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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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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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I’ve been a beauty pro for 30+ years: here’s how I set boundaries with clients

By Marie-Louise Coster | 19 December 2024

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, shares her experiences with boundary-pushing clients… I imagine most of you went into the nail/beauty industry to make people happy. I also imagine that you expected clients to be grateful and courteous at all times. I don’t suppose you imagined that sometimes…

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Katie Barnes Filing Blog

Why & how you need to perfect your filing technique

By Katie Barnes | 14 May 2019

Having a well-structured filing routine that is repeated on every single nail is paramount for success and consistency when finishing and filing your nail enhancements. Many nail technicians rely on filing to fix any issues from poor application. However, filing should only be used to refine and perfect application techniques,…

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Perfect your premium pedicure: Tips from a chiropodist

By Kat Hill | 10 May 2019

Perfect your pedicure with this advice from Cindy Johnson, chiropodist and Jessica Nails area manager… Why are pedicures so important as a service – and why should a nail pro offer them?  A pedicure is not just about the cosmetic side, but also about the health of feet.  Educate your…

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How to prep the nail for gel polish application

By Sophie Nutt | 9 May 2019

Proper prep of the natural nail care before gel polish application is imperative, as there are many elements the consultation and prep process that have vital implications on the end result. As with any other treatment, the importance of a thorough consultation is paramount. This will allow you to identify…

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Security

Increase your salon’s security

By Scratch Staff | 9 May 2019

While it’s important for your salon to look good, it is even more important that it is safe. If you’re making changes or refurbishing, you have the chance to build preventive measures for your salon’s overall security. The Metropolitan Police offers advice on how to deter burglars and increase your…

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Lecente Nail Art

Nail art hacks with Lecenté

By Kat Hill | 7 May 2019

Get the best from your nail art products with these handy tips from the creative team at Lecenté with these videos… About Lecenté Lecenté was founded in 2011 by brother and sister team, Ged and Maria Cientanni. Previously an experienced nail technician and college tutor, fate stepped in when Maria…

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How to market one stroke and aquarelle designs

By Sophie Nutt | 2 May 2019

The sweep of a brush over a nail creating a tonal, delicate creation is mesmerising for the client and a joy to perform for the tech. Striking and a visual feast for the eyes, the blended nature of one stroke and aquarelle designs easily capture attention and creates a talking…

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