Posts by Katie Barnes
How to perfect the French pedicure
If you thought the French manicure was a thing of the past, think again. Colourful twists on the traditional style are ever-popular, and the look continues to be a go-to for bridal and versatile, year-round styles. How big should be French edge be? A French tip should mimic the natural free edge of the nail.…
Read MoreHere’s what to do if your client wants to remove gel polish at home
Any damage to the natural nail is usually the result of improper application or removal, overly aggressive filing, or client abuse such as picking or biting. When both L&P and gel enhancements and coverings are applied, maintained, and removed correctly, no damage should occur. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the need for clients to…
Read MoreScratch Stars Awards: Am I good enough?
So many techs think they aren’t good enough or ready to compete in industry competitions, such as the Scratch Stars Awards. I have news for you – no one is ever 100% ready. If you wait until you are ready, you’ll never achieve your goals. Having low confidence isn’t necessary a bad thing; it means…
Read MoreHow to turn your nail tech technique flaws into strengths to earn more
Whether it’s trying to paint a symmetrical heart or fitting nail forms, there is always a particular technique that every individual struggles with. Recognising and accepting your weaknesses is the first step. Breaking down each step into individual stages can help achieve success with these struggles. For example, when trying to master painting hearts, it…
Read MoreIs teaching nail courses the next step for you?
Have you changed your career focus since the start of the pandemic? Something you may have started, already be toying with, or not yet even considered, is education. Teaching is not for everyone. It takes a very specific skill set to teach. Being exceptional at the subject in hand, does not automatically mean you will…
Read MoreWhat to charge for your nail art services
As well as experimenting with your creative skills, adding nail art to your services is an opportunity to increase your revenue – so make sure you are charging correctly for it. A question I come across at least once a day, is how much should I be charging for my nail art? While we nail…
Read MoreNail & beauty pros: Should you still wear full PPE?
Some nail techs have always worn it, with others only introducing it since the Covid-19 outbreak. But should you always wear PPE? The short answer is yes. PPE has always been a requirement of COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) for nail techs. PPE can include items such as gloves, masks, face shields, aprons…
Read MoreWhen is a contraindication preventative or restrictive to a nail treatment?
A contraindication is a pre-existing medical condition that could either put you or your client at risk if the treatment was carried out. There are four types of contraindications which are illnesses you will come across. These are viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Another contraindication would be certain medications the customer may be taking…
Read MoreHow to fit nail forms like a boss
Form fitting is one of the biggest nail tech troubles that causes concerns in the industry. There are so many different components and elements that all have to be correct for success when using nail forms. Perfecting your form fitting technique will mean the difference between a structurally strong nail and experiencing issues. Choosing the…
Read MoreGel nails: Why you need to know about viscosity
Many nails techs feel that gel can be impossible to control. The viscosity of gel plays a big part in its success. Viscosity is defined as a measurement of a fluid’s resistance to flow, and when we refer to the viscosity of a gel product, we are referring to how thick or thin and self-levelling…
Read MoreHow to create an ombré nail style
The ombré look is a popular nail style choice, particularly when created using with pink and white shades to replace a traditional French finish. Perfecting it can be a bit challenging however, especially when you’re under the watchful eyes of your clients and time restraints of the appointment. There are hundreds of different ways to…
Read MorePut down the file! Here’s why you need to focus on L&P brush techniques
As a liquid & powder user, it is important to learn to sculpt mainly with the brush and not rely on filing to shape the enhancement. This is exactly what ‘sculpting’ is. By definition sculpting is ‘to create or represent (something) by carving, casting, or other shaping techniques.’ Whether we are using a nail tip…
Read MoreHow to effectively teach nail salon clients about aftercare
Customer education is critical to maintaining a successful nail and beauty business. Sharing aftercare and other maintenance tips can be difficult, especially if you’re back-to-back with clients or want to avoid sounding pushy. However, the service doesn’t end at the nail desk. Following the correct aftercare can be as important as the appointment itself to…
Read MoreIs it ever OK to mix nail brands?
You’ve probably heard that you aren’t supposed to mix nail brands – as in, a powder from one brand and the liquid from another or one gel polish base from one brand and the colour from another. But does it really make a difference or is it just an overcautious recommendation and sales generation from…
Read MoreWhat Instagram’s updates & changes mean for your business
Video content is big, and almost every social media app is working towards prioritising video content. TikTok has been dominating the social media scene, Facebook introduced more video content for creators last year and now Instagram is focusing more on video, so it looks like these changes will trend for many social media apps. Last…
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