Katie Barnes Nail Art

What to charge for your nail art services

By Katie Barnes | 7 December 2021

As well as experimenting with your creative skills, adding nail art to your services is an opportunity to increase your revenue – so make sure you are charging correctly for it. A question I come across at least once a day, is how much should I be charging for my…

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nail tech ppe

Nail & beauty pros: Should you still wear full PPE?

By Katie Barnes | 18 November 2021

Some nail techs have always worn it, with others only introducing it since the Covid-19 outbreak. But should you always wear PPE? The short answer is yes. PPE has always been a requirement of COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) for nail techs. PPE can include items such as…

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When is a contraindication preventative or restrictive to a nail treatment?

By Katie Barnes | 2 November 2021

A contraindication is a pre-existing medical condition that could either put you or your client at risk if the treatment was carried out. There are four types of contraindications which are illnesses you will come across. These are viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Another contraindication would be certain medications…

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Nail techs, here’s how you can prevent hand & wrist pain

By Scratch Staff | 21 September 2021

Scratch sources advice for those that suffer with hand and wrist pain, so you can stop feeling the strain… Samantha Sweet, co-founder of Sweet Squared, shares that repetitive strain injury and carpal tunnel syndrome will always be a likelihood for pros, due to the nature of the job. “Filing is the…

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katie barnes ombre nails

How to create an ombré nail style

By Katie Barnes | 7 September 2021

The ombré look is a popular nail style choice, particularly when created using with pink and white shades to replace a traditional French finish. Perfecting it can be a bit challenging however, especially when you’re under the watchful eyes of your clients and time restraints of the appointment. There are…

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katie barnes sculpt brush

Put down the file! Here’s why you need to focus on L&P brush techniques

By Katie Barnes | 24 August 2021

As a liquid & powder user, it is important to learn to sculpt mainly with the brush and not rely on filing to shape the enhancement. This is exactly what ‘sculpting’ is. By definition sculpting is ‘to create or represent (something) by carving, casting, or other shaping techniques.’ Whether we…

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Is it ever OK to mix nail brands?

By Katie Barnes | 27 July 2021

You’ve probably heard that you aren’t supposed to mix nail brands – as in, a powder from one brand and the liquid from another or one gel polish base from one brand and the colour from another. But does it really make a difference or is it just an overcautious…

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katie barnes cuticle gel polish

12 steps to help perfect gel polish application at the cuticle zone

By Katie Barnes | 1 July 2021

Achieving a close and neat cuticle application with gel polish can be a nail tech’s nemesis but with just a few simple steps you can master a photo perfect cuticle application your clients will love. To achieve this with the gel polish brush alone can prove difficult even for the…

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Teaching Manicure Nails

Why you shouldn’t teach without a teaching qualification

By Katie Barnes | 15 June 2021

Teaching without a qualification to do so is unfortunately something we come across in the nail industry and it causes a lot of debate. Teaching without a proper qualification is no different to performing nail services without a qualification – we will always come across it and the lack of…

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E File Stock Image Katie Barnes

Are e-file manicure techniques safe?

By Katie Barnes | 1 June 2021

As nail technicians, there is already a lot of strain and stress put on our hands, wrists and shoulders. It is important that we make the necessary changes and follow safe working techniques to look after our hands while offering our clients the very best service. We all know that…

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