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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How to take care of personal health & safety in the workplace

By Sophie Nutt | 14 February 2019

As well as ensuring the safety of clients, it is equally as important to take care of your own health & safety in the workplace. This includes maintaining a comfortable working environment, personal health and knowing when yo draw the line when it comes to treatments. “A small friction burn…

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Tammy naf

Top tips for making your nail business stand out

By Scratch Staff | 13 February 2019

Tammy Koslowski, founder of award-winning NAF! Salon in Glasgow, reveals her advice for making your business stand out from the rest… In any given town, you can bet that there will be multiple beauty salons or mobile technicians, so how can you ensure that you stand out and get a…

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Top tips for nailing it backstage at Fashion Week

By Scratch Staff | 12 February 2019

Fashion Week is nearly upon us, and if your skills will see you secure a stint backstage as a nail stylist, follow these words of wisdom from fellow pros… KNOW YOUR LEAD “While assisting at Fashion Week, you are there on behalf of the lead session stylist and your work…

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How to handle negative comments about your business

By Sophie Nutt | 7 February 2019

As in any career, you’ll experience some bad amongst a lot of good – including negative reviews or poor feedback in person or on social media. However, negative comments don’t always have to be the marketing nightmare that many assume them to be. When handled well, they can even become…

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Jenny harris

How to strike a balance between work & home life

By Scratch Staff | 6 February 2019

Make it easy to manage the separation between work and home life with advice from nail artist and educator, JENNY HARRIS… I entered the nail industry shortly after my daughter was born, as I sought work that would be flexible so I could look after her. I completed a diploma…

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Katie barnes pocket lifting

Causes of bubbles in L&P & Gel nail enhancements

By Katie Barnes | 5 February 2019

Award-winning nail tech and educator, Katie Barnes, reveals reasons for pocket lifting… ‘Pocket lifting’ is a term used to describe when an enhancement gets a ‘bubble’ in the middle of the nail plate but the area around it is still sealed down. There are several causes for this kind of…

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