Diwali: An insight into henna for hands & feet

By Scratch Staff | 12 November 2023

November 12, 2023 marks the main day of celebration of the five-day festival of lights – Diwali (also known as Deepavali). A festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains, Diwali is embraced by many outside of its religious circle, as it’s a time to celebrate new beginnings and the…

How your beauty business can make the most of the festive season

By Guest Writer | 11 November 2023

Maddi Cook, a salon business expert & owner of Boss Your Salon – which helps empower hair and beauty pros to price perfectly, set boundaries and grow without burnout – shares 8 ways for your business to thrive during the Christmas season. What’s that tinkling piano? Yes, it’s only November,…

Nail salon franchising: What you need to know & why it is an attractive option

By Chloe Randall | 10 November 2023

Are you considering franchising your nail salon – or do you want to benefit from an existing business model? A whopping 85% of franchises are still in business after five years, compared to just 38% of independent start-ups, according to online sales website, Franchise Local. For budding nail and beauty…

5 top tips to perfect your nail art stamping technique

By Guest Writer | 10 November 2023

Nail artist & MD of Moyra UK, Cheryl Ogden, became familiar with stamping at a trade show, and initially struggled to perfect a clean finish. When she became the exclusive distributor for Moyra in the UK, a brand renowned for its stamping products, she invested in education with Hungarian trainers, Alexandra…

UK-made gel polish storms market with commitment to sustainability

By Scratch Staff | 9 November 2023

Introducing This Is Gel – a gel polish brand born out of one nail pro’s desire to offer a luxury range at a competitive price – and support the UK economy. The brand, which launched in October 2023 with a capsule collection of eight shades, is the brainchild of Becci…

21 Christmas gifts for nail colour fanatics

By Callie Iley | 9 November 2023

Feeling festive? Scratch rounds up 20 Christmas gifts for nail colour fanatics…  1. Mii Colour Confidence Trio Set The Colour Confidence Trio Set of Colour Confidence nail polishes offers three colourways, including festive reds and seasonal purples in a range of finishes, presented in a retail-friendly box.   2. Lecenté…

BABTAC launches Beauty Broadcasts series to help beauty professionals upskill

By Callie Iley | 9 November 2023

The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) has introduced Beauty Broadcasts, a series of webinars aimed at supporting the beauty industry in upskilling and keeping its professionals informed. Accessed via BABTAC’s online member lounge, the webinars delve into relevant topics impacting beauty therapists and salon owners, available for…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…