HEALTH & WELLBEING

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Onycholysis: what is it & how can it be treated?

By Jess Watts | 31 July 2025

Let’s talk the causes of onycholysis, aka nail separation, how to prevent and what to do when it’s presented at the nail desk… Picture this: you scrape your knee and pop a plaster over the top to help it heal. Three days later, that plaster has started to lift. At…

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The nail hyponychium: what is it & why does it need protecting?

By Jess Watts | 25 July 2025

Not all heroes wear capes… but sometimes they deserve a little appreciation. Here are some key facts about the hyponychium – your underappreciated nail protector. Akin to how we fill the cracks in between shower tiles, the crevices of our nails also need sealing to protect the nail bed and…

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10 ways to practice self-care as a nail tech

By Scratch Staff | 24 July 2025

Scratch explores the importance of self-care and looks at 10 ways to ensure you prioritise your wellbeing as a nail pro… 1. Take regular breaks Schedule breaks during your working day to recharge: whether five minutes between clients or a full lunch break to refuel and take a walk, so…

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Weak, brittle or ridged nails? Here’s how you can benefit from a manicure

By Emma Hobday | 31 October 2021

Think that having painted nails only provides aesthetic benefits? Think again – just a few of the benefits of a manicure and pedicure include stress relief, improved nail health and a boost in confidence. But even if your nails aren’t in the best condition, Marian Newman BEM, nail industry veteran…

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8 ways to reduce foot swelling during pregnancy

By Emma Hobday | 30 October 2021

It’s completely normal to experience some swelling in pregnancy, particularly in your legs, ankles, feet and fingers, which can often be worse at the end of the day. Why does it happen? Your growing uterus can interrupt blood flow and cause more fluid to stay in your leg veins, with the extra…

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6 ways to manage dry & brittle nails affected by menopause

By Scratch Staff | 29 October 2021

The menopause can be a challenging time for women, with many lacking confidence and feeling undervalued. Looking good on the outside can give the confidence boost needed to feel good on the inside, and having strong and healthy nails is a great place to start. Menopause is so much more…

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How nail art saved my mental health: Bridgend nail tech opens up about her battle

By Emma Hobday | 22 October 2021

Dani Bailey of Broadlands, Bridgend, has suffered with anxiety and depression since she was a teenager. She has always managed it relatively well through exercise, which came naturally to her in her previous role as a personal trainer, but a pitfall in 2018 saw some struggles present themselves. “I started…

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4 powerful hand mudras and how to use them

By Emma Hobday | 23 September 2021

Scratch chats to James Divine, palmistry teacher, author and founder of The Divine Hand Palmistry about the meanings of mudras, and how you can use them in everyday life… First of all, what exactly is a mudra? “A mudra is a Sanskrit word meaning to seal, mark, or gesture. It…

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Nail techs, here’s how you can prevent hand & wrist pain

By Scratch Staff | 21 September 2021

Scratch sources advice for those that suffer with hand and wrist pain, so you can stop feeling the strain… Samantha Sweet, co-founder of Sweet Squared, shares that repetitive strain injury and carpal tunnel syndrome will always be a likelihood for pros, due to the nature of the job. “Filing is the…

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