Finalists announced in 2025 nail industry awards for UK&I pros & businesses
For 12 years, Scratch magazine has been recognising excellence in the UK&I nail industry via the Scratch Stars Awards, and is proud to present the finalists for 2025. Hundreds of entries were received between February and March this year, with nail pros, teams and businesses keen to highlight their talents, passions and industry…
Read More
Pet-friendly salons: key benefits & important considerations
Have you ever considered making your salon pet-friendly? A spokesperson for luxury nail salon, Paint Nails London, shares the advantages and what you need to consider. Why did you decide to become a pet-friendly salon? We decided to become a pet-friendly salon because so many of our clients are animal…
Read More
Soho’s ‘hidden gem’: The underground spa delivering high-quality nail & beauty services
Spa manager, Charlotte Bull, tells all about Soholistic Spa at Ham Yard Hotel, London: an underground, luxury beauty space. Once a derelict space, the site of Ham Yard Hotel in the heart of dynamic Soho was transformed by the Firmdale Hotels group in 2014. Situated next to Piccadilly Circus and…
Read More
Cuticle oil: what is its purpose & how often should it be applied?
‘Remember to oil your cuticles’ is a phrase we’ve all heard countless times. But what is cuticle oil and what are its benefits? We’ve rounded up everything you need to know… Cuticle oil is a moisturising product designed to improve the health and appearance of nails and the surrounding skin.…
Read More
How to avoid stress when clients offload at the nail desk
Suzy Reading, psychologist & wellness expert for the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC), shares top tips for managing mental stress from being a soundboard for clients… “The energetic and emotional toll of listening to clients’ problems needs to be recognised and addressed as part of basic training,”…
Read More
Leeds salon owner: Learning to trust my team & delegate has been a game-changer
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…
Read More
Why do I have white spots on my nails? Causes & treatment for leukonychia
Have you noticed white spots appearing on your nails? This could be leukonychia – here’s everything you need to know… What is leukonychia? This refers to discolouration, which often appears as white dots or lines on the nail. According to book, Milady’s Art & Science Nail Technology, the cause of…
Read More
The GelBottle Inc launches affiliate & reward programme to empower nail pros
The GelBottle Inc (TGB) has unveiled TGB Insiders: a platform to ‘celebrate, engage and empower its most passionate partners’. It replaces the Brighton nail brand’s former affiliate scheme and has considered user feedback to build an improved programme. TGB Insiders is available to UK techs, and will be open to…
Read More
Flipside nail trend: what it is & ways to wear it
The trend that allows you to wear two manicures at once is proving popular – here’s why, as well as some nail inspiration. Flipside manicures involve painting the top of nails with one colour, and painting the underside in another. Whether opting for contrasting hues, a coordinated colour scheme or…
Read More
L&P acrylic vs dip powder nails: what’s the difference?
The L&P acrylic and dip powder systems are both artificial nail offerings, and popular choices for a long-lasting, durable nail finish. However, they have distinct differences. Understanding the terminology and chemistry behind the products is essential for meeting your clients’ needs. Here’s what you need to know about each system……
Read More
Are you a neurodiverse nail tech? This Facebook group offers support to neurodivergent pros
“Neurodiversity refers to the different ways an individual’s brain processes information. It became clear that I am neurodiverse when I was in my late 30s,” says Cheryl Holland, founder of Facebook group, Neurodiversity in Nails. The owner of Spicy Sakura Nails, Worksop, and press-on business, Nail My Ride, set up…
Read More
The GelBottle Inc expands academy offerings to empower nail pros
Brighton-based nail brand, The GelBottle Inc (TGB), has launched in-person courses, workshops and a call service via TGB Academy, to support aspiring and experienced techs. The company’s most popular online workshops, BIAB™ Master and Perfect Prep, will be available as in-person courses at the company’s Centre of Excellence in Brighton.…
Read More
Nail piercings: the trending way to upgrade your manicure
Nail piercings are everywhere – offering a simple, pain-free solution to nail enthusiasts wanting to add some edge to their looks, without having to commit to a body piercing. The autumn/winter 2025 Fashion Weeks could be to thank for this rise in nail jewellery, with pierced nails seen on the…
Read More
Becoming a nail tech at 16: I was the youngest student Bryony Howell had ever trained
17-year-old self-employed nail tech, Ruby Galluzzo, opens up about the journey that led her to pursue a nail career at such a young age. “I first became interested in nails when I was only eight-years-old, but my passion grew massively in 2020 during lockdown. That’s when I really started dreaming…
Read More
Winners unveiled in Professional Beauty nail competitions at ExCel London
Professional Beauty, in collaboration with The Federation of Nail Professionals (The FNP), hosted a nail competition at its spring event, 2-3 March at ExCel, London. Students and existing nail professionals were invited to participate in arena categories including Salon Nail, Gel Polish, Learn A Skill and Structure/Builder In A Bottle,…
Read More
Read the latest issue
