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 jazz up your retail display this Christmas

By Sophie Nutt | 27 November 2019

Never underestimate the power of an eye-catching and enticing seasonal retail display! Investing in festive decorations is something that has proven to be key in boosting business performance during the Christmas period. Christmas Tree World has revealed that 59% of UK consumers surveyed would spend more money in a leisure…

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Winter Tanning

How to maximise tanning treatment bookings this party season

By Scratch Staff | 26 November 2019

The experts at Sienna X explain why you should plan your marketing to maximise party season tanning… “Now is the perfect time to start planning for the upcoming Christmas season and think about how you can maximise appointments over the coming months. “Talk to your clients and use the run up…

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Why & how to take care of yourself at the nail desk

By Katie Barnes | 25 November 2019

Many nail techs go home after a long day with aches and pains in their hands, shoulders and back. A tech’s hands are vital for performing the job, yet too many of us often neglect caring for them as we should. Proper posture and improved ergonomics can help reduce these…

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Gift

How to boost voucher sales during the Christmas period

By Scratch Staff | 23 November 2019

Liz McKeon, beauty business expert at www.lizmckeon.com, reveals her top tips for boosting voucher sales… The Christmas Season is always an opportune time of the year to make some profit for your beauty salon or spa and to increase beauty retail sales. Selling gift vouchers or gift cards is a great way…

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The benefits of offering L&P services

By Sophie Nutt | 21 November 2019

The L&P system is a valuable addition to a professional’s skillset as well as a staple service for a salon’s service menu. “L&P is a system that I have been working with for 22 years now and it is my starting system with new extension clients,” says Lisa Dunlop, Cuccio…

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Why it’s important to declare your tips from clients

By Katie Barnes | 12 November 2019

Nail techs and beauty therapists reportedly have the seventh lowest paid job in the UK. However, the job roles often come with bonuses that aren’t aways considered; TIPS. A tip is a sum of money given by customers for a service they have received. Many don’t consider tips as an…

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