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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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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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3 steps to increase your beauty treatment prices without guilt

By Guest Writer | 12 April 2025

Beauty business mentor, Stevey Powell, shares how she teaches pros to confidently increase their service prices in three steps… The thought of raising your prices can feel overwhelming and downright scary. You can feel guilty and worried about losing clients. But here’s the secret: it’s all about how you frame…

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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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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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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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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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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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How to prevent nail product overexposure

By Katie Barnes | 29 August 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals why the misuse of monomer can have nasty consequences… We are all responsible for bad work habits but some are more dangerous than others. It has become alarmingly more apparent through the likes of YouTube videos and live feeds on social media that too many techs are flooding…

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