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 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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Tinting

NHF/NBF on the importance of patch testing

By Kat Hill | 23 July 2019

Caroline Larissey is the NHF/NBF’s director of quality & standards, reveals the importance of patch testing within any beauty business… “Allergy alert and sensitivity testing are vital to protect your clients, your reputation and your salon business. “Having an approved and reliable patch testing system in place when providing lash…

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Lashes Image C/o Salon System

Marketing lash services to clients

By Kat Hill | 20 July 2019

Helena Linsky, co-director of salon chain, Q61, shares her advice for marketing lash services successfully in your salon… “As a first step in promoting your new lash services, you could let your newly trained lash technicians practice their skills on your nail technicians. Sitting up close all day with clients,…

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What to consider when starting out as a mobile nail tech

By Sophie Nutt | 18 July 2019

Does working for yourself and tending to clients in the comfort of their own home tickle your fancy? If so, there are a number of steps to consider before you jump head first into the world of mobile tekking. Firstly, you need to begin deciding what services you will offer…

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Lisa Stone Wax Salon System

Tips for a comfortable wax service this summer

By Scratch Staff | 16 July 2019

Salon System educator & wax specialist, Lisa Stone, serves up her top tips for a comfortable wax service this summer… 1. Ensure you prep correctly Skin can become a little drier in the summer so encourage your clients to exfoliate 24hrs before waxing and pay particular attention to knees, toes,…

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Shoot Out Ivana Prokic

The Great Scratch Shoot Out: Hear from Ivana Prokic

By Kat Hill | 15 July 2019

Last year, Ivana Prokic’s scooped first place with her striking image. The shoot was a collaboration with Ilona van Barschot Teunissen, of Ilona Teunissen Fotografie, and saw a winning combination. “Winning still feels like a dream,” smiles Ivana. “It’s fantastic, overwhelming, unreal and I feel so happy. I’m so proud…

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Katie Barnes C Curve

Why c-curve’s are imperative to a great final nail shape

By Katie Barnes | 9 July 2019

While the c-curve on a nail enhancement has the important role of creating an attractive enhancement and providing strength, it is also responsible for a considerable part of the desired finished free edge shape. The nail’s c-curve isn’t just found at the natural free edge point; it starts where the…

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