BUSINESS

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Why nail technicians should enter the Scratch Stars Awards: tips from a nail competition maestro

By Lilly Delmage | 3 January 2025

Bespoke nail artist, Jiak Hing, who has won the Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year accolade for three consecutive years, shares insight into the competition, what to expect on the day and the benefits of entering.   Why did you decide to enter the Scratch Stars Awards? To…

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2025 Goals

New year, new you: How nail businesses can plan for the year ahead

By Marie-Louise Coster | 1 January 2025

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, shares her tips for reviewing the last year and preparing for the next, in order to achieve success… Here we are again, another year gone and a new one in front of us full of opportunity, possibility and hope. It is…

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4 updates to make to your beauty business in 2025

By Guest Writer | 30 December 2024

Kim Ford, global business & beauty education expert, shares ways to make the most of quiet spells to improve your business long-term… The beginning of a new year is a great time to focus on business administration, such as updating operational and legal documents, and to consider if your marketing…

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Introverted nail techs: how to grow your skills & clientele comfortably

By Lilly Delmage | 22 December 2024

Do you love the creative aspect of being a nail professional: perfecting enhancements and getting arty, but find it challenging to converse with clients and colleagues? You’re not alone. A need to recharge after client interactions or feeling most comfortable in quiet environments are signs of introversion. The word ‘introvert’…

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I’ve been a beauty pro for 30+ years: here’s how I set boundaries with clients

By Marie-Louise Coster | 19 December 2024

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, shares her experiences with boundary-pushing clients… I imagine most of you went into the nail/beauty industry to make people happy. I also imagine that you expected clients to be grateful and courteous at all times. I don’t suppose you imagined that sometimes…

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2025 Business Planning

2025 nail business planning: expert tips for new year success

By Guest Writer | 18 December 2024

Belinda Price, OPI UK&I education and capability manager & owner of Nailspa, Scratch Stars Nail & Beauty Salon of the Year 2024, shares advice… During the busiest season of the year for most nail and beauty professionals, it can be hard to see past 31 December. But as the dust…

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Spread Christmas cheer sustainably: 3 ways to recycle festive items

By Guest Writer | 15 December 2024

Decorating the Christmas tree, wrapping gifts, and sending out greeting cards are some of the most cherished Christmas traditions, but after the festivities, how do you dispose of the excess? Gabriella Peace, marketing communications manager of UK Greetings, offers her take on how you can give your Christmas items a…

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Ghosting Jo Tompkins Article

Nail pros: Here’s how to handle clients ghosting you in the digital age

By Jo Tompkins | 13 December 2024

When someone stops replying to your messages without warning, it can feel like a gut punch – especially in business. You’ve poured time and effort into crafting the perfect message, shared your pricing and then… radio silence. But here’s the thing: ghosting is part and parcel of any business that…

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How to take a great nail photo

By Katie Barnes | 14 March 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, offers advice on making the most of your nail snaps… Taking good photographs of your nail work can increase your chances of being featured in publications and grow your clients and social media following. The quality of your photographs can show the difference between an amateur and professional nail technician. You don’t need…

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Soil Association

Organic beauty blooms with sales up 13%

By Kat Hill | 23 February 2017

New research from the Soil Association’s Organic Beauty and Wellbeing Market Report has revealed that the sales of certified organic and natural beauty products saw an increase. The report also noted key trends to keep an eye on, including the hot trend of beauty products containing extracts from unusual food…

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DOUG SCHOON discusses new book

By Helena Biggs | 23 February 2017

Renowned scientist and nail expert, Doug Schoon, has been speaking about the release of his latest book, Face-to-Face with Doug Schoon Vol 1. In a recent interview with Scratch, Doug revealed that volumes 1 & 2, which is due for release in March, have been printed in a Q&A format,…

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HAZEL DIXON hosts photographic course

By Kat Hill | 7 February 2017

Award-winning tech, Hazel Dixon, recently hosted a three-day photographic event to polish participants’ photographic competition skills. Designed to answer questions the top tech is often asked, Hazel created the course to share her experience with the style of competition. The event saw the participants work with a theme – Alice in…

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SALLY UK & IRELAND announces new managing director

By Helena Biggs | 3 February 2017

Sally UK & Ireland has announced the promotion of Warren Scarr to managing director. Warren Scarr replaces Michael Dewey who, after over a decade with the company, is returning to the U.S. with his family. Warren, who worked closely with Michael in his role as commercial & marketing director, has played an…

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How to remove enhancements without damaging nails

By Katie Barnes | 24 January 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how to remove enhancements correctly – and what happens if you don’t. One of the biggest nail myths is that ‘nails need to breathe’. Nails are made up of several layers of dead, compacted cells and do not have the…

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