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…

Read More
Lilly Web Newsfeature Lead 1200x800px 70

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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
Lilly Web Newsfeature Lead 1200x800px 62

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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
Lilly Web Newsfeature Lead 1200x800px 60

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’…

Read More
Salon System Marvelash

What to look for in a professional lash brand

By Kat Hill | 14 December 2019

Ruth Atkins, lash expert and Salon System educator, reveals some points to consider when selecting a lash brand or training provider… “When a technician is looking for a lash brand and lash training, professionals should consider a few important things. Choose a reputable brand that has all UK and EU…

Read More
Blur Boxes Cards 688017

How to encourage product sales in the run up to Christmas

By Sophie Nutt | 12 December 2019

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, so be sure to utilise the season of goodwill by making the most of your retail offerings. An easy way to generate some extra revenue across the busy party season, dress up retail areas with festive decorations and irresistible products to catch…

Read More
Nail Salon Lamp Gel Polish

How to ensure a correct gel polish cure – and why it’s so important

By Katie Barnes | 10 December 2019

Do your nail files or dust filings look like this when you are performing a gel polish removal? If so, your gel polish was not properly cured. Let’s discuss some possible reasons why this may happen. There’s a big difference between ‘cured’ and ‘properly cured’ and it can be difficult…

Read More
Diary

Dealing with staff absences

By Scratch Staff | 30 November 2019

As we head into one of the busiest times of the year, do you know how to deal with staff absences? Tina Beaumont-Goddard, National Hair & Beauty Federation‘s director, serves up some advice… Your employees may be off work for a wide range of reasons, and you’ll need to understand what the law…

Read More
Img 20191113 155945 636

How to become a Crystal Nails UK educator

By Scratch Staff | 29 November 2019

Timea Berridge, nail technician and now Crystal Nails UK educator for Nottingham, shares her experience of the brand’s educator course… “Hi, my name is Timea and I have been working as a nail technician for a number of years. After seeing the opportunity to become a Crystal Nails UK educator,…

Read More
Christmas Stock

How to manage stock this Christmas

By Sophie Nutt | 28 November 2019

When it comes to selecting your seasonal stock, preparation and a plan is key. “At this time of year, Christmas shopping is at the forefront of everyone’s minds,” explains Rachel Cock, Salon Services’ commercial director. “It’s the perfect time to push your retail offering as gifts for your customers to…

Read More