BUSINESS

E-file rings of fire prevention

What are rings of fire on nails & how can they be avoided?

By Jess Watts | 7 December 2025

Red rings or semicircles that appear on the nail – often referred to as ‘rings of fire’ – can strike fear into the hearts of nail techs and clients alike, but what causes them and how can they be avoided? “Rings of fire appear as red rings on the nail…

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Power of pause

Christmas rush tips for nail techs: why pause matters

By Hannah Beth Clayton | 30 November 2025

Nail business mentor, Hannah Clayton, shares why pause is a powerful tool during the festive season… It’s that time of year: I start to panic, like my life will come to a close in December and I have to get everything done! My inboxes are full, I have work to do, but…

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Christmas retail guide for nail salons

Christmas retail guide for nail salons: products & tips to boost sales

By Jess Watts | 27 November 2025

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – not only for tinsel, treats and Christmas cheer, but for ringing tills and sleigh-loads of salon sales. But, let’s be honest, festive retail isn’t all fun and games. If you are scratching your head over what to stock, we’ve got you…

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Dec 2025 low res scratch cover

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Social Media Hands Nails

The top 5 mistakes nail techs are making on social media

By Jo Tompkins | 19 February 2024

I’ve probably looked at more nail tech social media pages than anyone else on the planet. I have also probably helped more nail techs than anyone else on the planet to get fully booked and earn £3-5k a month, and part of that strategy comes down to social media marketing. …

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Polishpad

Streamline & manage business operations with nail booking platform, Polishpad

By Rebecca Hitchon | 31 January 2024

Scratch chats to Abi Bright, founder of nail-focused booking web app, Polishpad, to discover how its range of features can benefit nail pros and clients – and learn about its competition for techs… Abi Bright’s passion for nails was realised when she was 16, and it’s something that stayed with…

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Music Playlist

Why music matters in the nail salon experience

By Rebecca Hitchon | 27 January 2024

With 70% of Scratch readers playing music in the nail space, according to a 2023 Instagram poll, it’s important to learn how to cater sound to clients to ensure a comfortable experience. Freddie Moross is CEO of Myndstream, wellbeing-focused salon and spa music provider & an advisory board member for…

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Nickie Rhodes Hill Salon Owners Planner And Appointment Book Header

Scratch Stars Award-winning nail pro launches planner for salon owners

By Callie Iley | 26 January 2024

Scratch Stars Session Nail Stylist of the Year winner 2018 & 2019, Nickie Rhodes-Hill, has launched a planner and appointment book for salon owners. The beauty professional has launched the 2024 editions of her Salon Owner’s Annual Planner and Appointment Book, following the success of the 2023 editions. Featuring a…

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Valentine Salon Desk

How to effectively market beauty treatments in the run-up to Valentine’s Day

By Helena Biggs | 23 January 2024

Love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to upsell beauty services with nail art and encourage clients to try something new. What’s more, you can gain profit from enticing couples into the salon and promoting retail items as gifts. “The lead up to Valentine’s Day usually sees…

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Name

Here’s how to name your beauty salon business & treatments

By Guest Writer | 22 January 2024

Award-winning website & brand designer, Liz Rochester Shaddock of Bit2Flash, shares her top tips for naming your business and treatments to boost your brand… First steps Before naming your business, work on your brand strategy. This includes fully understanding your business’ values, vision, and the demographic and preferences of your…

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