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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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The gel system: Why it’s important to use the same brand for the gel and lamp

By Sophie Nutt | 24 January 2019

Offering opportunities to strengthen, sculpt and enhance, the gel system is a big hit with those seeking a hardwearing, long-lasting glossy nail finish. The system boasts a multitude of uses: natural nails can wear an overlay to add strength or aid growth, while clients seeking length can benefit from application…

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Catherine Wong

How to prepare for a nail competition

By Scratch Staff | 23 January 2019

Industry veteran and seasoned nail judge, Catherine Wong, serves up reasons why you should compete – and how to prepare for a nail competition… “Competing pushes you out of your comfort zone and tests your limits. It makes you a better nail tech over time and earns you the achievements…

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How to correctly file the natural nail

By Katie Barnes | 22 January 2019

We hear the myth time and time again – ‘Nail enhancements damage the nail’ – but the damage is usually caused by over-filing the natural nail before any nail products have been applied, or by incorrect removal. Over-filing of the natural nail is one of the most common causes of…

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Ivana Prokic

Creating photographic magic with Ivana Prokic

By Kat Hill | 21 January 2019

“Winning still feels like a dream,” smiles Ivana. “It’s fantastic, overwhelming, unreal and I feel so happy. I’m so proud of our team and work! This was our first photographic competition, and there were so many other beautiful entries. Even though I love our picture I totally didn’t see it…

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Health, hygiene and safety advice for tanning, waxing and lash services

By Sophie Nutt | 17 January 2019

Managing health and safety doesn’t have to be complicated, costly or time-consuming, however it is an important aspect of providing a beauty service. As a beauty professional, you have a duty of care to yourself and your clients. A client should be able to come to you for any service…

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Margaret Dabbs on how to care for hands and feet in the winter

By Sophie Nutt | 10 January 2019

Founder of Margaret Dabbs London, celebrated podiatrist and foot expert, Margaret Dabbs, talks about how the cold weather can affect your feet as well as advising on how best to treat them. How can the change in season and weather affect hands and feet? Hands and feet are affected adversely…

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