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…

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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…

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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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Marie Louise Coster Mum Juggle

The mum juggle: how I’ve managed motherhood & a successful beauty business

By Marie-Louise Coster | 30 March 2025

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, opens up about her experiences juggling parenthood and her beauty salon… I am not sure there is ever a right time to start a family. I was quite late to the table when it came to being a mum. Having tried for…

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Meet the mums navigating nail careers alongside motherhood

By Scratch Staff | 30 March 2025

Learn about mums who manicure, as three mothers share their journeys navigating nail careers alongside various stages of motherhood…  Katie Turner of Radiant Nails, Devon Katie Turner has two children, one of whom has been diagnosed with autism, sensory processing disorder and pathological demand avoidance. “It’s always been a challenge…

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Leeds salon owner: Learning to trust my team & delegate has been a game-changer

By Lilly Delmage | 29 March 2025

You Beauty founder, Rachel Dobson, shares her career story and how learning to delegate tasks has been critical to her success as a manager. Over the past five years, Rachel’s business has rapidly expanded and she reflects on the biggest lesson she has learned: “I tried to do everything myself…

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Home nail & beauty salons: how to maintain positive neighbour relations & resolve conflict

By Rebecca Hitchon | 29 March 2025

Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year finalists for 2024 offer advice for how home business owners can keep the peace with neighbours and resolve potential conflicts… Kirsty Brown, owner of Paintbrush Nails, Stirling – Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year 2024 “When opening a home salon,…

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Sussex nail tech: How I navigate epilepsy to keep offering nail services

By Scratch Staff | 26 March 2025

Dawn Wolk has huge adoration for the nail industry. It gives her independence and a sense of self-worth – but regular seizures mean she can only accommodate two clients per day. The East Sussex nail pro, who attained an L&P acrylic nail qualification in February 2023, suffers with epilepsy and…

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Self-employment help for nail techs: marketing advice & networking tips

By Lilly Delmage | 25 March 2025

Here’s how to gain the attention of clients by building a buzz around your business… Once you have registered your business, considered tax requirements and made decisions regarding legal, financial and operational considerations, as well as safety and interior design choices, it’s time to build your clientele through effective marketing techniques.…

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