TECH TALK

Lilly web newsfeature lead 1200x800px 165

Beyond The Brush: The nail tech community built on relationships, support & honesty

By Lilly Delmage | 10 May 2025

Gel nail educator & artist, Gemma Siverns, speaks to Scratch about her online community, Beyond The Brush (BTB) – a supportive, educational space she created for nail professionals. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Gemma is a natural mentor. She began her journey in 2000, earning her…

Read More
Lilly web newsfeature lead 1200x800px 163

Suffolk nail artist: ‘My salon isn’t just about treatments – it’s a whole experience’

By Lilly Delmage | 8 May 2025

Allie Eve, owner of The Nail Matrix, opens the doors of her bohemian sanctuary salon, unveiling a space to ‘spark creativity and escapism’. “The Nail Matrix is all about stepping out of the chaos and into a space where time slows down and the world melts away,” explains Allie. “From…

Read More
Amberley robinson maternal mental health

Nail tech’s maternal mental health struggles: ‘Talking & finding support saved my life’

By Guest Writer | 7 May 2025

New Mexico tech, Amberley Robinson, aka The Nail Tattooist, opens up about her maternal mental health experiences… When my first child was six months old, I juggled roles as a full-time beauty student and breastfeeding mum. Leaving my son with a caregiver each day made me feel heartbroken and guilty,…

Read More
Feb25 Low Res Cover Scratch For Web

Read the latest issue

Andrea chapman nails

WHAT I’M WEARING: Andrea Chapman, The Little Nail House

By Sophie Nutt | 13 May 2018

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Andrea Chapman, of The Little Nail House, created a tropical nail look featuring pretty florals after taking inspiration from fellow tech, Nina Park. “I created this set using The Gel Bottle Inc. Builder In A Bottle as an overlay on…

Read More
30184827 1873733929306414 903955325 n

5 minutes with Oksana Smirnova

By Kat Hill | 12 May 2018

What is your all-time favourite nail product? I love to work with gel products, any kind of gels – be it hard gel, gel polish or 3D gels for artistry. What are your favourite brands to work with? I would have to say my favourite brands are NSI and Perfect Nails.…

Read More
Sara wilfred trending tuesday nails

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

By Sophie Nutt | 8 May 2018

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Sara Wilfred, of Sara’s Nail & Lash Boutique, revealed that bright and bold summer hues are popular with her clients as the days begin to warm up… “As we draw ever closer to the summer season, my clients are…

Read More
Fruit mani monday nails

MANI MONDAY: Fruity bank holiday

By Sophie Nutt | 7 May 2018

Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! The sun is shining, it’s a bank holiday and there is no doubt thousands of BBQ’s being lit across the UK right at this moment. What could be more fitting for this mani Monday than a fruit-ilicious…

Read More
Vicky cotchin nails

WHAT I’M WEARING: Vicky Cotchin, Simply Beautiful – Nails & Beauty

By Sophie Nutt | 6 May 2018

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Vicky Cotchin, of Simply Beautiful – Nails & Beauty, displays decadent artistry in her latest acrylic creation featuring dusky pink tones. “I created these nails using all acrylic products from Trilogy Nail Systems and Glam and Glits. I encapsulated glitter…

Read More
31384880 10214577165238779 6965223320908201984 n copy

5 minutes with Lauren Holmes

By Kat Hill | 5 May 2018

Tell us about your training… When I originally trained I did a course that covered all aspects of nails through Salon Services to get me started. Since then I’ve retrained with Rachel Lunn from Nail Harmony. I also won Gelish Gives Back in 2016 and got the opportunity to take…

Read More