EXPERT ADVICE

French pedicure

How to nail the French tip pedicure

By Katie Barnes | 20 April 2025

Katie Clark, award-winning nail tech & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education, answers questions about perfecting the French pedi… How big should the French tips be? A French tip should mimic the natural free edge of the nail. Estimate how long the client will wait between appointments, plus…

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Why it’s important to take care of feet & advice for pedicurists

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 April 2025

The importance of footcare can be overlooked, particularly during colder weather when feet and toenails tend to be tucked into thick socks and closed-toe footwear. But footcare services are not just beneficial for pedicure season. Foot and toenail issues can arise at any time, and treating them early can prevent…

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Runner feet

9 common nail & skin problems for runners & how to treat

By Scratch Staff | 13 April 2025

Discover the common nail and skin woes of runners, and how to tackle them for the ultimate foot finish… “Runners can be prone to a lot of foot problems,” explains nail educator & brand adviser, Rachel Gribble. “Hard skin, ingrown toenails and bruised nails are some of the most prevalent.…

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Choosing a beginner nail course

How to choose the right beginner nail course for you

By Sophie Nutt | 24 January 2020

Navigating the first steps of your nail journey can be tricky due to the range of options presented to you. When researching training providers, there are a number of things to look out for: thorough teachings of nail anatomy, chemistry, hygiene and safety in the workplace, natural nail care and…

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Tina Bell on how to manage wellbeing in the workplace

By Sophie Nutt | 23 January 2020

During your career as a nail tech, you may be faced with some common health issues that are associated with the profession. Alongside the bad backs, shoulders, necks, sore fingers and muscle strains, the industry is also seeing a large increase in mental health issues. Right now, one in six…

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Katie barnes smile gel

How to create a crisp smile line with the gel system

By Katie Barnes | 21 January 2020

Smile lines can be a nail tech’s nemesis. With the introduction of gel paint and gel polish, the need for sculpted smile lines has faded. While I love the look of a crisp, sculpted smile line, time constraints and trends means that more and more clients are requesting varied finishes;…

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Hand copy

Expert advice: Nail salon risk assessments

By Scratch Staff | 20 January 2020

Use the post-Christmas lull to ensure your business is up-to-date with health & safety practises and procedures. Here, Beverly Coleman, nail tech and NEBOSH qualified health & safety advisor, offers her tip for ensure your risk assessments are tip top… “Helping to preventing accidents and ill-health in the salon setting needn’t…

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3 things to consider if you want to ‘go mobile’

By Scratch Staff | 19 January 2020

Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, serves up some top tips if you’re considering making the move to a mobile way of working… Have you been pondering or planning your next career move? Some of you may be thinking of ‘going mobile’ – and…

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Metta francis goals

How to plan & execute your goals for the year ahead

By Metta Francis | 14 January 2020

I love the New Year as I find it the perfect time to reflect, reset and set intentions for the months ahead. If you’ve not yet had the time to do this, I highly recommend you block out your diary, treat yourself to some lovely new stationery, get comfy and…

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