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 Richard Mccabe Piece

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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Woman Laptop Business

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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Imix Action 1200

imix: Your questions answered!

By Scratch Staff | 19 March 2021

The innovative imix device for effortlessly mixing nail lacquers and gel polishes launched on 1 March to widespread acclaim across the nail sector. The handy hands-free mixing device alleviates the stress on the wrists through regular shaking and supports perfect colour application. It uses magnetic mixing technology to improve the…

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Nail Photo Canva 1200

Points to note when taking nail photos | The Beauty Bloggers

By Guest Writer | 19 March 2021

The Beauty Bloggers, aka Natalie Thompson & Rachel Jenkinson, discuss the practicalities and demands when it comes to nail photos… Nat and Rach are ‘The Beauty Bloggers‘ and have over 21 years experience in the beauty sector between them. Their aim is to discuss real issues that beauty professionals face. Passionate and hard-working,…

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The vital step you could be missing when cleaning

By Guest Writer | 18 March 2021

Nigel Rouse, brand owner of Mundo Professional, shares why time is a key factor when cleaning… I have watched many people – including those in the medical profession – spray disinfectant on to a surface and then immediately wipe it dry. What’s wrong with that? Time! While disinfectants are brilliant…

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Katie Barnes Fine Lines

How to perfect fine line work in your nail designs

By Katie Barnes | 16 March 2021

Mastering straight, fine lines can be difficult enough on a flat piece of paper, let alone on the curved surface of a nail. Throw a moving customer into the equation and the thought of creating fine lines can challenge any nail tech. Brush Choosing the right brush is the first…

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Pregnant Client

How to treat a pregnant client in the nail salon

By Chloe Randall | 13 March 2021

Pregnant pampering can be a welcome treat for a tired mum-to-be. For pregnant clients, changes often need to be made to comply with their needs and safety when being treated, whilst making their time in the salon as comfortable as possible. Here, we share some considerations you can make for…

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Salon Towels

How to clean your salon towels

By Kat Hill | 12 March 2021

Abbas Vawda, managing director at Majestic Towels shares his advice for caring and cleaning your towels… “For a busy business that requires daily laundering, it is advisable to opt for a middle weight towel (around 500gsm). These will be very durable, giving reduced washing and drying times, thus making them…

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