EXPERT ADVICE

Gel Lamp Nails Manicure

A guide to the gel system: when & how to use & troubleshooting tips

By Lilly Delmage | 26 June 2025

Nail pros share insight on the gel system… When to use the gel system Theresa Foddering, Lecenté business development manager & Scratch Stars Shooting Star Award finalist 2025, adds: “If a client has weak or brittle nails that require extra support and strength, hard gel is a great option for enhancements.…

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Hannah clayton ai nails column

Nail industry expert: here’s the problem with AI-generated nail designs

By Hannah Beth Clayton | 26 June 2025

Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year finalist 2024 & 2025, Hannah Clayton, shares her thoughts on artificial intelligence nail imagery…. We’ve all seen them: every nail shaped like it was designed in a factory with no cuts, dry skin or missing bits of sidewalls. We’re seeing a wave of…

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How to achieve a work-life balance as a beauty professional in summer

By Guest Writer | 24 June 2025

Scratch columnist & beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, shares advice for achieving a work-life balance this summer… Summer is upon us and I am so excited for the coming months. Seeing seasonal nail designs puts me in the best mood and makes me want to have fun in…

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June 2025 low res cover for web

Read the latest issue

Shifting Mindset

Shifting your mindset for success: 4 tips from a beauty business coach

By Guest Writer | 14 February 2025

Scratch columnist & beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, shares advice for transforming your mental outlook… When I ask beauty business owners what changed for them when they found new levels of success, they say their mindset – and the same is true for me. You may be working…

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Canva picking nails

What is a nail habit-tic & can it be treated?

By Katie Barnes | 12 February 2025

When a client sits at your nail desk and presents you with a nail like the below, you may wonder whether it is a contraindication that you should not treat. This is habit-tic deformity. Most commonly seen on the thumbnails, this nail condition is usually a result of onychotillomania: a…

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Self-employment help for nail techs: legal, financial & operational considerations

By Lilly Delmage | 5 February 2025

All the legal, financial and operational factors to consider before making those all-important choices… Deciding to become a self-employed nail tech is just the beginning, and we’re here to help you navigate it all. From choosing whether to work from home or as a mobile tech, to deciding which insurance…

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Nail Competition Ssas24

Top reasons to enter nail competitions & expert tips for success

By Guest Writer | 3 February 2025

Esteemed beauty business expert & CEO of PHAB Service Stars, Nergish Wadia-Austin, shares advice for budding nail competitors… The nail industry is vibrant, with competitions like the Scratch Stars Awards and Nailympia showcasing the best in creativity and artistry. Prestigious events like these are essential for any nail technician wishing…

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Valentine's Marketing Lead Andreia Pro Nails

How to capitalise on Valentine’s & Galentine’s Day in the nail salon

By Guest Writer | 27 January 2025

Experts shares tips for effectively promoting your nail business this Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day… Sara Pinto, Andreia Professional product director, says… “The lead-up to 14 February presents an opportunity for nail techs to boost business, by encouraging clients to treat themselves or loved ones to pampering experiences and retail items.…

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Energy efficiency

Energy Savers Week: How to make your beauty business more energy-efficient

By Green Salon Collective | 23 January 2025

Stephanie Hodgson, head of research & development at Green Salon Collective (GSC), details how beauty businesses of all sizes can minimise their energy usage and emissions… GSC was founded in 2020 by environmental experts, campaigners and beauty professionals, with an aim to help member salons in the UK and Ireland…

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