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L&p acrylic vs dip powder

L&P acrylic vs dip powder nails: what’s the difference?

By Lilly Delmage | 22 March 2025

The L&P acrylic and dip powder systems are both artificial nail offerings, and popular choices for a long-lasting, durable nail finish. However, they have distinct differences. Understanding the terminology and chemistry behind the products is essential for meeting your clients’ needs. Here’s what you need to know about each system……

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Jade barber nail competitions

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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Feb25 Low Res Cover Scratch For Web

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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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