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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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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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Why you should check insurance cover when learning new nail techniques

By Katie Barnes | 30 April 2019

Continued professional development (CPD) ensures that you maintain and enhance the knowledge and skills you need to deliver a professional service to your customers. Constant updating of skills is vital to success in any industry, but it’s especially true in the nail and beauty industry. CPD is about keeping up-to-date…

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How to encourage your clients to try nail art

By Metta Francis | 29 April 2019

A small sprinkle of glitter or minimalistic nail art can increase your profits and leave your clients feeling super chic, so take a look at your nail art menu and encourage clients to indulge in a design. There’s a design or style that can suit anyone, and I’ve been known…

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Creating bridal beauty packages in your salon

By Kat Hill | 27 April 2019

When tendeding to the nail needs of brides-to-be, ensure you’re also promoting your other skills… “If you offer other services, make sure you let all your potential customers know!” says Kate Sawley, CND™ education ambassador. “Bridal packages are always popular, and don’t forget about the rest of the bridal party,…

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Why should the beauty industry care about waste?

By Sophie Nutt | 22 April 2019

Our TV screens, social feeds and browsers are increasingly flooded with images of beaches, oceans, animals and extreme climates affected by litter, particularly plastics. Many companies are ‘doing their bit’ by re-evaluating packaging and processes, however this is only the tip of the iceberg if we want to dramatically reduce…

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Sharon Sandhu Salon Services

3 ways to ‘spring clean’ your beauty business to reap rewards

By Scratch Staff | 18 April 2019

Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, shares ideals to spruce up your nail or beauty business and benefit your bottom line… Spring cleaning doesn’t always mean clearing cobwebs and clutter or updating your interior. Indeed, as the high season draws closer and we enter…

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