Threads: Is it here to stay?

By Callie Iley | 3 September 2023

Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, reported over five million sign-ups to Threads in the first four hours of its launch. Scratch explores whether the social media platform is here to stay & its benefits for nail pros…   On 5 July, microblogging platform, Threads, made its presence known in the social…

Nail Tech Talk: Meet Sarah Rushworth of The Nail Shed, Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year 2023

By Callie Iley | 2 September 2023

Valuing offering clients a personalised, focused service due to her struggles with anxiety since the birth of her son, Sarah Rushworth of The Nail Shed, Bolton, details her nail journey & how it felt to win Home Nail Salon of the Year in the Scratch Stars Awards 2023… Working two…

Salon in the Spotlight: Lucy’s Glamourvan, Deal

By Carter Rogers | 31 August 2023

Getting into the industry seeking flexible working hours around childcare in 2002, Lucy Fulbrook tackles new terrain with her mobile salon, the Glamourvan… With a budget of £1000 to renovate a poor condition caravan she purchased for £150, Lucy and her builder husband set to work on converting it into…

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…

WINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap August 2023

By Callie Iley | 25 August 2023

The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge has been announced as Hayley Badgery. In a showcase of talent, techs stepped up to the Scratch Snap challenge for August & created nail designs inspired by the theme ‘Pearly Perfection’ in the bid to win a prize from Glitterbels. Judged by Scratch’s copywriter, Callie…

Salon in the Spotlight: Jules Nails and Beauty, Keighley

By Callie Iley | 24 August 2023

Qualifying in level 2 beauty in 2001 from Craven College, Skipton, Julianne Weatherall’s creative and artistic nature instantly attracted her to the world of nails. “I decided nails was the place I needed to be, so in 2002, I enrolled at Keighley College to learn advanced nail techniques, and I’ve…

Nail Tech Talk: Beth Buckley of Sassy Nails

By Callie Iley | 19 August 2023

Despite not considering nails as a career until later in her life, Beth Buckley of Sassy Nails had a lifelong passion for nails. “I even used to paint my friend’s nails in the toilets at school,” she laughs. “I trained in L&P Acrylic and later in gel polish, and never…

Salon in the Spotlight: Jo’s Nails, Sutton Bridge

By Callie Iley | 17 August 2023

Attending Isle College in 1992 to study hair and beauty, Joanne Smyth had a love for beauty since she was a child, seeing her qualifying as a natural next step. With over 30 years of industry experience, Joanne based her beauty business from a salon where she rented a space…

Nail Tech Talk: Denise Maples of Onestop Nails

By Callie Iley | 12 August 2023

Attending Olympia Beauty with a nail technician friend, Denise Maples became enthralled in the world of nails, making the decision to train and qualify herself. A single parent to three sons, Denise was working as a cleaner during school hours to make ends meet, with one of her jobs based…

Salon in the Spotlight: BeautyHour by Carlianne, Blaydon

By Callie Iley | 10 August 2023

Training in December 2022 with Nicole Dowling of Totally Polished, Carlianne Elliott-Purkins had previously studied beauty therapy at college upon leaving school but initially pursued another career. Deciding to take the leap and retrain, Carlianne notes beauty and nails as her main interests, encouraging her to make the decision. “I’d…

Nail Tech Talk: Nicola Julian of Oakwood Nails

By Callie Iley | 5 August 2023

Overcoming self-doubt to pursue a career in the nail industry, Nicola Julian of Oakwood Nails discovered her love for nail art during the pandemic before completing her training in 2021. Having had an interest in make-up, hair and nails from a young age, Nicola Julian initially pursued a career in…

Salon in the Spotlight: Mayfair Aesthetics & Beauty, London

By Callie Iley | 3 August 2023

Offering a one-stop salon for nail, beauty and aesthetics treatments in a contemporary central London salon location, Mayfair Aesthetics & Beauty shares its journey since its establishment in 2001. Since opening in 2001 offering nail and tanning services to clients, Mayfair Aesthetics & Beauty has developed and grown its business…

WINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap July 2023

By Callie Iley | 31 July 2023

The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge has been announced as Stephanie Connolly. In a showcase of talent, techs stepped up to the Scratch Snap challenge for July & created nail designs inspired by ‘Undersea Adventure’ in the bid to win a prize from Nail Alliance. Judged by Scratch‘s copywriter, Callie Iley, and Gelish master…

Insight: Understanding scoresheets from nail & beauty competitions

By Katie Barnes | 31 July 2023

To not be a finalist or winner in a nail competition or awards can leave you wondering what you did wrong and make you question your skills. As a competitor and judge, I would like to share my experiences… Recognition aside, simply applying for a nail award or being shortlisted…

15 common nail conditions & how to deal with them

By Callie Iley | 30 July 2023

Do you know what to do when you’re faced with a natural nail concern? Scratch shares expert advice and product recommendations for 15 common nail issues… Addressing the issue The natural nail is the foundation of any great nail enhancement, so knowing how to approach common issues if and when…