EXPERT ADVICE

French pedicure

How to nail the French tip pedicure

By Katie Barnes | 20 April 2025

Katie Clark, award-winning nail tech & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education, answers questions about perfecting the French pedi… How big should the French tips be? A French tip should mimic the natural free edge of the nail. Estimate how long the client will wait between appointments, plus…

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Why it’s important to take care of feet & advice for pedicurists

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 April 2025

The importance of footcare can be overlooked, particularly during colder weather when feet and toenails tend to be tucked into thick socks and closed-toe footwear. But footcare services are not just beneficial for pedicure season. Foot and toenail issues can arise at any time, and treating them early can prevent…

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Runner feet

9 common nail & skin problems for runners & how to treat

By Scratch Staff | 13 April 2025

Discover the common nail and skin woes of runners, and how to tackle them for the ultimate foot finish… “Runners can be prone to a lot of foot problems,” explains nail educator & brand adviser, Rachel Gribble. “Hard skin, ingrown toenails and bruised nails are some of the most prevalent.…

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Feb25 Low Res Cover Scratch For Web

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How to master health & safety as a mobile tech

By Sophie Nutt | 28 February 2019

Providing manicures on the move means you’re never guaranteed the ideal working environment that you might have in a salon or treatment room. However, there are steps you can take to ensure you are delivering hygienic and safe practices for the benefit of both yourself and your clients. Consider carrying…

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Anastasiia Morozova

Nail competition tips from champion Anastasiia Morozova

By Kat Hill | 23 February 2019

Thinking of entering The Scratch Stars Awards? Anastasiia Morozova shares her story to inspire and encourage… My students very often ask me how to become an international nail educator. The secret is very simple: nail competitions! My career began as an nail technician, taking customers at home and in the salon.…

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Bridal nails

Aftercare advice for bridal clients

By Kat Hill | 23 February 2019

In order for your client to maintain their nail look past the big day, it is important to impart aftercare advice and your product recommendations for use at home. Not only does this present the perfect retail opportunity, the correct information also helps reduce the risk of service breakdown and…

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How & why you should retail beauty products

By Scratch Staff | 21 February 2019

Esteemed salon & spa business consultant, Susan Routledge, serves up advice on how & why you should make the most of retail opportunities.. Q: Why is it so important for a nail business to offer retail products? Retailing is such an integral and important part of any nail business. It…

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Maria Cientanni shares Lecenté glitter application tips

By Sophie Nutt | 21 February 2019

It’s no secret that glitter is a key component – and, for some, a healthy obsession – in a nail tech’s life. Glitter is a great way to personalise a manicure and make it unique to the client, as more women are seeking to express themselves through their nail choices,…

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Robbie session work

Robbie Tomkins reveals his journey into session nail styling

By Scratch Staff | 14 February 2019

There isn’t a clear cut or methodical way to becoming a session technician. Everyone has a different experience and story of how they came to be on their hands and knees, painting a model’s toes through a pair of strappy stilettos in a disused warehouse in East London at 7am…

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