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 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…

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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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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…

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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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Security

Security advice for beauty businesses

By Guest Writer | 7 September 2019

Liz McKeon, beauty business expert at www.lizmckeon.com shares some tips on how to keep your business and finances safe… A secure setup ” I would suggest investing in a quality alarm system and place security cameras throughout your premises. Review this annually, always mindful of changes in the area. “Ensure…

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Nhf Staff Performance

How to manage staff performance effectively

By Scratch Staff | 5 September 2019

Hilary Hall, chief executive of the National Hairdressers’ Federation & National Beauty Federation, serves up support and advice for beauty business owners wishing to effectively manage their staff members… Performance management is a vital skill for business owners, particularly in the highly competitive world of nail salons and spas. Supporting…

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Allergy Katie Barnes

What to do when you suspect a nail product allergy

By Katie Barnes | 3 September 2019

Itching; redness; swelling; nail separation; burning; peeling or blistering are all ways that your body is telling you that something is wrong. While recognising an allergy is important, it is equally essential that you know what to do afterwards. However minor the symptoms may appear, if client or tech begins…

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Nbf Franchising

Thinking of franchising?

By Kat Hill | 3 September 2019

There’s more than one way to run a beauty business – and maybe franchising could be the way forward for you, explains NBF chief executive, Hilary Hall… Depending on your situation, you can consider becoming a franchisee or a franchisor. Either way, make sure you do your homework and understand…

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Jessica Nails educator, Georgina Walker.

Analysing the natural nail

By Kat Hill | 31 August 2019

“It is important to carry out a thorough analysis at the beginning of each treatment to make sure you provide the correct solution to achieve the best results,” says Jessica Nails educator, Georgina Walker. “Assess each nail individually, as nails on the same hand can have different needs. This will…

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Cpd Ideas

Why regular training is so important in the beauty industry

By Scratch Staff | 30 August 2019

Dave Horton of ABT Insurance outlines why continued professional development is so important in the beauty industry… The start of another academic year represents, to me, the opportunity to start a new training course or improve a skill set. Of course, we can undertake training at any time throughout the…

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