Acrylic Nails and Relaxation: The Rise of Professional Back Scratching Therapy

As of November 16th, 2025, a new wellness trend is sweeping the United States: back scratching therapy. Businesses offering professional back scratching services have been popping up in major cities across the country, providing 30-minute to hour-long sessions for customers.

Some therapists use long acrylic nails to lightly scratch their clients' backs, necks, and heads, while others utilize specialized massage tools. Proponents of this therapy claim it can reduce stress, promote calmness, and help with sleep. Toni George, the founder of Scratcher Girls in Florida, says she was inspired to start her business after fond memories of getting back scratches from her grandparents as a child.

Scratcher Girls charges $75 for a 30-minute session and $130 for an hour, with similar services available in New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and Arizona. According to George, the demand for back scratching has been high, with her company servicing over 20 customers per day. The therapy is considered a form of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) massage, which can trigger a pleasant tingling sensation in the body.

While there is limited scientific research on back scratching as a formal therapy, experts believe the light, gentle scratching can stimulate the skin's sensory nerves and release feel-good hormones like endorphins, helping the body shift into a calmer state. For those unable to access professional services, investing in a back scratcher at home is recommended as an affordable and enjoyable way to add relaxation to one's routine.