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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Retail To Do

Top tips for seasonal retailing

By Scratch Staff | 9 November 2019

CND™ and Sweet Squared EA, Elissa Newton-Smalls, reveals her top tips for seasonal retailing… What should be considered before investing in retail lines? The very first thing to consider is your target market. Who is your clientele? Look at the average age and which age group tend to spend on…

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The Great Scratch Shoot Out: Meet the judges

By Kat Hill | 9 November 2019

The Great Scratch Shoot Out is judged by the Scratch team. Each entry is individually considered by the team, so ensure your image is truly eye catching to score highly and stand out. The panel boasts a keen eye for photographical prowess, as well as know how when it comes to nail style.…

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Fereida Feature

How to create the perfect L&P apex

By Sophie Nutt | 7 November 2019

As such a long-standing industry system, liquid & powder acrylic (L&P) continues to develop and present new design opportunities; affording the creation of a multitude of shapes and styles. However, while L&P services boast a lengthy array of benefits, the system is also sensitive to many external conditions and demands…

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How to market professional make-up services

By Sophie Nutt | 31 October 2019

Happy Halloween! With the spooky holiday comes parties and a whole lot fancy dress. One of the most popular ways of finishing a spooky Halloween look is with the perfect face of make-up to match. With the majority of people not having the skill to create effective Halloween make-up that…

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Keep your business cyber safe

By Kat Hill | 29 October 2019

Cyber crime scams are growing as fraudsters target people through emails, online banking systems, text messages and online transactions – including businesses. According to a National Cyber Security Centrereport released earlier this year, criminals are launching more online attacks against British businesses than ever before, with fraudsters targeting people through…

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Katie Barnes L&p

L&P: What is it?

By Katie Barnes | 29 October 2019

A question I hear at least once a day from techs, is ‘What is L&P’ or ‘What is liquid & powder’? It is alarming to be made aware of how many techs don’t understand what liquid & powder is. Understanding the terminology and chemistry behind the products we are working…

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