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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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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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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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How to perfect pronouns in your beauty business & beyond

By Guest Writer | 15 November 2023

Salon owner, industry advisor & founder of Be Trans Aware inclusivity awareness education, Sam Marshall, serves up advice on pronoun use… “How is they?” was a question my good friend asked about a non-binary partner. Now, I know you’ll be reading that thinking ‘Didn’t Sam check the grammar?’ but those words meant everything…

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How to support transgender employees in your beauty business

By Rebecca Hitchon | 14 November 2023

According to a survey conducted by Totaljobs in 2021, 65% of trans people hide their gender status or history in the workplace. 32% of the 400+ trans respondents had experienced discrimination or abuse at work, in the five years prior to the survey. Forms of discrimination or abuse include insults,…

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