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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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Katie Barnes

Katie Barnes on why you don’t say ‘Chinese salons’

By Katie Barnes | 12 December 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, addresses the issue of non-standard salons and incorrect terminology – with a helping hand from CND educator, Anna Lee Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Many technicians and clients are guilty of referring to non-standard salons as ‘Chinese salons’, ‘Viet…

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Katie Barnes Nail Anatomy

Nail anatomy: an overview

By Katie Barnes | 21 November 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, serves up insight on nail anatomy… As a professional nail technician, it is paramount that you familiarise yourself with all parts of nail anatomy to ensure you are offering your clients a professional and thorough service. Understanding the purpose and growth…

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Natasha Lee

TOP TIPS: Embracing video content for your business marketing

By Helena Biggs | 9 November 2017

Bring a little movie magic to your marketing with video content to catch the eyes of clients and fellow pros. After all, with social media at the touch of a button – it’s vital to grab attention and see how it can benefit your business through moving content. “I think…

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Apex Placement For Almond

An insight into the nail apex

By Katie Barnes | 10 October 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, serves up advice on apex placement for different nail shapes What is the apex?  The apex should be the highest part of an enhancement, located at the weakest point and created to give the nail balance and strength. It should be visible from every angle but is most noticeable from the side view. The…

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Katie Barnes Glitters For Blog

Why you shouldn’t use craft glitter in your nail services

By Katie Barnes | 26 September 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals why you shouldn’t use craft shop glitter in your nail services. There are many techs using craft glitters in their nail services because they may have seen someone else do it, it is low cost and easy. You may think it’s…

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Damaged Nails Incorrect Removal

How to deal with damaged nails

By Katie Barnes | 12 September 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how to tackle common characteristics of damaged nails… One of the most challenging roles we play as nail technicians is the role of repair man or woman. We all have clients who come to us with weak, thin and damaged…

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