How to care for dry hands
With a firm focus on hand hygiene during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, are you hands dry from the repeated washing? Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist & British Skin Foundation spokesperson, shares her advice for easing dryness… Repeated cleansing and use of alcohol gel has resulted in nearly all of my…
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How to file 5 different nail shapes for your clients
Educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how to file various nail shapes for your client… When filing nail shapes on enhancements, it is important to remember that the way your form is fitted and how you build the product is paramount for the correct shape and longevity of the…
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Here’s your 10-point beauty business plan for 2021
Ria-Jaine Lincoln, an accountant that specialises in helping beauty businesses, shades 10 points to consider to help navigate challenges in 2021 and aim for success… The start of a new year is usually the time when people focus on their business and personal goals. Many speak of starting new diet…
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Are UV & LED nail lamps safe?
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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5 ways to improve your online nail & beauty tutorials
You don’t have to be a teacher to create tutorials for your customers. There are two kinds of tutorials: short ‘how to at home’ demonstrations for consumers and more in depth, factual lessons for professionally trained techs, taught by qualified teachers. They serve different purposes and offer different results. Owing…
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Press-on nails: How & why you should create them during lockdown
The first UK lockdown saw nail professionals turn to a variety of means to generate cash flow, including creating press-on nails for clients & sending by post. Thanh Vu, managing director of four Dream Nails salons, reveals points to consider if you’re thinking of turning to press-ons during lockdown… Press…
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How to create a snowflake nail design
A snowflake nail polish design to get you in the spirit of the festive season, by Sophie Harris-Greenslade, aka The Illustrated Nail. This design uses striping tape, so you don’t need a steady hand or to be an expert in the nail art game to create it. You will need:…
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Why An Influencer Could Be Good for Business
It’s a big buzzword – but what in fact are ‘influencers’ and how can they benefit your business? Scratch speaks to DAVINA KUMAL, PR and influencer relations manager at Forma Brands to find out more… Advice on implementing a successful influencer strategy for your business “Over the past couple of…
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The Massive Nail Tips of Moscow by Maltseva
Leading Russian nail artist, educator & international judge, Elena Maltseva, shares with Scratch her quirky nail art canvasses There are certain nail cultures that we can depend upon to come up with amazing, unique and bizarre ways to deliver exciting nail art ideas and on this occasion Russia has scooped…
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5 steps to improve your nail photos
Taking professional, clean looking nail photos is what can set you apart from your competitors and build your brand and portfolio. A great image will stop someone scrolling on social media and help them pay attention to your brand. The following aspects should all be considered when you are looking…
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Power Up & Face Cyber Bullies
Marie Quigley & Jeanine Bailey address the issues surrounding cyber bullying, as social media platforms become home to a flow of negative comments & private messaging Cyber bullying is taking place right across the globe. It’s not pleasant; it’s hostile and unkind, and can create so much emotional impact such…
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Why you should stop comparing your nail skills to others
Scratch magazine 2020 columnist, Sophie Dale of Nancy Loves Nails & Nancy Girl Apparel, shares why it’s time to stop comparing yourself to others… ‘Comparison is the thief of joy’. I constantly compare myself to others and it has really affected me. It’s poisonous, and no matter how experienced or whatever…
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Marian Newman BEM on… changes to nail product regulations for 2021
Marian Newman BEM, nail industry veteran and chair of The FNP, reveals the changes to cosmetic products that will be evident in 2021… Originally posted at www.the-fnp.com “We will be seeing a lot of changes in 2021 with regards to cosmetic products including nail products. This has some connection to…
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How to deal with client complaints
Award-winning business owner & deputy chair & director of information at The Federation of Nail Professionals (The FNP), Sue Davies, shares her advice for dealing with client complaints… As professionals, we have a duty of care to our clients and they deserve the best service we can provide. When we have a service…
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How to deal with clients questioning your prices
Has a client quibbled your pricing? Or questioned an extra cost for additional artwork? Talking about money can sometimes feel awkward, but Rachel Gribble, Salon System educator, serves up some advice… “Nail art is an add-on to a standard treatment and can require further training and special equipment not only to learn the…
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