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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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How to add hair removal services to your treatment menu

By Sophie Nutt | 8 November 2018

With winter weather comes tights, knee-high boots and fluffy socks. But with Christmas comes festive manicures and pedicures ready for the party season – and what good is a fresh pedi when legs riddled with stubble accompany them? Not only that, but clients seek armpit and facial hair removal all…

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National Stress Awareness Day: A Tech’s Perspective

By Kat Hill | 7 November 2018

November 7 sees National Stress Awareness Day. “We all know what it’s like to feel stressed – being under pressure is a normal part of life. But becoming overwhelmed by stress can lead to mental health problems or make existing problems worse,” states Mind, the registered mental health charity. “National Stress Awareness…

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How to perfect nail product application by the cuticle

By Katie Barnes | 6 November 2018

Mastering cuticle application can be a tech’s nemesis, but it needn’t be. Of course, it takes practice but follow my top tips for perfecting your cuticle application with L&P and gel polish. Perfecting L&P cuticle application When working with L&P, ensuring the mix ratio is correct – especially around the…

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Vegan beauty: Defined by experts

By Helena Biggs | 1 November 2018

With 2018 seeing an increasingly conscious approach across all industries, Scratch quizzes experts about veganism – and the properties upheld by the increasing numbers of vegan nail and beauty products. To be considered vegan, a product or service must be free of any animal-derived ingredients. “This includes ingredients such as…

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What to do during a slow spell at work

By Scratch Staff | 24 October 2018

Naomi Mogg, educator for ASP, reveals how to make the most of any business downtime… If your business is suffering from a dip in clients in the lead-up to the Christmas rush, there are a number of ways you can increase your turnover and keep thriving. Consider giving your VIP…

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What to consider when pedicuring a pregnant client

By Helena Biggs | 15 October 2018

Pregnant pampering can be a welcome treat for a tired mum-to-be as a luxurious pedicure can soothe sore feet and encourage circulation. The small but significant treatment can help boost beauty confidence during a pregnancy or simply help maintain overall foot care when the client can no longer reach their…

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