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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…

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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…

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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…

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Fashion week

Want your nail work on the runway? Here’s how to boss backstage at Fashion Week

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 August 2023

Get your spring/summer 2024 mindset ready, as September marks the return of Fashion Weeks across the globe. If you’re striving to get involved in the session nail sphere, highly regarded regulars at Fashion Week share everything you need to know… How to get hired At Fashion Week, you’re not likely…

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Why it’s important to empower your beauty salon staff & how to do it

By Guest Writer | 13 August 2023

Beauty business expert & founder of the International Salon Business School, Liz McKeon, discusses staff empowerment and its importance for business success. Empowerment is the degree of autonomy and self-determination in people, communities and business. This enables them to represent their interests in a responsible and self-determined way, acting on…

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How to organise a nail photoshoot in 10 steps

By Chloe Randall | 8 August 2023

Entering Scratch’s annual photographic nail competition – The Great Scratch Shoot Out? Here we reveal ten top tips for a smooth shoot day and beyond… Choose your concept Unleash your creativity and showcase your originality, style and imagination with your concept. One the most important factors of your shoot, your theme…

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Insight: Understanding scoresheets from nail & beauty competitions

By Katie Barnes | 31 July 2023

To not be a finalist or winner in a nail competition or awards can leave you wondering what you did wrong and make you question your skills. As a competitor and judge, I would like to share my experiences… Recognition aside, simply applying for a nail award or being shortlisted…

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What the government’s policy change means for the cosmetics animal testing ban

By Guest Writer | 31 July 2023

The Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA) explores what the government’s policy change means for the cosmetics animal testing ban… You may have seen media reports in May that suggested that animal testing of cosmetic ingredients could restart, following the result of a UK High Court ruling.  Shortly afterwards, the…

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15 common nail conditions & how to deal with them

By Callie Iley | 30 July 2023

Do you know what to do when you’re faced with a natural nail concern? Scratch shares expert advice and product recommendations for 15 common nail issues… Addressing the issue The natural nail is the foundation of any great nail enhancement, so knowing how to approach common issues if and when…

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