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Kent nail artist: How I navigate nail competitions with autism & ADHD

By Guest Writer | 18 March 2025

Jade Barber, founder of Nail & Beauty Excellence & Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year 2022, shares her experiences of neurodiversity in the nail arena… I began competing early in my nail career, as my educator entered me into a student category at a Professional Beauty nail competition. Without…

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Sustainable beauty: Here’s how to recycle your nail salon waste

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 March 2025

With a number of day-to-day considerations to navigate, how you manage your salon waste can often be pushed to the back of your mind. But it’s easier than you think to respect the environment through your work, as we highlight via our roundup of recycling schemes and tips. Green Salon…

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Nail piercings: the trending way to upgrade your manicure

By Lilly Delmage | 16 March 2025

Nail piercings are everywhere – offering a simple, pain-free solution to nail enthusiasts wanting to add some edge to their looks, without having to commit to a body piercing. The autumn/winter 2025 Fashion Weeks could be to thank for this rise in nail jewellery, with pierced nails seen on the…

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Abi Hassan Navigating Access Needs

How to navigate accessibility needs in the nail salon

By Abi Hassan | 16 May 2024

With research from P&G finding that only 4% of beauty and personal care companies worldwide cater for physical disabilities, Abi Hassan, owner of Canterbury-based salon, Hot Wheels Nails, explores ways nail businesses can effectively meet the accessibility needs of staff and clients. I have personally faced many challenges relating to my…

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Positive Mindset

Beauty pros, here’s 6 tips to support a more positive mindset

By Guest Writer | 12 May 2024

Sarah Hartley, social media coach at Blossom Tree Social & creator of Time To Blossom wellbeing products, shares her advice… Running a business and making time for yourself can feel like a juggle. It can also feel lonely, but you’re not alone – we all have bad days. Staying positive…

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Aerosol Nail Salon Pedicure

Are you aware of the dangers of sprays & aerosols around electrical nail equipment?

By Katie Barnes | 10 May 2024

When it comes to ensuring a safe and efficient nail salon environment, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers that certain products can pose. Here, I explore why sprays and aerosols can be hazardous when stored and used around electrical nail equipment, such as e-files and gel lamps.…

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8 ways to encourage clients to upgrade to nail art

By Katy Pottle | 7 May 2024

One of the most common things I hear from other nail techs is, ‘I don’t get the chance to do nail art as my clients don’t want to have any.’  This is such a shame, because as artists we naturally want to challenge ourselves and our skills and show off…

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5 ways to boost your beauty salon team’s morale

By Scratch Staff | 5 May 2024

Do you and your team members need a morale boost? Scratch gathers expert tips to support positivity in the workspace… 1. Lead by example “Salon owners can establish a cohesive team by leading by example,” advises Lisa Stone, educator at professional beauty brand, Salon System. “You cannot expect your team…

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Why are client consultations so important in the beauty industry?

By Michelle Brookes | 3 May 2024

A client consultation should be completed by every client before they receive a nail or beauty treatment. This consultation should be regularly reviewed to ensure that nothing has changed medically or personally. Often, I hear nail techs saying that they don’t do consultations, and this isn’t always because they are…

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