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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Sinead Bulley on perfecting a home salon setup

By Sophie Nutt | 24 October 2019

It can be tricky to get the balance right between homely and professional when working from a home-based salon. One of your unique selling point may be offering a welcoming space in which clients can fully relax, rather than a busy salon environment. However, it is important to still present…

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Cold hands

How to help clients take care of hands & nails this winter

By Scratch Staff | 23 October 2019

Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, reveals why it’s important to encourage clients to take care of  their hands & nails in between appointments… Winter can be harsh on hands and nails. If neglected, the cold weather, freezing rain and drying central heating – and…

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Happy halloween

How to promote Halloween nail art

By Sophie Nutt | 21 October 2019

In case we haven’t mentioned it enough, Halloween is right around the corner, which means client requests of all that is spooky will start rolling in – if they haven’t already. But how do your existing clients, and potential new ones, know that you’re offering seasonal nail art to meet…

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Katie barnes competing

6 reasons why nail competitions can help your salon work

By Katie Barnes | 15 October 2019

Sometimes, it really is the taking part that counts. If you do not win a nail competition, there is always something to learn. Setting aside the element of placing, competing in nail competitions -whether live or portfolio based – can be hugely beneficial to your salon work. While the significance…

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Therapist

How to effectively handle client complaints

By Scratch Staff | 12 October 2019

Caroline Larissey, the NBF’s director of quality & standards, offers up advice for handling client complaints… When you’re in the business of making your clients feel good about the way they look, it can be particularly difficult if you’re faced with a complaint. The secret is to be prepared so…

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Money

When to offer a treatment upsell

By Kat Hill | 5 October 2019

Simply put, upselling is great for beauty businesses – it increases profit and shows your clients that you have a wealth of experience in the hair and beauty arena. Not only do add-on retail products have the ability to increase your bottom line dramatically, but enticing clients to try something…

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