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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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nail tech ppe

Nail & beauty pros: Should you still wear full PPE?

By Katie Barnes | 18 November 2021

Some nail techs have always worn it, with others only introducing it since the Covid-19 outbreak. But should you always wear PPE? The short answer is yes. PPE has always been a requirement of COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) for nail techs. PPE can include items such as…

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My experience of Transgender & Inclusivity Awareness training & why it’s important for beauty pros

By Emma Hobday | 13 November 2021

It was an ordinary Monday morning when I logged on to Sam Marshall and Keri Blue’s Transgender and Inclusivity Awareness Training via Zoom. But little did I know that this ordinary morning was going to be turned upside down, with my eyes and mind about to opened in the most…

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When is a contraindication preventative or restrictive to a nail treatment?

By Katie Barnes | 2 November 2021

A contraindication is a pre-existing medical condition that could either put you or your client at risk if the treatment was carried out. There are four types of contraindications which are illnesses you will come across. These are viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Another contraindication would be certain medications…

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Here’s how to create a rapport with non-English speaking clients

By Emma Hobday | 1 November 2021

Scratch chats to Magda Gniewek, educator of Magnetic Nails UK, about how to create a connection with your clients who don’t use English as their first language… What is the best way to build a working relationship with a client whose mother tongue is not the English language? “When working…

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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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