TECHS & SALONS

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
Kiki yorkshire

This Victorian-style Doncaster beauty salon is designed to feel like home

By Jess Watts | 26 July 2025

Salon owner, Khristie Lawton, shares how she crafted a home-away-from-home oasis just outside the hustle and bustle of Doncaster city centre. Relaxing, welcoming, and safe are three words that inspired the design of Khristie Lawton’s Victorian-style salon. Defining her parents’ living room as the muse for the space, Khristie explains…

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

Lilly web newsfeature lead 1200x800px 185

Powys nail salon: where rustic charm meets luxury beauty treatments

By Lilly Delmage | 7 June 2025

Jodie Evans, owner of Wales salon, Nail Envy, speaks to Scratch about the journey of building her thriving nail business. “Nail Envy is designed to feel like a luxurious home-from-home, combining rustic charm with modern elegance,” says Jodie. “The interior features brickwork, warm wood tones and plush velvet chairs –…

Read More
Anthony lloyd pride profile

LGBTQ+ tech & drag nail artist: the nail industry allows me to embrace my truest self

By Guest Writer | 4 June 2025

Birmingham-based nail artist, Anthony Lloyd, shares about his LGBTQ+ journey and the important role nail artistry has played in it… My journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community has been a positive and affirming one. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been raised in a supportive family environment, and…

Read More
Lilly web newsfeature lead 1200x800px 182

I invited my salon team to create nails for Cannes Film Festival

By Lilly Delmage | 3 June 2025

The Nail & Beauty Lounge owner, Julie McCabe, takes us behind the scenes of her Cannes Film Festival experience, where she and her salon team delivered manicures and pedicures. The team at Poulton-le-Fylde-based salon, The Nail & Beauty Lounge, were called upon by owner, Julie McCabe, to provide the manicures and…

Read More
The painted nail

Award-winning Dorset beauty salon on the challenges & benefits of renovating period properties

By Rebecca Hitchon | 31 May 2025

Recently relocating to the town of Beaminster, The Painted Nail is a salon and academy comprising two period properties. “I felt it was time to relocate the business, as we had outgrown our previous space,” says owner, Toni Rodway. “After searching for a new property for months, I fell in…

Read More
Ms

How to accommodate nail clients with multiple sclerosis (MS)

By Rebecca Hitchon | 30 May 2025

Nail techs share advice for catering to clients with multiple sclerosis (MS)… What is MS? On its website, the NHS states: “Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord. It’s a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be…

Read More
Mika john tech talk

Leicester nail tech: My maternal mental health struggles led me to the beauty industry

By Guest Writer | 28 May 2025

Nail artist & educator, Mika John of Contours by Mika, shares how poor mental health has impacted her life, and the positive impact of tekking… I first realised I was struggling with my mental health about seven years ago while working in hospitality, but I didn’t take action at the…

Read More