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 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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How can I create great nail & beauty videos for social media?

By Scratch Staff | 16 April 2020

Simon Day of Toastmasters International, an organisation that provides communication & leadership skills, reveals how to engage others & communicate effectively via online videos… While salons and beauty businesses are closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, you may find yourself turning to online means of communication to keep in touch…

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Natasha Ray Noir Grooming

Ways to self-care while self-isolating

By Scratch Staff | 15 April 2020

Salon owner, Natasha Ray, owner of the Noir Men’s Grooming Lounge in Beverly Hills, USA shares her ideas on self- love & care while self-isolating… It’s important to use this time of uncertainty to focus on gratitude instead of fear to help remove anxiety during this stressful time. Focus your…

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Empty Nail Salon

How to keep your salon secure during lockdown

By Katie Barnes | 14 April 2020

In any business, the most important consideration is safety. Without a safe work environment you, your staff, and customers will be at risk and you will not be insured. The second most significant concern is often overlooked; security. During these current times, your business can become more vulnerable and it…

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Remote Learning Tpc

Remote learning: How to keep students motivated

By Scratch Staff | 14 April 2020

Sarah Brenton-Sara, lecturer in Level 2 & 3 Nail Services & Beauty Therapy at Truro & Penwith College, shares advice for fellow educators considering a remote way of teaching, & how to keep students motivated during the coronavirus pandemic… Thank goodness for social media. I have had meetings with my…

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Technology Phone Watch

Coronavirus: 3 ways to use tech to keep clients interested

By Scratch Staff | 12 April 2020

Jo Martin, marketing director at Sally Salon Services UK & Ireland, reveals how you can you use technology to engage existing clients and attract new ones… Like many other sectors, the nail industry has been significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. At first, nail salons and freelancers took the decision…

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Helen Burton-Ward on allergy prevention

By Sophie Nutt | 10 April 2020

Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2019 and CND™ education ambassador, Helen-Burton Ward, shares her advice to preventing allergies… Allergies and overexposure are widespread issues within the industry. An allergy may develop as a response to the improper application or cure of a nail system, or sensitivity to certain…

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