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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 importance of a logo for your nail business

By Sophie Nutt | 20 December 2018

Strong logo imagery on your high street shop front can differentiate you from local competition and can help etch your brand in an individual’s mind. For mobile technicians, having your logo on all promotional materials, business cards and social media will help to build a brand, helping clients to recognise…

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The importance of looking after your hands at work

By Kat Hill | 11 December 2018

As your most prized tools, your hands come under a lot of stress. “As with many physical jobs, busy nail technicians can experience ailments over time, including  Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,” explains CND™ education ambassador, Lysa Glover. “CTD is the result of repeated ‘trauma’ to the…

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How to choose the correct nail tip

By Katie Barnes | 4 December 2018

Multi award-winning tech, Katie Barnes, serves up advice on choosing the right nail tip for your client… TYPES OF TIPS Most nail tips are manufactured out of plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene monomers (ABS), a durable yet flexible material that can be shaped into a smooth surface that resists…

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Ace nail glitter application with Lecenté

By Kat Hill | 4 December 2018

Are you ready to glitz clients this party season? Katrina Ross, head of marketing and communications for Lecenté, reveals some top tips for flawless glitter application, pricing and beating the appointment rush… “When using glitter remember a little goes a long way; try not to waste excess glitter, just use what you need. I…

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Nail your Shoot Out entry thanks to Hannah Missen

By Kat Hill | 30 November 2018

“It felt amazing to win first place in The Great Scratch Shoot Out!” Hannah Missen beams. “I was completely over whelmed and still can’t quite believe it, there were so many stunning entries this year so I feel very proud of what me and my fantastic team have achieved. The…

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Top tips: Controlling odour during a L&P service

By Scratch Staff | 27 November 2018

It is your responsibility to ensure any odour from an L&P service is kept to a minimum. There are some simple steps you can build into your work practises to aid with this… Use disposable towels for wiping off and dispose of between clients. Always use a lidded bin that…

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