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aftercare cuticle oil

Cuticle oil: what is its purpose & how often should it be applied?

By Lilly Delmage | 3 April 2025

‘Remember to oil your cuticles’ is a phrase we’ve all heard countless times. But what is cuticle oil and what are its benefits? We’ve rounded up everything you need to know… Cuticle oil is a moisturising product designed to improve the health and appearance of nails and the surrounding skin.…

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Master ‘nailfies’ as a nail tech with these expert photography tips

By Lilly Delmage | 2 April 2025

The ultimate guide to everything you need to know as a nail tech who wants to capture high-quality nail photos… First impressions matter. Blurry, dark or low-resolution photos can make it difficult for social media users to properly appreciate your nail creations, which could impact whether they decide to book…

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Zero waste

5 steps to become a zero waste to landfill nail salon

By Green Salon Collective | 30 March 2025

Green Salon Collective (GSC) was founded in 2020 by environmental experts, campaigners and beauty professionals, with an aim to help member salons in the UK and Ireland to responsibly dispose of their waste. Here, GSC shares how to tackle your salon waste and become zero to landfill, to reduce your overall…

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How-to: L&P acrylic with Halo

By Guest Writer | 19 February 2021

Tina Bell, head of education for Pure Nails & owner of Totally Polished Academy, shares how to create an L&P nail using Halo’s L&P acrylic system… L&P acrylic enhancements maintain their popularity with clients due to the length L&P can achieve, its strength and its durability. However, without the correct training and guidance,…

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The Massage Company founder scoops award for Lockdown Leadership

By Scratch Staff | 19 February 2021

Charlie Thompson, founder & managing director of the nationwide network of franchise massage studios, The Massage Company (TMC), during 2020, has been awarded the Lockdown Leader accolade for the support and guidance he provided to his team, franchisees and customers during the pandemic. The SME National Business Awards recognised that…

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Do you need a social media detox?

By Kat Hill | 18 February 2021

The pressures of social media can impact our wellbeing – some times more than we even realise. So, is it time to disconnect? Amy Martin, owner of AMB STUDIO & Georgie Smedley Group brand ambassador, based in the Scottish Borders, shares her thoughts… ‘Having goals & ambition is great –…

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Nail brushes

How to prepare new nail brushes for use

By Katie Barnes | 16 February 2021

You may notice that when you purchase a new brush for nail services, the bristles are stiff and contain a white residue. This residue is Arabic gum, a starch film. All manufacturers make brushes with this gum to protect and keep your brush in shape in transit and before use.…

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Artificial Nails: How to Reduce the Risk of Allergy?

By Alex Fox | 15 February 2021

Take note as The Cosmetics, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA) shares practical ways to reduce allergy impacts in the nail space by Caroline Rainsford, head of scientific & environmental services at the CTPA  We know that acrylate monomers, which are the starting materials in liquid & powder (L&P) and UV/LED…

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5 ways to use Canva to support your beauty business marketing

By Metta Francis | 11 February 2021

Award-winning nail professional, Metta Francis, shares her top tips for graphic creation tool, Canva… I’m a big fan of Canva as it allows you to create free (or very low cost) professional-looking branded graphics for social media and printed marketing assets, such as business cards, price lists and even logos.…

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