EXPERT ADVICE

Katie Barnes Canva Allergy

Home gel kit dangers & 6 ways to prevent allergies at the nail desk

By Katie Barnes | 11 January 2025

Many people turned to DIY nail kits during the coronavirus lockdown. They may have been visiting a nail pro for months, years or even decades – before suddenly, the luxury of a nail appointment was gone, and some saw a solution in home application of gel polish. DIY home kits…

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Self-employment help for nail techs: registration & tax essentials

By Lilly Delmage | 11 January 2025

Are you keen to take the leap into self-employment? Here’s a guide to the registration and tax essentials you need to know… For nail technicians working in salons who seek greater control over their careers, self-employment often feels like a natural next step. It offers professional and creative freedom, aiding…

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AI is changing the beauty salon game: here’s how it can help you stay ahead

By Guest Writer | 10 January 2025

Richard McCabe, aka the Lifestyle Salon Coach, shares how artificial intelligence can benefit your beauty business… Love it or hate it, AI is changing how businesses work – and that includes salons. Just like past tech revolutions, if you jump on board early, you’re more likely to come out on…

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Goal List

A beauty business coach’s guide to goal setting for 2025

By Guest Writer | 7 January 2025

Beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, offers up advice for the new year… It’s time to consider how you wish to make your mark on the industry over the next 12 months. You get to choose how you show up, what you offer clients and how you make a…

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Why nail technicians should enter the Scratch Stars Awards: tips from a nail competition maestro

By Lilly Delmage | 3 January 2025

Bespoke nail artist, Jiak Hing, who has won the Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year accolade for three consecutive years, shares insight into the competition, what to expect on the day and the benefits of entering.   Why did you decide to enter the Scratch Stars Awards? To…

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2025 Goals

New year, new you: How nail businesses can plan for the year ahead

By Marie-Louise Coster | 1 January 2025

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, shares her tips for reviewing the last year and preparing for the next, in order to achieve success… Here we are again, another year gone and a new one in front of us full of opportunity, possibility and hope. It is…

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4 updates to make to your beauty business in 2025

By Guest Writer | 30 December 2024

Kim Ford, global business & beauty education expert, shares ways to make the most of quiet spells to improve your business long-term… The beginning of a new year is a great time to focus on business administration, such as updating operational and legal documents, and to consider if your marketing…

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Introverted nail techs: how to grow your skills & clientele comfortably

By Lilly Delmage | 22 December 2024

Do you love the creative aspect of being a nail professional: perfecting enhancements and getting arty, but find it challenging to converse with clients and colleagues? You’re not alone. A need to recharge after client interactions or feeling most comfortable in quiet environments are signs of introversion. The word ‘introvert’…

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Weak, brittle or ridged nails? Here’s how you can benefit from a manicure

By Emma Hobday | 31 October 2021

Think that having painted nails only provides aesthetic benefits? Think again – just a few of the benefits of a manicure and pedicure include stress relief, improved nail health and a boost in confidence. But even if your nails aren’t in the best condition, Marian Newman BEM, nail industry veteran…

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alex silver beauty pr

Lessons from a beauty PR pro: How to get your business noticed

By Guest Writer | 20 October 2021

Alex Silver, founder of beauty PR agency, Alex Silver PR, has been working in public relations for 25 years. She has helped brands including Beauty Blender, Caudalie, KISS Nails & Lashes and Fake Bake make their mark and is renowned for high-profile campaigns, charity events, celebrity ambassadorships and red-carpet parties.…

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How to fit nail forms like a boss

By Katie Barnes | 6 October 2021

Form fitting is one of the biggest nail tech troubles that causes concerns in the industry. There are so many different components and elements that all have to be correct for success when using nail forms. Perfecting your form fitting technique will mean the difference between a structurally strong nail…

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How to nail the perfect engagement ‘ringfie’

By Guest Writer | 23 September 2021

Taking a ‘ringfie’, or ring selfie, is the perfect way to remember the moment you got engaged. But how can you take the perfect ‘ringfie’? Jack Jahan, from Ramsdens Jewellery, explains how to take the best shot of your new bling… If you’ve just become engaged, congratulations! This is one…

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katie barnes gel viscosity nails

Gel nails: Why you need to know about viscosity

By Katie Barnes | 22 September 2021

Many nails techs feel that gel can be impossible to control. The viscosity of gel plays a big part in its success. Viscosity is defined as a measurement of a fluid’s resistance to flow, and when we refer to the viscosity of a gel product, we are referring to how…

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Nail techs, here’s how you can prevent hand & wrist pain

By Scratch Staff | 21 September 2021

Scratch sources advice for those that suffer with hand and wrist pain, so you can stop feeling the strain… Samantha Sweet, co-founder of Sweet Squared, shares that repetitive strain injury and carpal tunnel syndrome will always be a likelihood for pros, due to the nature of the job. “Filing is the…

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