TECH TALK

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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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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What are brush-on builder gel & BIAB™ nails?

By Lilly Delmage | 3 July 2025

Brush-on builder gel is an ever-popular request at the nail desk – but what is it, and when should it be used? Brush-on builder gel is a more convenient variation of traditional builder gels, which are housed in pots. Packaged in a bottle with an integrated brush, the product allows…

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Tina Li talks about her arty client requests, entering competitions and learning new skills

By Kat Hill | 4 August 2018

Tell us about your training… I started out with beauty therapy at college. Nail technology was a part of the course and it really intrigued me. I decided to peruse this as a career and have gone on  to train with many companies and highly talented techs. To name a…

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August cover nail stylist chats muses, manicures & magical designs

By Helena Biggs | 1 August 2018

Magical, ethereal and with a touch of hippie chic, this month’s cover nail stylist has sprinkled her own style and personality into an concept that ignites interest and captures plenty of attention. Swedish nail technician and Light Elegance ambassador, Celina Rydén, created the image for August’s Scratch cover after discussing the idea with…

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Metta mobile manicure

How to make your mobile nail business thrive

By Metta Francis | 31 July 2018

Metta Francis, winner of Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2015 & 2017, reveals her top tips for fellow techs working on-the-move… Setting up as a mobile nail technician is relatively straightforward; you complete the relevant training, purchase products and equipment, get insurance and register as self-employed or as a company.…

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#TRENDINGTUESDAY Katie Ru, Katie Ru Nail Design

By Sophie Nutt | 31 July 2018

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Katie Ru, of Katie Ru Nail Design, reveals that summer floral designs have been a big hit with her clients during the heatwave that has hit the U.K. over the past few weeks. “With it being summer, floral designs…

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Betina goldstein

MANI MONDAY: Floral fancies

By Sophie Nutt | 30 July 2018

Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! Nail art doesn’t only call for dramatic enhancements that are embellished to the nines, but equally suits the short natural nail for a gentle and subtle take on the nail art trend. This nail design by LA-based…

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WHAT I’M WEARING: Kelly Wells, Beauticle Nails

By Sophie Nutt | 29 July 2018

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Kelly Wells, of Beauticle Nails, wears a simple yet elegant nail look featuring a glitter accent nail and water decal. “To create this design, I used two thin layers of Magpie Beauty‘s Give Me Strength onto my natural nails for…

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