CTPA shares advice on enjoying the sun safely this summer
With the weather heating up, it’s time to brush up on suncare do’s and don’ts. The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) offers guidance on how to stay safe in the sun this summer… Seek out shade, particularly between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is usually at its most…
Colour theory: How to create harmonious & eye-catching nail art
The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, explores how the magic of colour theory can elevate your nail art designs… No matter what stage you are at on your nail journey, understanding how to play with colours can take your nail styles to the next level. Do you remember learning…
Salon in the Spotlight: Taylored Beauty, Dereham, Norfolk
Lauren Taylor of Taylored Beauty lets Scratch inside her salon: a space merging the luxe of a spa with the comfortable warmth of a home. Training in brow definition and lash lifts in October 2021, Lauren Taylor fell in love with the beauty industry, wasting no time in training to become…
How to create a loyal nail client base
Elaine Watson, global education director at Light Elegance, shares top tips to create a thriving nail business… Do you ever feel like you’re constantly hustling to find new clients, only to see them disappear faster than a rogue rhinestone after a wild night out? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Building…
Nail, beauty & aesthetics salon, Pre-, welcomes all into second London location
Multi-service salon brand, Pre-, has expanded into a second premises in Parsons Green, South West London. Scratch paid a visit to the brand’s flagship salon in Islington last year, to meet founder, Mimi Gaston-Kennedy, a beauty PR specialist who created Pre- around the ‘idea that beauty treatments help [clients] to…
WINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap July 2024
The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge for July has been announced as Isabelle Pattissier. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs to fit theme, Magical Nails, in the bid to win a prize from Nailchemy. Entries were judged by Scratch senior news & features writer, Rebecca Hitchon, and…
Friendly competition: Nail techs from the same town confuse clients with name swap
Two nail techs from a small town in Sheffield were used to being compared by clients, but bolstered their confusion when they swapped surnames. One of the Birley-based techs, Rachel Harrison, explains the beginnings of her relationship with fellow town tech, Jessica Allen. Jessica started working in her mum’s home…
Meet Jessica White: The salon owner who started painting nails in her university room
Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year finalist 2024, Jessica White, shares her inspirational career journey: detailing her humble beginnings painting nails at university, to opening her own salon. The Leeds-based nail artist & content creator works full-time creating content for her 200,000+ social media followers, tending to the…
Salon in the Spotlight: LB Beauty, Hathersage, Peak District
Libby Bramley, the beauty therapist behind LB Beauty, invites us inside her ‘clean, warm and cosy’ salon, located in the Peak District. Having always known she wanted to work within the beauty industry, the pro jumped straight into training in Beauty and Spa Therapy at college, before qualifying in 2018.…
Emoji etiquette: 4 ways to use emojis effectively in your beauty business
Emojis are small, visual icons used in online communications to convey or enhance a particular message, for example using a thumbs up (👍) to communicate you agree with something, or a sad face (😞) to show you are upset. But when should you be using emojis in your beauty business,…
Explained: the power of truly listening to your clients as a beauty pro
Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, shares the value of listening and retaining information shared by clients… Listening and hearing are the same thing aren’t they? Incorrect. I’m sure I’m not the only person whose partner hears what they say but doesn’t listen to it, therefore not absorbing…
Behind The Brand: Meet the nail technician turned founder of NIBOVI E-file bits
Nail technician, Sadie Hynes, launched her brand, NIBOVI, in February 2024, specialising in high-quality E-file bits, accessories, tools and ABT-accredited education. Having been in the beauty industry for nearly 15 years as a nail tech, salon owner & educator, Hynes is well equipped with expert knowledge across all dimensions of…
Salon in the Spotlight: Maisykbeauty, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire
Describing her home salon as ‘modern but quirky’, Maisy Jeffrey reveals how she brought her personality into her East Staffordshire beauty space… “Maisykbeauty is a representation of me and my life: a bit chaotic, quirky, fun and interesting,” Maisy Jeffrey tells Scratch. “I like to think the pink and orange…
9 tips to make your beauty business stand out on social media
Avril Kealy, content strategist at salon software provider, Phorest, shares social media marketing advice… Despite most of us scrolling on social media every day, harnessing its power for your business can be a daunting challenge. Did you know that a massive 93% of small business owners report that they struggle with…
The rise of holistic treatments: the science & sensation behind cryo facials
Holistic treatments have gained significant traction in the beauty and wellness industry, with cryo facials emerging as a notable trend. These treatments reflect a broader shift towards natural, integrative approaches to skincare and overall wellbeing. As industry professionals, it’s essential to understand the underlying principles, benefits, and demographic appeal of…
