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What is a nail habit-tic & can it be treated?

By Katie Barnes | 12 February 2025

When a client sits at your nail desk and presents you with a nail like the below, you may wonder whether it is a contraindication that you should not treat. This is habit-tic deformity. Most commonly seen on the thumbnails, this nail condition is usually a result of onychotillomania: a…

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Nail & beauty apprenticeships: salons share benefits, their experiences & advice

By Rebecca Hitchon | 11 February 2025

In a recent poll on Scratch’s Instagram, almost 80% of respondents shared that they’re considering taking on apprentices. Here, two UK salons share how they’ve reaped the rewards of the apprenticeship process.. Nailspa, West Yorkshire “As a business owner, I believe that when it comes to employees, you cannot beat…

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Self-employment help for nail techs: legal, financial & operational considerations

By Lilly Delmage | 5 February 2025

All the legal, financial and operational factors to consider before making those all-important choices… Deciding to become a self-employed nail tech is just the beginning, and we’re here to help you navigate it all. From choosing whether to work from home or as a mobile tech, to deciding which insurance…

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Festival Beauty

How to capitalise on festival beauty needs

By Scratch Staff | 17 May 2019

Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, serves up advice and ideas for capitalising on beauty needs for festivals this summer… Summer is just around the corner, which means festival season is about to begin – and whether people are planning on going to a…

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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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Jessica Foot

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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