Phenix Salon Suites unveils second flexible UK workspace location for beauty pros

By Callie Iley | 27 July 2023

Following the success of the opening of its first UK venue in Manchester, Phenix Salon Suites expands its franchise with the unveiling of its Birmingham site for self-employed beauty professionals. Covering 6,400 square feet, the workspace features a custom-built mezzanine floor, an exclusive colour bar, air conditioning in each suite,…

The Great Scratch Shoot Out: Winning advice

By Scratch Staff | 22 July 2023

2019 winner of The Great Scratch Shoot Out, Nina Lewis, shares her thoughts on the importance of entering competitions and why you should enter this year’s The Great Scratch Shoot Out… What are your thoughts on industry competitions? Why are they so important? I believe you need tenacity when entering…

5 ways to avoid greenwashing as a small beauty business

By Guest Writer | 21 July 2023

UK Greetings details how small businesses can avoid greenwashing, a deceptive marketing technique where brands make misleading claims about their environmental practices… 1. Keep communication clear 77% of UK customers don’t understand what companies are claiming when they talk about sustainability. This can lead to confusion, such as customers believing…

How to justify your nail treatment prices

By Guest Writer | 21 July 2023

Hair and beauty business coach, Maddi Cook of Boss Your Salon, shares top tips to elevate your offerings and enhance your profits… I’ve seen a trend in a particular type of content and want to unpack it with you. I do this from the perspective of a pricing expert who, trust…

Salon in the Spotlight: K.M.Nails & Beauty, Wroughton

By Callie Iley | 20 July 2023

Having had dreams of entering the beauty industry for as long as she can remember, Kasey Beasley remembers watching nail art videos on YouTube and having her mum and sisters model for her practice. “I knew I had to do this as a career,” she shares. “When I left school…

Are your gloves protecting you against nail ingredients?

By Katie Barnes | 18 July 2023

In a previous blog for Scratch, we explored what gloves are needed for nail technicians and covered thickness and how often these need to be changed. In this blog, we delve deeper into chemical permeability and how to know if your gloves protect you against the chemicals which you use…

How to successfully edit your nail photos

By Katie Barnes | 17 July 2023

In a previous blog, I shared 5 top tips on improving your nail photos. In this post, I am going to share more about editing your nail photos. Editing images these days, including nail images is a controversial topic. Your nail images should show the quality and truth of your…

Shear Haven anti-domestic violence salon training celebrates two-year anniversary of UK&I launch

By Callie Iley | 16 July 2023

Shear Haven anti-domestic violence salon training celebrates its two-year anniversary since its official launch in the UK & Ireland. Training salons, stylists and therapists in over 100 countries around the world, Shear Haven training has been accessed over 92,000 times by professionals since its launch in 2021. Co-founded by salon…

Nail Tech Talk: Abi Hassan of Hot Wheels Nails

By Callie Iley | 15 July 2023

With a colourful nail art library & an equally bright personality to match, Abi Hassan, owner of Canterbury-based salon, Hot Wheels Nails, sits down with Scratch to discuss the importance of creating an inclusive & accessible salon space… “When I was a little girl, I looked up to my older…

Salon in the Spotlight: Luxury Glam Nails & Beauty, Chorley

By Callie Iley | 13 July 2023

Curating a fresh and girly look for her salon, Vicky Lea used a pink and white palette for her salon, adding soft touches such as florals and pampas grass to soften the clinical elements. Training with NSI in 2002, Vicky Lea has been doing nails ever since. “It’s been over…

5 ways to use the Threads app to benefit your beauty business 

By Guest Writer | 10 July 2023

Jon Morgan, CEO & editor-in-chief of consulting firm, Venture Smarter, shares how small businesses can utilise Meta’s latest social media app, Threads, to maintain a competitive edge… 1. Brand awareness  Threads is another opportunity for small businesses to increase visibility for their brand, with updates on products and services, plus…

Nail Tech Talk: Susan Steel of Susan Steel Nails

By Callie Iley | 8 July 2023

With big career dreams and a lifelong passion for nails, Susan Steel shares her nail journey & reveals her hopes for the future of Susan Steel Nails… “I’ve always loved nails and beauty from a young age, but I never realised that it would be my dream career until I…

How AI can help your nail salon to thrive

By Guest Writer | 7 July 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) allows content to stay fresh and exciting, helps with customer service and builds client relationships, to name a few benefits. And it is already doing many of these things through salon software, reveals Rikki Tronson, chief revenue officer at salon software company, iSalon, who shares expertise below.…

7 ways nail & beauty salon managers can maximise sales in quarter 4 of the year

By Guest Writer | 7 July 2023

Founder of PHAB Service Stars, business coach and management trainer Nergish Wadia-Austin, shares what salon managers should consider when planning for a successful fourth quarter… Research: Conduct market research to identify popular trends, products, and services during the holiday season by talking to your suppliers. Ask them about competitors’ strategies…

Discounts: Are they a good idea?

By Guest Writer | 7 July 2023

Hair & beauty business coach, Maddi Cook of Boss Your Salon, shares advice on offering discounted services to family & friends… We’ve all been faced with the dilemma of giving a discount to friends and family. While it may seem like a good deed to hook up your loved ones,…