EXPERT ADVICE

Ctpa allergy guidance

Artificial nails: 7 steps to reduce the risk of allergy

By Guest Writer | 29 April 2025

Caroline Rainsford, director of science at the Cosmetics, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA), shares practical ways to reduce allergy in the nail space… Acrylate monomers, which are the starting materials in liquid & powder (L&P) and UV/LED gel nail systems, can sometimes cause allergic reactions if they touch the skin.…

Read More
Social media user

How to build your social media: 5 simple steps from a beauty business expert

By Hannah Beth Clayton | 27 April 2025

Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year finalist for 2024 and 2025 & online columnist, Hannah Beth Clayton, shares her social media tips… Growing your social media doesn’t need to be hard, confusing or a full-time job. I talk to so many beauty pros who feel overwhelmed by the…

Read More
Runner feet

9 common nail & skin problems for runners & how to treat

By Scratch Staff | 26 April 2025

Discover the common nail and skin woes of runners and how to tackle them… “Runners can be prone to a lot of foot problems,” explains nail educator & brand adviser, Rachel Gribble. “A build-up of hard skin, ingrown and bruised toenails are some of the most prevalent. A regular pedicure…

Read More
Feb25 Low Res Cover Scratch For Web

Read the latest issue

Lilly Web Newsfeature Lead 1200x800px 3

Self-employment help for nail techs: interior design, safety & more considerations

By Lilly Delmage | 2 March 2025

As a self-employed tech, you can take control over your nail environment: from interior design and décor to cleaning schedules and product inventories. Here’s everything you need to know about tailoring your business to you… Interior design If working solo from a home salon or rented space, your aesthetic allows…

Read More
Social Media Tips

How to nail your social media game: 10+ tips from internet nail stars

By Rebecca Hitchon | 26 February 2025

Want to boost your engagement and connect with more social media followers? Check out expert tips from social media nail stars… “We all have unique life experiences, tastes and aesthetics, and we process beauty differently, so it’s important to post content that is unique and shows your style.” – San…

Read More
Lilly Web Newsfeature Lead 1200x800px 100

Ingrown nails & greenies: how to manage them as a nail tech

By Lilly Delmage | 23 February 2025

Have clients presented you with conditions like ingrown nails or greenies, but you’ve felt unsure about whether you should continue their appointments? Read on to freshen up your initial training and note the natural nail conditions that require medical intervention. While nail professionals should refrain from making medical diagnoses, it’s…

Read More
Gelish E File Image

Buying an E-file & bits? Nail techs: here’s what to consider

By Rebecca Hitchon | 21 February 2025

Nail experts share what to know before buying an E-file and bits… Choose the company carefully “Purchase from a reputable professional brand that also provides high-quality training for its E-file range, as undertaking this training is the best way to ensure the tools are being used correctly,” says Giorgia Cappella,…

Read More
Empty Nail Salon

No-shows & cancellations: how to prevent & handle them in your beauty business

By Marie-Louise Coster | 20 February 2025

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, shares advice for client no-shows and cancellations… Every beauty business, at some point, has a client that doesn’t turn up for their appointment. You will have blocked out time and potentially turned other clients away, but are left with an empty appointment…

Read More
Nail Biting Picking

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

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 February 2025

Finalists in the Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year category 2024 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,…

Read More