EXPERT ADVICE

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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
Dec 2025 low res scratch cover

Read the latest issue

The London Wellness Centre

Tips to help prevent back pain caused by tekking

By Scratch Staff | 11 October 2018

Dr. Joanna Lowry-Corry, clinical director and Doctor of Chiropractic at the London Wellness Centre, serves up practical advice to help aid posture and prevent pain caused by day-to-day nail tekking… Due to the nature of a nail technician’s job, I would expect many to experience headaches and neck pain, with…

Read More
Katie Barnes Nailympia

Why nail techs should push themselves out of their comfort zone

By Katie Barnes | 9 October 2018

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a nail structure girl through and through. Give me a pink & white challenge and I am in my element and what I would consider my weakness, is art. I can paint a face well, but the steps to achieve it don’t…

Read More
Decorating

Redecorating your salon

By Kat Hill | 9 October 2018

Are you thinking of having a salon spruce up before the festive rush? Take into consideration our top tips… Set yourself a budget Try to stick to it! Don’t forget to factor in little extras like finishing touches and delivery charges. Take measurements Before ordering anything, be sure you’ve taken…

Read More
Social media (1)

8 ways to stop social media taking over your life

By Scratch Staff | 4 October 2018

It can be a powerful marketing tool – yet sometimes a source of pressure to constantly be answerable to clients; so has social media become bittersweet? Scratch speaks to beauty business owners about how they balance social media marketing with their personal life and how to beat the digital burnout……

Read More
Potential Lead 1 Hazel Dixon

How practicing advanced nail art can boost your business

By Sophie Nutt | 4 October 2018

Exercising your artistic arm and boosting your creative flair should always be a priority in such a visual industry, however, by offering advanced nail art services you can also bump up your prices and generate higher revenue per nail set. Not only this, but with demand from fashion-conscious individuals high,…

Read More
Male grooming jpg

How to tailor nail treatments to male clients

By Sophie Nutt | 2 October 2018

Tomorrow (3 October 2018) marks National Boyfriend Day and, with male grooming continuing to rise in popularity, it is more important than ever to be inclusive of both male and female throughout your services. Inclusivity can be boasted through your salon interior, treatment menu, marketing and product choices, so it’s…

Read More