BUSINESS

Heatwave nail products

The UK heatwave: Is it affecting your nail products?

By Katie Barnes | 12 August 2025

Educator & award-winning nail pro, Katie Clark, reveals why hot weather may impact your nail products and services… Most techs will have noticed a difference in their L&P acrylic and gel systems during different temperatures and seasons, with changes being particularly noticeable during periods of very warm weather. Temperature and…

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Inside the nailcare oasis in the centre of Huddersfield

By Jess Watts | 2 August 2025

Meet Rebecca, ‘toe wizard’ & owner of Cutiecles – a salon sanctuary that prides itself on comfort, care and calm. Recently refurbed, Cutiecles Nail Salon is a passion project for the nail technician, who boasts 10 years’ experience in the industry. After returning to work from maternity leave, Rebecca (and…

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Onycholysis image

Onycholysis: what is it & how can it be treated?

By Jess Watts | 31 July 2025

Let’s talk the causes of onycholysis, aka nail separation, how to prevent and what to do when it’s presented at the nail desk… Picture this: you scrape your knee and pop a plaster over the top to help it heal. Three days later, that plaster has started to lift. At…

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sustainability

10 ways to be more sustainable in the nail salon

By Chloe Randall | 22 April 2022

Scratch serves up a practical guide to help reduce your environmental impact in your day-to-day working role as a nail pro… 1. Washing When washing towels or other items of laundry, set your washing machine to an eco-level and hang them on a clothesline to dry whenever you get the chance.…

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How to avoid bridal nail disasters

By Rebecca Hitchon | 6 April 2022

Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful times for a bride, so ensure their nails aren’t an area of worry by putting in place plans to prevent nail mishaps. “There is a lot that could potentially go wrong at a wedding, so you need to explain to…

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Gel polish removal

Here’s what to do if your client wants to remove gel polish at home

By Katie Barnes | 5 April 2022

Any damage to the natural nail is usually the result of improper application or removal, overly aggressive filing, or client abuse such as picking or biting. When both L&P and gel enhancements and coverings are applied, maintained, and removed correctly, no damage should occur. Since the beginning of the pandemic,…

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Stress mental health breathe

How to tackle stressful work situations as a nail tech

By Guest Writer | 5 April 2022

Session nailist, Stephanie Staunton, reveals how to overcome and tackle challenges that face a number of nail pros… We all know that life gets tough sometimes and problems can seem rife, so I want to share some of the most stressful situations I encounter as a session tech – and…

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Timely software client

Why I use Timely to help manage my beauty business

By Guest Writer | 25 March 2022

When Beaconsfield-based nail technician, Chloe Joel, shared images of her ombré nail styles on social media, they quickly went viral – and she found herself juggling up to 30 clients a week. Overwhelmed by admin, she turned to Timely to take over her business management and bookings. “Before Timely, I…

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Scratch Stars Awards: Am I good enough?

By Katie Barnes | 22 March 2022

So many techs think they aren’t good enough or ready to compete in industry competitions, such as the Scratch Stars Awards. I have news for you – no one is ever 100% ready. If you wait until you are ready, you’ll never achieve your goals. Having low confidence isn’t necessary…

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