Posts by Katie Barnes
What is a nail habit-tic & can it be treated?
When a client sits at your nail desk and presents you with a nail like the below, you may wonder whether it is a contraindication that you should not treat. This is habit-tic deformity. Most commonly seen on the thumbnails, this nail condition is usually a result of onychotillomania: a compulsive and repetitive habit of…
Read MoreHome gel kit dangers & 6 ways to prevent allergies at the nail desk
Many people turned to DIY nail kits during the coronavirus lockdown. They may have been visiting a nail pro for months, years or even decades – before suddenly, the luxury of a nail appointment was gone, and some saw a solution in home application of gel polish. DIY home kits have always been readily available:…
Read MoreWhy lifting can happen when using builder gel in a bottle & how to deal with it
Since the rise in popularity of builder gels in bottles, I have noticed an increase in issues. When gel polish came onto the scene, many techs added this service to their menu, but did not carry out training in this medium; assuming it was the same as previous services. It is important to remember that…
Read More5 ways your nail & beauty business can save money
We are all feeling the pinch, so check out money-saving solutions for your nail and beauty business… 1. Be economical with your products Let’s use a nail file as an example. When you consider how much of a nail file you use in each service, it is rare that you use the whole file, especially…
Read MoreHEMA: What is it, why is it used in nail products & is it to blame for allergies?
What is HEMA? HEMA, also known as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or hydroxyethyl methacrylate, belongs to the monomer family and is used as an adhesive in nail products. Having an adhesive property in the product is important to prevent service breakdown. When alternative ingredients are used, using a coarser grit file can be necessary to ensure adhesion,…
Read MoreWhat it means to have half moons on your nails
Fingernail half moons are the rounded, white shadows at the base of the nails. The industry term for this is lunula, which is Latin for ‘little moon’. The place where each nail begins growing is known as the matrix. This is where new cells are made that will make up the nail. The lunula is…
Read MoreNail science: how they grow & what makes them grow faster
Although it may sound like there’s no rhyme or reason to how nails grow, award-winning nail tech, Katie Barnes, shares the few basic factors that affect the speed of growth. The standard rate of growth of a normal fingernail is between 0.5 – 1.2mm per week, but this differs from one individual to another. On…
Read MoreWhat’s the difference between diamond, carbide & silicone E-file bits? A nail expert explains
E-file bits are made from different materials, come in different shapes, sizes and styles and have different purposes and benefits, says Katie Clark, award-winning nail tech & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education. There are some bits which must only be used for certain techniques, otherwise it is down to preference. But it…
Read MoreWhy are E-files & dust collectors so important to nail technicians?
As a nail technician, ensuring the quality and safety of your nail services is paramount. Embracing nail tools such as E-files and dust collectors can significantly improve the efficiency and precision of your services, and the overall experience for both you and your clients. Here, I delve into the importance of E-files and dust collectors,…
Read MoreHere’s the reason why glossy nails are so hard to photograph
When we complete a set of nails, we have two different finishes: matte or glossy. You may have noticed that glossy is far more difficult to photograph. When light from an object is reflected by a surface, it changes direction. It bounces off the surface at the same angle as it hits it. Smooth, shiny…
Read MoreLeft-handed nail tech? Here’s how to adapt your tool kit
It is assumed that when working left-handed, you just work the opposite way. But if you are leftie, you will know this is just a myth. The majority of the population is right-handed, and so the majority of products and techniques are tailored to right-handed techs. This is applicable for all fields, but with the…
Read MoreHere’s why nail tools discolour & corrode – & how to prevent this
Maintaining high-quality nail tools is essential for delivering safe and professional nail services to clients. However, have you ever wondered why some of your nail tools – particularly metal ones – develop discolouration, tarnish and corrosion? Understanding the factors that contribute to these issues can help you prolong the lifespan of your tools and deliver…
Read MoreThe UK heatwave: Is it affecting your nail products?
Educator & award-winning nail technician, Katie Clark, reveals why hot weather may impact your nail products and services… Most techs will have noticed a difference in their L&P and gel systems at varied times, especially different temperatures and seasons, with changes being particularly noticeable during periods of very warm weather. Temperature and additional UV exposure…
Read MoreAre you aware of the dangers of sprays & aerosols around electrical nail equipment?
When it comes to ensuring a safe and efficient nail salon environment, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers that certain products can pose. Here, I explore why sprays and aerosols can be hazardous when stored and used around electrical nail equipment, such as e-files and gel lamps. By understanding the risks involved,…
Read MoreWhat’s the difference between the nail plate & the nail bed?
The terminology can be confusing, but it’s crucial to understand the different parts of the nail structure, including the nail plate and the nail bed. In this post, I explore the distinct characteristics of these two components and their roles. THE NAIL PLATE: what you need to know The nail plate is what we class…
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