HEALTH & WELLBEING

E-file rings of fire prevention

What are rings of fire on nails & how can they be avoided?

By Jess Watts | 7 December 2025

Red rings or semicircles that appear on the nail – often referred to as ‘rings of fire’ – can strike fear into the hearts of nail techs and clients alike, but what causes them and how can they be avoided? “Rings of fire appear as red rings on the nail…

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Power of pause

Christmas rush tips for nail techs: why pause matters

By Hannah Beth Clayton | 30 November 2025

Nail business mentor, Hannah Clayton, shares why pause is a powerful tool during the festive season… It’s that time of year: I start to panic, like my life will come to a close in December and I have to get everything done! My inboxes are full, I have work to do, but…

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Do nails need to breathe?

Do nails need to breathe?

By Jess Watts | 22 November 2025

One of the most common misconceptions in the nail world is the idea that nails need to ‘breathe’. To support understanding, let’s take a look at the science behind the topic… Whether you’re a regular at a salon or someone who enjoys using nail polish to do your own manis,…

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nail desk client tech

How to avoid stress when clients offload at the nail desk

By Guest Writer | 2 April 2025

Suzy Reading, psychologist & wellness expert for the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC), shares top tips for managing mental stress from being a soundboard for clients… “The energetic and emotional toll of listening to clients’ problems needs to be recognised and addressed as part of basic training,”…

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Nail Tech Endometriosis

Living as a nail tech with endometriosis: ‘I was heartbroken & scared of losing my nail business’

By Lilly Delmage | 31 March 2025

Scratch chats to Andover nail tech, Jo Bennett, about her experiences suffering with chronic condition, endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition which targets the uterus, causing tissue, similar to the lining of the uterus, to grow outside of it. Common symptoms include, but aren’t limited to, severe pelvic pain and extreme…

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Why do I have white spots on my nails? Causes & treatment for leukonychia

By Lilly Delmage | 28 March 2025

Have you noticed white spots appearing on your nails? This could be leukonychia – here’s everything you need to know… What is leukonychia? This refers to discolouration, which often appears as white dots or lines on the nail. According to book, Milady’s Art & Science Nail Technology, the cause of…

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Dawn Wolk nail desk

Sussex nail tech: How I navigate epilepsy to keep offering nail services

By Scratch Staff | 26 March 2025

Dawn Wolk has huge adoration for the nail industry. It gives her independence and a sense of self-worth – but regular seizures mean she can only accommodate two clients per day. The East Sussex nail pro, who attained an L&P acrylic nail qualification in February 2023, suffers with epilepsy and…

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Shara taylor tech talk

Bristol nail tech: how I navigate functional neurological disorder (FND)

By Rebecca Hitchon | 25 March 2025

To mark FND Awareness Day (25 March), Shara Taylor, owner of Bare Beauty Aesthetics, Bristol, opens up about her experiences with the condition… Charity, FND Action, details: “Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a brain network disorder that can encompass a diverse range of neurological symptoms, including limb weakness, paralysis, seizures,…

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Jade barber nail competitions

Kent nail artist: How I navigate nail competitions with autism & ADHD

By Guest Writer | 18 March 2025

Jade Barber, founder of Nail & Beauty Excellence & Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year 2022, shares her experiences of neurodiversity in the nail arena… I began competing early in my nail career, as my educator entered me into a student category at a Professional Beauty nail competition. Without…

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