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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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Mindfulness

How to incorporate mindfulness into your beauty services

By Guest Writer | 21 June 2023

Salon System educator, Lisa Stone, who achieved a meditation qualification after using the practice to support her mental health, shares how mindfulness techniques can be used in your beauty business… We can spend so much time and money on ensuring our outward appearances look and feel great, that we forget…

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Cost Of Living Crisis

9 ways to support employees during the cost of living crisis

By Guest Writer | 26 May 2023

Experts at employee engagement software company, Weekly10, have collated nine top tips for businesses to support staff during tough economic times… 1. Focus on employee engagement When employees feel connected to their work, peers and company mission, they’re more likely to find meaning in their work. They feel like they…

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5 ways to incentivise clients to return to the nail salon

By Chloe Randall | 6 May 2023

Scratch explores five ways to entice clients into the nail space & reward their loyalty… 1. Find your USP  “As a nail tech or business owner, consider what you have to offer the client,” advises Claire Howard, Lecenté educator. “What is your unique selling point?” For example: Do you work…

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How to price mobile nail services

By Guest Writer | 4 May 2023

Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2022 & finalist for the category for 2023, Clare Woodcock of The Nail Club, shares pricing pointers for mobile nail pros… Mobile pros: you offer a premium service, so charge for it! Gone are the days when manicures were add-on services in hairdressing…

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Here’s why it’s so important to take care of feet

By Rebecca Hitchon | 21 April 2023

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 pedi season – foot and toenail issues can arise at any time of the year and treating…

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Liz Mckeon Double Your Retail Sales Rebookings Referrals

Want to double retail sales in the salon? Check out Liz McKeon’s 2023 Staff Training Programme

By Callie Iley | 20 April 2023

Salon expert and business coach, Liz McKeon, has launched her 2023 Staff Training Programme, How to Double Your Retail Sales, Rebookings and Referrals Within 30 Days. Noting the importance of retail sales in the salon as a source of income after gaining 70% of her salon’s turnover from retail and…

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