EXPERT ADVICE

How to become a great nail brand ambassador

By Guest Writer | 19 January 2026

North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) Season 1 champion & LECHAT ambassador, Anastasia Totty, shares her tips and tricks for becoming a top brand ambassador… I’m often asked how to become a successful brand ambassador, and the first step is to attend trade shows and industry events. These offer opportunities…

What it means to have half moons on your nails

By Katie Barnes | 17 January 2026

Fingernail half moons are the rounded, white shadows at the base of the nails. The industry term for this is lunula, which is Latin for ‘little moon’. The place where each nail begins growing is known as the matrix. This is where new cells are made that will make up…

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

By Guest Writer | 15 January 2026

Experts shares tips for effectively promoting your nail offerings this Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day… Sara Pinto, Andreia Professional nail 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…

JAN 26 Scratch wavy cover

Read the latest issue

Nailympia Nov 25 Sidebar Ad

Self Assessment guide: HMRC advice for self-employed & sole traders

By Guest Writer | 13 January 2026

Ahead of the Self Assessment deadline of 31 January, HMRC deputy director for Self Assessment, Jashoda Pindoria MBE, answers frequently asked questions… Whether you’re a new business owner, have invested in a rental property, started a side hustle or sold assets between 6 April 2024 and 5 April 2025, chances…

Experts share how nail techs can prioritise mental & emotional wellbeing

By Jess Watts | 11 January 2026

Scratch turned to industry experts to curate a selection of practical tips and products to promote mental and emotional workplace wellbeing. Mental and emotional wellbeing are imperative for long-term career viability and satisfaction, yet many beauty professionals are so busy juggling client requests, social media and business admin that they…

How to stop nail biting & picking: experts share treatment plans

By Rebecca Hitchon | 10 January 2026

Natural nail specialists share tips for nail biting and picking clients… Why do people bite and pick at their nails and skin? “Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, and skin picking and biting, named perionychophagia, are habits associated with stress, anxiety and compulsive disorders,” explains Lucy Price, Scratch Stars Natural…

How can nail techs prioritise physical wellbeing in the salon?

By Jess Watts | 4 January 2026

Scratch turned to industry experts to curate a selection of products and practical tips to promote physical workplace wellbeing. “Beauty professionals invest immense emotional and physical energy into their craft. “Long hours, repetitive movements and the constant pressure to show up for others can lead to emotional and physical depletion,”…

Avoid burnout as a nail tech in 2026: a mindset shift guide

By Hannah Beth Clayton | 31 December 2025

Nail business mentor, Hannah Clayton, shares why a shift in mindset is needed by the beauty community in 2026… For years, the beauty industry has pushed the same message, and it really grinds my gears! That message is that if you’re rushed off your feet, you’re doing well. Apparently, a diary…

Nail content creation: do you need the latest phone to succeed?

By Guest Writer | 29 December 2025

Sussex-based nail content creator & Scratch columnist, Zoya Mac, reveals why you don’t need the newest phone to create great content… When the iPhone 17 launched, I did what many people do: I scrolled through the specifications and became tempted to purchase. But if you’re trying to improve your content…