Posts by Jess Watts
How to remove gel polish safely without damaging nails
Gel polish overlays should not cause any damage to nails. As award-winning nail artist, Katie Clark (née Barnes), has previously written for Scratch, natural nail damage can occur as a result of ‘improper application or removal, overly aggressive filing or client abuse such as picking or biting’. If done without care, caution and the proper…
Read MoreStep inside the purple paradise nail salon in Hazel Grove, Greater Manchester
Nikki Holliday has had quite the year: just six months ago, she was an engineer, and now she owns a nail salon. She shares her journey to creating the purple paradise that is Nikki Nailed it… Nail tech, Nikki Holliday, has been passionate about nails for a long time. Though she officially trained and qualified…
Read MoreNail brand, B’Zillion, enters the UK market
Cornwall-based entrepreneurs, Christopher Hallett, Ashley Hayward and Victoria Hayward, have unveiled B’Zillion, a fashion-led nail brand that boasts HEMA-free gel nail products, accessories, over 30 gel polish shades and four neutral builder gels. The brand aims to make ‘high-performance, salon-quality nail products accessible to everyone – without compromising style or safety’. B’Zillion’s product portfolio includes…
Read MoreThe online nail membership for pros who ‘want to know everything’
Rebecca Orme is an award-winning nail tech, educator & competition judge, with 24 years’ experience in the industry. She talks Scratch through her most recent venture: a 12-month membership course ‘for qualified nail techs with a thirst to know everything’. Rebecca recently noticed a pattern in the nail industry. “I realised that there’s a significant…
Read MoreWhat is a Japanese manicure & why is it so popular?
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 Gate, London – specialises in…
Read MoreWhat do beauty clients want more of during their appointments? Industry report sheds light
Salon management software company, Phorest, has released its Consumer Insights Report 2025, unveiling the key trends shaping UK & Ireland salons… The independent survey conducted by Phorest gathered 716 responses from UK & Ireland salon guests, to find out what clients want from their salon experiences. What do clients want? How can nail salons fulfil…
Read MoreNHBF campaign urges government to recognise vital contribution of hair & beauty sectors
The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has launched a campaign asking the UK Government to formally recognise the crucial contributions of the hair and beauty sector to the nation’s economy, communities and wellbeing. The campaign, Respect Our Sector, is a bold call-to-action focusing on three key points: recognise, invest and include. It urges policymakers…
Read More32 mouth-watering chocolate nail designs
Though 13 September is marked as International Chocolate Day, we believe that every day should celebrate the delicious, rich treat. Check out entries to the 10 September 2025 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: Chocolate. Each nail style was submitted via Instagram or Facebook using #ShowScratch…
Read MoreThe Wales nail salon displaying determination, decadence & dazzling cat eye designs
Rachel Lewis has been bringing her creativity to the nail industry since 2007, when she trained with CND™. After working from her home salon for years, she ended up taking on a new premises in 2023 and spent three months ‘completely transforming the space’. Thus, Pure Nails by Rachel in Newtown, Wales, was born. Pure…
Read MoreMicro nail art is trending: here are 20 inspo pics for the perfect mini mani
Are you trying to find a way to jazz up ‘clean girl’ nails without compromising the simple aesthetic? Enter micro nail art: because sometimes, less is more. Here are 20 nail art designs that embrace the subtle style…
Read MoreSweater season shades: the autumn/winter nail collections you need for 2025
As the colder months and darker days approach, so do product launches containing our favourite harvest hues and winter washes. Here are some AW25 collections to elevate your nails with seasonal sophistication… Lead nail image courtesy of Gelish & Morgan Taylor Andreia Professional MEOWGIC Cat Eye Effect Gel Polish Collection, www.andreiaprofessional.com / www.salon-services.com Hopping onto…
Read MoreThe wellness course designed to help beauty professionals manage physical demands
Wellness course, The Balanced Beauty Pro, has launched to help beauty professionals care for their bodies. The online course helps pros address the physical toll of working in the beauty industry. Created for beauty therapists, aestheticians, lash and nail technicians and hairdressers, The Balanced Beauty Pro course recognises and provides science-backed solutions for physical strain.…
Read MoreThe Bathgate beauty salon that started life as a bar
Katie McBride started her career in the beauty industry in 2011, studying Beauty Therapy at West Lothian College. She went on to complete courses with CND™ and Calgel, with additional qualifications in eyebrow and lash lifting treatments. In 2014, Katie’s dreams of owning a salon were fulfilled when her parents created The Beauty Barn in…
Read MoreScratch Stars Hall Of Famer reveals what it’s like to judge for the prestigious awards
Kayley Cairns, five-time Scratch Stars Award-winner, nail artist & educator, reveals what it’s like to judge for the esteemed competition, and shares advice for entrants. Kayley Cairns is no stranger to the Scratch Stars Awards. After taking home two awards for Mixed Media Artist of the Year and Nail Stylist of the Year, Kayley went…
Read MoreWhy Gen Z is ditching the 9-5 to start beauty businesses
Research from Small Business Saturday UK and Amex has found that 71% of Gen Z are interested in starting their own businesses, with beauty being among the most appealing sectors. Gen Z is entering the workforce with big dreams. Out of the 71% who reported interest in entrepreneurship, 31% said this was a closely held…
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