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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Christmas nails stock

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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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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