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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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Temperature talk: How the cold weather can affect your nail products

By Scratch Staff | 4 January 2024

Feeling the chill? Scratch explores the impact that temperature has on nail products and serves up practical points to note… Creating a comfortable atmosphere in the salon is important for you and your clients, but maintaining a consistent temperature is also vital to ensure that your nail products perform at…

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Goals you should set for your mobile nail business in 2024

By Guest Writer | 2 January 2024

Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2022 & 2023, Clare Woodcock of The Nail Club, shares her advice on setting intentions for 2024… Remind yourself to work smarter, not harder. Put systems and policies in place to create boundaries and take the emotion out of running your business. This will allow…

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Social media engagement: Why it matters & how to increase it

By Guest Writer | 28 December 2023

Alicia Humphreys is owner of Pink Fox Salon Socials, which works with UK hair and beauty salon owners to grow their social media presences and help them attract new clients. The company offers bespoke services in social media management, strategy and training. Here, Alicia shares social media engagement advice… Social…

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5 ways to increase your success as a nail pro in 2024

By Scratch Staff | 24 December 2023

Stepping into 2024 provides a chance to evaluate your business to support your career growth. From goals to finances, marketing and competition hopes, Scratch explores how nail technicians can plan and prepare for the year ahead… 1. Reflect on your business & set new goals Before getting caught up in…

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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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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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