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What is a nail habit-tic & can it be treated?

By Katie Barnes | 12 February 2025

When a client sits at your nail desk and presents you with a nail like the below, you may wonder whether it is a contraindication that you should not treat. This is habit-tic deformity. Most commonly seen on the thumbnails, this nail condition is usually a result of onychotillomania: a…

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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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Training Nail Desk

Here’s what you really need in your nail tech starter kit & why you shouldn’t buy from just anywhere

By Michelle Brookes | 20 December 2023

There are generally two types of students I see starting out in the nail industry; those who buy everything possible, and those who are on a tight budget and buy inferior products. Sometimes, I look at the kits of my students and see that they have more stock than me!…

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Nail Course Training

How to choose the right nail course for your needs

By Michelle Brookes | 4 December 2023

When starting out as a nail technician, you may find choosing a course overwhelming. Often, you may be so eager to start your journey that you don’t consider all the options available for the best beginning to your career.   There are three main course options when starting out: 1.An…

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E-file bits: Understanding types of bits, their uses & how to keep them clean

By Callie Iley | 1 December 2023

E-file bits come in a range of materials and grits, with a variety of different uses. Some types of E-file bits include: Diamond bits – not for use on the natural nail. Used for exfoliating or polishing skin and pushing back the proximal nail fold. Carbide & ceramic bits –…

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E-files: Understanding use, RPM, torque & more

By Callie Iley | 25 November 2023

Get to grips with E-files as Scratch explores use, key features, care tips and more… The use of an E-file in a nail service can significantly speed up the shaping and filing process, as well as reduce the physically demanding and repetitive use of hand files. “Some nail technicians are…

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Marie Louise Coster Discounts

Should I offer nail service discounts? Marie-Louise Coster explores

By Marie-Louise Coster | 24 November 2023

In this column, session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, talks discounts, their effects and knowing the worth of your services… Christmas is around the corner and your columns, if not already full, will be filling up fast. The festive season may be slower getting started for you…

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How to create elegant, elongated lashes that still look natural

By Guest Writer | 23 November 2023

Salon System lash expert & educator, Ruth Atkins, shares advice on creating elegant, elongated lashes… You can achieve elegant, elongated and natural-looking lashes using many different types of Salon System lashes. The biggest decision you need to make is how long you want them to last, as different lengths of…

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