Uv nail lamp

Independent study finds UV nail lamps do not cause cancer

By Scratch Staff | 28 January 2023

The Professional Beauty Association’s (PBA) Nail Manufacturers Council on Safety (NMC) has announced its support of an independent study that demonstrates that UV (ultraviolet) nail lamps are safe and do not increase the risk of developing skin cancer. This follows comment released by nail scientist, Doug Schoon, in response to…

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Leading nail industry scientist responds to online claims about UV lamp safety

By Scratch Staff | 25 January 2023

A number of articles have appeared online to suggest that ‘UV nail lamps can lead to cancer-causing mutations in hands’. This suggestion comes following a report by researchers at the University of California San Diego. Scratch has addressed comments surrounding the safety of UV nail lamps on numerous occasions, and…

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holly schippers vlog

USA’s FingerNailFixer launches vlog to offer education programs for budding nail artists

By Alex Fox | 2 July 2021

Holly Schippers AKA #FingerNailFixer has changed up her nail delivery and started a YouTube vlog for nail professionals. “Education is my ‘thing’,” states Holly. “And when the pandemic arrived, it hit me hard.  I could not longer travel and educate across the States. I knew I had to change it…

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“Goodbye for now…”

By Kat Hill | 11 June 2021

Hello Scratch readers – Kat here! It’s with very mixed emotions that I write that today marks my last day at Scratch magazine. While I am excited for a new adventure, the decision to move on was not easy after nearly six happy years on the team. When I first…

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Calling all nail professionals: Doug Schoon answers the Q: Does a universal monomer exist?

By Alex Fox | 12 April 2021

Does a universal monomer exist? Can I use any brand of ‘acrylic’ liquid & powder? Doug Schoon, in his capacity as expert on The NailKnowledge education team, offers a short, concise video that highlights the issues with mixing systems. In his section called – Too embarrassed to ask? – Doug…

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Cuticle oil

How does cuticle oil work?

By Guest Writer | 28 January 2021

How does cuticle oil work? Three nail experts explain why oils are a must-have for aftercare & nail maintenance… To examine how this nail care product works, first you must look at its target: the nail plate and surrounding skin. “Oil and moisture can travel through the nail plate in…

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Learn essential nail info with ‘Nail Knowledge’ online education platform

By Alex Fox | 17 January 2021

Introducing Nail Knowledge… After nearly two years in the planning, an idea voiced by Kevin Nicholls from Roo Beauty to Marian Newman has resulted in Nail Knowledge; fact-based online learning with a difference. Nail Knowledge provides the information and understanding essential for the nail professional. It’s presented via three masterclasses;…

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Are UV & LED nail lamps safe?

By Guest Writer | 7 January 2021

Globally renowned scientist and nail expert, Doug Schoon, explores the safety concerns surrounding UV nail lamps… The facts that I will outline below demonstrate that UV curing nail lamps are safe, despite attacks by the misinformed media, fear-mongers and TV celebrity doctors. This controversy started in 2009 when two dermatologists…

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Explore the natural nail with handy poster for academies

By Alex Fox | 14 October 2020

Teaming up with globally recognised and revered nail expert and scientist, Doug Schoon, Tracy Anne Shelverton has produced an up to date, precise and accurate natural nail unit poster. Designed to dissect and name the natural nail unit in the most precise manner to date, this new A4 poster is…

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Nail salon shields

Nail desk shields: should you invest?

By Scratch Staff | 4 May 2020

There is much discussion and concern regarding how post-lockdown measures will affect salon visits – and how nail professionals will both work and interact with clients safety. The BBC has seen a draft government plan to ease current restrictions for workplaces in which social distancing is not possible. According to…

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5 minutes with Helen Burton-Ward

By Kat Hill | 27 July 2019

We chatted to Helen Burton-Ward, Scratch Stars Awards 2019 Natural Nail Care Specialist of the Year, about her love for competing, CND Vinylux™, and her ‘Dream Nail Pro Dinner Party’… Tell us about your training… My journey in the nail world started at just 15 years of age when I…

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Vegan beauty eco

Vegan beauty: Defined by experts

By Helena Biggs | 1 November 2018

With 2018 seeing an increasingly conscious approach across all industries, Scratch quizzes experts about veganism – and the properties upheld by the increasing numbers of vegan nail and beauty products. To be considered vegan, a product or service must be free of any animal-derived ingredients. “This includes ingredients such as…

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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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