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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Scarlett Senter Embellishments

7 top tips for working with nail embellishments

By Scratch Staff | 17 September 2024

Adorning nails with 3D elements and embellishments adds dimension to designs, allowing you to transform plain styles into striking looks. Nail stylists offer adhesion and application advice… 1. “Practice wearing embellished designs on your own nails, as this will help you to learn a lot about working with them and…

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E File Dust Collector Canva Image

Why are E-files & dust collectors so important to nail technicians?

By Katie Barnes | 16 September 2024

As a nail technician, ensuring the quality and safety of your nail services is paramount. Embracing nail tools such as E-files and dust collectors can significantly improve the efficiency and precision of your services, and the overall experience for both you and your clients. Here, I delve into the importance…

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Neurodiversity Infinity Symbol

How to accommodate neurodivergent needs in the nail space

By Rebecca Hitchon | 12 September 2024

Do you know what neurodiversity is? Half of beauty pros identify as neurodivergent and 27% work with a neurodivergent team member, so it’s likely you do. The Brain Charity states: ‘some people’s brains simply work in a different way. For at least 20% of the UK’s adult population, these differences…

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Opi Gelcolor Intelligel

Client consistency: how to keep your nail business busy all year long

By Guest Writer | 8 September 2024

OPI UK&I education manager, Belinda Price, shares ways to elevate your business and embrace new techniques to ensure your salon is busy with clients all year long. To my mind, the busy salon season runs from Easter to mid-September, with a peak in the October half term and slight dip…

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How to keep your nail business thriving during financially tough times

By Guest Writer | 1 September 2024

How can you keep your nail business booming, despite bruised client budgets? Elaine Watson, global education director at nail brand, Light Elegance, shares her ideas… Inflation has got everyone rethinking their spending, and a luxurious nail appointment may be on the financial chopping block. But fear not, fellow nail technicians!…

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Natural Nails

Strong natural nails: an expert debunks myths & shares top tips

By Dani Bailey | 30 August 2024

Dani Bailey, nail educator & recipient of The Shooting Star Award at the Scratch Stars Awards 2024, explores the processes behind strong natural nails… ‘How do you grow strong nails?’ That’s a question I hear a lot, both from clients and nail technicians. There are plenty of myths surrounding strong nails, and…

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