has announced the Sparkle Squad: a membership programme to empower nail artists. “Having worked as a nail tech for over 22 years, I know firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with mastering nail art, says Katy Pottle. “After winning The World’s…
How 2 graduates went from university friends to thriving in the nail industry
I met Olivia Annice, the tech behind Olivia Annice Nails, at university in 2020. Her nail business has since flourished, and I have also joined the nail realm: working at Scratch as a news & features writer since July 2024. We met up to work at Olivia’s first nail event…
Nail art boards: Lincolnshire salon showcases 150+ designs to help client choices
Nail tech, Holly Rogers, behind salon, Hr Beauty, has created a nail art mood board to help inspire clients on which nail look to choose. The Lincolnshire-based tech loves nail art, she says, “I love to be creative when it comes to nail art, I have a stand in my…
8 must-try almond nail ideas for your next trendsetting manicure
The almond nail; elegant, chic and practical. The universally-loved shape offers the perfect subtle finish, taking inspiration from – you guessed it – the shape of an almond nut. Characterised by a rounded, oval shape, with a slightly tapered top, the flattering shape creates the illusion of elongated fingers and…
Why are E-files & dust collectors so important to nail technicians?
As a nail technician, ensuring the quality and safety of your nail services is paramount. Embracing nail tools such as E-files and dust collectors can significantly improve the efficiency and precision of your services, and the overall experience for both you and your clients. Here, I delve into the importance…
