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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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Top reasons to enter nail competitions & expert tips for success

By Guest Writer | 3 February 2025

Esteemed beauty business expert & CEO of PHAB Service Stars, Nergish Wadia-Austin, shares advice for budding nail competitors… The nail industry is vibrant, with competitions like the Scratch Stars Awards and Nailympia showcasing the best in creativity and artistry. Prestigious events like these are essential for any nail technician wishing…

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Gabriella Kovács

Top 5 tips for nail competitions by Gabriella Kovács

By Helena Biggs | 21 July 2018

Nailympia judge and nail expert, Gabriella Kovács, of Hungary, reveals her 5 top tips for techs looking to compete on a national or international level. All your tools and products should be placed in the same position on your table when you practice and during the actual competition. You will be…

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Joanna MacDonald & Jennifer Linton

How to juggle social media, clients and your personal life

By Kat Hill | 21 July 2018

Are your struggling to strike a balance between juggling social media, clients and your own personal life? Jennifer Linton and J Macdonald, co-directors of Linton & Mac, Aberdeen, share their thoughts… “We opened our salon in September 2015, and since then have made a conscious effort to ensure our social…

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Andy Rouillard

Male waxing: Andy Rouillard shares six tricks for furless fingers

By Sophie Nutt | 19 July 2018

Whether you’re considering branching into male waxing or are a mobile tech with limited space varying from appointment to appointment, smaller services such as ear and nose waxing can be a good place to start. Waxing expert and owner of Axiom Bodyworks, Andy Rouillard, explains, “For nail techs interested in…

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Artistic Led Pro 36 Light

How to look after your UV/LED lamp

By Kat Hill | 17 July 2018

Louella Belle educator and Scratch Stars winner, Carrie Leigh-Allen, reveals how you should be looking after your lamp to ensure a oh-so professional service… “UV or LED lamps are expensive but an important part of our kit,” explains Carrie-Leigh Allen. “It is advisable to use the same brand as the product you…

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Karina Perematko 5

Shoot for photographic competition success with tips from Karina Perematko

By Kat Hill | 13 July 2018

Scratch chats to Karina Perematko, master nail technician and absolute master international educator with Crystal Nails London Studio Academy and owner of KP Vintage Studio, about entering The Great Scratch Shoot Out – and discover the story behind the shoot that scooped a close second place… “I was so happy…

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Nail Files That Need Replacing

How to tell when nail files need replacing

By Katie Barnes | 11 July 2018

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, reveals why its important to know when your nail files need replacing… Something that is often overlooked (but is one of the most important tools in a tech’s kit), is the nail file. Without files, we cannot prep the natural nail or get…

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