French tips: how to create the perfect nail style & 50 designs for summer 2026
The French tip is a nail design that transcends seasons, however if you’re looking for summer-specific ways to add seasonal flair to the classic style – and expert advice on perfecting your application technique, keep reading… “The French tip has remained a staple in the nail industry for decades because…
The US nail brand that caught the attention of Kim Kardashian
US-based nail brand & salon, LA PAR, was created with one core mission: to prove that beautiful nails should never come at the expense of nail health. Scratch spoke to the brand’s founder to find out what makes LA PAR stand out… Lisa Tran grew up in a salon environment…
Gel & acrylic nails: 7 steps to reduce the risk of allergy
Caroline Rainsford, director of science at the Cosmetics, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA), shares practical ways for nail pros to prevent allergies… Acrylate monomers, which are the starting materials in liquid & powder (L&P acrylic) and UV/LED gel nail systems, can sometimes cause allergic reactions if they touch the skin.…
The UK heatwave: Is it affecting your nail products?
Educator & award-winning nail pro, Katie Clark, reveals why hot weather may impact your nail products and services… Most techs will have noticed a difference in their L&P acrylic and gel systems during different temperatures and seasons, with changes being particularly noticeable during periods of very warm weather. Temperature and…
20 nail products you’ll love for Valentine’s Day 2025
‘Tis the season of love, so we’ve rounded up 20 love-ly nail products – from gel polishes to nail lacquers and glitter – that will set hearts aflutter this Valentine’s Day…
Heat spikes in gel nail services: why they happen & how to avoid them
What is a heat spike? Why can a burning sensation be felt by clients when a gel product is curing? Dani Bailey, nail educator & recipient of The Shooting Star Award at the Scratch Stars Awards 2024, explains… In August, Scratch posted an opportunity on Instagram for people to send in their…
Nail product polymerisation: what it is & why you need to understand the process
Dani Bailey, nail educator & recipient of The Shooting Star Award at the Scratch Stars Awards 2024, explains the polymerisation process… The invention of curable products was a big revolution for the nail industry. Client smudging their nails? Never again! Customers not being able to put their shoes on after a…
Want a self-levelling, vegan-friendly gel polish formula? Discover OPI GelColor’s Intelli-Gel
OPI has revamped its GelColor formula: now featuring Intelli-Gel technology. The formula uses a responsive gel molecule network to self-correct and self-level, offering nail professionals a helping hand in creating a flawless finish, so streaky brushstrokes can be a thing of the past. “It’s a really clever formula that is…
Dive into a sea of colour with Glitterbels’ Land To Ocean Unbelievabel Gel collection
Glitterbels has unveiled its Land To Ocean colour collection, comprising six eye-catching and versatile green and blue Unbelievabel Gel hues. Unbelievabel Gel is a file-off, highly pigmented and no-wipe gel range by Glitterbels, suited for use as gel paints to create detailed nail designs and for full colour looks over…
Meet the nail tech soaring to new heights with her dragon-inspired extreme nail creation
In a meticulous process spanning two months, Anna Sosina’s dragon nail look was created to reflect her commitment to artistry and professionalism. Detailing the process of creating the intricate nail look, Anna reveals how her hard work on the nails came to become a stunning poster image, with the help…
Temperature talk: How the cold weather can affect your nail products
Feeling the chill? Scratch explores the impact that temperature has on nail products and serves up practical points to note… Creating a comfortable atmosphere in the salon is important for you and your clients, but maintaining a consistent temperature is also vital to ensure that your nail products perform at…
Ensure mess-free application with Artistic Gel On Xtensions Adhesive in a jar
Switching out its existing brush in a bottle container for a jar, Artistic Nail Design’s Gel On Xtensions Adhesive is a thick viscosity bonding gel, which creates a strong adhesive bond. Reinforcing the molecular structure of the Artistic Soft Gel Tip to create an airtight seal with the natural nail,…
Salon in the Spotlight: Kelly’s Beauty Box
Completing her training as a beauty therapist in 2009 and qualifying as a nail technician the following year, Kelly opted to open her own salon after six years of salon experience in 2016. She kept her salon home-based for the first five years after branching out on her own, but…
Artistic Nail Design unveils 2 structure gel products to build & strengthen nails
Artistic Nail Design has extended its range of structure gels with the launch of a Brush-On Builder Gel and Rubber Base Coat – which is available in three shades. The two formulas feature alongside Artistic’s Correction Gel Soak-Off Nail Strengthener, in what UK distributor, Louella Belle, is calling the ‘dream…
Looking to create party-ready nail looks? Check out Light Elegance’s 12 summer shades
Light Elegance has unveiled its summer 2023 collection, Viva La Fiesta, comprising 12 trendy hues. Viva La Fiesta’s range of colours include bright corals, fuchsia pinks and terracotta neutrals that are all inspired by the happiness, colour and energy at a fiesta. The following colours are available in LE ButterCream,…
