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What is a nail habit-tic & can it be treated?

By Katie Barnes | 12 February 2025

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…

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Nail & beauty apprenticeships: salons share benefits, their experiences & advice

By Rebecca Hitchon | 11 February 2025

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

By Lilly Delmage | 5 February 2025

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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Questions Answered

Scratch Stars Awards: Your questions answered!

By Helena Biggs | 1 February 2019

Scratch editor & Scratch Stars Awards organiser, Helena Biggs, answers your questions about the Scratch Stars Awards 2019… Q: What is it and who should enter? The Scratch Stars Awards is run by Scratch magazine and recognises UK-based nail techs, bloggers, teams, salons and spas across 18 categories. There really…

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Natural Nail

Nails & cancer: Your questions answered

By Scratch Staff | 1 February 2019

While everyone can appreciate the benefits of a pamper, indulging those fighting cancer truly can be a rewarding experience. Here, experts answer your questions about caring for clients with cancer… What insurance requirements are there? “Speaking from the perspective of ABT, we offer one of the widest insurance covers available on…

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Phone Nails

How to deal with stress

By Scratch Staff | 31 January 2019

When you’re back-to-back with appointments and rushed off your feet in the salon or on the move, your work life can sometimes feel a little daunting. To help promote calmness in his tekking career, session nail stylist, Robbie Tomkins, recommends meditation. “I’ve been meditating for around three years. It allows me…

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Pedicure

How to look after your posture when pedicuring

By Kat Hill | 29 January 2019

When carrying out pedicures, it is import to ensure you’re also looking after yourself and your posture. Here, we reveals some tips to consider… Consider a footstool with a back rest for yourself that is adjustable in height to help see your back straight and supported. When using the stool,…

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Course Booking

How to choose your next nail course

By Kat Hill | 25 January 2019

Take note – this is the year to make it happen! Selecting a course to book is a commitment, so be sure you’re consider these top tips from the experts… “You will need to know what will be taught on the course, and be sure to think of the type…

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How to avoid slipping into bad business habits

By Metta Francis | 24 January 2019

Award-winning nailist, Metta Francis, reveals how to boost your spirits and avoid falling into bad habits in your nail business… With January well underway, how are you getting on with any resolutions or good intentions you set for the year? Apparently it takes 21 days to break a habit, and…

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