Beauty pros, here’s 6 tips to support a more positive mindset

By Guest Writer | 12 May 2024

Sarah Hartley, social media coach at Blossom Tree Social & creator of Time To Blossom wellbeing products, shares her advice… Running a business and making time for yourself can feel like a juggle. It can also feel lonely, but you’re not alone – we all have bad days. Staying positive…

Are you aware of the dangers of sprays & aerosols around electrical nail equipment?

By Katie Barnes | 10 May 2024

When it comes to ensuring a safe and efficient nail salon environment, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers that certain products can pose. Here, I explore why sprays and aerosols can be hazardous when stored and used around electrical nail equipment, such as e-files and gel lamps.…

Salon in the Spotlight: Nails With Kails, Andover, Hampshire

By Rebecca Hitchon | 9 May 2024

Kayleigh Watkins shares the story behind her home salon business, Nails With Kails: a space infused with personality and creativity… While facing redundancy from her full-time job in 2019, Kayleigh undertook some nail courses with Magpie Beauty. “I wanted to find a creative and therapeutic outlet, as well as future-proof…

8 ways to encourage clients to upgrade to nail art

By Katy Pottle | 7 May 2024

One of the most common things I hear from other nail techs is, ‘I don’t get the chance to do nail art as my clients don’t want to have any.’  This is such a shame, because as artists we naturally want to challenge ourselves and our skills and show off…

5 ways to boost your beauty salon team’s morale

By Scratch Staff | 5 May 2024

Do you and your team members need a morale boost? Scratch gathers expert tips to support positivity in the workspace… 1. Lead by example “Salon owners can establish a cohesive team by leading by example,” advises Lisa Stone, educator at professional beauty brand, Salon System. “You cannot expect your team…

Why are client consultations so important in the beauty industry?

By Michelle Brookes | 3 May 2024

A client consultation should be completed by every client before they receive a nail or beauty treatment. This consultation should be regularly reviewed to ensure that nothing has changed medically or personally. Often, I hear nail techs saying that they don’t do consultations, and this isn’t always because they are…

Salon in the Spotlight: Nail Angel Studley, Warwickshire

By Rebecca Hitchon | 2 May 2024

Bringing a creative flair to her West Midlands home salon, Anni Watson shares how she’s incorporated her artistic background and love for upcycling into Nail Angel Studley… “While starting a family over 20 years ago, I decided to qualify in nails. I always wanted to use my artistic talents, as…

Nail influencers share what the job is like & how to get noticed online

By Rebecca Hitchon | 26 April 2024

What do you envisage when you see the word ‘influencer’? The term may carry some negative connotations due to modern perceptions of influence, as it’s often assumed that a person needs a huge number of social media followers and an expensive, aspirational lifestyle to warrant receiving the title. Nail artist…

Salon in the Spotlight: Samantha Laura Nails, Newport, Shropshire

By Rebecca Hitchon | 25 April 2024

After her nail technician changed careers, Samantha Gripton was left missing her monthly treat of a gel polish manicure and was inspired to create her summerhouse studio, Samantha Laura Nails. “I used all of my savings to renovate the summerhouse in my back garden,” Samantha tells Scratch. “I invested in…

6 ways technology can protect the planet in your beauty business

By Rebecca Hitchon | 23 April 2024

Researchers have estimated that by 2025, the IT industry could use 20% of all electricity produced and emit up to 5.5% of global carbon emissions. But just as technology has the ability to increase energy usage and emissions, it can help to decrease them. A study conducted by the World…

WINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap April 2024

By Rebecca Hitchon | 22 April 2024

The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge for April has been announced as Kamila Konopniak. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs inspired by theme, Stunning Sapphires, marking CND™’s 45th anniversary, in the bid to win a prize from Sweet Squared. Entries were judged by Scratch senior news…

Points to consider before choosing a nail educator or training provider

By Guest Writer | 19 April 2024

Global business & beauty expert, Kim Ford, shares points to consider when choosing a nail or beauty training provider… When searching for a reputable educator, consider their qualifications and experience in the field. They should possess qualifications that demonstrate their expertise in the subject matter they teach, and you should…

Salon in the Spotlight: The Apothecary Room, Halifax, West Yorkshire

By Callie Iley | 18 April 2024

Transforming a plain grey office space into a moody maximalist nail studio carefully curated with curiosities, oddities and antiques, April Kitson wanted to reflect a dark academia aesthetic through her salon décor. “My personal style is heavily influenced by Stevie Nicks and Morticia Addams, so I’ve used vintage and thrifted…

Nail Tech Talk: Bethany Mann of Beth’s Beauty

By Callie Iley | 17 April 2024

Hand-painted nail artist, Bethany Mann of Beth’s Beauty, Cambridge, shares her love for creating detailed designs and reveals where she finds inspiration for her bright and bold artistry… Having had a passion for nails from a young age, Bethany loved art and studied the subject in school, which inspired her…

Revealed: the top 10 nail trends of 2024 so far

By Rebecca Hitchon | 15 April 2024

Research from beauty and wellness marketplace, Fresha, has uncovered the most popular global nail trends of the year. Analysing video and view counts on Tiktok, the number of hashtags on Instagram and overall social media engagement, the company has compiled the top ten nail trends that have captured worldwide attention…