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Canva Picking Nails

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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Sharon Sandhu Customer Care

Ways to offer exceptional customer care

By Scratch Staff | 4 March 2019

Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, reveals her top tips for showing clients you care and enhancing their treatment experience… With competition in the nail industry so fierce, going the extra mile to care for your customers during their appointment can make a dramatic…

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The Gel Bottle Photoshoot

Behind the scenes with The Gel Bottle Inc

By Scratch Staff | 2 March 2019

Go behind the scenes for The Gel Bottle Inc’s spring collection advert photoshoot with the TGB team… The GelBottle Inc Spring collection 2019 is a celebration of iconic women and female empowerment! Each polish is named after an inspirational woman, all iconic in their own way, from Twiggy – known for…

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Wax Justwax Salon System

5 awkward waxing questions answered

By Scratch Staff | 28 February 2019

Salon System educator & wax specialist, Lisa Stone, answers the waxing questions you may have felt too awkward to ask… Q: What are the waxing rules for clients with skin tags or moles? Some therapists may choose to put Vaseline on the mole or skin tag and continue the wax…

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How to master health & safety as a mobile tech

By Sophie Nutt | 28 February 2019

Providing manicures on the move means you’re never guaranteed the ideal working environment that you might have in a salon or treatment room. However, there are steps you can take to ensure you are delivering hygienic and safe practices for the benefit of both yourself and your clients. Consider carrying…

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Anastasiia Morozova

Nail competition tips from champion Anastasiia Morozova

By Kat Hill | 23 February 2019

Thinking of entering The Scratch Stars Awards? Anastasiia Morozova shares her story to inspire and encourage… My students very often ask me how to become an international nail educator. The secret is very simple: nail competitions! My career began as an nail technician, taking customers at home and in the salon.…

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Bridal Nails

Aftercare advice for bridal clients

By Kat Hill | 23 February 2019

In order for your client to maintain their nail look past the big day, it is important to impart aftercare advice and your product recommendations for use at home. Not only does this present the perfect retail opportunity, the correct information also helps reduce the risk of service breakdown and…

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