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French pedicure

How to nail the French tip pedicure

By Katie Barnes | 20 April 2025

Katie Clark, award-winning nail tech & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education, answers questions about perfecting the French pedi… How big should the French tips be? A French tip should mimic the natural free edge of the nail. Estimate how long the client will wait between appointments, plus…

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Why it’s important to take care of feet & advice for pedicurists

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 April 2025

The importance of footcare can be overlooked, particularly during colder weather when feet and toenails tend to be tucked into thick socks and closed-toe footwear. But footcare services are not just beneficial for pedicure season. Foot and toenail issues can arise at any time, and treating them early can prevent…

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Runner feet

9 common nail & skin problems for runners & how to treat

By Scratch Staff | 13 April 2025

Discover the common nail and skin woes of runners, and how to tackle them for the ultimate foot finish… “Runners can be prone to a lot of foot problems,” explains nail educator & brand adviser, Rachel Gribble. “Hard skin, ingrown toenails and bruised nails are some of the most prevalent.…

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Why you should offer one stroke services

By Sophie Nutt | 11 April 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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Newton wood epsom salt

Why add salts to your pedi soaks

By Kat Hill | 6 April 2019

Pedi season is here! Here, Anu Jarvinen, of Newton Wood shares the benefits of incorporating soaks infused with salts into your service… “Start your pedicure with a proper long soak. I would recommend Newton Wood Epsom Salt crystals to create a luxurious, health and therapeutic soak. “You could also add essential oils…

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Why it’s important to attend beauty industry events

By Metta Francis | 4 April 2019

A nail professional is constantly seeking information about upcoming nail trends and innovations. It’s equally – if not more – important to keep your industry knowledge and business skills up-to-date to ensure longevity in your career. Attending workshops and events is a fantastic learning and networking opportunity and also contributes…

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How to create fashion week nail art trends in the salon

By Sophie Nutt | 4 April 2019

Helena Linsky, co-director at Q61 Nail and Beauty Studio, reveals her top nail trends for spring/summer 2019 as seen at fashion week and tips on how to incorporate them into salon life. GILT TRIP Rodarte kicked off the bacofoil-effect trend, with models at its Spring/Summer ‘19 Fashion Week show sporting…

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Points to consider before purchasing nail products

By Scratch Staff | 3 April 2019

Samantha Sweet, co-founder of nail & beauty distribution & education company, Sweet Squared, offers advice for those looking to enhance their professional nail kit… When buying professional products, you should be looking for a company that asks questions such as what certificates you have. If you don’t have certificates, does…

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Katie barnes nails encapsulation

How to ace encapsulation in L&P & gel nails

By Katie Barnes | 2 April 2019

Encapsulation, also referred to in the nail industry as ’embedding’ is the action of enclosing something in or as if in a capsule, for example in-between two layers of nail products like L&P or gel. The possibilities of what you can encapsulate are endless; from conventional nail items such as…

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