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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 & why you should retail beauty products

By Scratch Staff | 21 February 2019

Esteemed salon & spa business consultant, Susan Routledge, serves up advice on how & why you should make the most of retail opportunities.. Q: Why is it so important for a nail business to offer retail products? Retailing is such an integral and important part of any nail business. It…

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Maria Cientanni shares Lecenté glitter application tips

By Sophie Nutt | 21 February 2019

It’s no secret that glitter is a key component – and, for some, a healthy obsession – in a nail tech’s life. Glitter is a great way to personalise a manicure and make it unique to the client, as more women are seeking to express themselves through their nail choices,…

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Robbie Tomkins reveals his journey into session nail styling

By Scratch Staff | 14 February 2019

There isn’t a clear cut or methodical way to becoming a session technician. Everyone has a different experience and story of how they came to be on their hands and knees, painting a model’s toes through a pair of strappy stilettos in a disused warehouse in East London at 7am…

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How to take care of personal health & safety in the workplace

By Sophie Nutt | 14 February 2019

As well as ensuring the safety of clients, it is equally as important to take care of your own health & safety in the workplace. This includes maintaining a comfortable working environment, personal health and knowing when yo draw the line when it comes to treatments. “A small friction burn…

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Top tips for making your nail business stand out

By Scratch Staff | 13 February 2019

Tammy Koslowski, founder of award-winning NAF! Salon in Glasgow, reveals her advice for making your business stand out from the rest… In any given town, you can bet that there will be multiple beauty salons or mobile technicians, so how can you ensure that you stand out and get a…

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Top tips for nailing it backstage at Fashion Week

By Scratch Staff | 12 February 2019

Fashion Week is nearly upon us, and if your skills will see you secure a stint backstage as a nail stylist, follow these words of wisdom from fellow pros… KNOW YOUR LEAD “While assisting at Fashion Week, you are there on behalf of the lead session stylist and your work…

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