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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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French manicure

French Manicure: How to match the perfect cover shade for your client

By Chloe Randall | 25 May 2021

Not one shade of nude suits all skin tones, therefore, to achieve a clean and polished French manicure, it is essential to make sure your cover shade matches your client. Here are some tips on how to achieve the perfect match… “Make sure you have at least three pink shades…

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Maddie regan

How to make your nail art stand out

By Guest Writer | 18 May 2021

Maddie Regan, Scratch columnist & top tech at 81 Rose Garden, shares some pointers to ensuring your nail art stand out Art is very emotive, and I don’t think nail art is an exception. When I’m wearing a design, every time I look down at my nails, I feel a sense of pride. I’m proud…

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Fake versions of my nail tools were being sold on eBay – Here’s what I did about it…

By Katie Barnes | 18 May 2021

Recently, I discovered a company selling counterfeit Katie Barnes Tool Range® products on eBay. My brand is my name, so I had never considered that counterfeit versions of products under my name would be created. It’s something that I thought only big companies and designers would experience. How wrong I…

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Mental Health: 5 ways to help manage anxiety

By Chloe Randall | 12 May 2021

This week is Mental Health Awareness week which encourages global mental health education. It also helps to raise awareness of mental health issues and combat social stigma by addressing issues that affect many people every day. In a role that demands you constantly care for others, it is important to…

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11 ways to help your mental health

By Scratch Staff | 11 May 2021

Help look after your mindset & mental wellbeing during lockdown, with Monika Stachon, business coach & owner of Nail Boss Strategy & Mindset… It’s hard not to feel alarmed, when all social media, news outlets and daily conversations with clients are overloaded with fear, uncertainty and chaos. Undoubtedly, this is…

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3 ways to #ConnectWithNature to support good mental health

By Helena Biggs | 10 May 2021

The last year has seen us ‘locked down’; nesting inside the same four walls for longer periods of time than any of us have ever known. Many have been isolated at home alone, others in a pressure-cooker style environment with family or friends; both of which can contribute to feelings…

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