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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Shutterstock feet beach sand

The UK heatwave: Is it affecting your nail products?

By Katie Barnes | 19 July 2024

Educator & award-winning nail technician, Katie Clark, reveals why hot weather may impact your nail products and services… Most techs will have noticed a difference in their L&P and gel systems at varied times, especially different temperatures and seasons, with changes being particularly noticeable during periods of very warm weather.…

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Natural Nail And Onycholysis Lucy Price Marshall

Here’s how to treat common nail conditions – including pseudomonas & onycholysis

By Guest Writer | 8 June 2024

OPI educator, Lucy Price-Marshall who is a Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year finalist for 2024 and took the title in 2023, shares troubleshooting pointers for common nail conditions. Identifying and treating common nail conditions and service concerns are valuable skills that will support your career. Knowledge of…

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Leila Monroy Character Nail Art

How to master character nail art

By Rebecca Hitchon | 28 May 2024

If you or your clients are film fans, cosplay crazy, Disney holiday-goers or simply love sentimental or seasonal nail art, bring your favourite characters to life on nails with expert advice… Beginner level “Simple colour palette characters, like Mickey Mouse or Betty Boop, are great for beginners to create,” notes…

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Fusion Crystal Nails Jurgita Bickevic

How to create long nails with ease using Crystal Nails Fusion Tips & Acrylgel

By Guest Writer | 19 May 2024

International nail educator for Crystal Nails, Jurgita Bickevic, is passionate about seeing the joy on her clients’ faces following a nail transformation. She is ‘obsessed’ with Xtreme Fusion AcrylGel and Reverse Tips from Crystal Nails, crediting them for helping her to create speedy, flawless nail enhancements. The owner of J&J…

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Why gel polish shrinks & how to prevent it

By Katie Barnes | 7 April 2024

Gel polish is a popular choice for many due to its long-lasting finish and resistance to chipping and fading, compared to traditional nail polish. However, one of the most common and tedious problems encountered when working with gel polish is the issue of shrinkage. Gel polish shrinking during application can…

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Katy P Video Guide

An award-winning nail tech’s guide to creating great video content

By Katy Pottle | 24 March 2024

The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, shares top tips for creating jaw-dropping video content to capture attention… Get inspired Firstly, seek inspiration from fellow nail artists. Watch their videos and ascertain what works and engages you. This can give you a good basis for your own unique video. If creating a…

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