EXPERT ADVICE
Nail & beauty apprenticeships: salons share benefits, their experiences & advice
In a recent poll on Scratch’s Instagram, almost 80% of respondents shared that they’re considering taking on apprentices. Here, two UK salons share how they’ve reaped the rewards of the apprenticeship process.. Nailspa, West Yorkshire “As a business owner, I believe that when it comes to employees, you cannot beat…
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Self-employment help for nail techs: legal, financial & operational considerations
All the legal, financial and operational factors to consider before making those all-important choices… Deciding to become a self-employed nail tech is just the beginning, and we’re here to help you navigate it all. From choosing whether to work from home or as a mobile tech, to deciding which insurance…
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Top reasons to enter nail competitions & expert tips for success
Esteemed beauty business expert & CEO of PHAB Service Stars, Nergish Wadia-Austin, shares advice for budding nail competitors… The nail industry is vibrant, with competitions like the Scratch Stars Awards and Nailympia showcasing the best in creativity and artistry. Prestigious events like these are essential for any nail technician wishing…
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Whether you’re a seasoned artist or starting out, competitions can be an ideal playground to showcase your skills and creativity, as well as build confidence, learn from industry leaders and challenge yourself. The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, shares her competition tips… The spectrum of choice When it…
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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…
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Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year 2022, 2023 & 2024, Jiak Hing, explains how to master her six go-to hand poses for nail photos… 1. Relaxed claw Place the back of one hand against a flat surface and position the camera facing the nails, 45 degrees above and…
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Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, reveals her advice to healthily manage your time and achieve all your tasks… How good are you at managing your time? If you add up all the time you spent scrolling on social media, googling what you have seen an actress in…
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They’re the most essential items in your kit bag, so refresh your knowledge on storing, cleaning and maintaining nail tools and brushes… “With all tools, the general rule should be that if you can feel a loss of efficacy or you’re having to change your technique, it’s time to replace…
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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…
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