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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Gel polish removal

Here’s what to do if your client wants to remove gel polish at home

By Katie Barnes | 5 April 2022

Any damage to the natural nail is usually the result of improper application or removal, overly aggressive filing, or client abuse such as picking or biting. When both L&P and gel enhancements and coverings are applied, maintained, and removed correctly, no damage should occur. Since the beginning of the pandemic,…

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Stress mental health breathe

How to tackle stressful work situations as a nail tech

By Guest Writer | 5 April 2022

Session nailist, Stephanie Staunton, reveals how to overcome and tackle challenges that face a number of nail pros… We all know that life gets tough sometimes and problems can seem rife, so I want to share some of the most stressful situations I encounter as a session tech – and…

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Scratch Stars Awards: Am I good enough?

By Katie Barnes | 22 March 2022

So many techs think they aren’t good enough or ready to compete in industry competitions, such as the Scratch Stars Awards. I have news for you – no one is ever 100% ready. If you wait until you are ready, you’ll never achieve your goals. Having low confidence isn’t necessary…

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5 ways to turn bridal clients into nail & beauty regulars

By Guest Writer | 17 March 2022

Beauty business expert and founder of Beauty Boss HQ, Layla Tourh, serves up advice for how you can turn bridal clients into regular clients…  If there’s one industry we can count on to be very busy this year, it would be the wedding industry! Many brides have been waiting a…

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How to support neurodivergent clients in the nail space

By Chloe Randall | 17 March 2022

One in seven people in the UK (more than 15% of the UK population) are neurodivergent, meaning that the brain functions, learns and processes information differently. Neurodiversity includes conditions such as ADHD, autism, epilepsy and mental health illnesses. Scratch explores how to accommodate neurodivergent clients to ensure they enjoy their…

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8 reasons why you get dry skin on your feet

By Guest Writer | 10 March 2022

To best avoid rough, dry, tight or cracked heels, Bryony Cocksedge, head of education at Louella Belle, explains the major causes and solutions… Lifestyle and genetics Lifestyle and genetics are both factors that have a major say in your skin’s characteristics and conditions. For many, when they think of summer…

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