Katie Barnes Holding Tools Properly Blog

Revealed: Why the angle in which you use your tools is important

By Katie Barnes | 21 June 2022

In a previous blog post for Scratch, we covered the importance of correctly holding your nail brush for success. This covers angles and where on the brush you hold.   This is no different for nail tools or other implements we may use throughout the nail service. If your tools…

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Katie Barnes Nail Infill Feature

How to reduce your nail infill time

By Katie Barnes | 7 June 2022

Infill and maintenance services can be the bane of a tech’s life, taking a considerable amount of time, and often undercharging for the time spent.   However, a lot less time is required than you would think. I am going to share my top tips on infill and maintenance procedures…

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Form Fit For Wide Fingernail

How to effectively fit a form to a wide nail

By Katie Barnes | 25 May 2022

It can be tricky to fit a form on an uneven free edge or when the fleshy pad of skin where the free edge would usually be, is raised and higher than or level with the nail plate. The nail plate is often flat or may be concave. This can…

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Nail Manicure Filing

Nail talk: The importance of parallel side walls

By Katie Barnes | 3 May 2022

Parallel side walls run from the side wall to the upper arch of the nail, starting at the cuticle zone and ending at the free edge. These sides help to give the nail enhancement a slim and slender appearance and they must mirror each other. It is a term heard…

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French Pedicure Katie Barnes

How to perfect the French pedicure

By Katie Barnes | 20 April 2022

If you thought the French manicure was a thing of the past, think again. Colourful twists on the traditional style are ever-popular, and the look continues to be a go-to for bridal and versatile, year-round styles. How big should be French edge be? A French tip should mimic the natural…

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Katie Barnes Scratch Stars 2

Scratch Stars Awards: Am I good enough?

By Katie Barnes | 22 March 2022

So many techs think they aren’t good enough or ready to compete in industry competitions, such as the Scratch Stars Awards. I have news for you – no one is ever 100% ready. If you wait until you are ready, you’ll never achieve your goals. Having low confidence isn’t necessary…

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Canva Picking Nails

What is a nail habit-tic & can it be treated?

By Katie Barnes | 22 February 2022

When a client sits at your nail desk and presents you with a thumb nail such as below, you may wonder whether it is a contraindication which you should not treat. This is habit tic deformity. Most commonly seen on the thumbnails, it is a nail condition caused by repeatedly…

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Katie Barnes Nails Spider

How to turn your nail tech technique flaws into strengths to earn more

By Katie Barnes | 8 February 2022

Whether it’s trying to paint a symmetrical heart or fitting nail forms, there is always a particular technique that every individual struggles with.  Recognising and accepting your weaknesses is the first step. Breaking down each step into individual stages can help achieve success with these struggles. For example, when trying…

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Katie Barnes launches KB Educate nail education courses

By Emma Hobday | 31 January 2022

Get excited – multi award-winning nail expert, Katie Barnes, has created expert education courses under the name of KB Educate. Courses are taught by experienced nail and beauty professionals, selected and trained by Katie herself, who has three Scratch Stars Awards to her name. The courses are current, comprehensive, meet…

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teaching chalk nails

Is teaching nail courses the next step for you?

By Katie Barnes | 11 January 2022

Have you changed your career focus since the start of the pandemic? Something you may have started, already be toying with, or not yet even considered, is education. Teaching is not for everyone. It takes a very specific skill set to teach. Being exceptional at the subject in hand, does…

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