5 tips to make gel nails last longer

By Jess Watts | 25 October 2025

Check out our advice to make gel manicures and pedicures go the distance… 1. Listen to a nail professional This is arguably the most important tip of all. Think of nail techs as personal trainers for long-lasting manis, pedis and nail health, as they know what they are talking about!…

What is a Japanese manicure & why is it so popular?

By Jess Watts | 14 September 2025

Recently, the term ‘Japanese manicure’ has been circulating on social media, accompanied by a significant amount of buzz surrounding its benefits. Scratch spoke to a Japanese manicure specialist to find out what the treatment style involves and why its reputation is skyrocketing… Wild Beauty – a wellness spa in Forest…

OPI collaborates with award-winning nail pro on mani/pedi essentials range

By Helena Biggs | 14 April 2025

Following the launch of the Katie Barnes X OPI branded E-file in 2024, the two companies have announced a second collaboration: a range of nail and cuticle tools and E-file bits. Katie Clark (née Barnes), a multi award-winning nail pro & educator, founded Katie Barnes Tool Range in 2017 to…

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…

How a Scottish inventor & son created a product nail enthusiasts can’t live without

By Helena Biggs | 23 January 2025

Have you ever damaged a nail opening a can, prying open the clips of photo frames or opening keyrings? It’s these nuisances that led husband and son duo, Brian and Gregor Eadie, to create Keysie: a handy device to save nails from unnecessary damage. It was Gregor who approached his…

Pro Beauty North Nail Competitions 2024: THE RESULTS

By Rebecca Hitchon | 1 October 2024

The Professional Beauty North (PB North) exhibition took place in Manchester Central, 29-30 September, and hosted a variety of nail competitions for professionals and students. The judging board was chaired by Marian Newman BEM, with Jacqui O’Sullivan head judge and her and Sean O’Sullivan competition directors. Also judging were Kirsty…

Real diamonds for nails? It’s the next big thing – and not as pricey as you think

By Helena Biggs | 11 September 2024

Taylor Swift, Kylie Minogue and Lucy Hale have all been papped in Jessie Evans’ fine jewellery, but now the London-based entrepreneur has expanded her collection: launching a luxe range of reusable gemstones and 18ct gold accents for nails. Established in 2015, the Jessie V E brand is renowned for sentimental…

6 hand poses for picture-perfect nail photos

By Guest Writer | 18 August 2024

Scratch Stars Ultimate Gel Polish Stylist of the Year, Jiak Hing, explains how to master her six go-to hand poses for nail photos… 1. Relaxed claw Place the back of one hand against a flat surface and position the camera facing the nails, 45 degrees above and about 10cm away.…

Salon in the Spotlight: KHAOS Nail Bar, Ross-on-Wye

By Callie Iley | 21 March 2024

Having worked at a previous premises alongside one another, KHAOS Nail Bar co-owner trio, Georgie, Jess and Niamh, outgrew the space and set out to create a salon brand of their own. “Georgie came up with the name,” they remember. “After that, we decided to follow suit and go mental…

The GelBottle Inc widens portfolio with UK-made Spa range for hands, feet & body

By Helena Biggs | 25 January 2024

The GelBottle Inc has launched TGB Spa – a range of bodycare products and tools made in the UK to elevate the mani/pedi experience. The concentrated range features prep, hydration and rejuvenation products at its core, available in standard sizes and refill pouches to encourage sustainable practice. The aesthetic is…

Want to expand your clientele & streamline bookings? Enter the Beautyverse…

By Helena Biggs | 14 September 2023

Are you a beauty pro, struggling to fill gaps in your diary and get noticed by new clients? Or are you a client who seeks to book an appointment with ease? Download Beautyverse – an app designed to simplify the communication and booking process between beauty artists and clients. The app,…

Nail Tech Talk: Meet Lucy Price, Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2023

By Callie Iley | 26 August 2023

Get to know Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2023, Lucy Price of Lucy Rose Nails, as she shares insight into her career journey & reveals details from the night of the Scratch Stars Awards 2023… Initially training in manicure, pedicure and gel colour treatments at 16 after…

Nail Tech Talk: Cherie Whitlock of Ma Cherie

By Callie Iley | 17 June 2023

With dreams of one day owning her own luxury nail salon, Cherie Whitlock of Ma Cherie shares her next steps in her career & reveals what she loves most about being a nail tech… Cherie’s creative streak instantly attracted her to the industry, led by a lifetime of talent and…

Salon in the Spotlight: Nails by Emma B, Haddenham, Cambridgeshire

By Callie Iley | 4 May 2023

After achieving her dreams when transforming her garage into a tranquil salon space, Emma Blakeman shares her love of providing a personal, one-to-one service to clients at Nails by Emma B in Haddenham, Cambridgeshire. Emma began her training in 2015 with The Beauty Academy in Cambridge, following the birth of…

Susan Gerrard on a year of Mii Manicure + Pedicure

By Rebecca Hitchon | 30 August 2022

As Manicure + Pedicure by Mii celebrates its first birthday this August, the natural nailcare line’s founder, Susan Gerrard, reflects on its success… Describing manicures and pedicures as ‘firmly rooted in her DNA’, Susan Gerrard has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the UK nail industry.…