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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Woman burn hand

Katie Barnes on… preventing burns from flammable nail products

By Katie Barnes | 20 November 2018

With such an increased report in allergies and accidents occurring with nail products from not just home users, but ‘professional’ nail technicians, I believe that there needs to be a call for better education on the situation. Creating beautiful nails is an art but one of the most forgotten and…

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Christmas

Staying ahead in your salon during the festive rush

By Kat Hill | 20 November 2018

The Christmas countdown has started, and hopefully you’re seeing a rise in the number of bookings filling up your appointment book as everyone wants to look their best over the festive season. To make the most of the busy period, here are some tips for going the extra mile and…

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Waxing

Help clients prep for wax appointments with Waxperts tips

By Scratch Staff | 17 November 2018

Does your client know how to prep for their wax appointment? With ten years’ experience in waxing, the team at Waxperts highlight some top tips… Research: Choose a salon that you have read great reviews on or have been recommended by a friend. You can find a Waxperts Salon on their Salon Map…

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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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Gel polish application

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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