TECHNIQUE

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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Katie barnes chrome guide

Chrome pigments: a nail expert shares a troubleshooting guide

By Katie Barnes | 6 April 2025

Educator & award-winning nail pro, Katie Clark, offers advice for dealing with issues that can arise when using chrome pigments… The chrome nail trend is ever-popular, but are you applying chrome products correctly? Each brand may have slightly different instructions, so always follow these and get in touch with the…

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L&p acrylic vs dip powder

L&P acrylic vs dip powder nails: what’s the difference?

By Lilly Delmage | 22 March 2025

The L&P acrylic and dip powder systems are both artificial nail offerings, and popular choices for a long-lasting, durable nail finish. However, they have distinct differences. Understanding the terminology and chemistry behind the products is essential for meeting your clients’ needs. Here’s what you need to know about each system……

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Feb25 Low Res Cover Scratch For Web

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How to take care of your nail tools

By Katie Barnes | 24 May 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how to take care of your tekking essentials; your tools. From scissors and cuticle pushers to tweezers and nippers, the sharp implements you use as a professional nail technician must be properly maintained. To perform safe and professional nail treatments, it…

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How to perfect proper nail structure

By Katie Barnes | 9 May 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals the components of proper nail structure for a perfect nail finish… While a nail enhancement featuring beautiful embellishments and nail art may look good to the eye at first glace; if the enhancement’s foundation isn’t sound then it will not have…

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How to practice nail techniques away from clients

By Katie Barnes | 26 April 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, offers advice on finding time and tools to practice your techniques… A sentence I hear more than often, especially from those fresh in the industry or learning is ‘I can’t find anyone to practice on’. There is no better way…

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How to fit a form to bitten nails

By Katie Barnes | 28 March 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, offers advice on tending to the nails of clients that like to nibble… Many clients and techs often believe because a nail is naturally very short, they are unable to extend the nail with a sculpted enhancement or are sometimes…

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How to take a great nail photo

By Katie Barnes | 14 March 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, offers advice on making the most of your nail snaps… Taking good photographs of your nail work can increase your chances of being featured in publications and grow your clients and social media following. The quality of your photographs can show the difference between an amateur and professional nail technician. You don’t need…

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An insight into the waterless manicure

By Katie Barnes | 14 February 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, susses out the waterless manicure… The traditional method of dipping your fingers into a bowl of water while getting a manicure has become somewhat dated, with many techs now offering a waterless ‘dry’ manicure service. Waterless manicures are becoming increasingly popular, particularly with…

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