Nail techs with psoriasis reveal what life is like with the skin condition
Psoriasis is a ‘condition that causes dry, scaly and sometimes itchy or sore patches on the skin,’ according to the NHS. Here, two nail techs share their experiences with psoriasis… Fie Pederson, Denmark “I suffer from seasonal psoriasis on my fingers and hands (mostly during autumn and winter) and psoriatic…
The success story of Belinda Price: award-winning nail educator, salon owner & industry advocate
Scratch reflects on the award-winning work of esteemed educator & business owner, Belinda Price… With a career spanning more than three decades, Belinda Price stands as a true pillar of the nail industry: a valued educator, mentor, salon owner, innovator and advocate for all. Her recognition with the prestigious Scratch…
From student to success: how mentorship shapes nail industry talent
Lead image: nails courtesy of Instagram.com/beautybyalafair_ Alafair Shove of @beautybyalafair_ is a 19-year-old self-employed pro who has been blossoming in the nail industry for three years. She shares the secrets to her success… Kent-based beauty business owner, Alafair, has gone from strength to strength over the last three years. From…
5 tips to make gel nails last longer
Check out our advice to make gel manicures and pedicures go the distance… 1. Listen to a nail professional This is arguably the most important tip of all. Think of nail techs as personal trainers for long-lasting manis, pedis and nail health, as they know what they are talking about!…
22 tartan nail designs for the perfect plaid polish
Widely known for its Scottish origins, plaid – also referred to as tartan – is a geometric pattern consisting of horizontal and vertical lines that overlap each other with varying degrees of transparency. Though Scotland is thought of as the ‘birthplace’ of tartan, historians have found samples tracing back to…
Upscale your nail art skills with 50 designs inspired by reptiles
Check out entries to the 22 October 2025 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: Reptiles. Each nail style was submitted via Instagram or Facebook using #ShowScratch #CreativeChallenge. Follow Scratch on Instagram and Facebook for future Creative Challenges – launching every other Wednesday.
30 beautiful brown nail art ideas for the perfect mocha mani
We are officially back in brown, baby! As one of the nail shade stars of the autumn/winter season, it is only right that we round up some earthy inspo to aid mocha manicures…
THE BLONDS LEGACY: North America’s Star Nail Artist S2 Challenge 1 Entries
Twenty-five nail creatives from the USA, Mexico & Canada turned their hands to fanciful, fashion-forward concepts for the first North America’s Star Nail Artist challenge of Season 2. Created by the team behind Scratch and Nailympia Competitions, the contest elevates the creativity and imaginations of nail pros, while celebrating talent and innovation. Season 2…
The Solihull beauty salon celebrating a decade of success
Charlotte Walton ventured into the nail industry with passion and purpose, qualifying with Izabelle Hammon in 2008. Over seven years, she built her client base from her home studio before making the leap to owning her own salon. Cutie-cals, Charlotte’s beauty space in Solihull, is now celebrating a decade of…
How to handle client illness & cancellations in your nail business
Nail business mentor, Hannah Clayton, talks colds, coughs and cancellations… It’s that time of the year when clients get the sniffles and cancel their appointments, leaving your diary looking quiet and you panicking. It’s been happening left, right and centre for me this month! Coughs, colds, kids off school and that…
Diwali: Get inspired by nail art designs for the Festival of Lights
This year, five-day festival, Diwali, sees its main celebration fall on October 20. The Festival of Lights is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists, and is about new beginnings and the triumph of good and light over evil and dark. Different people celebrate the festival differently, but common…
Dua Lipa nails: The star’s most marvellous mani moments
Featured image courtesy of Instagram.com/dualipa. From gem-bellished tips to polka dot perfection, Dua Lipa‘s nail looks are notorious for their innovation, trend-setting and creativity. Often crafted by the singer’s go-to nail artist, Michelle Humphrey of @nailsbymh, each set tends to top the trend cycle, providing inspiration for nailists everywhere. Scratch…
Menopause in the nail industry: How to support techs & clients
Pros share how to accommodate the needs of those impacted by the menopause on both sides of the nail desk… How techs can support themselves & staff By Emma Brock, OPI Nail Boss “I was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) at 25. The worst symptom for me over the…
How to create a supportive nail space for employees & clients with ADHD
ADHD is estimated to affect 3 to 4% of adults and is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in the UK. For people with ADHD, everyday tasks can be challenging and overwhelming. Scratch talks to a tech and client about how it affects them in the nail space, and…
A social media brand collaboration guide for nail professionals
Nail content creator & Scratch columnist, Zoya Mac, shares social media advice… Social media is rife with individuals working with brands to promote products and services. From PR packages to reposts, it all looks very exciting – and for the right person, it can be. If your goal is to…
