TECH TALK

Psoriasis

Nail techs with psoriasis reveal what life is like with the skin condition

By Rebecca Hitchon | 5 August 2025

Psoriasis is a ‘condition that causes dry, scaly and sometimes itchy or sore patches on the skin,’ according to the NHS. Here, two nail techs share their experiences with psoriasis… “I suffer from seasonal psoriasis on my fingers and hands (mostly during autumn and winter) and psoriatic arthritis,” shares Fie…

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Robot laptop

Do AI chatbots like ChatGPT have a place in the nail industry?

By Rebecca Hitchon | 31 July 2025

Disclaimer: this article is not written by a robot. But it does explore how language processing tools driven by artificial intelligence (AI) technology, or ‘chatbots’, are influencing the nail and beauty sector. As this technology integrates into our lives, many are wary of its place in society – and its…

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Freya poppy bowden profile

Inside the Leeds nail salon known for its Y2K decor & viral nail art

By Jess Watts | 25 July 2025

Meet Freya-Poppy Bowden, the Y2K-obsessed nail tech whose Leeds-based salon is every millennial’s dream! Growing up in a family of artists, it is no surprise that Freya-Poppy’s creativity flourished early. At the age of 11, she began experimenting with nail art and quickly fell in love with the medium. She…

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Sara wilfred nails

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Sara Wilfred, Sara’s Nail & Lash Boutique

By Sophie Nutt | 4 September 2018

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Sara Wilfred, of Sara’s Nail & Lash Boutique, reveals that the simple but glamorous combination of bright pink hues and holographic feature nails have been popular with her clients recently. “This design shouts summer – and we don’t have…

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Hands iphone

The industry’s thoughts on…CYBER BULLYING

By Alex Fox | 3 September 2018

The September issue of Scratch explores the issue of cyber bullying and its impact on the nail sector. Here, more techs reveal their experiences and thoughts… Jan Soar, UK head of education & Nail Harmony PhD master educator for Essex discusses the term ‘bully’ “Cyberbullying is bullying in a cowardly form.…

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Morena mani monday

MANI MONDAY: Tropical talons

By Sophie Nutt | 3 September 2018

Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! Talented tech and session stylist, Morena Sanguini, created this fabulous floral design for one of her clients and has us longing for an autumn getaway to a tropical destination. Morena used ibd hard gel and Kiara Sky…

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WHAT I’M WEARING: Beatrix Szabo, Beatrix Nails

By Sophie Nutt | 2 September 2018

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Beatrix Szabo, of Beatrix Nails, opts for an elegant pinky-nude design, complete with delicate flower artistry and crystal embellishments. “I love white against nude colours with a touch of glitter – and the inspiration for these came from wedding nails!…

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Karen brown

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Karen Brown, Sanctuary in the City

By Sophie Nutt | 28 August 2018

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Karen Brown, of Sanctuary in the City, reveals that the French blend technique teamed together with a bold stiletto nail shape has been an extremely popular pairing with her clients recently. “French blends are so popular all year round…

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Rainbow nails

MANI MONDAY: Think pink

By Sophie Nutt | 27 August 2018

Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! Is there such a thing as too much pink? At Scratch HQ, the answer is always no! We adore this pretty pink set created by Sophie Hudd, of Rainbow Nails, on natural nails. Sophie used Magpie Beauty…

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