Editor's Letter

Nail salons are the most common beauty businesses in the UK, ahead of hair salons and skincare clinics, according to research by Money.co.uk Business. While some of you may be concerned about these findings; feeling that competition is rife, I see these results as something to be proud of, and an indication of a much-loved industry with treatments that are in great demand.

So what makes your business stand out? As I write, the Scratch team is assessing entries into the Scratch Stars Awards 2024, ready to announce finalists on 15 April, and we have been noting inspiring initiatives that salons and pros use to excite and engage their communities. It’s also been heart-warming to read so many positive reviews from clients about the quality of their nail services and how their appointments make them feel. We are in an industry that promotes positivity and enhances wellbeing, and it’s important to remember the value of your offerings.

On this point, Amy Guy of The Nail Tech Org has launched National Nail Tech Price Increase Day, a movement that encourages professionals to evaluate how much they are charging for their services, then raise their prices where needed. The goals of this movement are to help techs earn a wage that reflects their hard work and send a message to clients about the value of their skills. Read all about it on page 38 and I urge you to reflect on your price points, as you deserve to be paid appropriately for your dedication and talent.

As you immerse in the pages of this edition, I hope you feel the joyful impact that brands, products, art and mani/pedi experiences have on clients. We see avant-garde styles championed on runways across the world on page 32, nail art used to spread awareness and promote messages on page 82, and the industry celebrated at an immersive exhibition on page 28. What’s more, we reflect on how one of the longest-standing brands in the nail industry, CND™, has helped shaped the nail fashion landscape.

These varied tales and achievements show how much your work matters, and that you are part of an industry with serious staying power. Embrace its growth, value your contributions and congratulate yourself on being a member of a community that’s thriving.

Until next month,

Helena Biggs Managing editor

+44(0)1959 547 000 helena.biggs@scratchmagazine.co.uk

This month’s cover image comes from the CND™ archives, in celebration of the brand’s 45th anniversary. It features CND Shellac™ shades: Lilac Eclipse, Berry Boudoir and Hypnotic Dreams, from the 2017 Nightspell collection. Photographer: Sarah Silver

@sarahsilverofficial Nail artist: Torie Bastian

@thepolishedpinky

Scan here for a cover nails tutorial

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