EXPERT ADVICE

Lilly web newsfeature lead 1200x800px 197

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

By Lilly Delmage | 24 June 2025

Scratch columnist & beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, shares advice on 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…

Read More
Beau's lines

Beau’s lines on nails: what they are & how to treat them

By Lilly Delmage | 22 June 2025

Have you heard of Beau’s lines on nails – but aren’t quite sure what they are? Here’s everything you need to know about the natural nail condition. What are they? Beau’s lines are horizontal ridges or dents on the nail plate, caused by a slowdown in the production of new…

Read More
Denise spragg pedicure header

How to elevate & promote pedicure services

By Guest Writer | 17 June 2025

Enhance your pedicure confidence and elevate your promotion of the service with top tips from footcare specialist, Denise Spragg, owner of The Sangha House. Feet, right? ‘Ugh, I hate my feet, and I couldn’t bear anyone touching them’ is something I hear so often as a pedicurist. In this article, I…

Read More
June 2025 low res cover for web

Read the latest issue

Training nail desk

Here’s what you really need in your nail tech starter kit & why you shouldn’t buy from just anywhere

By Michelle Brookes | 20 December 2023

There are generally two types of students I see starting out in the nail industry; those who buy everything possible, and those who are on a tight budget and buy inferior products. Sometimes, I look at the kits of my students and see that they have more stock than me!…

Read More
Nail course training

How to choose the right nail course for your needs

By Michelle Brookes | 4 December 2023

When starting out as a nail technician, you may find choosing a course overwhelming. Often, you may be so eager to start your journey that you don’t consider all the options available for the best beginning to your career.   There are three main course options when starting out: 1.An…

Read More
Efile bits feature header light elegance

E-file bits: Understanding types of bits, their uses & how to keep them clean

By Callie Iley | 1 December 2023

E-file bits come in a range of materials and grits, with a variety of different uses. Some types of E-file bits include: Diamond bits – not for use on the natural nail. Used for exfoliating or polishing skin and pushing back the proximal nail fold. Carbide & ceramic bits –…

Read More
Efiles feature header

E-files: Understanding use, RPM, torque & more

By Callie Iley | 25 November 2023

Get to grips with E-files as Scratch explores use, key features, care tips and more… The use of an E-file in a nail service can significantly speed up the shaping and filing process, as well as reduce the physically demanding and repetitive use of hand files. “Some nail technicians are…

Read More
Marie louise coster discounts

Should I offer nail service discounts? Marie-Louise Coster explores

By Marie-Louise Coster | 24 November 2023

In this column, session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, talks discounts, their effects and knowing the worth of your services… Christmas is around the corner and your columns, if not already full, will be filling up fast. The festive season may be slower getting started for you…

Read More
Natural lashes header

How to create elegant, elongated lashes that still look natural

By Guest Writer | 23 November 2023

Salon System lash expert & educator, Ruth Atkins, shares advice on creating elegant, elongated lashes… You can achieve elegant, elongated and natural-looking lashes using many different types of Salon System lashes. The biggest decision you need to make is how long you want them to last, as different lengths of…

Read More