Winter wonders: Must-have nail colour collections for the 2024 festive season

By Lilly Delmage | 20 November 2024

‘Tis the season of celebrations – and time to embrace joy, sparkle and eye-catching nail effects. From shimmering holiday hues to creative, winter-inspired designs, this season is all about embracing texture and decadent colour. Expect the staple hues to return: we’re talking forest-greens, ribbon reds, glittery golds and striking silvers.…

The experience of male nail techs in 2024: what’s it like?

By Lilly Delmage | 19 November 2024

Scratch reached out to male manicurists to better understand their experiences within the current beauty industry environment. Here’s what they said… Danny Manchip Instagram: @beausbeautybox Scratch Stars award winner & Beau’s Beauty Box owner, Danny, shares how being a man in the industry has impacted him: “If anything, these days…

5 ways your nail & beauty business can save money

By Katie Barnes | 7 November 2024

We are all feeling the pinch, so check out money-saving solutions for your nail and beauty business… 1. Be economical with your products Let’s use a nail file as an example. When you consider how much of a nail file you use in each service, it is rare that you…

The Suffolk nail tech who transformed her lockdown hobby into a thriving salon business

By Lilly Delmage | 7 November 2024

Jemma Cornell, behind JC Nails, started her nail journey during lockdown in 2020 and four years later, has transformed her hobby into a full-time career. The Suffolk-based tech felt she needed something to ‘keep her busy’ during the challenging Covid-19 period, and decided training in nails was the answer. She…

Nail techs: want to protect your skin from irritants? Get your hands on this plant-powered lotion

By Rebecca Hitchon | 3 November 2024

As you tend to the handcare of your clients, do you take the time to look after your own skin? Whether you struggle with dry, sore skin due to overwashing, irritants in the nail space or environmental factors, Gloves In A Bottle can help. The brand’s lotion formula works rapidly…

Introducing BNTUK: a directory connecting Black nail techs, salons & suppliers in the UK

By Helena Biggs | 2 November 2024

Two savvy business owners have pooled their knowledge to launch Black Nail Techs UK (BNTUK): an online directory that connects Black nail technicians, salons and suppliers. The platform seeks to elevate Black excellence in the nail industry, providing clients with ‘a reliable resource to celebrate and support black beauty professionals…

Haverhill nail tech launches Nail Surgery: a membership community for fellow pros

By Helena Biggs | 1 November 2024

A nail technician, salon owner & trainer from Suffolk has launched Nail Surgery: The Naildresser® Community, an inclusive space to uplift and educate nail and beauty professionals. Theresa Foddering, who was fondly named ‘The Naildresser’ by a client’s son over 10 years ago, has built a reputation in the nail…

Want to successfully manage & motivate a nail team? Here’s how…

By Guest Writer | 31 October 2024

Explore strategies to successfully manage and motivate a nail team with business expert & CEO of PHAB Service Stars, Nergish Wadia-Austin.  Leading a team of nail technicians can be both rewarding and challenging, with managers often facing awkward situations that test their skillsets. Understanding how to address these issues effectively…

Tinder announces free nail bar after study reveals nearly 60% of single women discuss dating with nail techs

By Lilly Delmage | 22 October 2024

Dating app, Tinder, opened a pop-up ‘Nailing Dating’ nail bar in collaboration with non-profit organisation focused on ending domestic and sexual violence, NO MORE. The ‘Nailing Dating’ nail bar, located in London, offered free gel manicures and nail art on 25 and 26 October 2024, which were available to book…

Best Practice Guide shared by BABTAC to help beauty therapists support menopausal clients

By Helena Biggs | 18 October 2024

A whopping 95% of women believe education and awareness of menopause needs to be improved*. Subsequently, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) has released MENOPAUSE: A BABTAC Best Practice Guide. The 12-page guide serves to advise beauty professionals on how to treat menopausal clients effectively and comfortably.…

Townhouse nail salon brand unveils partnership with skincare icon

By Helena Biggs | 16 October 2024

Multi award-winning nail salon brand, Townhouse, has partnered with Kate Somerville skincare to offer limited edition treatments from its Beverly Hills salon. The collaboration is the first in the US for Townhouse, which has secured three Scratch Stars Awards and boasts over 40 salon locations. Renowned for its nailcare treatments,…

84% of beauty professionals want to make their businesses more sustainable: Here’s how

By Lilly Delmage | 12 October 2024

The British Beauty Council has launched its Planet Positive Beauty directory for professional hair and beauty services, to help industry professionals who want to operate more sustainably. The portal is easy-to-use, and has been ‘designed to help demystify sustainability-related jargon’, simplifying steps for salons to take to become more environmentally…

How a husband & wife joined forces to tackle fumes & dust in the nail & beauty industry

By Rebecca Hitchon | 11 October 2024

For Poala Taylor-Riddick, building her own brand had always been a pipe dream – but little did she know that a trip to a beauty salon would spark the idea for business success. While getting her nails done at the salon, Poala noticed its lack of ventilation and poor air…

The Essex nail tech working over 4 job roles in her salon

By Lilly Delmage | 9 October 2024

Laura’s Nail Boutique in Silver End, Essex, is run by founder, Laura Wragg. She shares her experience working as a one-man band, having to fulfil multiple job roles at the same time… The home-based tech says: “It is just me in my business. I am a salon owner, nail artist,…

How a booking system can benefit a nail tech’s work-life balance

By Hannah Beth Clayton | 9 October 2024

Natural nail specialist & educator, Hannah Beth Clayton, shares how booking software has supported the day-to-day running of her business… Throwback to around four years ago, and I spent most evenings with a pen and paper, messaging clients back and forth to find an appointment for them. My husband would…