Posts by Guest Writer
Why you should stop comparing your nail skills to others
Scratch magazine 2020 columnist, Sophie Dale of Nancy Loves Nails & Nancy Girl Apparel, shares why it’s time to stop comparing yourself to others… ‘Comparison is the thief of joy’. I constantly compare myself to others and it has really affected me. It’s poisonous, and no matter how experienced or whatever level you are at, we…
Read MoreHow-to: Halo Easibuild overlay on natural nails
The team at Pure Nails reveals how to build strength and enhance the natural nail with Halo’s EasiBuild… Step 1: Prep Prep work is vital and should never be rushed, taking 10-15 minutes to complete. It helps ensure that the product will adhere to the natural nail by eliminating any barriers that may affect it.…
Read MoreMarian Newman BEM on… changes to nail product regulations for 2021
Marian Newman BEM, nail industry veteran and chair of The FNP, reveals the changes to cosmetic products that will be evident in 2021… Originally posted at www.the-fnp.com “We will be seeing a lot of changes in 2021 with regards to cosmetic products including nail products. This has some connection to the UK leaving the European…
Read MoreCovid career changes: Why I decided to train as a nail tech during lockdown
Sophie Akerman decided to train as a nail technician during the Covid-19 pandemic after being forced to work from home gave her time to reflect on her career path. She shares with Scratch the highlights and the challenges of her nail journey so far. “I was fortunate enough to keep my job throughout Covid-19, with…
Read MoreRachel Lunn on… launching a nail academy during lockdown
Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2019, Rachel Lunn launched training centre during lockdown called The Nailroom- Rachel Lunn Nails and Training. Here, she shares her experience of launching during a difficult time and the inspiration behind going independently… I think like many nail technicians and salon owners, lockdown gave us one thing we were…
Read MoreConfused about what to charge for nail art? Tina Bell shares her tips…
Tina Bell, head of education for Pure Nails & owner of Totally Polished Academy, shares her advice on charging appropriately for nail art so you’re not out of pocket… Do you struggle to charge for nail art? Does the client always spring their request on you at the last minute during the appointment? You may…
Read MoreDealing with grief: 6 ways to support bereaved employees
National Grief Awareness Week runs 2-8 December 2020 to raise awareness of the support needed by those suffering a bereavement. Rebecca Mian, head of HR at Benenden Health, shares advice on how employers can support employees going through the grieving process… Death is something most of us avoid thinking about but, as an employer, it…
Read More5 ways to improve your social media nail content
Anna Khanna, founder of Socialista Media, reveals ways nail techs can improve social media content… If we’ve learned anything from the last six months, it’s how technology can be – and has been – one of our biggest assets; in particular, social media. Since March, the beauty industry has been one of the biggest effected…
Read MoreBeauty Boss on… How to establish your online presence
Layla Tourh, MD of The Creative Beauty Group and founder of Beauty Boss HQ, an online platform dedicated to supporting beauty bosses in the running of their business, shares her top tips & words of wisdom… Have you got a presence in the social space? Being part of an over-saturated market means you have to…
Read MoreHow to make the most of Halo Create nail art products
Tina Bell, head of education at Pure Nails, divulges info about the Halo Create nail art range and how you can make the most of the products to dazzle and delight clients… Halo Create launched just in time for lockdown 2.0; an ideal time for us to experiment with nail designs that our clients will…
Read MoreBack To Basics: 3 steps to ensure your gel polish goes the distance
At Pure Nails, we think that Lockdown 2.0 is the perfect time to go back to basics and perfect your core skills; namely how ensure a chip-free, durable finish. Step 1: Preparation Cuticle work: This step is vital in the application of flawless gel polish. Gently push back the cuticle by using the manicure spoon.…
Read MoreThe nail business challenges I’ve faced throughout the Covid-19 pandemic
Hannah Garbett, MD & director of education at Staffordshire Nail Academy, shares an honest account of the business challenges faced during the coronavirus pandemic… Where on earth do I start? This year has been one of immense anxiety and stress along with sheer grit and determination. Our year started with optimism – organising moving our…
Read More8 ways nail techs can keep motivated during lockdown 2.0
Tina Bell, head of education at Pure Nails, serves up key ways to keep your creativity flowing and spirits high during lockdown 2.0… Here we are, back in lockdown. Once again, I have packed up my salon, moved my nail desk onto my dining room table and taken over whole room – there are gel…
Read MoreConfused about financial support amidst coronavirus? The NHBF outlines what’s available
As England dives into a second national lockdown, the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) is continuing to lobby for further support for hair and beauty businesses. The industry body is pushing for a reduction in VAT to 5%, further business rates relief, an extension to eviction protection from landlords and student loan-style repayment plans…
Read MoreOverspending? Here’s how to budget for success
Beauty industry accounts expert & qualified nail tech, Ria-Jaine Lincoln, shares a lesson on budgeting and control to ensure you don’t overspend… The key to budgeting and control is good cash flow and I’m revealing a guide to help you get started. I am going to focus on the Excel template although I am a huge fan…
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