TECHNIQUE

Willow E File Society Header

Willow Academy launches The E-file Society to connect nail techs & boost knowledge

By Rebecca Hitchon | 17 December 2024

Are you an E-file tech that wants to surround yourself with like-minded E-file users, while boosting your product understanding? Willow Academy Ltd has launched The E-file Society: a judgment-free community space to help pros do just that. “The Society allows Willow to share knowledge with our customers, and provides members…

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E File Bits Kb Blog

What’s the difference between diamond, carbide & silicone E-file bits? A nail expert explains

By Katie Barnes | 4 October 2024

E-file bits are made from different materials, come in different shapes, sizes and styles and have different purposes and benefits, says Katie Clark, award-winning nail tech & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education. There are some bits which must only be used for certain techniques, otherwise it is…

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Sparkle Squad

Want to elevate your nail art? Award-winning pro unveils memberships for all skill levels

By Rebecca Hitchon | 22 September 2024

The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, has announced the Sparkle Squad: a membership programme to empower nail artists. “Having worked as a nail tech for over 22 years, I know firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with mastering nail art, says Katy Pottle. “After winning The World’s…

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Helena & Jamie Hd Brows

Shaped, styled & made up with HD Brows in Harley Street

By Helena Biggs | 28 November 2018

When an invite from HD Brows creeps into the Scratch inbox, I’m the first to snap it up – as the treatment tames my unruly, unshapely brows into sisters that look oh-so fabulous. I headed to London’s 1 Harley Street for an appointment with the brand’s international brow expert, Jamie…

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Woman Burn Hand

Katie Barnes on… preventing burns from flammable nail products

By Katie Barnes | 20 November 2018

With such an increased report in allergies and accidents occurring with nail products from not just home users, but ‘professional’ nail technicians, I believe that there needs to be a call for better education on the situation. Creating beautiful nails is an art but one of the most forgotten and…

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Gel Polish Application

How to perfect nail product application by the cuticle

By Katie Barnes | 6 November 2018

Mastering cuticle application can be a tech’s nemesis, but it needn’t be. Of course, it takes practice but follow my top tips for perfecting your cuticle application with L&P and gel polish. Perfecting L&P cuticle application When working with L&P, ensuring the mix ratio is correct – especially around the…

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Smile Line Client View (1)

How to perfect a smile line on nails

By Katie Barnes | 22 October 2018

A crisp, neat smile line that flatters the client’s nail and creates an elongated look can really set your work apart from other nail techs in both salon and competition work. However, achieving this perfect smile line can worry many techs and make them avoid offering this option altogether. The…

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Ruth Atkins Scratch Team Salon System

Team Scratch gets lashed with Salon System mink styles

By Helena Biggs | 11 September 2018

Salon System educator, Ruth Atkins, paid a visit to Scratch HQ to offer the team lash and brow makeovers using new products from the range. Accompanied by Costi Passeri of Essence PR, the duo revealed the new Mink Style Individual Lashes; additions to the Naturalash Texture range available in Short…

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Katie Barnes Allergy

Katie Barnes on…how to prevent allergies

By Katie Barnes | 4 September 2018

Concerns have been mounting over the number of tech allergies being reported from using nail products. It’s so important to address your working practice and products to prevent this from disrupting your career and causing further pain. An allergy builds up over time from overexposure of repetitive skin contact with…

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