Posts by Guest Writer
5 ways nail techs can prioritise their mental health when clients offload
Health psychologist, Dr Ravi Gill, explores how nail technicians can create a safe space for clients to offload, while prioritising their own mental health. Nail appointments offer an opportunity for a person to sit still for an hour without the distraction of their phones: an act of self-care and perhaps a therapy session. Nail technicians…
Read MoreHow to remove hard gel from nails without an E-file
Justyna Pryke, Scratch Stars Gel Tech of the Year 2015 & 2025, serves up a step-by-step guide to removing hard gel enhancements safely and effectively. Removing hard gel manually (without an E-file) can be done safely, but it requires patience and care to avoid damaging the natural nails. Here’s a step-by-step guide along with grit…
Read MoreWeak, brittle or ridged natural nails? An expert shares treatment tips
Nail industry veteran, Marian Newman BEM, shares top tips for caring for weak, brittle and ridged natural nails… Weak nails A client may have thin and weak nails as a natural characteristic or result of a systemic condition. Weak nails can also be due to external impacts, such as damage from poorly applied or maintained…
Read MoreNail ridges: an expert shares causes & how to treat
Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2019 & CND™ education ambassador, Helen Burton-Ward, explores ridges on natural nails… There are many types of nail ridges, which can occur naturally or be inflicted by mechanical or environmental factors. Understanding how to correctly manage and treat them will help to maintain the health of the nail…
Read MoreHow to beat feelings of overwhelm as a beauty business owner
Scratch columnist & beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, shares wellbeing advice… Hey beauty pros! At this point of the year, I wonder: have you had a ‘wobble’? I’m guilty of letting things get on top of me during the summer months because my children are home from school, the business gets busy and events are…
Read MoreNorwich nail tech: finding success with a rare neurological condition
I’m Jade Fox and I have Moebius syndrome: a rare neurological condition that is present from birth and affects facial muscles, speech, eye movement and mobility. I face daily challenges that most people never have to consider, and these obstacles have shaped nearly every part of my life. Unexpectedly, they also led me to something…
Read More6 feet poses to nail pedi photos
Footlogix & Artistic Nail Design brand ambassador for Sweet Squared, Lily Lou Moore, explains how to master her six go-to feet poses for pedi photos… 1. One foot in front of the other With the client stood, ask them to put one foot in front of the other. I try to put the camera as…
Read MoreHow to achieve a work-life balance as a beauty professional in summer
Scratch columnist & beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, shares advice for achieving a work-life balance this summer… Summer is upon us and I am so excited for the coming months. Seeing seasonal nail designs puts me in the best mood and makes me want to have fun in the sun. I used to…
Read MoreHow to elevate & promote pedicure services
Enhance your pedicure confidence and elevate your promotion of the service with top tips from footcare specialist, Denise Spragg, owner of The Sangha House. Feet, right? ‘Ugh, I hate my feet, and I couldn’t bear anyone touching them’ is something I hear so often as a pedicurist. In this article, I want to explain the benefits…
Read MoreAward-winning nail tech: How I’ve found success despite suffering with fibromyalgia
Kirsty Brown is the owner of Paintbrush Nails, Stirling, Scotland, which is the Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year 2024 & a finalist for 2025. Here, she shares about her experiences with fibromyalgia… Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue and cognitive difficulties. It can be unpredictable, with varying symptoms, and…
Read MoreHow your beauty business can reduce its environmental impact
Victoria Brownlie MBE, chief policy & sustainability officer at the British Beauty Council, shares guidance to support eco efforts in the beauty sector… While most people are committed to working more sustainably, I have noticed a real disconnect between where world leaders, governments, NGOs and big business see challenges, compared to the average person, small…
Read MoreLGBTQ+ tech & drag nail artist: the nail industry allows me to embrace my truest self
Birmingham-based nail artist, Anthony Lloyd, shares about his LGBTQ+ journey and the important role nail artistry has played in it… My journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community has been a positive and affirming one. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been raised in a supportive family environment, and this foundation allowed me to…
Read MoreLeicester nail tech: My maternal mental health struggles led me to the beauty industry
Nail artist & educator, Mika John of Contours by Mika, shares how poor mental health has impacted her life, and the positive impact of tekking… I first realised I was struggling with my mental health about seven years ago while working in hospitality, but I didn’t take action at the time. I felt constantly overwhelmed…
Read MoreNail techs, here’s how to diversify your skills to reap rewards
Scratch columnist & beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, shares advice for taking your next career step… Do you want to change your role or take a leap in a new direction? Many beauty professionals have been asking me how they can diversify their careers. I teach people to leverage their skills and time, because face-to-face…
Read MoreHampshire nail pro on maternal mental health struggles & pressure to be a perfect mum
Andover-based nail artist & educator, Jo Bennett, opens up about feeling her lowest after having twins… When I was a new mum, I struggled to focus, my mood dropped significantly and I had no motivation, whether to take my twins out, work or even wash my face. I also had nightmares and flashbacks, which were…
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