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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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Nail Competition Ssas24

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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Ink Summer Dayz

Buying into a brand with confidence

By Kat Hill | 20 April 2018

Considering switching brands or adding to your product line up? Angie Gunter, head of education at INK London, shares some areas to consider… “Your chosen brand should offer genuine products that offer longevity and are kind to the natural nail. It should keep up to date with current trends, not…

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How to identify the cause of a nail break

By Katie Barnes | 17 April 2018

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, offers reasons why enhancements can break – and how to identify them The most common reason for the breaking of nail enhancements is due to wear and tear or trauma by the wearer, but a break can also be caused by unsuitable lengths…

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Versum Sell Emotions

Software expert suggests selling emotions to engage clients

By Scratch Staff | 16 April 2018

Slawomir Gawlowski, business development coach at salon software company, Versum, reveals a new tactic; using emotion, to help engage clients… “The astonishing potential of powerful emotions should be employed at the very onset of a business undertaking. Before you start promoting any products or services, give your business a unique personality. Use…

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Hollie Powers

Hollie Powers talks money

By Kat Hill | 13 April 2018

Are you charging enough? Hollie Powers, beauty business expert and spa owner, shares some top tips… Prices are one of the most overlooked elements of creating a menu within a salon – and sadly, far too many people price too low to attract new customers. Low, bargain prices will probably,…

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Faby Tools

Good health, safety & hygiene practices at the nail desk

By Scratch Staff | 12 April 2018

Head educator for Faby, Alessandra Marchesi, encourages you to assess your current working practice for any bad habits – and serves up top tips for maintaining high standards of practice Even as experienced and highly qualified professionals, bad habits can creep up in terms of health, safety and hygiene. You…

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Nailbiting

Nail your consultation for nail biters

By Kat Hill | 10 April 2018

Help kick a client’s nail biting habit by kicking off your service with a consultation perfectly tailored to their nail needs. Rachel Gribble, Salon System expert shares, her tips… As with all nail services, the most important part is the client consultation. You need to establish how badly bitten the client’s nails are and…

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