TECH TALK

Psoriasis

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

By Rebecca Hitchon | 4 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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
Aug 25 low res scratch cover

Read the latest issue

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
Sweet lace, show me the honey (with the cool gel)

Get the Look: Bridal couture

By Kat Hill | 4 May 2018

Seeking inspo for the upcoming wedding season? Nailist, Sarah Richardson, created this chic bridal look with Light Elegance UK products. Combining baby pink, lace effect and peachy pink hues, the design sees Sarah use the shades Sweet Lace and Show Me The Honey to create a pretty pastel look. Adding a chic metallic edge,…

Read More
Sarah painter nails

#TRENDINGTUESDAY Sarah Painter, Glamour Beauty Salon

By Sophie Nutt | 1 May 2018

We want to see the designs trending at your nail desk! Sarah Painter, of Glamour Beauty Salon, revealed that soft pink nails featuring French ombre, rose quartz, netted imprints and jewels have been popular with her clients recently. “This nail look has been so popular recently as it goes with…

Read More
Rachael bubble flower

MANI MONDAY: Creative candy ball

By Sophie Nutt | 30 April 2018

Begin the week the right way with some nail inspiration this mani Monday! A new trend has caught our attention here at Scratch HQ and that is the ‘candy ball’ (also know as ‘bubble flower’) technique – seeing what appears to be a 3D flower encapsulated in a glass ball. Elegant and…

Read More
Hannah leahy nails

WHAT I’M WEARING: Hannah Leahy, Too Glam To Give A Damn

By Sophie Nutt | 29 April 2018

We want to see what you’re wearing on your nails! Hannah Leahy, of Too Glam To Give A Damn, was inspired by a ceramicist on Instagram when creating her current nail look. “To create this design, I used the Magpie Beauty gel colour system. The original design was actually cream…

Read More