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British Safety Council funding given to HandsHQ to support SME workplace wellbeing

By Callie Iley | 8 November 2023

Health and safety software company, HandsHQ, has become the latest beneficiary of the British Safety Council‘s Keep Thriving initiative to expand mental health support, and offer business and life coaching to its employees. After the attendance of a three-hour workshop helping SMEs develop a wellbeing strategy and proposals for their…

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Tech Talk: Birmingham drag queen nail stylist, Anthony Lloyd

By Rebecca Hitchon | 7 November 2023

Anthony Lloyd’s nail career wasn’t planned; he originally enrolled on a performing arts course after finishing school. But upon realising the challenges of getting a job in the industry, another profession presented itself… “During my performing arts training, I assisted the make-up department and loved this so much that I signed…

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3 handy planners to help nail pros get organised & stay focused

By Helena Biggs | 6 November 2023

Get your appoints in order and to-do lists in check with three handy notebooks, filled with a variety of details to support your business.   Nail Tech Success Planner Nail educator & business owner, Rebecca Orme, has launched The Nail Tech Success Planner, to help nail pros organise their business…

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How to make the move from nail tech to educator

By Chloe Randall | 6 November 2023

Are you keen to share your knowledge and become a nail industry educator? Scratch gathers top tips and hears from pros that have made the move from salon tech to teacher… Exceptional education is key to shaping the future of our industry and ensuring high standards and safe practice. If…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Claire Georgina Beauty Room, Worcestershire

By Carter Rogers | 2 November 2023

After a very successful business in the baking industry, Claire Welch decided it was time for a career change to allow her to have better time management in her personal life and swapped the bakery for the nail salon, an industry which she had been fascinated with for a long…

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Nail tech launches AI guides for the nail & beauty industry

By Rebecca Hitchon | 2 November 2023

Glitterbels ambassador, Millee Barton of Millee Barton Nails & Beauty & The Academy Barnsley, has launched artificial intelligence guides. “I was inspired to create these because I believe that the integration of AI technology can revolutionise the nail and beauty industry,” she tells Scratch. “AI has not only helped me…

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ELEMIS to launch plastic-free, biodegradable sachets for cosmetics

By Rebecca Hitchon | 1 November 2023

Skincare brand, ELEMIS, has partnered with Xampla, creator of plant-based material brand, Morro, to develop plastic-free, biodegradable sampling sachets. Via the collaboration of the two British B Corp companies, the aim is to replace plastic materials traditionally used in cosmetic sachets with biofilm, within the next six months. This material…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Crystal Tips, Kenfig Hill, Wales

By Carter Rogers | 1 November 2023

For Welsh salon, Crystal Tips, 2023 has been a year of recognition and success.  In May 2023, the team at Crystal Tips were delighted to be announced as the winners of Nail Salon of the Year at the Welsh Hair & Beauty Awards. From this, creative director, Sarah Nicholls was…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Nails By Rae Florence, Caldicot, Wales

By Carter Rogers | 26 October 2023

Rae Florence was set to begin her primary education training this September but in a turn of events, she listened to her gut feeling and set out to pursue her dream of running her own salon. From a young age, Rae had been fascinated with the world of nails and…

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Charging worth

How to charge your worth as a nail tech

By Marie-Louise Coster | 25 October 2023

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, shares her top tips… Stop basing your treatment prices on what others are charging, or charging nominal prices to keep yourself busy. Yes, you will attract clients, but if you work out what it has cost you to provide your services,…

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Menopause tech talks

Nail techs on menopause in the workplace & supporting menopausal clients

By Rebecca Hitchon | 24 October 2023

Two techs share how to accommodate the needs of those impacted by the menopause on both sides of the nail desk… Supporting yourself & staff: Emma Brock, OPI Nail Boss “I was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) at 25. The worst symptom for me over the years has been…

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WINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap October 2023

By Callie Iley | 23 October 2023

The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge has been announced as Alice Knight. In a showcase of talent, techs stepped up to the Scratch Snap challenge for October & created nail designs inspired by the theme ‘Fall Foliage’ in the bid to win a prize from Light Elegance. Judged by Scratch’s copywriter,…

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E-files: Why is direction so important?

By Katie Barnes | 23 October 2023

Most professional E-files will come with two directions, forward and reverse. I always recommend investing in an E-file with both directions, to allow for enhanced performance and safe results. This type of E-file is sometimes mistakenly referred to as left and right-handed, but this is not always the direction that…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Beauty By Chelsea, Newhall Swadlincote, Derbyshire

By Carter Rogers | 20 October 2023

After training in 2009 and qualifying in 2012 at Burton Collage, Chelsea Tipper went on to train with CND™ Shellac before opening her own salon in 2020. “My little building has been various things in the past but everyone always talks about the time it was a chip shop and…

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Nail Tech Talk: Meet Clare Woodcock, Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2023

By Rebecca Hitchon | 20 October 2023

After her Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year win in 2022, Surrey-based Clare Woodcock was determined to scoop the title for 2023, to prove to herself, her clients and Scratch that her first win was worthy. “I wanted to show that I didn’t get lucky the first time, and…

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