Posts by Katie Barnes
Put down the file! Here’s why you need to focus on L&P brush techniques
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 are using a nail tip…
Read MoreHow to effectively teach nail salon clients about aftercare
Customer education is critical to maintaining a successful nail and beauty business. Sharing aftercare and other maintenance tips can be difficult, especially if you’re back-to-back with clients or want to avoid sounding pushy. However, the service doesn’t end at the nail desk. Following the correct aftercare can be as important as the appointment itself to…
Read MoreIs it ever OK to mix nail brands?
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 recommendation and sales generation from…
Read MoreWhat Instagram’s updates & changes mean for your business
Video content is big, and almost every social media app is working towards prioritising video content. TikTok has been dominating the social media scene, Facebook introduced more video content for creators last year and now Instagram is focusing more on video, so it looks like these changes will trend for many social media apps. Last…
Read More12 steps to help perfect gel polish application at the cuticle zone
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 steadiest of hands. As techs,…
Read MoreWhy you shouldn’t teach without a teaching qualification
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 regulation for education and technicians…
Read MoreAre e-file manicure techniques safe?
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 the electric nail file has…
Read MoreFake versions of my nail tools were being sold on eBay – Here’s what I did about it…
Recently, I discovered a company selling counterfeit Katie Barnes Tool Range® products on eBay. My brand is my name, so I had never considered that counterfeit versions of products under my name would be created. It’s something that I thought only big companies and designers would experience. How wrong I was. Now, these were not…
Read MoreAre you holding your nail file correctly? Find out here…
Although filing the natural nail shape may seem like it’s as simple as using a back-and-forth motion, the truth is there’s much more to it. The way in which you hold your nail file when filing the natural nail or enhancements is critical for the desired results and shape. Start by holding the file flat…
Read More9 ways to make your nail & beauty business more sustainable
While recycling plays a big part of helping the environment, running a sustainable business is so much more than just that. There are many factors to consider when seeking to make your business more sustainable. It is important to try to source sustainable products from the get-go, but it is not always possible – and…
Read MoreConfused about glove certification? Katie Barnes sheds some light
In a previous Scratch post, I discussed the purchasing of genuine, safe PPE and how to use and remove it correctly. Lack of nitrile glove use or using the wrong nitrile gloves can cause issues that our industry is far too aware of due to allergies. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the necessity of proper…
Read MoreHow to perfect fine line work in your nail designs
Mastering straight, fine lines can be difficult enough on a flat piece of paper, let alone on the curved surface of a nail. Throw a moving customer into the equation and the thought of creating fine lines can challenge any nail tech. Brush Choosing the right brush is the first essential step to success with…
Read MoreHow to properly care for & clean your nail brushes
Preparing your nail brush thoroughly and correctly is the first stage to caring for your nail brushes. Read my previous guide for Scratch here. The second is maintaining this level of care throughout its use. Brushes do not last forever and need to be changed from time to time again but with the right care,…
Read MoreHow to prepare new nail brushes for use
You may notice that when you purchase a new brush for nail services, the bristles are stiff and contain a white residue. This residue is Arabic gum, a starch film. All manufacturers make brushes with this gum to protect and keep your brush in shape in transit and before use. This gum has to be…
Read MoreIs your work/life balance too affected by social media?
We are able to create relationships with customers before, during and after they have booked a visit to our nail business with the power of social media. This allows customers to trust us and become instantly loyal, even before they may have visited. But, there is a downside to social media – it is 24/7.…
Read More