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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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 to boost staff morale

By Sophie Nutt | 5 January 2020

It can be tough to return to work in January following an over-indulgent festive period where days my have been spent in pyjamas and the ‘it’s Christmas!‘ excuse used perhaps a little too often. The days are still dark and it can be a challenge to leave a warm bed…

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Money

Advice for working out your prices

By Kat Hill | 2 January 2020

Mobile techs – are you thinking of adjusting your prices in the New Year? Liz Richards, head of education of Cuccio Europe, shares her advice… “Charging can be so hard for techs to work out,” explains Liz. “One method I would recommend is to start by working out what your products…

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When & why you should increase your treatment prices

By Katie Barnes | 27 December 2019

Many of you may be considering January as the time to increase your prices but I believe that it is the worst time to implement a price increase. In January, everyone is recovering from Christmas spending. The bills are starting to come in, pay day seems like it will never…

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2020

Preparing your business for the New Year

By Guest Writer | 27 December 2019

With 2020 fast approaching, it’s time to get some 20/20 vision for the year ahead and ensure your salon business continues to go from strength to strength. Hilary Hall of the NHBF shares her advice… Cash flow and business plan updates Take some time out to revisit your cash flow…

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Time Appointment Book

How to manage your time & ensure self-care

By Metta Francis | 22 December 2019

Award-winning mobile nailist, Metta Francis, reveals why it’s important to manage your time effectively as a nail professional and take care of Y-O-U… As nail professionals, we spend a lot of time pampering others and working on our businesses while often juggling other commitments like family. It’s easy to burn…

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How to succeed in the run-up to Christmas

By Scratch Staff | 19 December 2019

Sharon Sandhu, Category Manager for Nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, explores key pointers to ensure you stay on top of your game this festive season… With so many festive parties, meals and get-togethers happening over the Christmas period, nail salons are undoubtedly seeing a rise in bookings as…

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