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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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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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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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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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