EXPERT ADVICE

French pedicure

How to nail the French tip pedicure

By Katie Barnes | 20 April 2025

Katie Clark, award-winning nail tech & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education, answers questions about perfecting the French pedi… How big should the French tips be? A French tip should mimic the natural free edge of the nail. Estimate how long the client will wait between appointments, plus…

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Why it’s important to take care of feet & advice for pedicurists

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 April 2025

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 pedicure season. Foot and toenail issues can arise at any time, and treating them early can prevent…

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Runner feet

9 common nail & skin problems for runners & how to treat

By Scratch Staff | 13 April 2025

Discover the common nail and skin woes of runners, and how to tackle them for the ultimate foot finish… “Runners can be prone to a lot of foot problems,” explains nail educator & brand adviser, Rachel Gribble. “Hard skin, ingrown toenails and bruised nails are some of the most prevalent.…

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Discounts: Are they a good idea?

By Guest Writer | 7 July 2023

Hair & beauty business coach, Maddi Cook of Boss Your Salon, shares advice on offering discounted services to family & friends… We’ve all been faced with the dilemma of giving a discount to friends and family. While it may seem like a good deed to hook up your loved ones,…

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Silent walkers: Penny Etheridge on using salon software to prevent them & build lasting client relationships

By Guest Writer | 29 June 2023

With 91% of clients not complaining after a negative experience in the salon, instead opting to not return, becoming “silent walkers”, Penny Etheridge of Penny Etheridge Creative Business Consultancy discusses how salon software can be utilised to prevent this. “Using your software system to its full potential lets you have the…

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How to believe in yourself as a nail pro

By Guest Writer | 24 June 2023

Hair & beauty business coach, Maddi Cook of Boss Your Salon, shares advice to remove those negative thoughts as a nail pro… Entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint- hearted. It takes a rock-solid mindset and the ability to navigate challenges and obstacles. Many nail bosses struggle to achieve their goals due to…

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Cleaning tools

4 items you should be sanitising alongside your nail tools

By Katie Barnes | 23 June 2023

You clean, disinfect and sterilise your nail tools, but on what else should you carry out these processes? Any reusable items that come into contact with clients’ skin or nails must be sanitised, disinfected and sterilised, depending on your country’s regulations. Protocols referred to in this blog are applicable to…

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Seeking smooth skin this summer? Check out waxing specialist Andy Rouillard’s top tips

By Guest Writer | 23 June 2023

Waxing specialist & Salon System expert, Andy Rouillard of Axiom Wax Academy, shares his top tips for achieving a perfect finish when performing professional wax treatments in the summer. 1. Cleanse “Hot, sweaty skin is a nightmare to wax, so don’t be stingy with the pre-wax cleanser,” Andy recommends. “Just…

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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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